Sensor Transfer Function Profiling for Utility Meter Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility meters face inaccuracies in current and voltage measurements due to device drift, faults, or tampering, which can lead to inaccurate consumption data and potential fraud.
Innovation Solution
A profiler apparatus and manager system that continuously monitor the transfer functions of measurement sensors, providing real-time estimates and certainty values to identify sensor events and ensure measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transfer function estimates are determined with great regularity (second-by-second basis) to reliably monitor sensor accuracy, then measurement accuracy monitoring is improved, but data processing complexity and computational burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous monitoring task into discrete profiling periods, where transfer function estimates are determined at specific intervals rather than continuously. This segmentation reduces the overall data processing burden while maintaining adequate monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of transfer function estimates and certainty values during profiling periods, storing these results for later analysis. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare data in advance, reducing real-time processing requirements when actual monitoring decisions need to be made.
2Speed
If transfer function estimates are determined frequently to quickly identify tamper events, then detection speed is improved, but computing power and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic determination of transfer function estimates at defined profiling periods rather than continuous determination. This periodic action enables the system to balance detection speed with computing power consumption by adjusting the frequency and duration of profiling periods based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines transfer function estimates with varying frequencies based on operational context - using shorter profiling periods when rapid detection is critical and longer periods during normal operation. This partial action approach optimizes the balance between detection speed and computational resource usage.
3Measurement precision
If profiling periods are extended to gather more data for accurate transfer function estimates, then measurement accuracy is improved, but response time to detect sensor events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts profiling period duration based on operational conditions, sensor history, and detected anomalies. When sensor events are detected or suspected, the system can switch to shorter profiling periods for rapid re-evaluation, while using longer periods during stable operation to gather sufficient data for accurate estimates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from previously determined transfer function estimates and certainty values to adjust subsequent profiling period lengths. When estimates show significant changes or uncertainty increases, the system reduces profiling period duration to enable faster detection and response to potential sensor events.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to generating a measurement sensor profiling summary in relation to a measurement sensor of an electrical measurement system, the measurement sensor being suitable for measuring an electrical property. The profiling summary is generated by obtaining a plurality of profiling results each comprising an estimate of a transfer function of a measurement sensor of the electrical measurement system and a corresponding certainty value indicative of the accuracy of the estimate of the transfer function, wherein the plurality of profiling results are based on estimates of the transfer function of the measurement sensor and corresponding certainty values that were determined by a monitor module of the electrical measurement system during a profiling period of time; and generating a profiling summary based on at least one of the plurality of profiling results.