Smart Meter Anomaly Detection via GPS Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart meters in low voltage electric power distribution networks lack the capability to accurately identify and coordinate information exchange for anomaly detection in electric power networks, especially with the integration of renewables and plug-in vehicles pushing demand beyond capacity limits.
Innovation Solution
Smart meters utilize GPS pulse per second signals for nano-second level synchronization to measure time-of-travel and signal distortion, calculating impedance and constructing a measurement matrix to detect anomalies by comparing current and normal operating conditions, and localizing issues through mapping row and column connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If smart meters measure time-of-travel and signal distortion to detect anomalies, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional synchronization and coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The smart meters perform multiple functions: they measure consumption, synchronize time using GPS signals, measure time-of-travel, measure signal distortion, and exchange information with neighboring meters. This multi-functionality enables anomaly detection capabilities while using existing meter infrastructure, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
GPS signals serve as an intermediary mechanism to provide accurate time synchronization between smart meters without requiring direct complex coordination between each meter. The GPS system acts as a central time reference that simplifies the synchronization process while enabling precise time-of-travel measurements for anomaly detection
2Reliability
If smart meters exchange information coordinated among themselves to determine network anomalies, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to information exchange and coordination processes
Solution Approach 1:
Smart meters perform information exchange in periodic cycles rather than continuously. Each meter measures time-of-travel and signal distortion at specific intervals, then exchanges this information with neighboring meters in coordinated cycles. This periodic approach maintains network reliability through regular anomaly detection while minimizing time loss by avoiding continuous communication overhead
3Measurement precision
If accurate time synchronization is used to measure time-of-travel, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases due to synchronization signals and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The smart meters utilize GPS signals that are already being received and processed by the meters for other functions. The time synchronization service is obtained from the GPS system without requiring the smart meters to generate or transmit synchronization signals themselves. This self-service approach enables precise time-of-travel measurements while minimizing additional energy consumption since the meters are simply measuring time differences using existing GPS signals
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables accurate detection and localization of anomalies in low voltage distribution grids, ensuring reliable operation by enhancing the smart meter's ability to measure and exchange data for anomaly detection and network reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
measuring by the smart meters the time-of-travel through the power lines using an accurate time synchronization such as global positioning satellite (GPS) pulse per second (pps) signals to synchronize time to achieve nano second level synchronization accuracy
Implementation Method 2
measuring by the smart meters the time-of-travel through the power lines using an accurate time synchronization
Implementation Method 3
measuring signal distortion. Signal distortion may include total harmonic distortion, frequency distortion, and phase distortion
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to produce an electric network from estimated line impedance and physical line length among smart meter devices is provided using communication between the smart meters. The smart meters: (1) synchronize time using GPS pps signals, which provide an accurate time stamp; (2) send/receive an identifiable signal through the same phase of electric networks; (3) identify other smart meters on the same phase lines by listening to the information signal on the same phase lines; and (4) calculate time-of-arrival of an identifiable signal from other smart meters. The time of arrival information is used to calculate the line length, which is then used to calculate impedance of a line and topology of the electric network. The system then constructs an electric network by combining geo-spatial information and tree-like usual connection information.