Smart Meter Ad-Hoc Networking for Real-Time Grid Status Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart meter technologies lack the ability to autonomously interact with other smart meters to share consumption status information, optimize power distribution, and facilitate contactless payments, while also supporting connectivity with other utility meters like gas and water, especially in areas with inadequate cellular coverage.
Innovation Solution
A smart meter device with advanced networking capabilities that autonomously forms ad-hoc networks with other smart meters, uses neural networks for load characterization, supports near-field communication for payments, and integrates with utility meters via wireless protocols, enabling real-time data sharing and optimized power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If smart meters transmit data exclusively upon event occurrence using a time-driven approach, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but real-time monitoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hybrid approach where smart meters perform periodic status updates at scheduled intervals while also transmitting data immediately upon event occurrence. This periodic action ensures real-time monitoring capability is maintained through regular data exchanges, while the event-driven component optimizes transmission efficiency by avoiding redundant updates during stable periods.
2Reliability
If smart meters form ad-hoc networks to share consumption status information, then network resilience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the networking capabilities of multiple smart meters into a collaborative ad-hoc network where devices share consumption status information and coordinate power distribution decisions. By combining individual meter capabilities with collective intelligence, the system achieves enhanced network resilience without requiring each individual device to possess complex standalone networking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The ad-hoc network implements self-service mechanisms where smart meters autonomously discover each other, establish communication protocols, and maintain network operations without external intervention. This self-organizing capability improves network resilience while keeping individual device complexity manageable through standardized interaction protocols.
3Measurement precision
If neural networks are used for load characterization, then measurement precision is improved, but computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer that processes raw electrical signals before they reach the neural network for load characterization. This intermediary preprocessing stage filters and conditions the input data, enabling the neural network to achieve high measurement precision with reduced computational complexity by working with refined rather than raw data.
4Productivity
If smart meters autonomously interact to optimize power distribution, then productivity is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic autonomous interaction among smart meters where devices adapt their control strategies based on real-time network conditions and consumption patterns. This dynamic approach enables efficient power distribution optimization while managing control complexity through flexible, context-aware decision-making rather than rigid predetermined protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution system comprises a first Smart Meter device for metering the power absorbed or yielded by a domestic utility, in which said first Smart Meter device is connected to a power distribution grid and dialogs in real time with other Smart Meters connected to other domestic utilities, in which said other Smart Meters are connected to the same power grid of said first Smart Meter device, in which said power distribution system is provided with multiple and comprehensive interconnections which connect said first Smart Meter device to the other Smart Meter nodes so as to form a network, in which the information on the energy production and consumption status of the network is available in each Smart Meter node of the network at all times, thus allowing the information on the energy status of the network to be instantaneously available to an operator of the power grid by querying a single Smart Meter among those present in the network.