Smart Meter Power Outage Message Transmission via LPWAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powerline communication networks face challenges in reliably transmitting power outage messages from smart electric meters due to widespread power supply interruptions, as electrical signals are disrupted, making it difficult for messages to reach management entities.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a smart electric meter switching to an emergency power supply and transmitting a power outage message through multiple networks, including a primary PowerLine Communications network and a secondary long-range, low-power wide-area network, ensuring the message is encapsulated and transmitted via different frames through various communication paths to guarantee delivery to the management entity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a meter transmits a power outage message via the PLC network, then the message can be sent using the existing electrical infrastructure, but the message cannot reach the management entity because the power supply interruption disrupts the electrical signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dual-path communication system where a secondary communication path (via gateway and server using non-PLC networks) acts as an intermediary when the primary PLC path fails. This mediator enables message delivery through alternative infrastructure when electrical signals are disrupted, resolving the contradiction between using existing infrastructure and ensuring reliable delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the communication parameter (transmission medium) from PLC network to alternative network based on power supply status. When power is available, PLC transmission is used; when power fails, the system switches to gateway-based transmission, thereby adapting to changing conditions to maintain reliability without permanently increasing system complexity.
2Reliability
If a single communication path is used for message transmission, then the system remains simple, but the message may not be delivered during network failures
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It automatically selects between a primary PLC path and a secondary gateway path based on real-time power supply conditions. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable message delivery without requiring complex multi-path infrastructure to be always active, thus balancing reliability with operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into two independent transmission paths: a primary PLC path for normal operation and a secondary gateway path for failure conditions. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity through clear separation of responsibilities.
3Reliability
If multiple communication networks are used to transmit the message, then the chances of message receipt increase, but the implementation becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial redundancy by maintaining a secondary communication path that is activated only when needed (during power failures). Rather than always using both paths simultaneously, the system applies the secondary path partially - only when the primary path fails - thereby achieving improved reliability without the full cost and complexity of dual active paths.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method allowing a smart electric meter to transmit a message representing the detection of a failure in its general electrical power supply. Said meter belongs to a powerline communication network allowing it to send metrology information to a management entity via a data hub. Each meter is also equipped with means for communicating over a low-power wide-area network, called LPWAN network. When a meter detects a failure in its general electrical power supply (300), it switches to a backup electrical power supply. The meter subsequently generates (301) an electrical power supply failure message intended for the management entity, said message being compliant with at least one electrical consumption measurement data exchange standard used by said entity and transmits (302, 303) said message to the management entity using the means for communicating over the LPWAN network.