Smart Meter Network Switching for Reliable Remote Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart meters deployed in remote locations with battery power face connectivity issues due to changing wireless communication environments, leading to inaccurate or unavailable consumption data, which is not addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The smart meter system is equipped with multiple mobile operator configurations and modem stacks, allowing it to automatically or manually switch between networks and communication technologies to maintain connectivity with the head-end system, optimizing battery life and adapting to environmental changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smart meters use a single mobile network configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but connection reliability deteriorates when environmental changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The smart meter is equipped with multiple mobile network configurations and modem stacks, enabling it to communicate with multiple mobile network operators. This multi-functionality ensures that the meter can maintain connectivity under various environmental conditions and network availability scenarios, thereby improving connection reliability without significantly increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes communication parameters by switching between different mobile network configurations and modem stacks based on detected connection quality and network availability. This parameter adaptation allows the smart meter to respond to environmental changes and maintain reliable communication links
2Reliability
If smart meters frequently switch between networks to maintain connectivity, then connection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smart meter continuously monitors connection quality indicators and network availability, using this feedback to intelligently determine when network switching is necessary. By basically switching only when required rather than continuously, the system maintains connection reliability while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from frequent switching operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multiple mobile network configurations and modem stacks (excessive capability) but only activates switching when connection quality deteriorates below thresholds (partial action). This approach ensures reliability is improved only when needed, avoiding the energy waste of continuous switching while maintaining the capability to switch when necessary
Data Source
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AI summary
An advanced metering infrastructure includes a smart meter system with at least one sensor, a communication device, and a battery supply. The smart meter system is provided with algorithms and configuration to improve wireless connection reliability on the smart meter by providing more than one mobile operator configuration and more than one modem stacks for respective mobile network operators. When a mobile connection becomes unavailable, the system may automatically or manually change a mobile network operator and/or modem stack in hopes that communication quality and connection availability improves.