Smart Meter Noise Detection via Resistive Potential Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of the electricity distribution network and electrical noise in PLC communications leads to unstable communication between smart meters and control centers, making it difficult to detect and isolate noise sources, resulting in service disruptions and inefficiencies for electric power providers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating resistive elements between the distributing network and end-user network cables within smart meters to measure differences in electric potential at PLC frequencies, allowing for the identification of noise sources without disrupting other meters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional PLC communication is used in the electrical grid, then communication between smart meters and control centers can be established without dedicated cables, but communication stability deteriorates due to electrical noise and interference from electrical equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a noise detection system as an intermediary component within the smart meter that measures electric potential differences on power lines to identify noise sources. This mediator enables the system to detect and locate interference sources without disrupting the PLC communication infrastructure, thereby maintaining the ease of deployment while improving communication stability through targeted noise source identification and isolation
2Productivity
If multiple smart meters are interconnected in the electrical grid, then comprehensive monitoring and billing capabilities are achieved, but noise detection complexity increases because noise from one meter affects multiple meters within a certain distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the noise detection function by implementing it at each individual smart meter level rather than requiring a centralized detection system. Each meter independently measures electric potential differences on its connected power lines to identify noise sources specific to its segment. This segmentation reduces the overall detection complexity by localizing the problem to individual meter segments while maintaining comprehensive grid monitoring capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by enabling each smart meter to perform localized noise detection and measurement on its specific power line connections. The noise detection system measures electric potential differences locally at each meter's terminals, allowing each meter to identify and report noise sources in its immediate vicinity. This local approach simplifies the overall system complexity by distributing the detection capability rather than requiring a complex centralized system
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional noise detection methods are used in the electrical grid, then general noise presence can be identified, but precise localization of noise sources becomes extremely complicated requiring switching off multiple meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error method of noise source isolation (switching off meters one by one) with an electrical measurement system. The noise detection system uses electric potential difference measurements across resistive elements to precisely locate noise sources through electrical field analysis. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming mechanical process of systematically disconnecting meters, enabling rapid and precise noise source identification through electrical measurement alone
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
Enables precise detection of noise sources, reducing the need to switch off multiple meters and minimizing user disruptions and operational costs for power providers by isolating the problematic device directly.
Implementation Method 1
disposing, at each of said meters, an element behaving as a resistive element within the frequency band of the PLC, and behaving as a non-resistive element at the frequency of the electrical grid, between said first cable belonging to the distributing network and said second cable belonging to the end-user network; measuring the difference in electric potential between the two ends of each element
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for detecting a source of noise in an electrical grid distributing network implementing Power Line Communications (PLC), said electrical grid distributing network comprising a plurality of meters (51, 61, 71) respectively connected to a plurality of end-user networks, wherein said source of noise to be detected is originated in a device belonging to one of said end-user networks, wherein each of said meters (51, 61, 71) is connected to at least one pair of cables corresponding to at least one phase of the 3 phases of the electrical grid (R, S, T), said at least one pair of cables comprising a first cable (RA, SA, TA, NA) belonging to said distributing network and a second cable (RB, SB, TB, NB) belonging to a corresponding end-user network. The method comprises: at each of said meters (51, 61, 71), disposing an element (30, 40) behaving as a resistive element within the frequency band of the PLC, and behaving as a non-resistive element at the frequency of the electrical grid (DC, 50-60 Hz), between said first cable belonging to the distributing network (RA, SA, TA) and said second cable belonging to the end-user network (RB, SB, TB); measuring the difference in electric potential between the two ends (A, B) of each element (30, 40) disposed between said first cable belonging to the distributing network (RA, SA, TA) and said second cable belonging to the end-user network (RB, SB, TB); from said at least one measurement, determining whether a device belonging to the end-user network and connected to said meter (51, 61, 71) is causing a noise disturbance or not.