Smart Meter Phase Identification Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Utility companies face challenges in accurately identifying the phase connections of smart meters in poly-phase electrical systems, leading to incomplete or inaccurate records, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and can pose safety risks during storms or emergencies.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for phase identification in smart meters, which involves connecting a device to a poly-phase electrical system, metering electrical consumption, storing a phase identifier in memory, and transmitting it over a network, using a smart meter equipped with switches, metering components, memory, network interface, and a processor to automatically or manually update phase identifiers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If utility personnel physically trace cable runs through distribution facilities to identify phase connections, then phase identification accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase identification accuracyVSAvoidtime for phase identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual tracing process with an electronic automated system. The smart meter electronically identifies and communicates phase connection information through a network to the utility system, eliminating the need for personnel to physically trace cable runs through distribution facilities while maintaining accurate phase identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The smart meter performs self-identification of its phase connections automatically. The device autonomously determines which phases it is connected to and communicates this information to the utility system without requiring external manual intervention, thereby resolving the contradiction between accuracy and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If utility personnel physically trace cable runs to identify phase connections, then accurate phase information can be obtained, but safety risks increase during storms or emergencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase identification accuracyVSAvoidsafety risks during storms or emergencies

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual field operations with remote electronic identification. The smart meter automatically identifies and communicates phase connection information through a network, eliminating the need for utility personnel to physically access distribution facilities during storms or emergencies, thereby maintaining accuracy while removing safety risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The network communication system acts as an intermediary between the smart meter and the utility system. Phase identification information is transmitted electronically through this intermediary, allowing accurate phase identification to be obtained without personnel being exposed to hazardous conditions during storms or emergencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If manual phase identification methods are used, then existing infrastructure can be utilized, but record completeness and accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuse of existing infrastructureVSAvoidrecord completeness and accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The smart meter serves multiple functions: it performs traditional metering duties while simultaneously automatically identifying and communicating phase connection information. This multi-functionality allows the existing metering infrastructure to be utilized while improving record completeness and accuracy through automated phase identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The smart meter provides feedback about its phase connections by automatically communicating this information to the utility system through a network. This automated feedback mechanism ensures that phase identification records are complete and accurate without requiring additional manual processes or infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2505967B1Method, System and Device of Phase Identification Using a Smart Meter

Publication Date: 2014.02.26 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

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AI summary

Described herein are embodiments of methods, devices and systems of phase identification for a meter (106). One aspect comprises a method of phase identification for a smart meter. One embodiment of the method comprises connecting a device to at least a first phase of a poly-phase electrical system (104); metering at least the first phase of the poly-phase electrical system (104) that the device is connected to for electrical consumption information using a meter (106); storing a first phase identifier for the first phase of the poly-phase electrical system (104) that the device is connected to in a memory (406) associated with the meter (106); and transmitting at least the first phase identifier over a network (110) operably connected with the meter (106).