Smart Meter Qualimetry Synchronization for Low-Cost Power Quality Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power quality measurement devices, such as the PQI-D device, are expensive and not suitable for calculating power quality data close to the end consumer in the lower distribution network, necessitating a cost-effective solution for obtaining reliable power quality data near the consumer.

Innovation Solution

A method and system involving a quality measurement device connected via a serial link to a counter, using HDLC or Frame Relay protocols, to collect and calculate power quality data, synchronized with the counter's clock, and transmit it via various communication networks for centralized processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If expensive Class A certified power quality measurement devices are used, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower quality data accuracyVSAvoiddevice cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power quality measurement device with the existing smart meter unit, integrating multiple functions into a single device. This eliminates the need for separate expensive measurement equipment while maintaining measurement capabilities at the consumer level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The smart meter unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the conventional consumption meter and a power quality measurement device. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to provide both billing data and quality data, reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If dedicated power quality measurement devices are deployed near end consumers, then data collection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection reliabilityVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the power quality measurement functionality with the existing smart meter, the patent reduces system complexity. The integrated device uses the same power supply, communication interfaces, and processing unit, eliminating the need for separate complex measurement systems at each consumer location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4283312B1Method for calculating qualimetric data, qualimetric device, and associated meter and system
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 SAGEMCOM ENERGY & TELECOM SAS
  • EP4283312B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4283312B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method for calculating qualimetric data by a qualimetry device (Q) in communication with a meter (C) of an electrical network through a serial link, said method comprising the following steps implemented by the qualimetry device (Q): - Receiving (S100) at a time t a synchronization frame from said meter (C), said synchronization frame comprising an identifier indicating that said frame is a synchronization frame, a serial number of the meter (C), information representative of the type of meter (C), information indicating whether the neutral current is measured by said meter (C), a frequency and a sampling type, a frequency of said electrical network, and applying a time offset Δt at time t to determine the start of a period (T) of a clock of the meter (C) by calculating t-Δt;- Receive (S102), during period (T), N sample frames from said counter (C), N being a positive integer, each sample frame comprising an identifier indicating that said frame is a sample frame, a sample frame number and voltage and current samples for at least one phase; and - Calculate (S104) quality data from the information contained in said synchronization frame and in at least a part of said N sample frames.