Smart Meter Reporting Schedule Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Smart Grid communication systems, particularly those using Power Line Communication (PLC), face limitations such as low signal-to-noise ratio due to interference and noise from other electric devices, leading to unreliable data transmission and delayed processing of meter events, which hinders near real-time monitoring and control.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine individual reporting times for each smart meter based on collected communication and service status parameters, using scheduling algorithms that can analyze historical and real-time data, allowing for dynamic adjustment of transmission parameters to optimize communication quality and minimize retransmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed reporting times are used for all smart meters, then communication quality is optimized on average, but near real-time processing is hindered due to delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the uniform reporting schedule into individualized reporting times for each smart meter. The scheduler divides the population of smart meters into different reporting time slots based on their specific communication characteristics and historical performance, allowing simultaneous optimization of communication quality and reduction of processing delays across the network
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed reporting times to dynamic individualized reporting times. The scheduler continuously learns from historical communication quality data and adjusts each smart meter's reporting time to optimize performance in real-time conditions, enabling near real-time processing while maintaining communication reliability
2Ease of manufacture
If Power Line Communication is used for cost-effectiveness, then communication reliability deteriorates due to interference and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the scheduler collects historical communication quality data from each smart meter's reporting attempts. This feedback loop allows the scheduler to learn the specific communication characteristics of each meter and adjust reporting times to avoid periods of high interference and noise, thereby improving reliability while maintaining cost-effective PLC infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter of communication by selecting optimal reporting times based on learned communication patterns. Instead of modifying the physical communication infrastructure, the system adjusts the timing parameter to coincide with periods of lower interference and noise on the power line, improving reliability without additional hardware costs
Data Source
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AI summary
Optimized smart meter reporting The invention relates to a method for determining, by a scheduler (100, 900), at least one transmission parameter for each of a plurality of smart meters (200, 1000) which each transmit, via power line communication (55), a measurement report to a control entity (45). The at least one transmission parameter allows a reporting time for a corresponding smart meter to be determined. The method comprises the following steps: At least one status parameter is collected for each of the plurality of smart meters, the at least one status parameter influencing a success rate of the transmission of the corresponding measurement report to the control entity (45). For each of the plurality of smart meters (200, 1000), the at least one transmission parameter allowing the reporting time for the corresponding smart meter to be determined, is determined based on the collected at least one status parameter.