Smart Power Module for Street Poles with Integrated Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing street lighting infrastructure is difficult, time-consuming, and expensive to develop and install at a city-scale, and lacks standard protocols, making installation ineffective and costly.
Innovation Solution
A smart power module system that connects to a street pole, capable of taking AC input power from a luminaire, providing both AC and DC outputs, and featuring utility-grade metering for multiple end users, allowing for energy usage monitoring and regulation based on customer profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard street lighting infrastructure is installed across a city, then lighting coverage is provided, but installation becomes difficult, time-consuming, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The smart power module is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides power conversion (AC to DC and AC), metering, and communication capabilities within a single integrated unit that can be mounted on existing street poles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate infrastructure components and simplifies installation across city-scale deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the street lighting infrastructure into modular components: the smart power module that handles power conversion and metering, separate luminaire units, and independent communication modules. This segmentation allows for easier installation, maintenance, and scalability, as each component can be independently deployed or replaced without affecting the entire system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and communication devices are mounted on street poles, then smart functionality is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power conversion module, metering module, communication module, and control functionality into a single integrated smart power module. This consolidation reduces the number of separate devices that need to be mounted on street poles, simplifying the overall infrastructure while maintaining smart functionality for sensors, communication, and power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart power module provides universal functionality by handling multiple tasks: AC to DC conversion, AC output, utility-grade metering, communication (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular), and control of connected loads. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, reducing device complexity while enhancing adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If utility-grade metering is provided for multiple end users, then energy usage monitoring is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metering module is designed to provide utility-grade measurement capabilities for multiple end users simultaneously, tracking AC and DC power consumption separately. It integrates communication functionality to report data remotely, combining metering, communication, and data management in a single unit, which reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The metering functionality is merged with the power conversion and communication modules into the integrated smart power module. This consolidation allows for precise energy monitoring of multiple users without requiring separate metering infrastructure, reducing system complexity while maintaining utility-grade measurement accuracy.
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
The smart power module system enables efficient and cost-effective installation and management of street lighting infrastructure, providing a reliable power supply and energy usage monitoring capabilities, thereby reducing operational costs and improving infrastructure efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a conversion module operable to receive the input AC from the input electrical connector and produce an output direct current (DC), the output DC is produced using a switch mode power supply (SMPS) transformer
Implementation Method 2
a casing having a top plate, a bottom plate, and at least one wall to connect the top plate and the bottom plate with cooling fins
Implementation Method 3
a metering module that connects to circuits of the output DC with at least one sensor to measure the output DC
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for a smart power apparatus for connecting to a street pole are described. The apparatus includes a casing with a top plate, a bottom plate, and a wall to connect the top plate and the bottom plate with cooling fins. A communication module communicates with a control module and an input electrical connector receives an input alternating current (AC) having a weatherproof connection. A conversion module receives the input AC from the input electrical connector and produces an output direct current (DC). Further, a metering module connects to circuits of the output DC and uses a sensor to measure the output DC. An output DC connector provides the output DC that is regulated by the control module using the communication module.