Telemetry System for Gas Utility Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas utility meter reading systems are labor-intensive and costly due to the need for frequent replacement of paper charts or manual data download from pressure recorders, and lack efficient methods for transmitting temperature and pressure data, leading to inaccurate gas usage calculations and limited ability to monitor system integrity.
Innovation Solution
A telemetry system utilizing low-power endpoint devices connected to an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) network that allows for bidirectional communication, enabling the transmission of corrected and uncorrected utility usage data, including temperature and pressure readings, and alarm signaling, reducing the need for AC power and improving system integrity monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional paper charts or manual data download methods are used for pressure recorders, then system integrity monitoring is achieved, but labor intensity and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (paper chart replacement, manual data download) with an automated electronic telemetry system that uses radio frequency communication to transmit pressure and temperature data automatically from the field to the central office, eliminating the need for physical intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The telemetry system enables self-service operation where the pressure recorders and temperature sensors automatically transmit their own data without requiring external manual intervention, allowing the system to monitor itself continuously
2Measurement precision
If temperature and pressure data are not transmitted through AMR networks, then existing infrastructure is used, but gas usage calculation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing AMR network multi-functional by enabling it to transmit not only meter reading data but also temperature and pressure data through the same communication infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate dedicated telemetry systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple data types (meter readings, temperature, pressure) into a single integrated telemetry transmission system that operates through the existing AMR network, reducing overall system complexity while improving measurement accuracy
3Loss of information
If radio systems or cellular modems are deployed at measurement sites, then telemetry data can be transmitted, but power requirements and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the existing AMR network as an intermediary communication channel that already has infrastructure in place, allowing telemetry data to be transmitted without requiring new power-intensive radio systems or cellular modems at each measurement site
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameter by utilizing the existing AMR network's communication protocol and infrastructure rather than deploying new radio frequency systems, thereby eliminating the need for additional power supplies at remote measurement locations
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are apparatus and related methodologies for transmitting data related to utility conditions between monitoring locations and a central and/or data collection facility using a meter reading system. Collection of both corrected and uncorrected data from meters is achieved to thereby provide backup data in case of corrector failure. The presently disclosed subject matter also provides for the collection of telemetry data and alarms from correctors and recorders over a meter reading system. Two-way communications over a meter reading system is also provided to permit data transmission to selected endpoint devices.