Transformer-Mounted Mesh Nodes for Smart Grid Data Relay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Global smart grid networks, especially in urban and remote locations with limited electric infrastructure, face challenges in deploying a comprehensive smart grid or Internet infrastructure due to insufficient communication with transformers, residential, and commercial meters, and other IoT devices.

Innovation Solution

A communication node with a signal processor is used to receive and process signaling for digital content requests from smart assets in a smart grid network, enabling communication between these assets and a central location for further processing, utilizing wireless protocols like IEEE 802.11 and incorporating transformer monitor, communication, and data collection devices to facilitate data exchange and digital content delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional wired infrastructure is deployed for smart grid networks, then communication reliability is improved, but deployment cost and complexity increase significantly in remote locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidinfrastructure deployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional wired mechanical infrastructure with wireless communication systems. Transformer-mounted devices use wireless protocols (IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth Low Energy) to communicate with smart meters and assets, eliminating the need for complex physical cable deployment in remote areas while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The transformer-mounted communication device performs multiple functions: it serves as a wireless access point for digital content delivery, a communication relay for smart grid data, and a platform for deploying monitoring sensors. This multi-functionality reduces overall infrastructure complexity by consolidating multiple systems into a single deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If comprehensive smart grid infrastructure is deployed in remote areas, then data collection capability is improved, but deployment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoidinfrastructure deployment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service data collection where smart meters and assets automatically transmit their data to transformer-mounted devices using wireless communications. The transformer device then relays this data to the central server, eliminating the need for manual data collection infrastructure or additional field personnel in remote areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the communication infrastructure with existing transformer locations. By mounting communication devices on already-deployed transformers, the system leverages existing infrastructure assets, combining power distribution and data communication functions at the same physical location to reduce deployment costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If wireless mesh network is implemented for digital content delivery, then infrastructure requirement is reduced, but network coverage and reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure requirementVSAvoidnetwork coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the network coverage by utilizing the vertical dimension - mounting communication devices on elevated transformer structures. This provides better line-of-sight for wireless signals and expands the effective coverage area of each wireless access point, improving network reliability without requiring additional ground-based infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The transformer-mounted device acts as an intermediary node in the wireless mesh network, relaying data between smart meters/assets and the central server. This intermediate positioning on transformers provides stable communication hops that enhance overall network reliability and coverage in remote distributed locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11196621B2Supplemental and alternative digital data delivery and receipt mesh net work realized through the placement of enhanced transformer mounted monitoring devices

Publication Date: 2021.12.07 DELTA ENERGY & COMM INC

AI summary

A power grid network is provided that features a signal processor configured to:receive signaling containing information about digital content requested by one or more smart assets locally deployed in a smart asset infrastructure and communicatively coupled to the apparatus that is mounted in relation to a transformer configured in a grid network; anddetermine corresponding signaling containing information about the digital content requested by the one or more smart assets for providing back to a central location in the grid network for further processing, based upon the signaling received.The signal processor provides the corresponding signaling back to the central location in the grid network for further processing.