Utility Application Store for Smart Meter Software Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility companies face difficulties in software updates for smart meters due to lack of centralized access and notification mechanisms, leading to inefficient software distribution and unawareness of available updates among consumers and companies.
Innovation Solution
A utility application store is introduced as a centralized repository for smart meters and other devices, allowing utility suppliers to easily obtain and install software, notify users of available applications, and facilitate communication between smart meters and consumer devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If utility companies use traditional customized software update processes, then software can be updated on smart meters, but the process requires considerable time and effort from network professionals for each individual update
Solution Approach 1:
The software update process is segmented into standardized templates that can be independently configured and deployed. Instead of creating customized update procedures for each smart meter, the system divides the update mechanism into reusable templates that can be applied across multiple devices, significantly reducing the time and effort required for software updates while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated software update deployment where pre-configured templates can be automatically applied to smart meters without requiring manual intervention for each device. The automation framework allows the system to self-manage the update process, reducing dependency on network professionals for routine update tasks
2Reliability
If utility companies manually manage software updates across their network, then software can be installed, but utility companies may not be aware that software or updates are available for devices in their network
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the template repository continuously provides information about available software updates and templates to utility companies. This feedback loop ensures that companies are automatically notified of new software versions and updates, eliminating the information gap that exists in manual management approaches while maintaining reliable update capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring software templates and maintaining an updated repository of available software before deployment is needed. This advance preparation ensures that when updates are required, utility companies already have access to pre-validated templates and are aware of available updates, eliminating the need for reactive search and manual configuration
3Reliability
If smart meter software is restricted to execute only metering functions, then security within the utility network is maintained, but the software cannot communicate with devices outside the utility's communication network
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts smart meter software functionality by allowing conditional communication with external devices through approved templates. The software can maintain its secure metering functions while dynamically enabling communication capabilities when specific authorized templates are deployed, balancing security requirements with adaptability needs based on operational context
4Ease of operation
If consumers are completely unaware of software running on their meters and play no role in selection, then system control is maintained by utility companies, but user awareness and engagement with available applications is zero
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary layer between utility companies and consumers that presents simplified information about available software applications. This intermediary interface allows consumers to become aware of and select applications without exposing them to the underlying complexity of software compatibility and deployment processes, thereby enhancing user awareness while maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A utility application store may be configured to present an interface displaying multiple applications that are available from the utility application store. By accessing the interface of the utility application store, a utility supplier may, with a single request, initiate installation or activation of an application on multiple utility meters or other smart sensors in a utility communication network. The utility application store may be configured to provide notification of the availability of applications for utility meters or other smart sensors, consumer computing devices, and/or utility supplier back office computing devices. The utility application store may include one or more distributed applications that include a first portion configured for execution by a utility meter and one or more other portions configured for execution by another computing device (e.g., a personal computer, mobile device, utility supplier back office server, cloud service, or the like).