Utility Application Store for Smart Meter Software Updates
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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 updates across their networks, notify users of available applications, and enable 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 system segments the software update process into standardized templates that can be independently configured and deployed. Instead of creating customized update procedures for each smart meter, the update process is divided into reusable software 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 software templates can be pushed to smart meters without requiring manual intervention for each device. The network management system automatically manages the update process, reducing dependency on network professionals for each individual update while ensuring reliable software deployment
2Reliability
If utility companies implement traditional software distribution methods, then software updates can be deployed, but companies may not be aware that software or updates are available for devices in their network
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a notification mechanism that provides feedback to utility companies about available software updates. The notification system actively informs companies when new software templates are available for their smart meters, ensuring they are aware of updates without having to manually search for them. This feedback loop maintains reliable software deployment while eliminating information loss about available updates
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively notifying utility companies about available software updates before they need to be deployed. This advance notification allows companies to prepare and schedule updates in advance, ensuring reliable deployment while maintaining complete awareness of available software through提前 notification
3Reliability
If smart meter software is restricted from communication outside the utility's network, then network security is maintained, but consumers are completely unaware of what software is running on their meters and play no role in its selection
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary notification mechanism that bridges the gap between the restricted smart meter network and consumers. Software templates are first made available through a centralized repository, and consumers are notified about available software updates for their meters. This intermediary layer maintains network security by keeping smart meters isolated while still enabling consumer awareness and participation in software selection through the notification system
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).