Utility Meter Power Management with Shared Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical service meters require additional components and size to facilitate power fail operations and service switch operations, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for separate energy storage devices and larger power supplies.
Innovation Solution
A method where a single energy storage device is used to power both power fail operations and service switch operations, eliminating the need for separate storage devices and reducing the size and weight of the power supply by using a smaller power supply that charges the energy storage device for infrequent service switch operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate energy storage devices are used for power fail operations and service switch operations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate energy storage devices into a single energy storage device that serves both power fail operations and service switch operations. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate storage devices, reducing component count while maintaining the reliability benefits of having dedicated energy storage for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single energy storage device is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides power during power fail operations to maintain meter functionality and enables service switch operations to disconnect/reconnect electrical service. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall system complexity while ensuring both critical functions have access to reliable energy storage.
2Power
If larger power supplies are used to directly power service switch operations, then operational capability is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging of the energy storage device during normal operation when power is available. This allows the energy storage device to accumulate sufficient energy in advance to support service switch operations and power fail operations, eliminating the need for an oversized power supply that could provide immediate high power directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage device acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the service switch/meter operations. Instead of the power supply directly powering high-demand operations, it charges the energy storage device which then provides the necessary power bursts, allowing the use of a smaller, lighter power supply while maintaining operational capability.
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
This approach reduces the component count and size of electrical service meters, enhancing their operational efficiency and reliability during power interruptions and service switch operations while maintaining essential functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A power management arrangement in a utility meter includes an energy storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controllably disconnecting a utility power service from a load includes generating in a metrology circuit of a meter metering information regarding electrical power provided to the load from the utility power service. The meter includes a service switch having a controller to controllably interrupt a connection between the utility power service and the load. The method also includes connecting an energy storage device to the controller responsive to a service disconnect command. The method further includes connecting at least a portion of the metrology circuit to the energy storage device and disconnecting a meter power supply from the portion of the metrology circuit responsive to a power interruption detection signal.