Variable Transmission Power Control for Smart Meter Communication Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart meters face system failures and unintended interruptions in wireless communication due to high transmission power requirements when electric field intensity is low, exceeding the limited power supply, which can lead to sudden power failures and communication disruptions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a communication hub with an electric-double-layer capacitor as a standby power supply and a system controller that adjusts transmission power and time slots in a TDMA frame to manage power consumption, ensuring continuous wireless communication by switching between 2G/3G and RF mesh networks based on electric field intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transmission power is increased to maintain wireless communication in low electric field intensity environments, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption exceeds the limited power supply capacity causing system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transmission power variable rather than fixed. The power supply control unit dynamically adjusts transmission power based on real-time power storage state, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and prevent power exhaustion while maintaining communication reliability when possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power consumption parameter by implementing variable transmission power levels. Instead of operating at constant high power, the system transitions between different power states (high, medium, low) based on power storage conditions, thereby extending operational duration and preventing system failure.
2Area of stationary object
If transmission power is increased to extend communication range in weak electric field conditions, then communication coverage is improved, but the limited power supply leads to sudden system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts transmission power based on power storage state, transitioning between high, medium, and low power modes. This dynamic control allows the system to extend communication coverage when power is available while preventing sudden failures by reducing power when storage is low, thereby maintaining system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply control unit monitors power storage state in advance and proactively reduces transmission power before complete power exhaustion occurs. This beforehand cushioning prevents sudden system failures by preparing for power depletion scenarios and adjusting operation accordingly.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If high transmission power is used continuously to maintain communication in low electric field environments, then communication continuity is improved, but power depletion causes unintended interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by cycling through different transmission power levels based on power storage state. Instead of continuous high-power operation, the power is adjusted periodically according to monitoring of power storage, allowing the system to extend communication duration while maintaining stability through rhythmic adaptation to power availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission power is made dynamic and responsive to power storage conditions. The system continuously monitors power state and adjusts transmission power accordingly, creating a flexible communication system that can adapt its duration and stability based on available energy resources.
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 solution maintains stable wireless communication even under low electric field conditions by regulating power consumption and extending communication range without sudden failures, ensuring reliable data transmission to servers.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic apparatus having a communication function and a power supply, comprising: an electric-double-layer capacitor to be used as a standby power supply
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a communication unit (404), a first controller (405) and a second controller (406). The communication unit (404) performs wireless communication with an external apparatus (42). The first controller (405) increases transmission power used for the wireless communication in response to a notification from the external apparatus (42). The second controller (406) decreases a ratio of transmission time per unit time in the wireless communication with the external apparatus (42) when the increased transmission power is larger than or equal to a threshold value.