Automated VEE Rule Configuration for Energy Stream Anomalies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Real-time and near real-time energy consumption systems face challenges in accurately processing energy consumption data due to intermittent errors and anomalies, leading to suboptimal validation, estimation, and editing (VEE) techniques, which are often labor-intensive and lack customization for individual data streams.

Innovation Solution

An automated VEE rules configuration engine dynamically optimizes detection, estimation, and editing techniques for each energy consumption data stream, using post-VEE readings to adjust rules and select the most appropriate estimation methods based on anomaly duration, reducing the need for manual data analyst intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated VEE rules configuration is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveVEE processing efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration engine complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-configuration by automatically generating and optimizing VEE rules based on analyzed energy consumption data patterns, eliminating the need for manual analyst intervention in rule creation and maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration engine pre-generates multiple candidate VEE rules and pre-analyzes data patterns before actual VEE processing occurs, allowing the system to select optimal rules in real-time without complex runtime decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If manual data analyst intervention is reduced, then loss of time is improved, but measurement precision may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual intervention timeVSAvoiddata validation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors VEE processing results and data patterns, using this feedback to automatically refine and optimize validation rules, ensuring precision is maintained or improved over time without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual analytical processes are replaced with automated computational algorithms that systematically analyze data patterns, apply validation logic, and generate estimates using consistent mathematical methods rather than variable human judgment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If customization for individual data streams is increased, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata stream customizationVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different validation and estimation rules tailored to each specific data stream's characteristics and anomaly patterns, allowing customization at the local level without requiring complex global configuration management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration system divides the overall VEE process into independent, modular rule sets that can be individually generated, optimized, and applied to different data streams, reducing the complexity of managing customization across the entire system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3301634B1Apparatus and method for automated validation, estimation, and editing configuration
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 ENEL X NORTH AMERICA INC
  • EP3301634B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3301634B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3301634B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus is provided for configuring validation, estimation, and editing (VEE) rules for performing VEE on a plurality of interval based energy consumption streams. The apparatus includes a post VEE readings data stores and a rules processor. The post VEE readings data stores provides a plurality of tagged energy consumption data sets that are each associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of interval based energy consumption streams. Each of the plurality of tagged energy consumption data sets has first groups of contiguous interval values tagged as having been validated and second groups of contiguous interval values tagged as having been edited. The rules processor, reads the post VEE readings data stores upon initiation of an event and, for the each of the plurality of tagged energy consumption data sets, creates a plurality of anomalies having a plurality of different durations using only the first groups of contiguous interval values, and generates a plurality of estimates for the plurality of anomalies by employing a plurality of estimation techniques and, for each of the plurality of different durations, selects one of the plurality of estimation techniques for subsequent employment when performing VEE of subsequent energy consumption data for the corresponding one of the plurality of interval based energy consumption streams.