Voltage Event Tracking via Smart Meter Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage monitoring systems in buildings are unable to accurately differentiate between voltage fluctuations caused by devices within the building and those caused by neighboring buildings, leading to confusion in determining the source of voltage changes.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system that utilizes multiple data sources, including voltage sensors and smart meters, to synchronize and compare voltage and power consumption data, allowing for accurate determination of the source, location, and type of electrical devices causing voltage events by timestamping and event spacing, and employing sensors like Hall Effect sensors and cameras to monitor power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If voltage monitoring is performed using a single voltage sensor, then voltage fluctuations can be detected, but the source of voltage changes cannot be accurately differentiated between internal and external devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines voltage sensor data with smart meter power consumption data into a unified monitoring system. By merging these two data sources and analyzing them together through synchronized timestamping, the system can differentiate whether voltage fluctuations originate from internal devices (correlated with power consumption changes) or external devices (voltage changes without corresponding power consumption changes), thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex additional hardware at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multi-functional data analysis that serves multiple purposes: detecting voltage fluctuations, determining their source location, identifying appliance actions, and providing energy consumption insights. By making the monitoring system universal in its capabilities and integrating multiple data interpretation functions, the system achieves accurate source differentiation using existing infrastructure components rather than requiring specialized single-purpose devices.
2Measurement precision
If multiple data sources are used to determine voltage event source, then accuracy of source determination is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary timestamping and synchronization of data from multiple sources before analysis. By pre-organizing voltage sensor data and smart meter data with accurate timestamps and establishing their temporal relationships in advance, the system simplifies the subsequent analysis process. This preliminary preparation allows accurate source determination without requiring complex real-time processing of multiple unsynchronized data streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives data from both voltage sensors and smart meters, synchronizes their timestamps, and correlates the information. This intermediary layer acts as a mediator that translates and harmonizes data from different sources into a unified format, making it easier to determine whether voltage events are internal or external without requiring direct complex interaction between the diverse data sources themselves.
3Productivity
If voltage monitoring systems are installed in buildings, then voltage fluctuations can be monitored, but the system cannot distinguish between internal and external device causes
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from smart meter power consumption data to enhance voltage sensor information. By continuously comparing voltage fluctuation timing with power consumption change timing, the system receives feedback that indicates whether voltage events are caused by internal devices (when power consumption changes correlate with voltage changes) or external devices (when voltage changes occur without corresponding power consumption changes), thereby recovering the lost source location information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the analysis into two distinct comparison categories: internal device events where voltage and power consumption data correlate, and external device events where they do not correlate. By segmenting the interpretation of voltage events into these distinct categories based on the presence or absence of correlated power consumption changes, the system recovers source location information that would otherwise be lost in undifferentiated voltage monitoring.
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 error rates in event detection, differentiates between internal and external causes of voltage fluctuations, and provides low-cost, easy-to-install solutions for continuous monitoring of electrical changes without the need for professional assistance, enhancing user understanding of energy consumption patterns.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is a magnetic field sensor that is located at a circuit breaker panel of the property and that is configured to generate sensor data that indicates whether power consumption of the property has changed. The magnetic field sensor is a Hall effect sensor.
Implementation Method 2
a voltage sensor that is configured to generate voltage data by measuring voltage at an electrical outlet located at the property
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring system that is configured to monitor a property is disclosed. In one aspect, the monitoring system includes a sensor that is located at the property and that is configured to generate sensor data. The monitoring system further includes a voltage sensor that is configured to generate voltage data by measuring voltage at an electrical outlet located at the property. The monitoring system further includes a monitor control unit that is configured to receive the sensor data; receive the voltage data; determine an action of an electrical device that is located in the property or that is located at a neighboring property in a vicinity of the property; determine whether the electrical device is located at the property or at the neighboring property in the vicinity of the property; and perform a monitoring system action.