Voltage Observability Using Advanced Meter Alarm Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart meter infrastructure lacks effective voltage observability at the secondary distribution level, leading to inaccurate voltage measurements and inability to ensure compliance with ANSI voltage standards, as only a small percentage of meters can transmit real-time voltage data, overloading communication infrastructure and limiting the effectiveness of demand-reduction strategies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses Advanced Meters capable of sending multiple voltage alarm signals, which are combined to create a numerical grid for accurate voltage observability, reducing communication bandwidth requirements and enabling real-time monitoring and control of voltage levels at service delivery points, thereby facilitating more efficient demand management and compliance with ANSI standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time voltage data is transmitted from all smart meters, then voltage observability is improved, but communication infrastructure is overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous voltage data stream into discrete alarm events based on ANSI voltage ranges. Instead of transmitting all voltage measurements, the system divides the voltage spectrum into ranges (e.g., 114-126V for Range A, 110-127V for Range B) and only transmits data when voltage enters or exits these ranges, significantly reducing communication bandwidth requirements while maintaining voltage observability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the critical information needed for voltage monitoring - the alarm events indicating voltage range violations - rather than transmitting the complete voltage dataset. This extraction approach removes unnecessary data transmission while preserving the essential voltage observability function through event-based communication.
2Measurement precision
If voltage alarm settings are configured on Advanced Meters, then voltage observability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes use of the existing alarm functionality already present in Advanced Meters, configuring them to monitor voltage against ANSI ranges. This universal approach leverages the multi-functional capability of smart meters to perform both traditional billing functions and voltage monitoring, avoiding the need for dedicated voltage monitoring hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by configuring Advanced Meters to send alarm notifications when voltage enters or exits predefined ANSI ranges. This feedback mechanism provides real-time voltage observability without requiring continuous data transmission, as the meters automatically detect and report only when voltage conditions change relative to the established ranges.
3Measurement precision
If bellwether meters are used for voltage monitoring, then voltage data is obtained, but cost and bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each Advanced Meter to independently monitor its own voltage conditions and autonomously generate alarm notifications when voltage enters or exits ANSI ranges. This self-service approach eliminates the need for centralized voltage monitoring infrastructure and bellwether meters, as each meter serves its own voltage monitoring function while communicating only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses widely deployed Advanced Meters that already exist in the smart grid infrastructure rather than deploying specialized bellwether meters. By leveraging the existing meter population and their built-in alarm capabilities, the system avoids the cost of additional hardware while achieving voltage observability through event-based communication from meters that are already present at customer premises.
Data Source
AI summary
A process/method is provided, which facilitates achieving and obtaining realistic, accurate voltage observability of end customer service delivery points within the secondary distribution level using the alarming capability of intelligent data gathering and communication technology devices such as, but not necessarily limited to SCADA systems, distribution system RTU or SCADA, smart meters, smart gateways, and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters, or any device known in the art capable of sending alarm signals when voltage is detected above or below a predetermined threshold (generally herein defined as “Advanced Meters”). Such system and methods can be applied for many uses comprised of monitoring the energy grid, energy demand management and other energy industry applications, while minimizing operating and infrastructure/hardware costs.