Wireless Node Integrated with Powered Emergency Device for Smart Grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility meters often face challenges in wireless communication due to interference from electronic equipment and obstacles within buildings, leading to degraded or corrupted signals, especially when located in areas far from the building perimeter.
Innovation Solution
A wireless node is integrated with a powered emergency device (PED) that acts as a repeater, using an external power source to enhance wireless communication by receiving and transmitting signals, and includes features like AC/DC conversion, a battery for backup power, and a controller to manage illumination and audio/visual information, effectively bridging communication gaps between smart meters and smart grids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If utility meters are positioned within buildings in areas far from the perimeter (e.g., in utility closets), then the meters are protected from environmental factors and integrated into building infrastructure, but wireless communication reliability deteriorates due to obstacles and interference
Solution Approach 1:
A wireless repeater node is introduced as an intermediary device between the smart meter in the utility closet and the smart grid network. The repeater receives wireless communications from the meter and retransmits them to the grid, effectively bridging the communication gap caused by obstacles and interference in the utility closet environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication system is segmented into multiple hops: smart meter → wireless repeater node → smart grid network. This segmentation allows the communication path to bypass direct line-of-sight requirements and overcome obstacles by using intermediate relay points strategically positioned within the building.
2Length of stationary object
If a wireless repeater node is deployed to improve communication reliability, then wireless communication range and reliability improve, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless repeater node is merged with existing building infrastructure such as utility closets, electrical panels, or communication equipment rooms. By co-locating the repeater with existing structures and power sources, the solution extends communication range without adding visible external infrastructure or requiring dedicated new spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless repeater node is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides wireless signal amplification and routing, offers backup power capabilities through integrated battery systems, and can potentially serve as a test node for the powered device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If backup power systems are integrated into the wireless node to maintain operation during power outages, then system availability improves, but device complexity and power management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A battery backup system is pre-integrated into the wireless repeater node, charged during normal power conditions. When a power outage occurs, the battery automatically activates to maintain operation of the repeater and associated powered emergency devices, ensuring continuous wireless communication and emergency functionality without requiring complex real-time power management decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless node that bridges a wireless communications gap between a first wireless device, such as a smart meter, and a wireless network, such as a smart grid network, by repeating wireless communications received by the wireless node. The wireless node is integrated with another powered device common to buildings to provide a clandestine improvement to wireless communications. Additionally, the wireless node may effect testing of the powered device and provide results of the test wirelessly to remote devices. The wireless node may take the form of an exit sign, an emergency light, a speaker, and a combination of one or more of these devices. The wireless node may also track power consumption of the repeater portion of the wireless node to provide billing credit to power consumers.