GB2446828A

GB2446828A - Anti-theft metering system

Info

Publication number: GB2446828A
Application number: GB0702211A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Anthony Smee
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-02-06
Filing date: 2007-02-06
Publication date: 2008-08-27
Also published as: GB0702211D0

Abstract

The basic concept for the anti-theft metering system is the dividing of the distribution network into layers in a tree formation. Then the sum of the power or current in the outgoing branches is compared to the measured total in the incoming main line or "tree trunk". This is shown in fig.1. Any losses above a certain margin can be highlighted and investigated. For simplicity the system is described for electricity metering but it applies equally to water, gas or other commodities. An illustration with water would be to meter at the water main entering a housing complex, then meter at every residence and add these together. The sum should equal the total being supplied or else there is a leak or a theft.

Description

Description of Anti-Theft Metering System 2446828

Introduction.

The basic concept for the anti-theft metering system is the dividing of the distribution network into layers in a tree formation. Then the sum of the power or current in the outgoing branches is compared to the measured total in the incoming "tree trunk". For simplicity the system is described for electricity metering but it applies equally to water, gas or other commodities. An illustration with water would be to meter at the water main entering a housing complex, then meter at every residence and add these together. The sum should equal the total being supplied or else there is a leak or a theft.

principle in Action. Consider fig. 1. At the lowest level, electricity meters are installed in the consumer's property, in the normal way to calculate his bill. The electricity is feeding from a substation, link box or distribution point where the consumer branches originate. At this substation a meter measures the total power or current.

Using mains borne communication or other means of communication the consumers or low level meters send their own individual readings to the master or upstream meter where they are received and added together, and then compared with the measured total. This tree and branch network communication system is repeated as the master meter sends data to the next level, and the pattern is repeated, see fIg 2. Somewhere at the top of the system all the information is analysed and any large discrepancies highlighted. Small discrepancies will show the losses due to the distribution system, uncalibrated meters, cable losses and transformer losses and can be noted. Computer logic/intelligence is used to identify the areas where serious losses are occurring using extra features in the meters. These features include but are not limited to: 1. Internal pressure sensor notes when cover is removed.

2. Hall effect or other sensor notes when a strong magnetic field is present.

3. Sound, vibration, and temperature sensors to detect interference or drilling, and indicate if premises are empty.

4. Zero consumption detectors Will show when no power is being used, i.e. not even a time dock or fridge is in use. Meter may be by-passed 5. Large earth fault. Used as a cheating method in some places.

At the highest level a complete management system Will be in place with programs to analyse the results, using statistical data and fuzzy logic to indicate the source of the losses.

other Options. Further options and features include but are not limited to: 1. Alarm when the meter is interfered with, either upstream at the substation or at the consumers meter. If the interference continues after an adjustable time then a signal from the upstream control could trip off the supply either at the substation or at the consumer.

2. In remote areas the supply could be restored after a certain period for example 10 mins, but re-trip if the fault is still present. This could be repeated three or four times and then the power could be switched off permanently.

3. Provision for ring circuits and continuous tees may need some special consideration.

background In some countries of the world the losses of electricity due to metering theft are as high as 40%, even in some developed countries 15% to 20% is common. Losses in the UK are quoted at 7% and this represents hundreds of million of pounds per year in lost revenue.

Some loss of power is due to heat generated in power lines and cables, and transformers lose power as heat. This system is a method of eliminating, or at least accounting for, any losses that occur.

Innovation. This invention uses the principle of dividing a distribution system into smaller parts.

in a tree formation and comparing the incoming and outgoing rates at each part to detect losses. No meters or systems are available to do this at present. * S

Claims

Claims 1. A system of metering at different levels in a distribution

network and the data then transmitted between the levels to compare the total measured at the lower level wfth the actual value measured at the higher level
2. A system of electricity metering at different levels in a distribution network as claim 1, equipped with alarms and consumer information to identify the source of any loss.
3. A system of metering water at different levels in a distribution network as claim 1, equipped with.alarms and consumer information to identify the source of any loss or leak.
4. A system of metering any liquid or gas at different levels in a distribution network) as claim 1, equipped with alarms and consumer information to identify the source of any loss or leak.
5. A system of metering at different levels in a distribution network as claims f, 2, 3 & 4 adapted for non-tree networks such as ring circuits and loops.
6. A system of metering at different levels in a distribution network as claims 1, 2, 3, 4 &5 with any additional software for analysis of results and transmission to outside authorities