WO2017060831A1

WO2017060831A1 - Automatic power monitor device and method

Info

Publication number: WO2017060831A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/055958
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian OMWENGA
Original assignee: Omwenga Brian
Priority date: 2015-10-06
Filing date: 2016-10-05
Publication date: 2017-04-13

Abstract

A power monitoring device is provided that includes: a control unit comprising a processor and a memory coupled to the processor; a power meter configured to obtain a reading corresponding to power transmission through a location on a supplier's side of a power transmission line and relay the reading to the control unit; a communications module configured to communicate wirelessly via a network and transmit information from the control unit to a recipient on the network; and a power unit configured to obtain power from the power transmission line and to provide power to the control unit. The power monitoring device is a cost effective and accurate means of reading meter.

Description

Title: Automatic Power Monitor Device and Method

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority to Kenyan provisional application

KE/UM/2015/00563, filed 6^th October 2015, the content of which is

incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background

Accurate meter reading is a vital business process in power delivery, particularly for public utilities. Public utilities, particularly in developing countries, currently face several challenges in obtaining accurate meter readings ranging from staffing to customer access. Mechanisms such as reading estimates, prepaid meters, and self-reading/reporting have been applied, with limited success. In some markets, the introduction of smart meters has eased the situation but not provided a complete solution. Smart readers are furthermore not available in many markets due to cost and availability issues. Accordingly, a vast number of electrical power users are still on old stand-alone (mainly electro-mechanical) meters. A cost effective and accurate means of reading meters in an unobtrusive manner is therefore desirable for the benefit of both the public utility and the customer.

Summary of the Invention

In an aspect, old meters currently installed in the field (herein

"traditional" power meters) are upgraded by pairing them with an Automatic Power Monitor device according to the disclosure. The device enables the accurate, on-demand collection of meter readings. The Automatic Power Monitor (APM) device is designed to sit in the meter box together with the old-type stand-alone (dump) meter with which it is paired. The APM device can also be queried through a GSM network to give the current reading from its paired meter. The APM can also monitor other activity at the meter (changes in voltage, power outage, etc.).

The APM can also be positioned at other locations along a power system, as appropriate and/or as described herein. Other example locations include along a power transmission cable and at junctions. By monitoring and auditing power transmission through such locations the APM can provide valuable information to users.

In an aspect is a power monitoring device comprising: a control unit comprising a processor and a memory coupled to the processor; a power meter configured to obtain a reading corresponding to power transmission through a location on a supplier's side of a power transmission line and relay the reading to the control unit; a communications module configured to communicate wirelessly via a network and transmit information from the control unit to a recipient on the network; and a power unit configured to obtain power from the power transmission line and to provide power to the control unit. In

embodiments:

the device is for monitoring power along a transmission line;

the device is for monitoring electrical energy;

the control unit further comprises machine readable instructions in the memory or otherwise accessible to the processor, the instructions configured to instruct the processor to carry out the methods here;

the reading comprises a voltage component and a current component; the power meter comprises a voltage sensor configured to measure voltage and separately comprises a current sensor configured to measure current from the power transmission line, and wherein the power meter is configured to relay the voltage measurement and the current measurement to the control unit.

the power meter comprises a voltage sensor and further comprises a meter so as to form a voltmeter;

the power meter comprises a current sensor and further comprises a meter so as to form an ammeter or transformer;

the power meter relays a voltage measurement and a current

measurement to the control unit, and wherein the memory comprises machine instructions configured to cause the processor to calculate instantaneous power from the voltage measurement and the current measurement;

the power meter is configured to obtain voltage and current

measurements without physically contacting the power transmission line; the power meter is configured to obtain voltage and current

measurements via inductive coupling and/or capacitive coupling with the power transmission line;

the communications module comprises a SIM and is configured to communicate via a cellular network;

the communications module is configured to communicate wirelessly via

RF;

the communications module is configured to communicate wireless via RF via a communications method selected from WiFi, Bluetooth, GSM, NFC, RFID, and the like;

the power unit is configured to draw power via direct contact with the power transmission line;

the power unit comprises a rechargeable battery, the battery configured to receive power from the power transmission line, a solar cell, or a USB- connection;

the location is proximal to a supplier side of a supplier power meter and distal to a load side of the supplier power meter;

the location is on the supplier side of a supplier residential or commercial power meter;

the location is proximal to a main power transmission line, or proximal to a utility pole carrying a power transmission line;

the location is any location on a transmission line;

the recipient is a server on the network, and wherein the server comprises a processor and memory coupled to the processor and configured to receive the information;

the recipient is a power utility company, or a server at a power utility company;

the communications module is configured to transmit information from the control unit to the recipient according to a predetermined schedule;

the communications module is configured to transmit information from the control unit to the recipient upon receiving a request from the recipient via the network; and the communications module is configured to transmit information from the control unit to the recipient in response to a predetermined event.

In an aspect is a method for monitoring power supply provided by a supplier via a power transmission line, the method comprising coupling the device as above to the power transmission line and obtaining a voltage reading and a current reading via the power meter.

In an aspect is a method for displaying power consumption data at a location on a supplier side of a supplier power meter on an energy distribution network, the method comprising: measuring, using a power monitoring device at the location, voltage and current; calculating instantaneous power from the measured voltage and current; communicating the calculated instantaneous power to a server via a wireless network; and converting the calculated instantaneous power into a display signal adapted to be displayed on a monitor.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent to one of skill in the art from the description provided herein, including the examples and claims.

Technical Field of the Invention

In embodiments, the invention pertains to power monitoring systems and electronic devices for such monitoring.

Detailed Description of Various Embodiments

In aspects are devices configured to carry out the methods described herein. The devices may comprise a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory configured to store program instructions for instructing the processor to carry out the method. Further details are provided herein. It will be appreciated, however, that certain components of such devices, and further certain steps of the associated methods, may be omitted from this disclosure for the sake of brevity. The omitted components and steps, however, are merely those that are routinely used in the art and would be easily determined and implemented by those of ordinary skill in the art using nothing more than routine experimentation, the general state of the art, and the disclosure herein. Throughout this specification, where hardware is described, it will be assumed that the devices and methods employing such hardware are suitably equipped with necessary software (including any firmware) to ensure that the

devices/methods are fit for the described purpose.

The Automatic Power Monitor (APM) contains various functions, as described below and elsewhere herein.

In embodiments, the devices are configured to be calibrated. For example, upon commissioning or installation, the APM is calibrated to its paired meter. Such calibration includes initialization, whereby data is collected such as the meter number, geo-code, account details, etc. Test signals may be obtained either directly or via a distributed network using a communications module on the device.

In embodiments, the devices are configured to obtain readings. For example, readings are sent by the APM to a central server through the

communications module, which in embodiments includes a GSM module or other module for communicating with a cellular network. The APM relays the accurate reading at that particular moment (frequency to be determined as needed). The server is a device on a distributed network such as a data network and remains in communication (either continuously or intermittently) with a device as herein via such network.

In embodiments, readings include measurement of instantaneous voltage and current via appropriate sensors (e.g., current clamp, current transformer, voltage sensor, etc.). In preferred embodiments, all measurements are carried out without the need to splice the transmission line - i.e., there is no direct contact of the sensors with the conductive element of the transmission line. The device may comprise any necessary components including those described herein in order to take the appropriate readings.

In embodiments, the devices are configured to sense an outage of power. Upon sensing a lack of power on the line to which an APM is coupled or otherwise monitoring, the APM transmits an alert to the central server. The APM may derive power directly from the power line to which it is couple, or may have an independent source of power, and may further have a battery back-up that may be charged either by the main source of power or an alternative source (e.g., a solar cell). In embodiments, the devices are configured to be tamper-proof. For example, the APM may have exception handling mechanisms that involves sending alerts to the server or elsewhere when tampering (particularly electronic tampering) is detected, whether such tampering is done remotely or directly at the device. Also for example the APM may have on-board sensors that detect physical tampering, and may further have protocols configured to transmit notice of such tampering. Also for example, the server may be configured to notify a user when a device goes offline for a predetermined period of time (such offline incidence may indicate tampering or, alternatively, an extended power outage).

In embodiments, the devices are configured to accept and carry out a user triggered read request. That is, a user can instruct the device to take readings and/or report on the device's status. Users can also query actual meter readings at any moment using a distributed network such as a GSM network.

In embodiments, the devices are configured to continue temporary operations offline. For example, the APM may be equipped with a battery (and memory) that enables it to store readings for up to several days in the event of power loss. The battery, when present, is a part of the power unit, and can be recharged from the main transmission line that the device is monitoring or otherwise as appropriate and/or described herein.

In embodiments, the devices are configured for power outage monitoring. For example the devices are configured for detecting and reporting outage occurrences. This may, for example, enable a mapping functionality (i.e., integration to GIS) and associated functionalities such as a customer care view.

In embodiments, the devices are configured for energy auditing. For example, energy auditing may involve monitoring power consumption and can be useful for carrying out energy audits both at individual and market segment level (e.g., flagging high energy consumption, unexpected power drains, outages, etc.).

In embodiments, the devices are configured for load monitoring. For example, the device may be suitable for transformer load monitoring. Such monitoring allows for the accounting of load from a given transformer connected to several meters. In such embodiments it may be helpful or required for the system to be integrated with other geographic information system (GIS) components or a complete geographic information system.

In embodiments, the devices are configured for demand monitoring. Such monitoring may be suitable for understanding the audited energy, and assist in the creation of reports that are useful in power scheduling production upstream, switching operations, planning, rate setting, etc.

In embodiments, the devices are configured to provide a voltage profile for the power line (or any system or system component) that is being monitored by the device. The voltage profile can assist, for example, a power provider in monitoring a power system and the output of power stations, etc.

In embodiments, the devices are configured to contain backward linkages. For example, the device or system may be linked to a number of other systems that benefit from the data collected by the device (e.g., ERP, GIS, etc.).

Furthermore are possible horizontal linkages - i.e., the device or system can be deployed in a modular fashion (meter reading, outage monitoring, energy auditing, customer care, etc.). Furthermore are possible forward linkages - i.e., the device or system may be designed to be open for further improvement through publishing and managing APIs for innovative ideas from a developer community.

Advantages of the devices for the Utility Power Provider are numerous and include the following: Smart automated process instead of manual work, reduce error; Accurate information from network to optimize maintenance; streamline high bill investigations; detection of tampering of meters; accurate measurement of transmission losses; better network performance and cost efficiency; demand and distribution management; more intelligence to business planning; better company credibility; customized rates and billing dates (energy tariffs, etc.); billing flexibility.

Advantages for the power consumer are numerous, and include the following: precise consumption information; clear and accurate billing;

automatic outage information and faster recovery; better and faster customer service; flag potential high consumption before customer gets a high bill.

Given such methods and advantages, the devices or systems herein may be configured to provide notices such as alerts or informational notices. The notices may be targeted to the power provider or to power users, or to a combination thereof. The notices may originate from the devices described herein or, more commonly, from a central server monitoring one or more devices via a distributed network. The notices may carry information, instructions (machine readable or otherwise), alerts, and the like. The notices may, for example, be configured to alter a user interface (e.g., a GUI) of a device such as a mobile device or a desktop computer. Such alteration may be suitable to relay the information, provide a user or operator with instructions, request instructions/information from a user or operator, or the like. For example, in embodiments the devices herein are configured to relay information to a server, wherein such information is configured to cause the server to transmit a message to the user. The message is configured to alter a user interface as described herein.

The APM device contains various components, as described below and elsewhere herein.

In embodiments, the power unit comprises components suitable to power the device, and is supplied by making a direct connection with the transmission line (i.e., the line that is being monitored by the device). Alternatively or in addition the device may be supplied by an independent source of power. The power unit may include a battery, in which case the battery is used as a backup for main power outages, and otherwise is recharged from the connection to the transmission line.

In embodiments, voltage measuring is done with a voltage divider or voltage transformer. This allows monitoring voltage over and above simply the current on a line. The monitor therefore can sense voltage related fluctuations and spikes that result in brown outs as well as over voltage within the given transmission line. For example, the voltage on most power lines is rarely exactly 240V (or the target voltage, if the target voltage is not 240V). Instead, typically the acceptable range is about +/- 6% from the target (e.g., for a 240V line, +/- 14V) for power utility companies. When dealing with a distributed grid, the voltage will fluctuate and exact (measured) voltage is more accurate and therefore more useful, particularly for calculating power. The devices herein enable such measurements and are therefore useful to power suppliers as well as users.

The devices herein are electronic devices utilizing a processor and a memory, and further comprise machine readable instructions located in the memory or otherwise accessible by the processor. The instructions are configured to instruct the processor and other components to carry out the methods herein. The instructions may be upgradable including remotely to enable modification from a central server.

In embodiments the inventive devices are synchronized to the

(traditional) utility power meter. The devices decompose all the inputs into the traditional meter and are able to send these data separately to obtain more useful information. Hence is the ability to do voltage profiling and an ability to calculate the power factor. Other uses include identifying power outages, improving load balancing, etc.

The location of the device may be anywhere along a transmission line, but in embodiments it is immediately before a traditional utility power meter (such as a residential or commercial utility power meter). The device may be located in the same physical box as the traditional power meter, or outside of the box such as on a utility transmission line support pole or at or near a utility transformer. The device must be located in a position where the communications module (i.e., the GSM or other cellular communications device) can communicate with a cellular network.

In embodiments, when a device as herein is placed along a power line it can audit the power that is transmitted through such line. That data can be used for various applications on the back-end, including big data analytics, metering, etc. For example is a system that results from installing our such a device onto a power transmitting cable.

Mentions herein of "systems" may, for example, include a device as described herein as well as a server and/or other components. In some embodiments a system may refer simply to the device itself (e.g., as installed and monitoring a power system), particularly where the device is itself capable of communicating with a user and carrying out other functions as described herein. Distributed networks as mentioned herein may include any network now known or later developed suitable for communications of the type described. Examples include GSM, 3G, 4G, WiFi, Bluetooth, mesh, EDGE, and other networks. The communications module described herein will be configured to

communicate using any one or multiple such networks.

The methods and devices described herein include a memory coupled to the processor. Herein, the memory is a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium or media, which may include one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs) (such, as for example, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific ICs (ASICs)), hard disk drives (HDDs), hybrid hard drives (HHDs), optical discs, optical disc drives (ODDs), magneto- optical discs, magneto-optical drives, floppy diskettes, floppy disk drives (FDDs), magnetic tapes, solid-state drives (SSDs), RAM-drives, SECURE DIGITAL cards or drives, any other suitable computer-readable non-transitory storage media, or any suitable combination of two or more of these, where appropriate. A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile, where appropriate.

Throughout this disclosure, use of the term "or" is inclusive and not exclusive, unless otherwise indicated expressly or by context. Therefore, herein, "A or B" means "A, B, or both," unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Moreover, "and" is both joint and several, unless otherwise indicated expressly or by context. Therefore, herein, "A and B" means "A and B, jointly or severally," unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context.

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with examples of specific embodiments thereof, that the foregoing description and the examples that follow are intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention, and further that other aspects, advantages and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. The pertinent parts of all publications mentioned herein are incorporated by reference. All combinations of the embodiments described herein are intended to be part of the invention, as if such combinations had been laboriously set forth in this disclosure.

Example

A device according to the invention was built using the following materials.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A power monitoring device comprising:

a control unit comprising a processor and a memory coupled to the processor;

a power meter configured to obtain a reading corresponding to power transmission through a location on a supplier's side of a power transmission line and relay the reading to the control unit;

a communications module configured to communicate wirelessly via a network and transmit information from the control unit to a recipient on the network; and

a power unit configured to obtain power from the power transmission line and to provide power to the control unit.

2. The power monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the reading comprises a voltage component and a current component.

3. The power monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the power meter comprises a voltmeter voltage sensor configured to measure voltage and separately comprises a current sensor configured to measure current from the power transmission line, and wherein the power meter is configured to relay the voltage measurement and the current measurement to the control unit.

4. The power monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the power meter relays a voltage measurement and a current measurement to the control unit, and wherein the memory comprises machine instructions configured to cause the processor to calculate instantaneous power from the voltage measurement and the current measurement.

5. The power monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the power meter is configured to obtain voltage and current measurements without physically contacting the power transmission line.

6. The power monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the power meter is configured to obtain voltage and current measurements via inductive coupling and/or capacitive coupling with the power transmission line.

7. The power monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the location is proximal to a supplier side of a supplier power meter and distal to a load side of the supplier power meter.

8. The power monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the recipient is a server on the network, and wherein the server comprises a processor and memory coupled to the processor and configured to receive the information.

9. A method for monitoring power supply provided by a supplier via a power transmission line, the method comprising coupling the device of claim 1 to the power transmission line and obtaining a voltage reading and a current reading via the power meter.

10. A method for displaying power consumption data at a location on a supplier side of a supplier power meter on an energy distribution network, the method comprising:

measuring, using a power monitoring device at the location, voltage and current;

calculating instantaneous power from the measured voltage and current; communicating the calculated instantaneous power to a server via a wireless network; and

converting the calculated instantaneous power into a display signal adapted to be displayed on a monitor.