WO2018099584A1

WO2018099584A1 - Method for data transmission of consumption measuring devices

Info

Publication number: WO2018099584A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/001312
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hristo PETKOV; Thomas Blank; Thomas Kauppert; Frank Herrmann
Original assignee: Diehl Metering Systems Gmbh
Priority date: 2016-12-03
Filing date: 2017-11-10
Publication date: 2018-06-07
Also published as: AT524412A5; DE102016014376B4; DE102016014376A1; AT524412B1

Abstract

Method for data transmission, more particularly for acquiring consumption data from consumption measuring devices (1), the method comprising a plurality of consumption measuring devices (1), each equipped with a communication module (2), and comprising a data collector (3) which is preferably fixedly installed, for receiving data packets (4) from the consumption measuring devices (1). During the transmission operation, the data packets (4) are sent via radio from each communication module (2) to the data collector (3) at defined time intervals within a defined sampling time period (10), wherein the data collector (3) has a control device (5) for temporally controlling a receiving operation, the control device (5) being designed to receive consecutive data packets (4) in a temporal sequence. The data collector (3) generates a time reference signal (6), by means of which each communication module (2) can determine when the sampling time period (10) begins, the time reference signal (6) is sent via radio from the data collector (3) to the relevant communication module (2) and the temporal sequence for transmitting the data packets (4) from each communication module (2) to the data collector (3) is adjusted in accordance with the time reference signal (6).

Description

Method for data transmission of consumption meters

The present invention relates to a method for data transmission, in particular for consumption data acquisition of consumption meters according to the preamble of claim 1.

Technological background

Smart metering devices, also known as Smart Meters, are utility meters integrated in a supply network. For example, for energy, electricity, gas, water, which show the respective connection user's actual consumption and are integrated into a communication network. Smart meters have the advantage of eliminating manual readings of meter readings and allowing the utility to make shorter-term billing according to actual consumption. By means of short-term reading intervals, it is possible in turn to link the retail tariffs more precisely to the development of stock market prices. Also, utility networks can be utilized much better. Smart meters are usually associated with each residential units or homes. The resulting measurement data can be read out in many different ways. Measurement data can z. B. via the power grid (Power Line) to be read. The integration of consumption meters into a local network is not possible here. Furthermore, measurement data can be transmitted by means of mobile radio technology in the form of data packets or telegrams. However, this is expensive, requires the installation of mobile radio modules on the consumption meters and has disadvantages in terms of high power consumption of the individual consumption measuring devices. Furthermore, measurement data in the form of data packets or telegrams can also be transmitted by radio, for example in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, Medical) band frequency range. These frequency ranges have the advantage that the operators only need a general admission of the frequency management. However, there is a problem that, due to the frequency of using such frequency ranges for various technical devices such as garage door controls, baby monitors, alarm systems, WLAN, Bluetooth, smoke detectors, etc., it can often interfere. The measurement data is collected wirelessly either by stationary or mobile data collectors (collectors), to which the measurement data provided in the transmitters of the consumption meters are transmitted.

For legal reasons, the transmitters of the consumption meters may only use measurement data, which are transmitted to a data collector at specific, very short stitching periods (stitch time or stitch time including time deviation), for the consumption evaluation. During these very short stitching periods, the transmitters of all metering devices transmit their data packets to the receiver of the data collector. Data packets received outside of the stitching periods are discarded. It happens quite often that the transmissions of measured data from transmitters of different consumption meters interfere with each other within the reference period. Even building-specific features can often lead to the fact that the transmission of the measurement data from the consumption meters to the data collector is disturbed. All of these factors mean that there is only a moderate probability that the data packets will pass through in the channel in question.

Nearest prior art

A method for data transmission or for consumption detection of consumption meters according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 199 05 316 A1. This is a unidirectional data transmission system in which the receiver is a timing device of his Receive mode, which is adapted to estimate on the basis of set values for the intervals of successive data packets of the transmitter in question the respective date of the expected next data transmission of the transmitter and the receiver temporarily in a Tol ranzzeitintervall containing the estimated time of data transmission , ready to receive.

Object of the present invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a method for data transmission, in particular for consumption measurement of consumption meters, with which an improved performance in the transmission of the measured data from the individual consumption meters to the data collector is made possible.

Solution to the Problem The above object is achieved by the entire teaching of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are claimed in the subclaims.

Characterized in that the data collector (or "concentrator" called) generates a time reference based on which the respective communication module of the respective consumption meter can determine when the stitch period begins, the time reference is sent by the data collector by radio to the respective communication module, and the If the time sequence of the transmission of the data packets from the respective communication module to the data collector is adjusted as a function of the time reference, the respective communication module can make a time comparison using its own time-measuring instrument and thus adjust its transmission behavior a time reference signal unit, such as a synchronization signal or a synchronization sequence act. Under stitch period is a stitch time for data transmission, z. B. every 15 minutes, as well as a before and after the stitching point subsequent, caused by the error of the time measurement instrument of the respective communication module tolerance period, eg. B. 9 seconds to understand. The data collector can either be stationary or mobile.

The time reference does not have to contain any data. The time reference can therefore be easily implemented in the timing of the consumption meter and / or the communication module. For example, the time reference may be a so-called beacon.

Due to the fact that the adaptation takes place in such a way that the data packets are sent from the respective communication module to the data collector within the stitch period with increased transmission frequency, a higher data reliability and thus an improved performance can be achieved in view of the problems of data transmission described at the outset. More relevant data packets than before can be transferred from the individual communication modules to the data collector within the reference period. This increases the probability of a good data transfer in comparison to the previously operated procedures. In addition, the invention makes it possible to achieve improved channel utilization.

Preferably, the respective communication module transmits identical data packets to the data collector several times within the stitching period. As a result, a further increase in data reliability can be achieved even with occasionally mutually interfering data transmission.

In an expedient embodiment of the present invention, the time reference signal comprises a plurality of time reference partial signals (synchronization sequence), which are preferably sent to the respective communication module at different time intervals to the specific stitch period or stitch time from the data collector, and from the respective communication module based on the respective time interval of the time reference part signals with each other and / or at the specific reference period or remaining time until the specified stitch period is calculated. He can thereby predict when the stitch period begins and is thus able to adjust his transmission behavior accordingly. Preferably, the time duration of the time intervals for the transmission of the data packets to the sampling time or the sampling time decreases (Count Down Sequence or Count Down Beacon).

Preferably, such data packets that are sent to the data collector by the respective communication module outside of the specific stitch period are discarded by the data collector.

The invention also makes it possible to specify a desired channel load as the control variable and to determine the increase in the transmission frequency of the respective communication module to the data collector such that a predetermined maximum value of the channel load is not exceeded. As a result, the utilization efficiency of the channel or the utilization rate of the transmission channel can be optimized, while at the same time other channel loads can be taken into account when setting the maximum value. According to an expedient development, the channel load in a previous transmission of data packets, z. For example, during transmission within the most recent stitch period. In doing so, external disturbances can be recorded and included in the determination of the degree of increase of the transmission frequency. This also makes it possible to further optimize the degree of utilization of the channel or the degree of utilization of the transmission channel.

The present invention makes it possible, within the stitching period for the transmission of data packets, to specify time slots, thus transmission time windows, only within which the transmission of the data packets can take place. This can prevent the transmission of the data packets from different communication modules from interfering with each other.

In this case, preferably each consumption meter and / or each communication module an individual, the respective consumption meter and / or communication module assigned time slot for the transmission of data packets of the respective communication module to be assigned. For example, the time slots are provided with slot numbers. The time duration of the time slot may preferably be determined from the transmission duration of the data packet, ie from the telegram length, as well as from the time error of a time measuring unit used in the consumption meter (eg quartz oscillator), ie from the time oscillator (quartz) accuracy and the expected time period from the last time reference signal , be determined. This allows optimal transmission of the data packets, including the error inherent in the time-measuring instrument.

Advantageously, in the context of the method according to the invention in the transmission of the data packets does not necessarily have a frequency adjustment.

Appropriately, the communication module of the consumption meter can be permanently ready to receive a time reference signal of the data collector.

Alternatively, the communication module may not be permanently ready to receive to save energy. To carry out the time synchronization between the consumption meter and the data collector, the communication module can transmit to the data collector at regular intervals and / or as required a request signal for transmitting the time reference signal. Subsequently, the reception mode of the communication module is switched on for a limited time for the reception of the time reference signal. Due to the energy savings achieved thereby, the durability of the battery and thus the service life of a consumption meter can be extended to a particular extent. Description of the invention with reference to embodiments

Advantageous embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to drawing figures. Recurring features are provided for clarity only once with reference numerals. Show it:

Figure 1 is a rough schematic representation of an embodiment of the data transmission system according to the invention within a multiple residential homes catchment area with a variety of consumption meters. a schematic representation of the temporal sequence of two stitch periods; a schematic representation of the temporal sequence of a stitch period with a preceding time reference signal; a schematic representation of the time sequence of a stitch period with previous countdown sequence; a schematic representation of the time sequence of a stitch period with previous synchronization sequence; a schematic representation of the temporal sequence of a stitch period with time slot subdivision; a schematic representation of the temporal sequence of a time slot;

Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of the time sequence of the receiving period of a communication module with received time reference signal, as well a schematic representation of the time sequence of multiple reception periods of a communication module with previous request signals and received time reference signal. Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a radio-operated data acquisition system for consumption meters 1. The consumption meters 1 are usually to electricity, water or heat meter. The consumption meters 1 each include a communication module 2 for sending data packets 4. The consumption meters 1 and the communication onsmodule 2 are z. In addition, there are data collectors 3 in transmission range of the communication modules 2. The data collector 3 have a transmitting and receiving unit for receiving the data packets 4. The data transmission of the data packets 4 takes place in the rule over radio, in particular over ISM tapes. To increase the transmission and reception range of the radio signals, the data collector 3 via antennas 24, for example by means of a line 23, z. B. a high-frequency line (RF line), are connected to the data collector 3. The data collectors 3 are preferably permanently installed within the residential building 20 or in its surroundings. In addition, the data collectors 3 may be connected via a connection 25 to a local network 26. This can be a closed network, an intranet, the Internet or the like. The connection 25 between data collector 3 and network 26 may, for. B. be configured via powerline, LAN or wireless.

As a rule, the data collector 3 has a fixed power supply and can thus transmit and receive permanently without any energy bottlenecks. The consumption meters 1 and thus also their communication modules 2, however, are usually battery operated and thus designed for economical energy consumption.

The communication modules 2 transmit at defined time intervals consumption data, such. As count, temperature, average consumption or the like, to the data collector 3. The data collector 3 collect this Data and / or direct these over the network 26 directly to a parent, not shown central data collection, such. As the headquarters of an energy or water suppliers, on. Advantageously, consumption data of the consumption meters and / or malfunctions can be transmitted to the relevant data acquisition devices at desired times (stitch times).

For the timely data transmission, it is necessary that the data collector 3 and the communication modules 2 send and receive based on the same time. The consumption meters 1 and the communication modules 2 and the data collector 3 each have a time measuring instrument for measuring the time and / or time recording of a specific period. As time measuring instrument quartz crystals are usually used. In the field of communication modules 2, however, an energy-saving variant of the time measuring instrument is provided. Usually, energy-saving and less stable measuring quartz crystals, such. As quartz watch crystals, used with measurement errors of, for example, about 100 ppm. On the other hand, in the area of the data collector 3, more accurate time measuring instruments, which can have an increased power consumption, can be used, since as a rule no energy supply problems are to be expected from the data collector 3.

Alternatively or additionally, the current time can be transmitted as often as desired via the network 26 to the data collector 3. In order to always ensure that the communication module 2 and the data collector 3 have an at least almost the same time, a time synchronization is performed between communication module 2 and data collector 3, in which z. B. the time of the communication module 2 is adapted to the time of the data collector 3. This time synchronization takes place according to the invention as a function of a time reference signal 6, which is transmitted via the transmitting and receiving unit of the data collector 3 to the respective communication module 2.

Fig. 2 shows the timing of two successive stitch times 9 and the associated stitching periods 10. The stitching periods 10 include the desired stitching time 9, z. B. in electricity meters every 15 minutes, and a tolerance period 1 1 a before and a tolerance period 1 1 b after the desired stitch time 9. Within the stitch period 10 are increasingly transmitted according to the invention data packets 4 from the respective communication module 2 of the associated consumption meter 1 to the data collector 3. The respective communication module 2 preferably transmits 10 identical data packets 4 multiple times to the data collector 3 within a specific stitching period, in order to ensure that the relevant data packet 4 is successfully transmitted at least once within the relevant stitching period 10. The goal here is to transmit the data packets 4 as often as possible within a stitching period 10 or to perform as many repetitions as possible without disturbing other data transmissions (eg, other communication modules 2).

The data packets 4, which are transmitted within the stitching periods 10 from the communication module 2 to the data collector 3, are used to determine the consumption of the respective consumption meter 1. These data packets 4 can then either be stored for later reading in the data collector 3 or via a radio link, an IT Network, a powerline or the like are transmitted directly to a central data collection. Outside the stitching periods 10, data packets 4 can also be transmitted. Expediently, however, those data packets 4 which are sent to the data collector 3 outside of the specific stitch period 10 by the respective communication module 2 are discarded by the data collector 3.

Reference numeral 6 in Fig. 3 denotes the time reference signal. The time reference signal 6 is generated by the data collector 3 and transmitted to communication module 2 via radio at a specific time t. Based on the time reference signal 6, the respective communication module 2 can determine, with the aid of its time-measuring instrument, when the stitching period 10 begins. The time reference signal 6 may include, for example, the current time (eg, 11:59:20) and / or the remaining time remaining until the beginning of the next punctuation period 10 (eg, 40 seconds remaining). Accordingly, the communication module 2 can determine the exact time duration or the time interval 12 (eg 40 seconds) until the beginning of the next stitching period 10. This allows the chronological sequence of the transmission of the data packets 4 from the respective communication mode. dul 2 be adapted to the data collector 3 in response to the time reference signal 6.

In addition, if desired, the time of the communication module 2 can always be synchronized with the data collector 3 by the time transfer. Time deviations in the range of the time measuring instrument of the communication module 2, which usually arise in the course of the operating time of the time measuring instrument, can be kept negligibly small by the regular time synchronization with the data collector 3.

4 shows the stitching period 10, the beginning of which is transmitted to the respective communication module 2 by the transmission of a time reference signal 6, which consists of a plurality of time reference partial signals 6a-6d. The time reference partial signals 6a-6d each contain information about the remaining time remaining (for example still 40 seconds, still 30 seconds, still 20 seconds, still 10 seconds) until the beginning of the stitching period 10. The time reference partial signals 6a-6d provide a countdown Sequence, which transmits the remaining time each time until the beginning of the stitch period 10 (eg every 10 seconds). Advantageously, the communication module 2 does not have to receive all the time reference partial signals 6a-6d in this transmission method of the time reference. Rather, it can also determine the beginning of the stitch period 10 based on one of these time reference partial signals 6a-6d. As a result, the transmission reliability can be additionally increased, since even if a plurality of time reference partial signals 6a-6d are lost, the beginning of the stitch period 10 is reliably determined by the communication module 2.

According to a further embodiment according to FIG. 5, the time reference signal 6 consists of a sequence of a plurality of time reference partial signals 6a-6d or of a synchronization sequence. The time reference partial signals 6a-6d in this case contain no data packets and are expediently as simple signals, such. B. Signalbea- cons, designed. The likelihood of signal loss is thereby reduced to a particular extent, since such short signals are much easier and safer to transmit than larger data packets. The time reference partial signals 6a-6d have time intervals 12a-12d to each other and / or to the beginning of the Stitch period 10. The time intervals 12a-12d are defined within the synchronization sequence and usually decrease towards the beginning of the stitch period 10 back. Furthermore, the time intervals 12a-12d are unequal or different from each other. In addition, the sums of two or more time intervals 12a-12d are unequal. Further, a time interval 12a-12d and the sum of two or more time intervals 12a-12d are unequal. This results in the advantage that the time amount of a time interval between two arbitrary and not necessarily directly successive time reference partial signals 6a-6d is provided only once within the synchronization sequence.

As a result, the respective communication module 2 can be used on the basis of only one determined time interval between any two time reference partial signals 6a-6d, d. H. by the reception of only two time reference partial signals 6a-6d, which determine the remaining time until the puncture period 10.

Conveniently, a channel load is provided as a control variable. The channel load describes the occupancy of the respective radio channel or the load on the respective frequency. The channel load consists of a load based on faults and a load due to the transmission of the data packet 4. The increase in the transmission frequency during the stitching period 10 from the respective communication module 2 to the data collector 3 is in this case determined such that a predetermined maximum value of the channel load is not exceeded. For example, it can thus be determined in advance that, starting from a channel assignment of 70%, the transmission frequency is reduced in order to thus improve the transmission probability. As a result, the performance of the transmission of the data packets 4 can be improved without the need for frequency adaptation. In a preferred manner, the channel load can be determined during a previous transmission of data packets 4, preferably within the most recent stitch period 10.

Further, the data collector 3 can determine the optimal load of the consumption meters either by the channel load Load per counter optimal = (channel load desired ~ channel load disturbance) / number of consumption meters or by the data transmission parameters after

Optimal load per counter ~ (number of data packet transmissions X duration of data packet transmission) / duration Determine the sampling period and derive therefrom the optimum number of repetitions of the data packet transmissions. Based on the optimal number of repetitions, the transmission frequency of the respective communication module 2 can be adapted to the available channel resources in an optimized manner depending on the situation.

According to a particular embodiment of FIG. 6, time slots 8 can be defined within the puncture period 10 for the transmission of data packets within which the transmission of the data packets 4 to a data collector 3 takes place. As a result, the respective consumption meters 1 and / or communication modules 2 can be assigned specific time slots, within which the communication modules 2 send to a data collector 3. Accordingly, each consumption meter 1 and / or communication module 2 is assigned at least one time slot 8 assigned to the consumption meter 1 and / or the communication module 2 for the transmission of data packets 4 of the respective communication module 2. As a result, the mutual influence of the radio signals of the communication modules 2 with each other can be reduced and the transmission performance can be significantly increased.

The time duration of a time slot 8 results according to FIG. 7 from the sum of the transmission duration 15 (telegram length) of the data packet 4 and a time period for compensating for a time error of the time measuring instrument used in the consumption meter 1 or in the communication module 2, z. B. of

Quartz oscillator. The time period for compensating the time error includes a tolerance period 16a preceding the transmission duration 15 and a tolerance period 16b following the transmission duration 15. Preferably, the tolerance periods 16a, 16b are the same length. The number of data packet transmissions is substantially increased by this embodiment. The security and performance of the data transmission is therefore improved to a particular extent. In addition, consumption meters with bad signal levels increased time slots 8 can be made available to adverse conditions such. B. high data packet error rates, high Störerquoten, poor accessibility in basements, etc., compensate. As a result, a uniform performance for the data acquisition of different consumption meters can be guaranteed.

The illustration according to FIG. 8 shows a variant of the method in which the communication module 2 operates permanently with the receive mode 13 switched on in order to receive the time reference signal 6 of the data collector 3. The continuous operation of the receiving operation 13 of the communication module 2 is a burden on the battery of the communication module 2 and the consumption meter 1. To save power capacity of the battery, can also be provided that the receiving mode is only temporarily, during a certain tolerance period is turned on or switches off after a received time reference signal for a certain time t.

Alternatively, it can be provided according to FIG. 9 that the communication module 2 actively requests a time reference signal 6 of the data collector 3. For this purpose, the receive mode 13 of the communication module 2 is first turned off. Furthermore, an additional signal or a request signal 14 is provided, which transmits the communication module 2 to the data collector 3. As a request signal 14 is a short and energy-saving radio signal, such. As a beacon, provided. Following the transmission of the request signal 14, the receive mode 13 of the communication module 2 switches on. Depending on the transmission duration and time interval to the stitch period, the data collector 3 then sends the time reference signal 6. This results in the advantage that the receive mode 13 of the communication module 2 does not have to be permanently switched on in order to receive the time reference signal 6. The power consumption of the consumption meter and thus the durability of the battery can thus be increased in particular. REFERENCE LIST

1 consumption meter

2 communication module

3 data collectors

4 data packet

5 control device

6 time reference signal

6a-6d time reference sub-signal

7 control device

8 time slot

9 point in time

10 stitch period

11a, 11b tolerance period

12 time interval

12a-12d time interval

13 reception mode

14 prompt signal

15 transmission time

16a, 16b tolerance period

20 dwelling house

21 residential unit

22 dwelling house

23 line

24 antenna

25 connection

26 network

Claims

PAT E N TA N S P R O C H E

Method for data transmission, in particular for consumption data acquisition of consumption meters (1), with

a plurality of each equipped with a communication module (2) consumption meters (1),

a data collector (3) for receiving data packets (4) of the consumption meters (1),

wherein the data packets (4) are transmitted in certain time intervals within a certain stitch period (10) by the respective communication module (2) in the transmission mode by radio to the data collector (3),

wherein the data collector (3) has a control device (5) for the time control of a receiving operation, which is adapted to receive successive data packets (4) in chronological order, characterized in that

the data collector (3) generates a time reference signal (6) on the basis of which the respective communication module (2) can determine when the stitch period (10) begins,

the time reference signal (6) is sent by the data collector (3) by radio to the respective communication module (2), and

the time sequence of the transmission of the data packets (4) from the respective communication module (2) to the data collector (3) is adjusted as a function of the time reference signal (6).

A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Adaptation takes place in such a way that the data packets (4) within the stitch period (10) are sent with increased transmission frequency from the respective communication module (2) to the data collector (3).

3. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective communication module (2) Within the stitch period (10) the same data packets (4) repeatedly to the data collector (3) sends.

Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the time reference signal (6) comprises a plurality of time reference partial signals (6a-6d) which are sent from the data collector (3) to the respective communication module (2) at different time intervals from the stitch period (10), and

from the respective communication module (2) on the basis of the respective time interval of the time reference part signals (6a-6d) with each other or to the stitch period (10), the remaining time is calculated up to the stitch period (10).

Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that those data packets (4) which are sent outside the stitch period (10) by the respective communication module (2) to the data collector (3) are discarded by the data collector (3).

Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a channel load is provided as the control variable and the increase in the transmission frequency of the respective communication module (2) to the data collector (3) is determined such that a predetermined maximum value of the channel load is not exceeded.

Method according to Claim 6, characterized in that the channel load is composed of a load based on interference and a load based on the transmission of the data packet (4).

A method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the channel load in a previous transmission of data packets (4), within the most recent reference period (10)

9. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that within the stitch period (10) for the

Transmission of data packets (4) time slots (8) are set, within which the transmission of the data packets (4) takes place.

Method according to Claim 9, characterized in that at least one time slot (8) assigned to the communication module (2) is allocated to each communication module (2) for the transmission of data packets (4) of the relevant communication module (2).

Method according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the time duration of the time slot (8) is determined from the transmission duration of the data packet (4) and the time oscillator accuracy and the expected time period from the last time reference signal.

Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission of the data packets (4) takes place without frequency adaptation

Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication module (2) is permanently ready to receive.

14. The method according to at least one of claims 1-12, characterized in that the communication module (2) is not permanently ready to receive, the communication module (2) the data collector (3) a request signal (14) for transmitting the time reference signal (6) and transmitted then the communication module (2) is ready to receive the time reference signal (6).