AU2012233011A1

AU2012233011A1 - Method for locating current-consuming points in an electrical current distribution system, associated processing device, current sensor and current meter

Info

Publication number: AU2012233011A1
Application number: AU2012233011A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Michel Clemence; Erick Contini; Olivier Coutelou; Frederic Waterlot
Original assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Current assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Priority date: 2011-10-03
Filing date: 2012-10-02
Publication date: 2013-04-18
Anticipated expiration: 2032-10-02
Also published as: FR2980946A1; CN103149500A; ES2673509T3; AU2012233011B2; EP2579611B1; EP2579611A1; FR2980946B1; CN103149500B

Abstract

Method for locating current-consuming points in an electrical current distribution system, associated processing device, current sensor and current meter. The invention relates to a method for locating current-consuming points (10a_1, 10b_1) in a current distribution system (1) each associated with at least one electric charge, respective current cables (20,1, 2 0bl) connecting each consumer point to the central node, the distribution system comprising a processing module (40); comprising the following steps, after installation on the cables of current sensors (2 1,1, 2 1l1), suitable for measuring the current circulating in the respective associated cables: - selection of a consumer point by the processing module (40); - implementation, at the consumer point and upon reception of a command transmitted by that processing module, of a connection and/or disconnection operation to said electric charge associated with the selected consumer point; - selection, among the current sensors (21 ,1, 21bl) and as a function at least of respective measurements done by said sensors and a standard current variation profile determined as a function of the commanded operation, of the current sensor associated with a cable connecting the selected consumer point. Figure 2 22k 23k 21 k pC I|Mem| 24k 25k s p 35

Description

Pool Section 29 Regulation 3.2(2) AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Application Number: Lodged: Invention Title: Method for locating current-consuming points in an electrical current distribution system, associated processing device, current sensor and current meter The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: P111ABAU/0610 1 Method for locating current-consuming points in an electrical current distribution system, associated processing device, current sensor and current meter. The present invention relates to electrical current distribution systems from a 5 central node intended for current consuming points each associated with at least one electrical charge. In these distribution systems, respective current cables connect each consuming point to the central node. In certain cases, a respective current meter arranged at each consumer point is adapted to measure the energy consumed by the associated consumer point. 10 The central node is for example a station, called MV/LV station, interfaced between the medium voltage (MV) distribution system and the low voltage (LV) distribution system to which domestic users are connected. LV networks are dense, sometimes buried, mixing materials and cables of varied ages. In certain cases, they are used by separate electricity control systems, and may 15 have been subject to modifications, extensions, and repairs, which are sometimes disparate, without those events having been outlined or inventoried. Thus, the actual composition of LV networks is sometimes unknown. In particular, it is not always possible to draw a connection between the cable leaving from the MV/LV station and a current meter associated with the consumer point. This lack of knowledge 20 about the precise structure of LV networks is a source of various problems. For example, it gives rise to poor estimates of the quality of the connections of the system, long outage times, imbalances between the power consumed by the phases of three-phase systems, and uncertain localization and characterization of electrical energy theft or fraud. The present invention aims to contribute to the improvement of these technical 25 problems. To that end, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for locating current-consuming points in a current distribution system from a central node and intended for current-consuming points each associated with at least one electric charge, respective current cables connecting each consumer point to the central node, the 30 distribution system comprising a processing module and the consumer points and the processing module being equipped with first telecommunications means; said method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps, following the installation of current sensors on the cables, each current sensor being adapted to measure the current circulating in a respective associated cable; 35 i/ selection, by the processing module, of a consumer point, and transmission by the processing module to said selected consumer point by the first 2 telecommunications means, of a command for at least one connection and/or disconnection operation of the distribution system to an electric charge associated with the selected consumer point; ii/ implementation, at the selected consumer point, upon reception of said 5 command, of the connection and/or disconnection operation(s) to said electric charge; iii/ selection among the current sensors, as a function at least of respective measurements done by at least some of said current sensors during the implementation of said command, and also as a function of a standard current 10 variation profile determined as a function of the commanded operation, of at least one current sensor as current sensor associated with a cable connecting the central node to the selected consumer point. Such a method thus makes it possible to identify the cable, starting from a MV/LV station, to which an electric meter and/or a consumer point corresponds, to be able to 15 determine the typology of the LV system, and improve the repair, maintenance, quality estimation of the links of the LV network, energy theft localization, etc. operations. In specific embodiments, the method for localizing current-consuming points in an electrical current distribution system according to the invention also includes one or more of the following features: 20 - steps i/ to iii/ are reiterated by successively selecting distinct consumer points; - following the selection of a current sensor in step iii/: iv/ one indicates, in a lookup table stored in storage means of the electrical current distribution system, a correspondence between: - an identifier of the cable associated with the selected sensor; and 25 - an identifier of the selected consumer point; - the connection and/or disconnection operation relates to an operation, at the selected consumer point, for connection(s) and/or disconnection(s) to an electric charge whereof the power is known or considered to be known beforehand, and the standard current variation profile determined comprises a current amplitude variation determined 30 as a function of said known or estimated power; - the connection and/or disconnection operation relates to a predetermined sequence of three or more successive connection and/or disconnection steps of an electric charge in the selected consumer point; - the command includes elements for defining the sequence, different sequences 35 being commanded at separate consumer points; 3 - the consumer point comprises a switch arranged between the electric charge and the cable connecting said consumer point, said switch being adapted to implement the command; - a respective current meter at a consumer point being adapted to be incremented 5 as a function of the current consumed by said associated consumer point, sends the processing module, via the first communication means, readings of power consumption by said consumer point associated with the meter; - the known or estimated power is determined as a function of at least one of said readings received by the processing module; 10 - the technology of the first communication means is of the "power line communication" type; - the processing module and the sensors being equipped with second communication means: - the standard current variation profile determined is transmitted by the 15 processing module to the current sensors via said second telecommunications means; - each current sensor determines, as a function of said standard profile and at least one measurement done by said sensor, whether said sensor is able to be selected; 20 - if said sensor is determined as being able to be selected, it informs the processing module thereof via the second telecommunications means. According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a processing device of an electrical current distribution system from a central node to current-consuming points connected to said central node by respective current cables, current sensors being 25 adapted to measure the current circulating in the cables, each sensor being associated with a respective cable, said processing device being equipped with first telecommunications means with the consumer points and being characterized in that it is suitable for: a/ selecting a consumer point and transmitting, using the first telecommunications 30 means to the selected consumer point, a command for at least one connection and/or disconnection operation of the distribution system to an electric charge associated with the selected consumer point; b/ selecting, among the current sensors, as a function at least of respective measurements done by at least some of said current sensors during the 35 implementation of said command, and also as a function of a standard current variation profile determined as a function of the command operation, at least one 4 current sensor as current sensor associated with a cable connecting the central node to the selected consumer point. According to a third aspect, the invention relates to an electrical current sensor in a current cable and comprising telecommunications means and processing means, said 5 current sensor being adapted to receive, from an outside device via the telecommunications means, a standard current variation profile, the processing means being adapted to determine, as a function at least of current measurements, whether the current circulating in the cable corresponds to the received standard profile, and in the affirmative, to signal that to the outside device using the telecommunications means. 10 According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to an electrical current meter adapted to measure a current delivered to the meter from a cable and consumed by a consumer point associated with said meter and comprising at least one electrical charge, said meter being adapted to be incremented as a function of said measured current, said meter also comprising processing means and telecommunications means with an outside 15 device, said meter being characterized in that it is adapted so as, following reception by said telecommunications means of an order for the implementation of at least one connection and/or disconnection operation of the meter, to implement the commanded operation between the cable and the electric charge. The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description and 20 examining the accompanying figures. These figures are provided as an illustration, but are in no way limiting on the invention. These figures are as follows: - figure 1 is a view of part of an electrical distribution system; - figure 2 is a detailed view of part of the electrical distribution system shown in figure 1; 25 - figure 3 shows a view of a consumer point in one embodiment of the invention; - figure 4 shows a view of a current sensor in one embodiment of the invention; - figure 5 is a flowchart of a method in one embodiment of the invention; - figure 6 is a view of the variations of the connection status of the meter to the charge as a function of time on a given cable, and corresponding variations of the current 30 at the other end of the cable. In figure 1, an MV (Medium Voltage) outgoing line of the electrical distribution system 1 is shown diagrammatically, comprising an HV/MV (High Voltage/Medium Voltage) conversion station 3 equipped with several MV three-phase outgoing branches

B

1 , ... B,. 35 Below, we will describe the MV and LV distribution system corresponding to the branch B 1 , which is similar to the systems corresponding to the other branches.

5 The MV branch B 1 connects a plurality of MV/LV (Medium Voltage/Low Voltage) conversion stations 2, three of which are shown in figure 1. Typically, this number of MV/LV (Medium Voltage/Low Voltage) conversion stations is between 3 and 15. The MV/LV conversion stations 2 are arranged between the 5 MV distribution system and the LV distribution system. For example, the voltage on the MV systems is from 3 to 33 kV and the voltage on the LV systems is from 110 V to 600 V. Below, the MV/LV conversion station 2 and the LV system powered by that MV/LV conversion station, which are located in bubble Z in figure 1, will be described. The other 10 MV/LV conversion stations and LV systems powered by the stations have a similar structure. The MV/LV conversion station 2 comprises a transformer F 1 , adapted to convert the medium voltage and low voltage, powered by the MV branch B 1 . In the MV/LV conversion station 2, the converter F 1 is followed by a node D 1 15 upstream of a load center T 1 . The center T 1 distributes, in the MV/LV conversion station 2, the current received at the outgoing point T 1 over a certain number of three-phase LV (Low Voltage) outgoing lines conveying an electrical current intended for a plurality of consumers 10, monophasic or tri-phase, typically between 20 and 200 consumers generally equipped with an 20 electrical meter. Figure 2 is a more detailed view of the MV/LV conversion station 2 and the LV system powered by that MV/LV conversion station 2, which are located in bubble Z of figure 1. The load center powers a certain number of tri-phase LV outgoing lines. Typically, 25 this number is generally comprised between 2 and 10. Two tri-phase outgoing lines Depa and Depb have been considered in reference to figure 2. Thus, from the load center T 1 , for the tri-phase outgoing line Depa, four monophasic tables 20 1, 20,2, 20,3, 2 0aN, respectively corresponding to the first, second, third, and voltage neutral phases, leave for respective consumers 10. The cables 20, 30 2 0 ,2, 20a3, 2 0aN are adapted to deliver a respective electrical current 1,1, 1,2, 1a3 to this plurality of consumers 10. Similarly to the load center T 1 , for the tri-phase outgoing line Depb, four monophasic cables 2 0 b1, 2 0 b2, 2 0 03, 2 0bN, respectively corresponding to the first, second, third and voltage neutral phases, leave for the respective consumers. The cables 2 0 b1, 35 2 0 b2, 2 0 b3 are adapted to deliver an electrical current, respectively lbl, b2, 13, to a plurality of consumers 10.

6 In the MV/LV station 2, a processing device 40, also called a concentrator, is electrically connected to the node D 1 upstream of the load center T 1 . The processing device 40 includes a radiofrequency transmission/reception module 41, a PLC ("Power Line Communication") transmission/reception module 42, a microcontroller 43, and a 5 memory 44. Each cable 20 ,i, 2 0 bi (with i comprised between 1 and 3) powers several (between one and 10) consumer points, for example a residence or group of residences, a plant, etc., using branches distributed along the cable. Here, we consider consumer points 1 0 a_1, 10a_2, 10a_3, 10,_4, 10a5, 10b_1, 10b_2, 10 10b_3, 10b_4. Generally, the distribution of the consumer points in relation to the cables identified at the outgoing line of the MV/LV conversion station 2 is unknown, the connection between the cable outgoing points in the conversion station and the consumers not being obvious, since in many cases, the cables have buried sections, have been modified or 15 split many times, etc. The length of these cables may vary, and may reach 200 m. The structure of a consumer point 10j, j assuming the values a_1, a_2, a_3, a_4, a_5, b_1, b_2, b_3, b_4, is described in reference to figure 4. A consumer point 10j comprises a current meter 30 that is arranged between the 20 cable C that powers it (one of the cables among cables 2 0,1, 20,2, 2 0 3.

2 0 b1, 2 0 b2, 2 0 3) and the electrical charge 33; that is the real electrical charge of the consumer point 10s. In the considered embodiment, the current meter 3 0j includes a PLC transmission reception module 31j, a microcontroller 32j, an electronic or electromechanical meter module 34j, and a memory 35j. 25 When the charge 33 j consumes the current I supplied by the cable C electrically powering the consumer point 10j, the meter module 34j is adapted to measure the energy consumed by the charge 33 j and to increment, as a function of the count of consumed energy units, for example expressed in kilowatt hours (kWh). In the considered embodiment, the meter 30j is also adapted so as, as a function 30 of the corresponding received command, to disconnect from the charge 33 j and/or reconnect to that charge 33 j quickly (in several milliseconds), transparently for the consumer. To that end, for example, it also includes a switch 361 commanded by the microcontroller 32j. In the considered embodiment, the meters of the consumer points, or at least 35 some of them, are adapted to transmit the meter data developed by the meter module intended for the processing device 40 by PLC transmission at a regular frequency.

7 The frequency may for example be in the vicinity of one time per approximately 10 minutes to up to one time per day. Thus, in reference to a consumer point 10 , the meter data is provided by the meter module 3 4 j to the PLC transmission/reception module 3 1j, under the driving of the 5 microcontroller 325. The PLC transmission/reception module 31j then prepares that data so as to make it compliant with the PLC protocol, then transmits it, over the electrical power cable to which the consumer point is connected, to the processing module 40 by PLC. As a reminder, the known PLC principle consists of superimposing, on the alternating electrical current passing through the cable, a higher frequency and lower 10 energy electrical signal including the data to be transmitted. The PLC is received by any PLC receptor located on the same electrical system. In one embodiment, the processing device 40 receives the readings emitted by the various meters connected to the outgoing LV distribution system from the load center T 1 , for example stores it in the memory 44, then, if applicable, performs one or more 15 concatenation, average, etc. operations, before transmitting it in turn, if applicable, to a higher level of the system. The quasi-real time metering data of each of the meters is therefore available in the MV/LV station 2. The PLC signals transmitted by the meters transmitting the readings to the processing device 40 are found in the load center T 1 , and subsequently over all of the 20 cables connected to the load center T 1 of the considered MV/LV station, or even, for crosstalk, on the LV cables connected to the other MV/LV stations 2. The reception of these signals by the processing device 40 therefore does not make it possible to determine the distribution of the meters 3 0j, with j assuming the values a_1, a_2, a_3, a_4, a_5, b_1, b_2, b_3, b_4, on the cables 20,j 20bi (with i comprised 25 between 1 and 3) when the latter is unknown. In one embodiment of the invention, and in reference to figures 2 and 5, a current sensor, respectively 21 %1, 2 1 .2, 21,3, 2 1 b1, 2 1 b2, 2 1 b3, is installed on a cable associated therewith, respectively 2 0,1, 20.2, 20.3, 2 0 b1, 2 0b2, 2 0 3, in the MV/LV station 2, at the load center T 1 (step 100). 30 As shown in detail in figure 4, a current sensor 2 1 k, with k assuming the values al, a2, a3, b1, b2, b3, includes, in the considered embodiment, an element for measuring the current 2 2 k, a radiofrequency transmission/reception module 2 3 k, a microcontroller 2 4 k, and a memory 2 5 k. The current measuring element 2 2 k is for example of the open-ended Rogowsky 35 coil type, which is clipped around the cable 2 0 k.

8 The current sensor 2 1 k is suitable for measuring the current Ik passing through the cable 2 0 k using measurements taken by the measuring element 22 kg, and processing done on those measurements following the execution of software instructions stored in the memory 25 k on the microcontroller 2 4 k. 5 The current sensor 2 1 k is also adapted to communicate with the processing device 40 through their respective radiofrequency transmission/reception module 2 3 k, 41. The protocol used for the radiofrequency communication is for example ZigBee, Wifi, BlueTooth, or a proprietary radio. The current sensor 2 1 k is for example powered by recovering the energy corresponding to the electrical current induced in the measuring 10 element 2 2 k by the passage of the current in the cable 2 0 k. In radiofrequency communications on the one hand, and PLC communications on the other hand, the processing device 40, the current sensors 2 1a1, 21,2, 21.3, 2 1bl, 2 1b2, 2 1 3 and the meters 3 0 ,_1, 30a_2, 30a_3. 3 0 a_4, 3 0 a_5, 3 0 b_1, 3 0 b_2, 3 0 b_3, 3 0 b_4, are identified by respective addresses. 15 In other embodiments, the communication between the processing device 40 and the current sensors 2 1 a1, 2 1 a2, 2 1 a3, 2 1 b1, 2 1 b2, 2 1 b3is implemented by land line. A database 45 is stored in the memory 44 of the processing device. In that database 45, for each cable 2 0 1, 2 0 e2, 2 0 .3, 2 0 b1, 2 0b2, 2 0 03, respectively, an identifier of the cable is matched with an identifier of the sensor 2 1 ,1, 2 1 ,2, 2 1 ,3, 2 1 b1, 2 1 b2, 2 1 3, 20 respectively, which is associated therewith and that measures the current circulating in the cable. The following steps 101 to 105 are then reiterated by each of the nine meters 30_1, 3 0 a_2, 3 0 a_3, 30 a4, 3 0 a_5 1, 30b_2, 3 0 b_3, 3 0 b_4, considered in turn. For example, the first considered meter is the meter 30a_1 in the consumer point 25 10a_1. In a step 101, the processing device 40 prepares, using its microcontroller 43 and its memory 44, a message ordering the performance of a predetermined sequence of disconnections/connections to the charge 3 3 ,_1 connected to the associated consumer point. It then transmits that message to the considered meter, here the meter 30 a_1, using 30 its PLC transmission/reception module 42. The predetermined sequence is for example "0101" (where "0" indicates a disconnection and "1" indications a connection). In general, there are three or more ordered successive steps. In one embodiment, this message is sent during periods of high current 35 consumption (here the current la1) passing through the considered meter. This state may 9 be determined according to the periodic readings received by the processing device 40 coming from the considered meter. In one embodiment, the command indicates a time To to the meter 3 0 a_1 at which the execution of the sequence must begin. 5 In a step 102, the processing device 40 sends the current sensors 21,1, 21,2, 2113, 2 1 b1, 2 1 b2, 2 1 b3, arranged on the outgoing cables of the load center T1, an order, using the radiofrequency communication means, to perform current measurements. In one embodiment, this order indicates the predetermined sequence of disconnections/connections transmitted to the meter 30,_1 as well as a predetermined time 10 reference (for example time To and/or a time range surrounding To and the estimated duration to perform the sequence) during which those measurements are to be performed, as well as the predetermined sequence. In one embodiment, the order to the current sensors also indicates a measurement frequency to be applied by the sensors during the measuring period. 15 It will be noted that this step 102 may take place before step 101 or at the same time. The time range for example has a duration equal to the estimated necessary time, increased by a margin, so that the considered meter carries out the sequence of connections/disconnections. 20 In a step 103 after the step 102, the considered meter, here the meter 30,_1, after reception of the PLC command message, executes the connection/disconnection operations to the charge 3 3 a_1 according to the received command sequence. As illustrated in the graph at the top of figure 6 having time on the X-axis and the state of the meter 30,_1 between state "C" connected to the charge 33 a and state "D" 25 disconnected from the charge on the Y-axis, it disconnects at moment To, then reconnects, then disconnects before reconnecting. The sequence ends at moment T 1 . In the considered embodiment, each connection or disconnection state indicated in the sequence lasts the time necessary for the meter 30,_1 to link those two states, and depends in particular on the clock driving the microcontroller 32,_1 and the response time 30 of the switch 36,_1. In another embodiment, the command to the meter and the measurement command to the sensors also indicate a duration of the successive connection or disconnection states. In another embodiment, the concentrator 40 sends several successive commands, 35 each with only one connection or disconnection order, the maintenance time of each state then depending on the time between two successive commands.

10 When the meter 30,_1 goes into the disconnected state from a connected state, the charge 33,_1 no longer consumes current, the intensity of the current la_1 circulating in the cable varies, decreasing by an amplitude corresponding to what was consumed by the charge 33,_1 just before the disconnection; conversely, when the meter 30 a_1 goes into the 5 connected state from a disconnected state, the charge 33 a_1 then consumes current again, the intensity of the current 1,_1 circulating in the cable varies, increasing by an amplitude corresponding to what was consumed by the charge 33,_1. A profile of the intensity variations of the current passing through the cable connected to the meter 30 a_1 corresponding to the commanded connection sequence 10 "0101" is shown at the bottom of figure 6. In parallel to these connection/disconnection operations, the current measuring element in each current sensor 21,1, 21a2, 2183, 2 1 b1, 21 b2,. 2 1 3 performs successive measurements of the intensity of the current 1,1, 162, 163, 1bl, I2, 1b3 circulating in the cable respectively associated according to the measurement command transmitted by the 15 processing device 40. These successive measurements are then provided to the microcontroller of the current sensor. The microcontroller of a current sensor is adapted to compare a current variation profile in the cable, determined as a function of its measurements, to a standard profile it determines as a function of the sequence transmitted by the processing device 40. 20 The standard profile is sent to it by the processing device 40 or is developed by the current sensor itself from the sequence of connections/disconnections and maintenance times. When the microcontroller of a current sensor deduces from its comparison that the current variation profile in the cable corresponds to the standard profile, it sends a 25 message, using its radiofrequency transmission/reception means, to the processing device 40 including the identifier of the current sensor. This message indicates that the current sensor has detected current variations corresponding to the sequence and it can consequently be selected as current sensor located on the electrical power supply cable of the meter performing the commanded sequence. In one embodiment, the message 30 also includes the measurements successively done by the current sensor. In the considered case, it is the sensor 2131 that sends such a message. It will be noted that in the considered case, the standard profile corresponds to a sequence corresponding to a transition to a low state maintained for a predetermined maintenance time, followed by a transition to a high state for a predetermined 35 maintenance time, which in turn is followed by a transition to a low state for a predetermined maintenance time, lastly followed by another transition to a high state for a 11 predetermined maintenance time. The amplitudes of the high and low states are not known a priori. What is known a priori and characteristic of the standard profile is the number of successive high/low states and the maintenance time of the states. In a step 105, the current device 40, following reception of the message received 5 from the current sensor that is declared selectable, here the current sensor 21,1, updates the look-up table 45 by matching the identifier of the current meter selected for the current iteration of steps 101 to 105, here the current meter 30a_1, with the identifier of the selectable current sensor, here the current sensor 2 1 a1, and therefore the identifier of the cable 2 0 1 on which the current sensor is arranged. 10 When several current sensors have declared themselves "selectable" after performing a sequence of connections/disconnections, according to the embodiments, the current device orders a new sequence of connections/disconnections for the considered sensor, or determines, as a function of the measurements transmitted by the various current sensors, that which will in fine be selected, or determines that several are 15 selectable (in particular when a meter is a meter operating on more than one phase, and the selectable sensors correspond to separate phases of a same three-phase outgoing line). Once the database 45 is completed in step 105, the process is reiterated by selecting another current meter and reiterating steps 101 to 105 for that other considered 20 meter. It will be noted that it is necessary for the measurement frequency of the current measuring element to be greater than or equal to the switching frequency between the connected and disconnected states of the current meter. Thus, the present invention makes it possible to determine the outgoing cable at 25 an MV/LV station 2 to which a consumer point corresponds, which is very useful when the structure and path of the intermediate cable portion are not known. In the embodiment described above, it is the current sensors that perform the comparison between the current variations measured on their respective cables and a standard profile corresponding to the predetermined sequence of 30 connections/disconnections. In another embodiment, all or at least some of the current sensors do not make that comparison, but send their measurements, possibly after having performed several pre-processing operations, to the processing device 40, which then handles the comparison and selection of a current sensor associated with the same cable as the 35 considered current meter.

12 In one embodiment, the predetermined sequence of connections/disconnections commanded by the processing module is the same for all of the considered meters. In another embodiment, this sequence is different as a function of the meters, and therefore constitutes a signature given to the meter by the processing device. 5 In another embodiment, the message to transmit the command to the meter does not include elements defining the sequence (for example "0101"), the definition elements of the sequence being known beforehand by the meter and stored in its memory. In one embodiment, the connection/disconnection actions can be performed by the meter in relation to a partial charge only, and not in relation to the total charge of the 10 consumer. In that case, the switch of the meter is adapted to connect/disconnect that partial charge specifically from the power cable. In one embodiment, the transition between the connected and disconnected states is commanded by directly driving the charge or one of the charges, by PLC, directly from the processing device, rather than by driving a meter. 15 In one such embodiment, the switching of the charge is for example done by a simple switching device equipped with a PLC transmission/reception module placed at the consumer point between the power cable and the considered charge and adapted to perform connection/disconnection operations to the charge as a function of PLC commands transmitted by the processing device. As shown, the invention can therefore 20 be implemented independently of a meter. In another embodiment, which is in particular implemented when the meters are no adapted to go quickly from a connected state to a disconnected state (for example, for switching times between those two states longer than 100 ms), it is considered that the power consumed by the actual charge of the consumer is known at all times from 25 consumption readings transmitted by PLC, or it is assumed that the power of a charge drivable downstream of that meter is known. This driving charge may be a related charge that is only powered during the localization method according to the invention, or is a partial charge selected from the actual charge of the consumer. The processing device 40 transmits a message to all of the current sensors supplying the known value of the current 30 consumed by the consumer point or by the selected related/partial drivable charge and the identification of a moment To. The processing device 40 transmits, to a selected consumer point (or a meter or a switch of that consumer point), a command to disconnect, on date To, the total charge or partial charge or a command to connect the related charge. 35 13 In a step similar to the step 104 similarly described, following the message sent to them by the processing device 40, all of the current sensors will measure the current and seek a predetermined amplitude intensity variation on a known date D. The amplitude is predetermined as a function of the known consumption of the 5 total, partial or related charge having to be connected or disconnected according to the command. The sensors will seek this event for a given time around moment To (example: one second before and after TO). At the end of several seconds after moment To, the commanded charge is returned 10 to its initial state. When a sensor has detected the amplitude variation for the period of 2 seconds around moment To, it sends a message indicating that detection to the processing device with the identifiers of the sensor or the cable associated with the sensor. The processing device 40 can therefore match the selected consumer point or meter with the identifier of 15 the cable in the database. If no sensor has detected the event (for example because the partial charge was already disconnected or not used), this process is reiterated for that same selected meter, for example one hour later. If two sensors detect a same event, for example because another similar charge 20 had been cut during the two test seconds around the date To, the test is also reiterated. These steps are reiterated by successively selecting all of the consumer points, so as to complete the database 45 for all of the meters/consumer points. In one embodiment, when a consumer point has several meters, for example one meter per phase, depending on the embodiment, a specific charge connection and/or 25 disconnection command is transmitted by the processing device 40 for each meter. In another embodiment, a single command is transmitted to the consumer point to drive a charge connection/disconnection operation on each cable associated with each phase, synchronously or not.

Claims

2. The method for locating consumer points according to claim 1, wherein steps i/ to iii/ are reiterated by successively selecting distinct consumer points (10a_1, 1 0 b_1)
3. The method for locating consumer points according to any one of claims 1 to 2, also 35 comprising the following step, after the selection of a current sensor in step iii/: 15 iv/ one indicates, in a lookup table (45) stored in storage means (44) of the electrical current distribution system (1), a correspondence between: - an identifier of the cable (20a1) associated with the selected sensor ( 2 1.1); and - an identifier of the selected consumer point (10a 1). 5
4. The method for locating consumer points according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection and/or disconnection operation relates to an operation, at the selected consumer point, for connection(s) and/or disconnection(s) to an electric charge (333) whereof the power is known or considered to be known beforehand, and the 10 standard current variation profile determined comprises a current amplitude variation determined as a function of said known or estimated power.
5. The method for locating consumer points according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection and/or disconnection operation relates to a predetermined 15 sequence of three or more successive connection and/or disconnection steps of an electric charge (333) in the selected consumer point.
6. The method for locating consumer points according to claim 5, wherein the command includes elements for defining the sequence, different sequences being commanded at 20 separate consumer points.
7. The method for locating consumer points according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the consumer point (10) comprises a switch (361) arranged between the electric charge (33) and the cable connecting said consumer point, said switch being adapted to 25 implement the command.
8. The method for locating consumer points according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a respective current meter (30j) at a consumer point (10j) being adapted to be incremented as a function of the current consumed by said associated consumer point, 30 sends the processing module (40), via the first communication means, readings of power consumption by said consumer point associated with the meter.
9. The method for locating consumer points according to the preceding claim and claim 4, wherein the known or estimated power is determined as a function of at least one of said 35 readings received by the processing module. 16
10. The method for locating consumer points according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the technology of the first communication means (31, 41) is of the "power line communication" type. 5 11. The method for locating consumer points according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing module (40) and the sensors ( 2 1,1, 2 1 1) being equipped with second communication means ( 23 k, 41): a. the standard current variation profile determined is transmitted by the 10 processing module to the current sensors via said second telecommunications means; b. each current sensor determines, as a function of said standard profile and of at least one measurement done by said sensor, whether said sensor is able to be selected; 15 c. if said sensor is determined as being able to be selected, it informs the processing module thereof via the second telecommunications means.
12. A processing device (40) of an electrical current distribution system (1) from a central node (T) to current-consuming points (10_1, 1 0 b_1) connected to said central node by 20 respective current cables ( 2 0,1, 2 0b1), current sensors ( 2 11, 2 1bl) being adapted to measure the current circulating in the cables, each sensor being associated with a respective cable, said processing device being equipped with first telecommunications means (42) with the consumer points and being characterized in that it is suitable for: 25 a/ selecting a consumer point and transmitting, using the first telecommunications means to the selected consumer point, a command for at least one connection and/or disconnection operation of the distribution system to an electric charge associated with the selected consumer point; b/ selecting, among the current sensors, as a function at least of respective 30 measurements done by at least some of said current sensors during the implementation of said command, and also as a function of a standard current variation profile determined as a function of the command operation, at least one current sensor as current sensor associated with a cable connecting the central node to the selected consumer point. 35 17
13. The processing device (40) according to claim 12, suitable for successively selecting separate consumer points (10,_1, 10b 1), and suitable for performing operations a/ and b/ for each consumer point successively selected. 5 14. The processing device (40) according to claim 12 or 13, suitable for completing a look up table (45) by indicating a correspondence between: a. an identifier of the cable ( 2 0a1) associated with the selected sensor ( 2 1,1); and b. an identifier of the selected consumer point (10,_1). 10
15. The processing device (40) according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the connection and/or disconnection operation relates to an operation for connection(s) and/or disconnection(s) of an electric charge in the selected consumer point whereof the power is stored in a memory of the processing device, said processing device being suitable for 15 determining a standard current variation profile determined comprising a current amplitude variation depending on said known power.
16. The processing device (40) according to one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the commanded connection/disconnection operation relates to a predetermined sequence of 20 three or more successive connection and/or disconnection steps of an electric charge in the selected consumer point.
17. The processing device (40) according to claim 16, suitable for transmitting a command including elements defining the sequence, different sequences being commanded at 25 separate consumer points (10a_1, 1 0 b_1).
18. The processing device (40) according to any one of claims 12 to 17, suitable for receiving, via the first communication means, readings transmitted by meters of the power consumption by the consumer points (10a_1, 1 0 b_1) respectively associated with the 30 meters.
19. The processing device (40) according to claim 18 and claim 15, suitable for determining said power as a function of at least one of said readings received from the selected consumer point. 35 18
20. The processing device (40) according to one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the technology of the first communication means (311, 42) is of the "power line communication" type. 5 21. The processing device (40) according to one of claims 12 to 20, comprising second communication means ( 2 3 kg, 41) to communicate with the sensors ( 2 1 a1, 2 1 b1) and suitable for determining the standard current variation profile as a function of the commanded operation, to transmit to the current sensors, via the second communication means, said determined standard current variation profile and for receiving, via said second 10 communication means, from at least one of the sensors, information indicating that the sensor is able to be selected.
22. An electrical current sensor ( 2 1k) suitable for measuring an electrical current in a current cable ( 20 ,1) and comprising telecommunications means ( 23 k) and processing 15 means ( 2 4 k), said current sensor being adapted to receive, from an outside device (40) via the telecommunications means, a standard current variation profile, the processing means being adapted to determine, as a function at least of current measurements, whether the current circulating in the cable corresponds to the received standard profile, and in the affirmative, to signal that to the outside device using the telecommunications means. 20
23. An electrical current meter (301) adapted to measure a current delivered to the meter from a cable ( 2 0al) and consumed by a consumer point (10) associated with said meter and comprising at least one electrical charge ( 33 3), said meter being adapted to be incremented as a function of said measured current, said meter also comprising 25 processing means (323) and telecommunications means (31) with an outside device (40), said meter being characterized in that it is adapted so as, following reception by said telecommunications means of an order for the implementation of at least one connection and/or disconnection operation of the meter, to implement the commanded operation between the cable and the electric charge, and wherein the received command requires a 30 predetermined sequence of three or more successive connection and/or disconnection steps of the electric charge.
24. The current meter (30j) according to claim 23, suitable, following reception of the command, for implementing the predetermined sequence on only part of the electric 35 charge.