Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
  • G01R21/00—Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor
  • G01R21/133—Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor by using digital technique
  • G01R21/1333—Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor by using digital technique adapted for special tariff measuring

Definitions

• the present invention refers to an energy distribution system, and in particular a system of this type to which one or more energy suppliers are connected , as are also several energy consumers, some of whom may be connected and linked to one energy supplier, while others may be connected to another energy supplier, and so on.
• the system is also based on each consumer being assigned equipment (meters) to measure his/her own energy consumption.
• the energy supplier demands payment from each consumer (or groups of consumers) for the energy which is supplied and consumed. This is normally done by taking a reading from the energy consumption measuring equipment (meter) belonging to each consumer, and then sending to each of these consumers a bill corresponding to the amount of energy consumed, stating the defined conditions of payment, and with a system of fixed charges - the whole or part of the charge.
• a system of charging such as this means that the supplier has to wait a long time before receiving payment, and this in turn means that the energy supplier is burdened with the costs associated with reading off the energy consumption of each consumer, registering reported changes of address, shutting off and opening up the energy supply after failure of payment, or payment - a cost which the supplier has to spread among all consumers.
• Measures have also been adopted to improve the required system of charging, and also to make it more effective, in order to comply on the one hand with a request from the suppliers to obtain payment for the energy supplied, such as electrical energy, to each of the consumers at the lowest possible cost, and on the other hand to be able to comply with a request from consumers to be able to match the charges to the relevant energy consumption in a more direct way.
• One system of charging that has been put into use as regai'ds distribution of electrical energy, and which can be regarded as a balanced compromise, involves allowing authorized personnel to read off the consumption of electrical energy from the metering equipment once a year, and feed the subscriber's annual consumption reading into a computerized charging system, which calculates a future annual consumption on the basis of the previous years' annual consumption. It will then be possible to make a charge based on a calculated (proportioned) energy consumption at pre ⁇ determined intervals, such as 2, 3 or 4 months.
• a system of charging such as this requires that every time a subscriber or an electrical energy consumer changes address, written notification must be sent to the energy supplier, who once again has to send personnel to read off the consumption from the energy consumption meter, or accept that the subscriber who has moved is allowed to read off the consumption from the meter himself/ herself, and on the basis of this reading draw up a finally adjusted bill. Practical experiences show that allowing subscribers to read off the consumption themselves may cause problems each time a subscriber who moves to a new address does not approve the reading made by the subscriber who lived at that address previously.
• the present system also yields major disadvantages in as much as the ability of subscribers to pay is often not very good.
• the following procedure applies when there is failure of payment: A reminder is sent out seven days after the date when payment of the bill was due. After another 20 days, a debt collection demand is sent. If payment is not received ten days after the demand for dept collection is sent out, the electrical energy supply is shut off. In the case of bankruptcy, the electrical energy supplier loses the entire amount on the bill together with payment for an additional six weeks supply of electrical energy. The procedure for opening up a supply of energy also requires personnel resources.
• the supplier can also notify the calculated date when the supply of energy can be expected to be concluded. SOLUTION
• the present solution assigns an energy distribution system with one or more energy suppliers and several energy consumers, and where each consumer is assigned his/her own energy measuring equipment (meter).
• the present invention assigns that the instantaneous value of each system related energy measuring equipment can be read off from a computer, that each consumer is provided with a terminal connected to the computer and preferably a display screen (such as a television set), at which each consumer is able via the terminal and preferably a code to activate the computer in order to show the relevant consumption during a selected period or equivalent via a display screen or in any other way.
• a display screen such as a television set
• each consumer is to be able to pay a fixed charge via an advance purchase system, such as a certain power output etc. and /or a certain amount of energy consumption, and that the afore-mentioned display screen can show non- consumed deposit and equivalent.
• an advance purchase system such as a certain power output etc. and /or a certain amount of energy consumption
• each energy measuring meter is to be provided with a contact connected to the power supply circuit, which at the consumed amount of energy is activated by the computer to brake the power supply.
• a number of consumers are assigned to be linked to one and the same computer, which is connected to each of the energy measuring meters assigned to the consumer.
• a joint initial connection for all consumers is assigned, such as an aerial cable adapted to receive television signals, and adapted to be able to transmit individual information from each consumer to the mentioned computer, and vice versa.
• a second connection such as a telephone cable, connected to the computer or the energy supplier's own electrical cables, by using overtones, to allow each supplier to be connected to the computer.
• each consumer's remaining amount of energy, permitted by the advance purchase is able to be established and readable, and that with a predetermined amount of residual energy be able to calculate the final date, which is notified to the consumer by the supplier.
• figure 1 shows a structure of the system in principle in block diagram form
• figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of equipment for advance purchase
• figure 3 shows, greatly functionally simplified, computer equipment that can be used as per figure 1.
• FIG. 1 With reference to figure 1, there is shown greatly simplified an electrical energy distribution system, in which an incoming electrical energy measuring conductor or cable 2 is distributed to a number of electrical energy measuring meters, where the figure shows that an incoming and distributed cable or cable 2a is connected to an electrical energy measuring meter 2b, and then out on a supply cable or cable 2c to an electrical energy consumer 3.
• the present invention is based on the instantaneous value of each system-related electrical energy measuring equipment, such as the one assigned reference designation 2b, being able to be read via a cable 4.
• the terminal is mobile and can be connected temporarily to the computer via an interface 6'.
• Modem equipment 7 is connected to the computer 5 to enable each of the electrical energy suppliers to get in contact with and interact with computer 5 via a telephone cable 8, to evaluate the information fed into the computer, such as the supplementations and changes made from terminal 6, and the stated measuring values from the electric energy measuring equipment.
• Computer 5 is connected via an interface equipment 9 to a TV aerial cable 10.
• This aerial cable 10 is designed to coordinate all consumers 3, 3a-3d, who are assigned to computer 5, through which each consumer can be connected to the mentioned computer.
• each consumer is provided with a terminal 11 , containing an interface and a reader.
• a display screen 13 is with advantage connected to cable 10, and this is considered to be part of a TN-set 13'.
• Each consumer 3 is thereby provided with a terminal 1 1 and a display screen 13 connected to the computer 5, at which each consumer can activate the computer 5 via the terminal 1 1 , and preferably and activated code, to enable his/her own display screen 13 to show the relevant consumption during a selected period of time or equivalent.
• Each consumer 3 can, via an advance purchase system, which is described in schematic form in figure 2, pay a charge and at a date of payment decided upon by the consumer himself/ herself.
• Figure 2 aims to illustrate an advance purchase equipment, 20, provided with a note insertion intake 21 a keyset 22. If so required, note insertion can be coordinated with a code, at which a card 23 is provided with information equivalent to the paid amount, a number identification, and possibly an inserted identification code.
• This card 23 should be used in the system, and should in each case be provided with a number identification, which can be read within the system.
• the subscriber or consumer 3 can thus obtain and utilize a card 23, and this can be made available, depending on the selected payment in various amounts, such as 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 kronor.
• the system via computer 5, to assign a consumer a certain discount in the event of advance purchase of higher amounts, which means that the energy output will be cheaper for subscribers or consumers who feed the system with a card of a high amount.
• the subscriber or consumer 3 Via the terminal 11 and display screen 13, the subscriber or consumer 3 can obtain instantaneous information about the electrical energy consumption and the remaining electricity supply, and thus fix the date himself/ herself when it is time to procure a new card.
• Computer 5 is connected with a contact 2d via a cable 14, and the contact can be activated to break the supply of electric energy if no new card 23 is inserted into the system via the reader 12 or in any other way, such as that the supplier feeds the paid charges to the computer 5 via the telephone cable 8 and modem equipment 7.
• the system offers the possibilities of fixing the proportion of the fixed costs which the supplier's charge contains through daily deduction.
• the backlog of fixed charges, which have been brought about, for example, by the subscriber not purchasing a new card, are not deducted until a new card is loaded into the reader.
• the system can be adapted to all existing approved electricity meters without any limitations.
• a receipt which shows the taxes such as VAT and energy tax is received.
• Terminal 6 can, as shown in figure 1 , be engaged and disengaged by an operator for temporary use via an interface 6', to a central computer 5, and can in the known way read off the value, which is entered on a card 23 inserted into the card reader 6b. The information is subsequently transmitted to the computer 5.
• the terminal 6 and reader 12' are both designed so that they are able to destroy that part of the card 23 where the information is stored, thus rendering the card unusable for renewed insertion without a previous advance purchase in the equipment, as shown in figure 2.
• the system also offers the possibility that it can fix the relevant proportion of the annual fixed charges, but also the charges that do not refer to the time between the latest payment and the present payment, and make a deduction for these and then evaluate the amount of energy represented by the remaining amount.
• the percentage of the fixed charges in relation to the total costs can also be deducted.
• the energy value thus produced is fed into a memory 3a for the consumer 3.
• the energy output is sensed continuously and this is stored as a sum in a memory 3b for consumer 3.
• a calculation unit 30 incorporated in computer equipment 5 is adapted to calculate the information from reader 12' within a section 31 to a value corresponding to a fixed charge and a calculated number of kWh.
• each consumer By activating the computer equipment 5 and its calculation unit 30, via equipment 11 , cable 10, and circuit 9, each consumer, such as consumer 3, can obtain all information about the consumption on his/her display screen or TV set, via a computer oriented and section 32 calculated for the relevant information, about the remaining paid amount, via a section 33 about the calculated time when the payment is consumed with an assumed average consumption, etc.
• Messages fed from the electrical energy supplier via cable 8, a receiver 34, and a section 35, can also be displayed via the TV set 13, by using equipment 11 to engage this on a special channel, an energy channel, via section 36.
• the design example illustrates five different electrical energy consumers 3, 3a-3d linked to one and the same computer 5 over an aerial cable 10, and are connected to each of energy measuring meters assigned to each of the indicated consumers.
• the card 23, which can be utilized with advantage, is currently used in several different areas. Demands which with advantage can be placed on the card are:
• the card 23 should be of such quality that it can be used at least 15 times.
• Each card should have its own identification code and /or number identification.
• the programmable memory area which is used on each occasion, should be destroyed so that the card cannot be used again except after being programmed once again.
• an equipment 20 or dispenser there should be non-programmed cards.
• the consumer is able to choose between using a previously purchased card (which can be used 15 times in the dispenser) or purchasing a new card, with a deduction for the card cost.
• the consumer 3 can choose the value which is programmed into the card by inserting notes, another magnetic card, credit card or equivalent into dispenser 20. ter the relevant insertion, the card 23 will be programmed with the amount -that has been inserted.
• Computer 5 contains a control program within the section 37, which performs function control of communication, and reports any faults, either via TV sets or messages transmitted directly from computer 5 to the supplier over cable 8.
• the communication works both ways, that is, from the reader 12' to computer 5, and from the computer to the reader and TV set.
• the computer 5 can also be automatically connected to the telecommunications network, via a section 38 and via cable 8, or the electric cable network, so that communication with electricity suppliers, for example, is possible. Communication is achieved with a frequency protocol with a safety code for various types of authority. Communication must be provided with a safety system that prevents unauthorized persons from entering into the computer 5. The safety system must also include an alarm system, within section 39, which warns the electricity supplier when an unauthorized person tries to break into or tamper with the system.
• the electricity supplier can transmit information to the customers or consumers both collectively and individually, via a section 40. Furthermore, the electricity supplier can, via section 43, acquire all interesting information that is stored in the computer 5. Changing the relevant charge for each consumer, which is normally made annually, can now be made via the telecommunications network to all computers 5 which are included in the system, via a section 42.
• Continuous information, via a section 43, about each consumption enables the electricity supplier to quickly identify any faults in meters or any tampering with the system.
• the reader 12' and terminal 1 1 is a product which is owned by and supplied by the supplier and is connected to consumer. Reader 12' provides the possibilities of both reading off and entering information onto the card.
• the interface 12 is an adaptation unit which converts codes from the reader 12' to a code which is adapted according to a selected communication protocol. Correspondingly, the information is converted from computer 5, which refers to reader 12', to a code which matches the reader 12'.
• the interface 12 also opens the communication channel to the TN set. Each interface 12 has an identification code which cannot be changed. This code is used as a filter when transmitting information relating to the apartment or consumer where it is installed.
• the interface 12 should also include LEDs, which should warn the subscriber or consumer when it is time to purchase a new card, via a calculation circuit 44.
• Equipment 11 should be designed in a way that provides complete electrical safety with negligible energy consumption.
• the reader 12' and interface 12 must function even if the supply of electricity to the consumer is disconnected.
• the reader 12' and interface 12 are owned as are to be maintained by the electricity supplier.
• the consumer can pay a deposit to the landlord when he/she moves into the apartment. This deposit is repaid when the customer moves.
• This information is transmitted to computer 5 when the card 23 is inserted into the reader 12' or the unit 6. If the computer 5 approves the transmission within a section 45, a signal is given to the reader to make the memory area which stores the information about the sum of money paid in unusable. It should then be possible to read this information later by means of a special control unit, within a section 46, when any control requirement is made. When the computer approves the transmission, a green LED lights up on the interface 12.
• the computer 5 converts the paid amount into energy, where a proportion is allocated to the periodical fixed charge.
• the consumer can obtain all available information on his/her TV screen if he selects a chosen channel number, one which is set at the same transmission frequency as information from the computer 5.
• Each information message is transmitted with the reader 12' code, via a section 47, which means that the interface 12 opens the information channel only if it recognizes the code.
• the customer is able to see on his/her TV screen how many kWh remain to be consumed before the reader needs to be loaded once again.
• the average daily consumption and information relating to an increase or reduction in consumption in relation to the previous period is also available within a section 48.
• Instantaneous consumption, consumption during the last hour, and a recommendation as to when a new card should be procured, are also displayed on the screen, via a section 49.
• the proposal is that there should be a computer 5 in each apartment block.
• the computer should be matched to the applications required by the system.
• the computer 5 should be placed in a safe place, close to the electricity meters.
• the computer should be connected to each meter via digital inputs and outputs.
• Consumption pulses from the meter are transferred to the computer via digital inputs.
• the computer should contain information about type of meter and number, within memory 3b. .After each change of meter, this information should also be changed.
• the traditional type of meter with its integration unit is to remain. This makes it possible to have double checking of the amount of energy supplied.
• a message will be transmitted to the customer with the help of a section 51. If no new payment is made, the computer will discontinue the supply of electrical energy, by activating a switch or contact 2d, fitted on the phase cable 2a, 2c, by means of digital outputs and a section 52.
• a switch or contact 2d fitted on the phase cable 2a, 2c, by means of digital outputs and a section 52.
• Customers who do not have access to a TV set can look at a red LED which is fitted on the interface 12 to see that a new card must be procured.
• Programs for calculating the charge are developed individually from each electricity supplier.
• the information program can also be developed individually.
• Computer 5 is also connected to the telecommunications network 8 (or cable network 2 and associated matched equipment of a known type and not shown), via a modem 7.
• the electricity supplier is able to contact computer 5 by telephone and also other certain parameters to acquire information about consumption. Some control of the feasibility of electricity consumption is made by the program, which then transmits the prepared material to the electricity supplier.
• the communication program for telecommunications is safe and prevents unauthorized persons from entering into the system.
• An alarm system is also provided which gives warning if any unauthorized person tries to communicate with the system. If the computer 5 ceases to function, the system will function as in the previous way. As soon as the computer starts to function once again, the necessary information will be acquired. The computer will have a reduced function when there is a power failure.
• the calculation unit 30 should also be provided with a section 53, where the energy output from a predetermined date is stored, and a section 54 where the remaining energy is stored, as well as a section 55 indicating the final date of normal consumption.
• a section 56 is adapted to be able to allow credit for some consumers.
• a section 58 aims to generate an optical warning and /or transmit a letter when a predetermined time remains for normal consumption.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Power Engineering (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
• Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (1)

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• 1993
  • 1993-10-08 SE SE9303304A patent/SE505642C2/sv not_active IP Right Cessation
• 1994
  • 1994-10-03 WO PCT/SE1994/000906 patent/WO1995010782A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1994-10-03 AU AU78661/94A patent/AU7866194A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1994-10-03 EP EP94929706A patent/EP0741872A1/de not_active Withdrawn

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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