GB2451001A

GB2451001A - Smart metering of commodity consumption via communicating device

Info

Publication number: GB2451001A
Application number: GB0812825A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Nichols
Original assignee: Ampy Metering Ltd
Current assignee: Landis and Gyr Ltd
Priority date: 2007-07-12
Filing date: 2008-07-14
Publication date: 2009-01-14
Anticipated expiration: 2028-07-14
Also published as: GB201012245D0; GB2469952A; GB2469952B; GB0812825D0; GB0713515D0; GB2451001B

Abstract

A smart metering system, comprising: an information display unit (IOU), such as an in-home unit (IHU) suitable for residential buildings, the IDU incorporating a display (e.g. backlit LCD) for displaying graphical and/or numerical data; at least one metering device (preferably including an electricity meter and optional gas and water meters) for generating consumption signals corresponding to consumption of a respective commodity, the consumption of each commodity having an equivalent energy consumption; and processing circuitry and a memory device, for example incorporated into the electricity meter; wherein the IDU is coupled for communication with said at least one metering device and the memory device, for example by low power radio; wherein the memory device is adapted to store data defining one or more of (a) instantaneous energy consumption (b) historical energy consumption, (c) instantaneous cost, (d) historical cost, and (e) historical environmental impact data; and wherein the IDU is adapted to receive data from the memory device and display graphically or otherwise one or more of (a) to (e). In another aspect, there is disclosed a smart metering system, comprising: an information display unit (IDU), the IOU incorporating a display for displaying graphical data; at least one metering device for generating signals corresponding to consumption of a respective commodity; and processing circuitry and a memory device, wherein the DU is coupled for communication with said at least one metering device and the memory device via low power radio; wherein the memory device is adapted to store at least one or more of (b) historical energy consumption, (d) historical cost, and (e) historical environmental data in aggregated form; and wherein the IOU is adapted to receive data from the memory device and display graphically or otherwise one or more of (b), (d) and (e). In another aspect, there is disclosed a smart metering system, comprising: an information display unit (IDU), the IOU incorporating a processing circuitry and display for displaying graphical data; a plurality of metering devices, each metering device for generating consumption signals corresponding to consumption of a respective commodity, the consumption of each commodity having an equivalent energy consumption; and wherein one of the metering devices comprises a hub device, including first communications device for communication with the rest of said plurality of metering devices and the IOU via low power radio; wherein the hub device includes a second communications device, for communicating with a wireless wide area network or wireless telephony network. A corresponding IDU is also disclosed.

Description

Smart metering of commodity consumption via communicating devices The

present invention relates to improvements in or relating to commodity metering, and more particularly to smart metering of commodity consumption via communicating devices The invention has application to any system in which a resource, commodity, service, etc. may be consumed by users in a measured way. However, it is particularly applicable to the metering of electricity, gas, water, or any other resource whose supply or usage involves a derivable corresponding consumption of energy.

In conventional metering equipment, there may be little or no indication of instantaneous (current) electricity or gas consumption that is readily accessible/understood by the user. In some cases, there are numerical indications of consumption in a display. However, this is usually part of the meter itself (which is often mounted in a relatively inaccessible place), making it troublesome for the user to regularly access the consumption information and modify his usage of energy. In certain technologies, indicators such as LEDs of different colours are used to indicate whether a measurable parameter has a value within different corresponding consumption ranges.

Smart metering is relatively new to European consumers and is in the early stages of its evolutionary process. Smart metering is aimed at providing consumers with data about their energy usage such that they can optimize their usage and reduce energy wastage.

Most domestic electricity and gas meters are not installed in locations that are convenient for the consumer to access frequently. Consequently, enhanced displays providing more consumer information, but that are incorporated in the meter, would be of limited use.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to remove or reduce the aforementioned problems and provide improved smart metering of commodity consumption.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a smart metering system, comprising: an information display unit (IDU), the IDU incorporating a display for displaying graphical and/or numerical data; at least one metering device for generating consumption signals corresponding to consumption of a respective commodity, the consumption of each commodity having an equivalent energy consumption; and processing circuitry and a memory device, wherein the IDU is coupled for communication with said at least one metering device and the memory device; wherein the memory device is adapted to store data defining one or more of (a) instantaneous energy consumption (b) historical energy consumption, (c) instantaneous cost, (d) historical cost, and (e) historical environmental impact data; and wherein the IOU is adapted to receive data from the memory device and display graphically or otherwise one or more of (a) to (e).

According to another aspect of the invention (here is provided an IDU for use in the system of any of the preceding claims, the IDU incorporating processing circuitry and a display for displaying graphical and/or numerical data; wherein the IDU is adapted to be coupled for communication with said at least one metering device and a memory device, the or each metering device generating consumption signals corresponding to consumption of a respective commodity, the consumption of each commodity having an equivalent energy consumption; wherein the memory device is adapted to store data defining one or more of (a) instantaneous energy consumption (b) historical energy consumption, (c) instantaneous cost, (d) historical cost, and (e) historical environmental impact data; and wherein the processing circuitry of the IOU is operable to (i) retrieve one or more of data (a) to (e) from the memory device, and (ii) display graphically or otherwise the retrieved data.

Preferably, the IOU comprises an in home unit' (IHU) suited to installation in residential buildings. Alternatively, the IOU may comprise a robust instrument suited to industrial and commercial use. An IOU that includes a display to provide the consumer with easy access to their energy usage profile eliminates the need to access the meters directly. The "Smart Metering System" includes at least one energy meter and an IOU. The IOU preferably provides data relating to present and past energy usage.

Preferably, historic data is available at the IDU even following a period of it's disconnection from power. For example a consumer may wish to unplug the IDU during the summer months and resume its use in the winter. Consequently a means for the In Home Unit to "catch up" with the historic data following a period of power disconnection is provided.

Preferably, the smart metering system involves the use of tow power radio communications to provide the data paths between meters and in home displays.

A further problem is that the regulations regarding the use of the low power radio channels limit the duration of the transmission times and bandwidths. This imposes design constraints on the operation of smart metering systems which communicate via the low power radio channels.

Additional constraints on smart metering systems design are caused by the costs of the metering devices. Storage of large amounts of historical data by the meters in order to provide useful consumer energy consumption would be prohibitively expensive.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to remove or reduce the aforementioned problems and provide for sharing and storing data and displaying metered commodity consumption.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a smart metering system.

comprising: an information display unit (IDU), the IDU incorporating a display for displaying graphical data; at least one metering device for generating signals corresponding to consumption of a respective commodity; and processing circuitry and a memory device, wherein the IDU is coupled for communication with said at least one metering device and the memory device via low power radio; wherein the memory device is adapted to store at least one or more of (b) historical energy consumption, (d) historical cost, and (e) historical environmental data in aggregated form; and wherein the IDU is adapted to receive data from the memory device and display graphically or otherwise one or more of (b), (d) and (e).

The memory device may comprise a first memory device incorporated in the tDU The memory device may comprise a second memory device separate from the IDU, for example incorporated in one of the metering devices.

Preferably, the processing circuitry is operable, upon power-on of the IDU or otherwise, to update the data stored in the first memory device using the data stored in the second memory device.

Preferably, the memory device is adapted to store at least one or more of (a) instantaneous energy consumption and (c) instantaneous cost, and wherein the IDU is adapted to receive data from the memory device and display graphically or otherwise one or more of data (a) and (c).

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an IDU for use in the system of any of claims 21 to 25, the IDU incorporating processing circuitry and a display for displaying graphical and/or numerical data; wherein the IOU is adapted to be coupled for communication with said at least one metering device and a memory device via low power radio, the or each metering device generating consumption signals corresponding to consumption of a respective commodity, the consumption of each commodity having an equivalent energy consumption; wherein the memory device is adapted to store data defining one or more of (b) historical energy consumption, (d) historical cost, and (e) historical environmental impact data in aggregated form; and wherein the processing circuitry of the IDU is operable to (i) retrieve one or more of data (b), (d) and (e) from the memory device, and (ii) display graphically or otherwise the retrieved data.

The memory device may comprise a first memory device incorporated in the IOU.

The memory device may comprise a second memory device separate from the IDU, for example incorporated in one of the metering devices.

Preferably, the memory device is adapted to store at least one or more of (a) instantaneous energy consumption and (c) instantaneous cost, and wherein the IDU is adapted to receive data from the memory device and display graphically or otherwise one or more of data (a) and (c) Preferably, the IDU comprises an in home unit (IHU) suited to installation in residential buildings. Alternatively, the IDU may comprise a robust instrument suited to industrial and commercial use.

The invention provides a means of efficiently storing and communicating energy usage data within a Smart Metering System.

Electricity usage data should be provided to the IOU frequently because the consumer is directly in control of most of the usage by switching appliances on or off and the IDU needs to appear to respond to those changes. For example when an electric kettle is switched on the electricity usage should be seen to increase for a short period.

In contrast, the gas usage data may be provided to the IDU on a less frequent basis, as a large amount of the gas usage is due to heating systems which cycle on and off without the intervention of the consumer.

The smart metering system preferably uses aggregation of the data such that the data transmission and data storage are optimized.

In preferred embodiments, the IDU requires energy consumption data for every half hour of the current day. At midnight the total daily energy usage is calculated and stored within the meter's memory as well as being sent to the IDU. The individual half hour values of energy consumption are then erased from the memories ready for the new day's data. At the end of each month all of the individual day's energy consumption values are totalled in as similar manner to produce the monthly consumption value. However in this case the daily values not erased but are overwritten as new values become available. This enables the last 7 days' data or last 28 days' data to be retained through a month end boundary. 12 individual months' energy consumption data is retained to provide historic energy usage.

Using this data aggregation process, the regular data traffic for the low power radio channel is optimized. Also the "catch up" data requirement for the IDU following a period of being without power is optimized.

A further problem is that it is typically desirable for smart metering systems to communicate with a remote host, for delivering meter readings, etc. This may involve each meter in a dwelling being equipped with a communications module for wireless or wired communication with a host over a network, thereby increasing the cost/complexity of the metering devices, and potentially increasing network traffic problems.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to remove or reduce the aforementioned problems and provide a smart metering system capable of metering multiple commodities, and coordinating communications between the various devices wirelessly and efficiently.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a smart metering system, comprising: an information display unit (IDU), the IOU incorporating a processing circuitry and display for displaying graphical data; a plurality of metering devices, each metering device for generating consumption signals corresponding to consumption of a respective commodity, the consumption of each commodity having an equivalent energy consumption; and wherein one of the metering devices comprises a hub device, including first communications device for communication with the rest of said plurality of metering devices and the IDU via low power radio; wherein the hub device includes a second communications device, for communicating with a wireless wide area network or wireless telephony network.

Preferably, the processing circuitry is operable to (i) receive data from the hub device derived from the consumption signals; and (ii) displaying graphically or otherwise the derived data.

Preferably, the processing circuitry is operable to (i) receive a message from the hub device that has been received by the seond communications device; (ii) displaying graphically or otherwise the received message.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an IOU for use in the system of any of claims 31 to 33, the IDU incorporating processing circuitry and a display for displaying graphical and/or numerical data; wherein the IDU is adapted to be coupled for communication with plurality of metering devices and a memory device via low power radio, the or each metering device generating consumption signals corresponding to consumption of a respective commodity, the consumption of each commodity having an equivalent energy consumption; wherein one of the metering devices comprises a hub device, including first communications device for communication with the rest of said plurality of metering devices and the IHU via low power radio; wherein the hub device includes a second communications device, for communicating with a wireless wide area network or wireless telephony network.

Preferably, the processing circuitry is operable to (i) receive data from the hub device derived from the consumplion signals; and (ii) displaying graphically or otherwise the derived data.

Preferably, the processing circuitry is operable to (i) receive a message from the hub device that has been received by the seond communications device, (ii) displaying graphically or otherwise the received message.

For each of the above aspects of the invention, particular embodiments thereof are as follows.

Preferably, the IDU comprises an in home unit' (IHU) suited to installation in residential buildings. Alternatively, the IDU may comprise a robust instrument suited to industrial and commercial use.

Preferably, the IDU and the or each metering device includes a first transceiver, each first transceiver being a low power radio transceiver, thereby providing wireless communications channels therebetween.

The system may comprise multiple certified metering devices.

Preferably, the processing circuitry is operable for (1) receiving consumption signals from each metering device, (ii) determining therefrom one or more of (a') total instantaneous energy consumption (b') total historical energy consumption, (c') total instantaneous cost, (ci') total historical cost, and (e') total historical environmental impact data, and (iii) storing any of (a') to (e') determined in (ii) in said memory device, wherein the system is adapted to cause display in the IDU on demand or otherwise of one or more of (a') to (e').

A system may further include a second transceiver, adapted for encrypted communication with a remote host, for example located at a commodity supplier, via a wireless wide area network or wireless telephony network.

Preferably, the processing circuitry is operable for receiving from the remote host control messages containing updated tariff data, and storing the updated tariff data in the memory device: Preferably, the processing circuitry is operable for receiving from the remote host consumer messages, and causing the display in the IDU instantaneously or in response to user action the consumer messages.

Preferably, the processing circuitry is operable for receiving from the remote host control messages containing a disconnection or enable reconnection command for a commodity, and causing the supply of the commodity to be disconnected or reconnected, respectively Preferably, the processing circuitry is operable for, for one or more of the metering devices, receiving from the metering device a current meter reading, and sending to the remote host the current meter reading.

Preferably, one of the metering devices comprises a hub device, the hub device incorporating the second transceiver and controlling communication between the other metering device(s) and the IDU.

Preferably, said memory device is located separate from the IDU.

Preferably, said memory device and said processing circuitry are incorporated in the hub device.

Preferably, the IDU is operable in conjunction with the processing circuitry on power-up of the IDU following an unpowered time interval during which the IDU is powered down for storage or relocation, for retrieving from said memory device missing data corresponding to one or more of (a) to (e) for the unpowered time interval.

Preferably, the processing circuitry is operable for aggregating the data derived from or corresponding to consumption signals, so as to provide an efficient retrieval of the historic data over a restricted communications channel.

Preferably, the processing circuitry is operable for aggregating the data so as to store in said memory device energy consumption data for one or more of (i) each part of the present hour, (ii) each hour of the present day, (iii) each day of the last 7 days, (iv) each day of the last 28 days, and (v) each month of the last 12 months.

Preferably, the IDU is adapted to display the data (a) to (e) in graphical or numerical form in respect of each of a plurality of time intervals, for example (i) each part of the present hour, (ii) each hour of the present day, (iii) each day 01 the last 7 days, (iv) each day of the last 28 days, and (v) each month of the last 12 months.

Preferably, the IDU includes a plurality a secondary display elements, e.g. LEDs, in different colours corresponding to different instantaneous energy consumption, e.g. green (LOW), amber (MEDIUM) and red (LOW), thereby providing an instantaneous usage warning.

Preferably, the IDU and the or each metering device may be installed at different times and is temporarily operable during installation in a mode enabling them to be bound together to form a secure network for an individual consumer, building or residential unit, without requiring special tools or consumer specific data.

An advantage of the invention is that various instantaneous and historical data relating to resource consumption can readily be displayed to the user at a location remote from the hardware metering the resource. Advantageously, the display is in an IDU wirelessly coupled to the meter(s).

A further advantage is that historical data is efficiently stored and retrievable. Moreover, as the data is stored, e.g., in aggregated/compacted form, an additional benefit is that a full set of historical usage data can be retrieved by an IDU even after it has been powered off for a time, e.g. from memory in a meter acting as a master/backup. The historical usage data can still be retrieved and displayed to the user.

A further advantage of the invention is that, where a multitude of meters (e.g. electricity, gas, water) are used, only one of the meters need act as a link to a WAN or wireless telephony network, reducing complexity/cots. Advantageously, readings from the various meters, and/or messages from the utility companies corresponding to the various meters, can efficiently be routed through a single (hub) meter, e.g. a reading from one of the other meters received by low power radio and sent to a host computer at the utility via GSM; or a message from that host may be received via GSM and conveyed via low-power radio to the IDU for display to the user.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a smart metering system according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the electricity meter in Fig. 1, including (a) main circuitry and (b) power supply circuitry; Figure 3 shows the front face of the RU of Fig. 1; Figure 4 illustrates a suitable table-top holder for the IHU of Fig. 3; Figure 5 depicts further views of the li-lU, (a) mounted in holder and showing exemplary screen display, and (b) illustrating user-operable buttons; Figure 6 shows a block diagram of the IHU of Fig. 1; Figure 7 shows the screen display elements in the LCD display in the IHU of Fig. 1; and Figure 8 illustrates the process for binding of IHIJ and eleclricity meter during installation of one of those devices.

In lhe description and drawings, like numerals are used to designate like elements. Unless indicated otherwise, any individual design features and components may be used in combination with any other design features and components disclosed herein.

As used herein, "commodity" refers to any measurable resource, commodity, service, etc. In particular, it relates lo electricity, gas, water, or any other resource whose supply or usage involves a derivable corresponding consumption of energy.

Figure 1 illustrates a smart metering system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The disclosed smart metering system 100 includes an in-home information unit IHU 102 which shows the gas/electricity usage and other data, and is also a interface to the consumer from the utilities 104 (where appropriate, their host computers on a conventional network, such as GSM). The system is as follows.

The electricity meter 106 acts as a communication hub. The (optional) gas meter 108 communicates with the electricity meter 106 (and vice versa) via a low power radio signal.

The electricity meter 106 also communicates with the utilities 104 via a GSM signal (e.g. a text style message). The electricity meter 106 then communicates to the IHU 102 via a low power radio signal. In certain embodiments, the IHU 102 has at least three display modes, relating to electricity, gas and carbon footprint information, which the consumer can select. In preferred embodiments, the consumer can see his daily usage of electricity and gas (it is represented graphically to see how it has gone up and down) together with various historic information such as usage over a 7/28 day/i 2 month period. The information on electricity consumption is updated every 15 seconds and information on gas consumption every 30 minutes. The system had potential to add in other services, for example a water meter 110 may be linked in to communicate with the electricity meter 106, br the electricity meter 106 to then communicate with the IHU 102 to provide information on water consumption.

According to certain embodiments, the link up to utilities 104 via GSM, means that the utilities 104 can communicate to the customer, e.g. sending a text message (SMS) to the customer to offer preferential rates. This is then communicated via the electricity meter 106 to the IHU 102, which flashes to show that a message had been received. In certain embodiments, it is possible for the customer to send back information to the utility 104 via the IHU 102 and electricity meter 106.

There has also been developed an installation tool, so that [he strength of the low power radio signal can be measured to ensure that it is sufficiently strong to allow communication to take place. Testing has indicated that the system would work in most installations.

Key elements of the system 100 are: 1. It incorporates gas meter information.

2. It uses a low power radio signal.

3. Historic information can be obtained and the IHU 102 acts as a display for the historical database.

4 The use of an electricity meter 106 as a hub.

5. The use of SMS to communicate with the utility 104 via the electricity meter.

6. The ability to get a message from the utility company to the consumer on in-house display units.

7. The consumer can get all relevant parameters on carbon emissions relating to gas/electricity.

As will be described further hereinafter, the key features are display of: * Current electricity usage and cost in real time [including graphically] * Historic electricity consumption and cost [including graphicallyJ * Historic gas consumption and cost [including graphicatly] * Greenhouse gas emissions [including graphs and historical summaries] * Current tariff information * Coloured LED's that indicate current electricity consumption, i.e. green -low use, amber -medium use, red high use.

A critical differentiator for the IHU 102 is its ability to display to the end user textual information from the energy supplier 104, i.e. energy saving advice; and lo respond in real time to parameterisation changes made by the energy supplier 104 to the metering installation remotely, i.e. a tariff change.

Local communication from the IHU 102 is via low power radio. The electricity meters 106 may be a tokenless credit or prepayment electricity meter. The electricity meter 106 is fitted with a GSM modem (not shown) and uses SMS messaging to send credit transactions, tariff and configuration updates to the electricity meter 106. The electricity meter 106 handles changes in tenancy and energy supplier. The electricity meter 106 also uses SMS messaging to return energy profiling data, scheduled reads, tamper status and pass thru data from a locally paired gas meter The electricity meter 106 may be a single-phase meter measuring active energy across four time-of-use rates. The electricity meter 106 is fitted with a disconnect switch for the disconnection of supply when prepay credit has expired or on system command in the case of change of tenancy.

Local communication from the gas meter 108 (e.g. Libra 310) and on to the Il-lU 102 is via low power radio. The Libra 310 module when fitted to a suitable gas meter 106 allows gas consumption data to be both displayed locally on the IHU 102 and communicated remotely to an energy suppliers IT infrastructure (104). It accomplishes both these functions by using the electricity meter 106 as a LAN/WAN hub.

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the electricity meter in Fig. 1, including (a) main circuitry and (b) power supply circuitry. Referring to Fig. 2(a), the electricity meter 106 includes a microcontroller 202 which receives direct signals corresponding to electricity usage from Class B power measurement subcircuils 204. 206. The electricity meter 106 further includes a low power radio module 210 incorporating an antenna (not shown) for communicating with the Il-lU 102 (not shown) and other metering devices (not shown) Also included in this embodiment is a GSM communications nodule 212 incorporating an antenna (not shown) for communicating with the host computers of utilities 104 (see Fig. 1) by wireless telephony. The GSM module 212 in turn has an associated SIM card interface 214 for receiving a SIM card 216 corresponding to that particular dwelling or registered consumer. In preferred embodiments, also provided in connection with SIM card interface 214 is a removal detection device 208 for detecting and indicating illegal removal of a SIM card 216.

Coupled to the microcontroller 202 and preferably incorporated with the electricity meter 106 is memory device 218, in this embodiment an integrated MCU companion FRAM. The system includes battery back-up 220 for maintain power and ensure ant-tamper signalling when normal power supply (described later) is lost. The battery back-up 220 also maintain realtime clock 222.

Multiple user operable buttons 224, in this embodiment two, are provided for the user or maintenance technician to operate the electricity meter 106.

The electricity meter 106 is provided with an LCD display 226, in this case a 125-segmet STN LCD, illuminated by backlight 228. Microcontroller 202 also controls illumination of LED indicator 230, indicative of energy consumption.

Additional communication to and from microcontroller 202, for example for factory and in field parameterisation is provided IEC1 107 optical port 232. The Microcontroller 202 also drives relay control 234 and breaker control 236, in the latter case for connecting/disconnectingsupply upon receipt of an appropriate message via GSM module 212 from the energy supplier (as may be required when a tenant exits a property).

Figure 2(b) shows a block diagram of the power supply circuitry for the electricity meter 106.

A half wave rectified mains supply voltage 240 is received by SMPS (switched mode power supply) 242, which in turn provides a SMPS output of +5.6V, a SMPS output of +24V for the relay 234 and breaker 236. From the SMPS output of +5.6V is provided in turn a +5.OV supply for the microcontroller 202, a +3.BV supply for the GSM module 212, and a +3.OV supply for the low power radio module 210.

Figure 3 shows the front lace of the IHIJ 102 of Fig. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the IHU 102 has a backlit LCD display 310, and for enabling the user to change the type of information displayed in display 310, a series of push buttons 303, 305, 307, and 309 (as will be described hereinafter), including a butlon 305 for selecting the display of total current energy consumption. The front panel may optionally include a number of further pushbuttons 3111 312, 314, 315 for navigating menus, as well as a pushbutton 313 for accessing messages. Also provided on the front panel are four LED indicators 316, 318, 320 which have different colours, e.g. respectively green, amber and red, so as to indicate low, medium and high energy usage. LED 322 is a further available LED.

The IHU 102 is intended to be mounted within the user's home, for example in a kitchen or living area, so as to enable regular access to energy consumption and other metering information.

Figure 4 illustrates a suitable table-top holder 400 for the IHU of Fig. 3, enabling the tHU 102 to be conveniently mounted for viewing in the home.

Figure 5 depicts further views of the IHU, (a) mounted in holder 400 and showing exemplary screen display; in this case LED 316 is illuminated (LOW energy consumption), and (b) illustrating user-operable buttons 303-309 to control the display 310, and menu buttons 311, 312, 314 and 315 to navigate the menu. Button 31 3 enables messages to be viewed.

Figure 6 shows a block diagram of the IHU 102 of Fig. 1. The construction of the IHU will now be discussed in detail.

The IHU 102 uses two PCB assemblies -the main board and the LPR module 602 which is connected to the main board. This is used to handle radio frequency communications between the IHU 102 and electricity smart meter 106, discussed above, which also incorporate the same LPR module 602.

1. Circuit Block Descriptions

1.1 Microcontroller The microcontroller 604 used is the Renasas (formerly Hitachi) H836049GHV with integrated low voltage detect and power-on reset circuits. The device has ROM 60(6 and is flash programmable (see below).

Crystal Oscillator A 10MHz crystal oscillator 608 is used -this is the maximum recommended frequency for 3.3V operation. It was not deemed necessary to use an exact baud rate crystal -nearest value 9.8304MHz.

Reset Circuit The microcontroller on-board power-on reset circuit (not shown) is used in conjunction with an external capacitor and diode. The capacitor is used to set the time that a reset will be applied at after power-on. This is in series with an internal resistance which gives a time constant of approx. 0.5s. The shortest time the microcontroller 604 can come out of reset is around 300ms which is far in excess of the time taken for oscillation and supply voltages to stabilise.

1.2 Power Supply The IHU 102 is powered from an external DV mains adaptor (not shown). This DV supply is used to power the LCD backlight 310. The higher voltage supply rail Vs is separated from the DV input by a diode so that power supply switching comms 612 can be achieved using the DV rail (see below). Vs is the input (approx 8.4Vdc) to LDO a voltage regulator and is also used to supply the buzzer 614, voltage monitor 616, blue LED drive and LPR circuits 602. A reservoir capacitor (not shown) with a large value (lOOuF) is provided in order to hold up Vs in communications mode.

Alt other circuits are powered from VDD which is a 3.3V output.

Plug-in Power Supply Unit The plug-in mains adaptor 610 is a switch mode ac-dc converter type.

Voltage Regulator The voltage regulator (not shown) is a 3.3V LDO type. The regulator used must be able to dissipate a sufficient amount of power so as not to adversely affect operation.

1.3 Voltage Monitor The supply voltage Vs is monitored using a voltage divider circuit made (not shown). The value may be read by an ADC input on the microcontroller 604, and if this falls below a preset threshold, an internal reset may be generated. This is designed to stop unwanted operation below a certain voltage.

1.4 Temperature monitoring Temperature monitor 616 comprises a chip thermistor. This in series with a resistor is used to provide a voltage to the ADC. A rook-up table stored in EEPROM is used to convert this voltage to a temperature and during tests was shown to be accurate to within 0.4 degrees Celsius.

1.5 LEDs Four LEDs are used -316 (green)1 318 (amber) and 320 (red) are used to indicate low, medium and high demand respectively and are switched by the microcontroller 604 directly.

LED 322 (blue) is used to indicate a message received and because the forward voltage drop is higher, Vs is used to supply the required current (switched through transistor 05).

1.6 Push button interface Control of the menu functions is via 9 push buttons, 303-309 and 311-315. The PCB may be provided with either moulded elastomer or surface mount tact switches which are typically no higher than 2.5mm to maintain a gap between the switch and the boot of the plastic button which is fitted in the case.

1.7 Power Supply Communications Interface Wired communications between the IHU and outside world (usually a PC) may also be performed using the v power lead. An external circuit (PC Communications Interface; not shown) is required to talk to the IHU 102 via Comms port 618.

1 8 EEPROM An EEPROM 606 is used to store data. This preferably uses the l2C protocol.

1.9 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) The LCD 310 is divided into two sections with 7-segment digits and icons being displayed in the top half and graphical data in the bottom half. The driver chip is integrated into the ribbon cable which connects the LCD module 310 to the PCB. Control and data lines come directly from the microcontroller 604.

1.10 Low Power Radio (LPR) module RF communications are handled by the plug-in LPR nodule 602 which is connected via an 8-way pin header on the IHU PCB. Because of the low maximum input voltage of its voltage regulator, 6 series-connected diodes are connected from the Vs supply rail to the voltage supply pin of the LPR. CS, TX, RX and CLK signals are used for communications between the IHU 102 and LPR microcontrollers.

1.11 Programming Interface Reprogramming of the tHU code can be achieved by making use of a programming interface.

For example, Hitachi Embedded Workshop (HEW) software can be used to transfer the source file from the PC to IHU micro 1.12 Buzzer The buzzer 614 comprises electromagnetic transducer and is normally used to provide an audible signal to the user. The driving signal is a square wave output from (he microcontroller whose pulse width can be adjusted to increase or decrease the volume level.

Referring to Figs 3 to 6, a description of the construction and operation of the IHU 102 will now be provided.

Definitions, Acronyms and Abbreviations kWh Kilo Watt-hours LCD Liquid Crystal Display LED Light Emitting Diode RTC Real Time Clock mS Milli-second GMT Greenwich Mean Time -equals UTC Universal Time Clock BST British Summer Time POS Point of Sale PPU Pence Per Unit STCH Standing Charge MSD Most Significant Digit Glossary of Terms Currency Conversion Factor.

The Currency Conversion Factor is a value by which the current monetary values in the meter are divided in order to convert them from to or vice versa. pPtJ.

The price in pence (or cents if Euros are the selected currency) ol each unit (kWh) of electrical energy consumed. PPU is the tariff rate.

Rate Switching Matrix.

A regime of switching times that defines when one tariff rate changes to another.

Standing Charge.

A service charge, expressed as a weekly amount, to be deducted from the Credit Register.

Standing charge shall be repaid as 100 instalments of the weekly value with a payment taken every 1.68 hours.

Switching Time.

Switching Time is a time boundary within a Time-of-Use tariff when the cost of energy changes from one value to another.

Tariff Rate.

A numeric identifier that selects one of 4 prices stored within the meter, to charge for electrical energy consumed. When a particular Tariff Rate is active energy is charged at the corresponding price per unit (PPU).

2. Physical Requirements The tHU 102 shows usage and supplier information to the customer. Data is transferred from the electricity meter at a resolution and frequency to provide virtually instantaneous usage information to the customer. Gas meter data is updated at a lesser rate due to battery constraints within the gas meter.

Features of the tHU include: * Display of Electricity kW demand * Display of Cost per hour (elec) Display of cost today (gas) * Display of greenhouse gas emissions * Display of meter readings and present tariff price * Graphical information of usage over various periods * Store necessary data to produce graphs locally * Messaging from supplier * Demand indicators (green, amber, red) 2.2 Case Construction The tHU 102 has the general layout of Figs 3 and 5-6, and features as shown below. The tHU 102 is fitted with a transparent front flap covering the demand indicators and menu buttons.

The tHU 102 is constructed of ABS material with no internal circuitry visible from the outside of the unit. The case is marked to show plastic types to allow re-cycling at the end of the meter's life.

2.3 Worktop Mount The IHU 102 is supplied with a worktop-mounting bracket 400 to allow the IHU 102 to be stood on top of a worktop. The work top mount is illustrated in Fig. 4. The mounting bracket 400 is constructed of transparent folded plastic. The Il-lU 102 is held at a suitable viewing angle by dropping the lower edge of the IHU 102 into the stand slot.

2.4 Push Buttons The IHU 102 is fitted with four pushbuttons 303-309 (see Figs 3 and 5) to the right hand side of the display 310.

The buttons 303-309 allows the user to access different sets of information for electricity, gas consumption, carbon emissions and usage in monetary terms.

The buttons are lasered with symbols for * Cash (E sign) 303 * Gas(Flame)307 * Electricity (Light Bulb) 305 * Carbon Emissions (Tree) 309 The IHU 102 is fitted with a set of four menu option buttons 311, 312, 314, 315 along the bottom edge of the IHU 102 to allow the user to enter a menu function. A read message button 313 is fitted to the right hand side of the menu buttons.

Button details are lasered, Buttons have the following functions and symbols from left to right.

* Menu3ll * Down Arrow (,) 312 * UpArrow(T)314 * Enter 315 * Message (envelope sign) 31 6.

Button operation is specified in Display section -see Appendix 1.

2.5 Warning Buzzer The IHU 102 is fitted with a buzzer 614 to provide audible warning signals. Warnings signals are issued as defined in the IHU 102's functional requirements, see Section 3.3 below.

2.6 Demand Indicators The IHU 102 is fitted with demand indicators (31 6-322; Figs 3, 5) to visually display the level of electricity demand. Operation is given in section 3.6 below.

The IHU 102 is fitted with a translucent window below the display to allow three different colour LEDs (316-320; Figs 3, 5) to be seen when lit. The LEDs 31 6-320 will be coloured and positioned left to right Green, Amber and Red.

2.7 Message indicator To indicate that a customer message has been sent from the supplier and is available for viewing, the far right demand indicator 322 is used as a message-waiting indicator. The indicator 322 is fitted with a single Blue LED.

2.8 Electrical Parameters The IHU 102 is powered by an external power supply; the power supply transformer is of the type integrated into the plug moulding. The power supply has an input rating of 230V 50 Hz.

The unit has an output rating of 9Volts, 500 mA. The unit is double insulated and be suitable for indoor use. To connect to the IHU 102 the unit is fitted with a plug in low voltage connector.

2 9 Display Figure 7 shows the screen display elements in the LCD display 310 in the IHU of Fig. 1. The IHU 102 is fitted with a custom display 310 providing segmented characters and icons in the top part 702 of the display 310 and a dot matrix section 706 in the lower portion 704.

The segmented top pan 702 shows instantaneous values (such as Electricity kWs). The dot matrix lower part 704 is used to show items such as graphical information, customer messaging and other text. The display glass with all segments on will appear as shown below. Dot matrix section 704 is 63*1 28 dots. One 128 dot line is used to drive segments. The display has a backlight. Operation is given in section 3.4 below. The viewing angle of the display glass is 12 O'clock.

2.10 Printing Details The IHU 102 is designed for in home use. (However, certain embodiments may be constructed so as to be suitable for industrial or commercial use.) The operating temperature range is 0 C to +40 C. The storage temperature range is -10 C to 60 C.

3.0 IHU 102 Operation 3.1 Software clock To allow the IHU 102 to show the present tariff rate it is necessary for the IHU 102 to run a calendar and clock. The time is shown to the user as part of the display sequence. The IHU 102 runs a software clock maintained by the meter 106 (see Figs 1 and 2). A RTC circuit should not be required, but may be used in an alternative embodiment. The meter 106 updates the clock of the IHU 102 at a regular period sufficient to maintain accuracy to within seconds of the meter time. The clock of the IHU 102 is updated at switch on; the period between subsequent updates may be selected so as to achieve required accuracy. The time display is in 24-hour mode. Time is displayed in the top left hand corner of the display, alternating with temperature.

3.2 Daylight Saving Offset The IHU 102 operates with automatic daylight saving switching enabled. The meter controls the daylight saving change over, by a clock update around the daylight switching times The meter 106 time may operate differently to the IHU 102 by optionally remaining in GMT during summertime periods. If the meter 106 is configured in this state, it updates IHU 102 time corrected for daylight saving.

3.3 Buzzer operation The IHU 102 uses the buzzer 614 to indicate to the consumer the following events: * Customer Message Received * Customer Set Demand Alarm * Button Press The user may disable buzzer operation using the menu settings within the IHU 102. See 4.8 (Appendix 1).

Customer Message Received Upon receiving a new Customer message the buzzer 614 sounds to signify arrival. The bleep consists of 3 short beeps. The warning is repeated with a 1 second gap Demand Alarm When the instantaneous costlhour value reaches a peak value, as set by the user (see 4.8; Appendix 1), the buzzer 614 sounds to indicate the point has been reached. The Demand warning bleep is a continuous set of short beeps. The Demand warning stops after 30 seconds or folloWing any button press.

Button press The buzzer 614 gives a short beep on each button press.

3.4 Back-light The backlight (not shown) of the display 310 turns on following the pressing of any button.

The backlight turns off 1 minute after the last button press. The backlight turns on when the kW demand reaches the user defined alarm value and turns off on any button press.

3.5 Thermometer The IHU 102 is fitted with a temperature sensor 616 to detect room temperature. Temperature is shown (28, Fig. 7) in Celsius to whole numbers only. Temperature is shown in the top left hand corner ol the display 310, alternating with the time. The thermometer has an accuracy of 1 C.

3.6 Demand Indicators A set of demand indicators 316-320 (Figs 5 and 6) respond to electricity usage to provide a visual indication of the level of electricity usage; the indicators are described in 2.6 above.

The indicators 316-320 show low (316), medium (318) and high (320) usage by moving from Green to Amber to Red according to configurable kW steps. The indicators will be configurable as follows: Green -0 to x kW Amber-xtoytcW Red -above y kW.

Demand indicator threshold levels are configurable at factory build or by system configuration command.

3.7 Message Indicator/Access The message indicator 322 (described in 2.7 above) flashes to give a visual indication that a message is waiting for the customer. Upon accessing the message, indication stops.

Accessing the message is achieved by pressing the message button 313. When the button 313 is pressed the display changes to show the last message sent to the customer.

3.8 Data Storage Electricity data The IHU 102 stores (EEPROM 606; Fig. 6) the following electricity data.

* Last 24hrs of rolling half hourly advances (snapshot on 1/2 hour change) * Last 28 days of rolling daily totals (snapshot on day change) -o Cost for each day will also be logged against the daily reading * Last 12 months of rolling monthly totals (snapshot on month change) Data stored is stored as a kWh advance.

Gas data The IHU 102 stores (EEPROM 606; Fig. 6) the following gas data: * Last 24hrs of rolling half hourly advances (snapshot on 1/2 hour change) Last 28 days of rolling daily totals (snapshot on day change) o Cost for each day will also be logged against the daily reading * Last 12 months of rolling monthly totals (snapshot on month change) Data stored is stored as a kWh advance. -21 -

Stored data is used as a local data source; the electricity meter 106 holds a master set of data. The IHU 102 may request data from the electricity meter 106 to complete the local set of data should the IHU 102 have been switched off for any Lime.

Reset of Data Following a Change of Tenancy Following a change of tenancy command from the system via the electricity meter 106, the IHU 102 has the facility to reset the stored usage information (EEPROM 606; Fig. 6) ready for the next customer.

3.9 Transfer of Data from Electricity Meter 106 At 15 second intervals, power change -Electricity instantaneous data is sent every 15 seconds or each time the kW load changes by a configured kW amount. Data includes: * Instantaneous Timestamp * Instantaneous Electricity kW value * Instantaneous Electricity Cost per hour value At Half Hourly Intervals On each half hour the IHU 102 receives the 15-second update plus a snapshot of electricity and gas meter registers. Data to be transferred is: * Instantaneous Timestamp * Instantaneous Electricity kW value * Instantaneous Electricity Cost per hour value * Electricity meter Rate Registers 1 to 4 (snapshot on the hour. half hour) * Latest half hour electricity advance (snapshot on the hour) * Gas cost from start of day * Latest half hourly gas advance, (kWh) (snapshot on the hour) * Gas forward register, (litres) (snapshot on the hour. half hour) * Gas Meter tamper flag If, as in one embodiment, a Gas meter is not connected the gas data section is padded (with all is).

Daily Data -On each day change the IHU receives thel 5-second update plus additional daily information * Instantaneous Timestamp * Instantaneous Electricity kW value * Instantaneous Electricity Cost per hour value * Timestamp for usage information * Latest daily electricity usage cost (snapshot on day change) * Latest daily gas usage and cost (snapshot on day change) This is the latest reading for the log of 28 days rolling daily totals Monthly Data -On each month change the IHU receives the 15-second update plus additional monthly information * Instantaneous Timestamp * Instantaneous Electricity kW value * Instantaneous Electricity Cost per hour value * Timestamp for usage information * The latest months electricity usage (snapshot on month change) * The latest months gas usage (snapshot on month change) This is the latest reading for the log of 12 months of rolling monthly totals Configuration On a change of configuration, TOU Rate or other parameter the IHU receives the following data: * Instantaneous Timestamp * Instantaneous Electricity kW value * Instantaneous Electricity Cost per hour value * Season Summer/Winter * Currency C/C * Present TOU Rate (Rate 1-4) * Next TOU Rate * Time of next TOU Rate change * Electricity Present Lariff value (pence per unit price) * Gas Present Tariff Value (pence per unit value) * Gas to C02 conversion factor * Electricity to CO2 conversion factor * Demand indicator threshold 1 * Demand indicator threshold 2 On IHU 102 Start up On start up, following disconnection or power down of the IHU 102, the IHU 102 may request stored rolling values from the electricity meter 106 to complete its own set of data. Data is sent from the electricity meter 106 in the form of daily, weekly or monthly digests of gas or electricity data. The electricity meter updates the time and date in the IHU every 15 seconds.

310 Demand Alarm The IHU 102 provides a feature whereby the customer is able to set a cost per hour threshold for electricity usage and be notified when their usage exceeds this value in the form of an alarm. The threshold value is set using the set Menu Screen (see section 4.8 Usage Alarm -Operation; Appendix 1). When lhe instantaneous value exceeds the threshold value the IHU 102 indicates the occurrence to the user by sounding the buzzer 614 (see section 3.3 above: Buzzer Operation -Demand Alarm). In addition to sounding the buzzer 614 the IHU 102 shows a demand alarm display in place of the normal default operation displays (see section 4.8 demand Alarm Message; Appendix 1). When triggered, the alarm can be cancelled by pressing the Enter button 315 from the menu option buttons. On cancelling, the buzzer 614 silences and the display 310 reverts back to the normal operating display. If following triggering, the Enter button 315 is not pressed; the alarm automatically cancels after 1 minute.

Following cancellation the Alarm does not trigger again until demand falls below and rises again above the threshold value.

3.11 Commissioning & Binding Figure 8 illustrates the process for binding of 1HU 102 and electricity meter 106 during installation of one of those devices. In order for the IHU 102 to communicate to a specific electricity meter 106, the IHU 102 and meter 106 must be bound together. The electricity meter 106 controls the binding process, but in order for the meter 106 to find the appropriate IHU 102, the IHU 102 must be placed into a bind mode to accept bind messages from the meter 106.

The binding mode is selected by entering a 6-digit number into the IHU 102. Number entry is described in section 4.8 (Appendix 1: Menu Screens -Enter Bind PIN).

The entered PIN is checked against the Bind PIN held in the IHU 102's memory. If the two match the IHU 102 enters the bind mode and waits to be contacted by an electricity meter 106. If the PIN numbers do not match, the 1HU 102 shows a PIN Error' message to the user.

If the PIN numbers match then a Bind Mode' message is shown to the user.

The Binding process proceeds as indicated in Fig. 8.

The IHU 102 remains in Bind mode until a successful bind has occurred or 5 minutes have elapsed. If a bind is successful the Il-lU 102 indicates the success on the display 310.

-V-I--

4. Display Operation 4.1 General The IHU will show a default screen and various screens of usage and cost information to the customer using the four display buttons.

ICSD38.0821 If the display sequence has been partially cycled and the push button is not pressed for 30 seconds the display sequence will revert to the default display.

[CS0138 0831 The IHU will the display the following parameters: Default Display Electricity kW demand Electricity cost per hour Gas Cost Today [CSD13S:0 841 Cash Button Present Rate Electricity xx.xx Pence/kWh Present Rate Gas xx.xx Pence/kWh Electricity Cost Yesterday, Last 7, Last 28 Days xx.xx (rolling value) Gas Cost Yesterday, Last 7, Last 28 Days xx.xx (rolling value) Text Present Rate p/kWh Next Change at HH:MM to Rx (CSDI38:085j Elect ricity Button Usage Today xxxxx kWh (+ bar graph of usage) (rolling value) Last 7 days xxxx.x kWh (+ bar graph of usage) (rolling value) Last 28 days xxxx.x kWh (-i-bar graph of usage) (rolling value) Last 12 months xxxxx kWh (+bar graph of usage) (rolling value) LCSD1 38:086] as button Usage Today xxx.xx kWh (+ bar graph of usage) (roVing value) Last 7 days xxxx.x kWh (+ bar graph of usage) (rolling value) Last 28 days xxxx.x kWh (+bar graph of usage) (rolhng value) Last 12 months xxxxx kWh (4 bar graph of usage) (rolling value) CSD1 38,0871 Emissions button Electricity kg C02 per hour Electricity kg C02 Today Gas kg C02 Today Total C02 emissions, 7days comparison over 28 days and 12 months (CSD138;088] 4.2 Default Display The default display will be the normal operating display shown when no button presses have been made (CS D 136.0891 The default displays will auto cycle through three displays to show values of usage for: Screen 1 -Electricity Cost per hour (Instantaneous) Screen 2 -Electricity Instantaneous usage (KW Demand) Screen 3 -Gas Cost Today (CSD13B 090j The auto cycle advance shall be as follows: Screen I to 2 -{15} seconds Screen 2 to 3 -(15) seconds Screen 3 to 1 -{1O} seconds (CSDI36 0911 While in the default display a graphical representation of electricity usage showing one-minute profiles over the last hour wiU be shown.

[CSD1 38092J The default display will auto cycle through 3 displays as follows: 1. Electricity Cost per hour (instantaneous) TemperaturE TemparErur, gr 0 0 0 IHr 0 QFnIH, -lhr now now Shows Latest cost per hour value received from meter for electricity. Value updated on receipt of new value from meter.

Display auto ranges from pence per hour to per hour fCSD138.093j 2. ELectricity Instantaneous Usage (kW) Time! -Shows latest kW update received Temperature for electricity. Value updated on kW receipt of new value from meter.

NOW 0 0 0 Graph is 1-minute profile of elec.

demand for 60 mins. (Also shown in cycle 1) kW -lhr now [CSO13B:0941 3. Gas Cost Today Time! Shows cost of gas since start of 7'emperatw day Calculated locally. Value updated on receipt of new value

COST

0 0 o o from meter.

TODAY Graph of hourly usage profile from start of day kWI7 DO: ODAM 1CSD13B:0951 4.3 Cash Display By pressing the cash button the user can see usage in monetary terms. Items viewable are: 1st Press -Present Rate Electricity xx.xx Pence/kWh 2 Press -Present Rate Gas xx.xx Pence/kWh 3rd Press -Electricity Cost Yesterday, Last 7 Days, 28 days xx.xx (rolling value) 4th Press -Gas Cost Yesterday, Last 7 days, 28 Days xx. xx (rolling value) (CS Dl 38,096] Display formats will be as follows: Time/ Temperature rt Press 1 RATE Top segments show active electricity F Pence! rate price in pence/kWh. Value will NOW J J Q (J kWh automatically correct for block tariffs.

Time to next TOU change is shown Ne t Cha n g e a i xx xx together with rate being switched to.

Ia Rate X Present readings show the actual meter Present Readings.

R a e 1 X k Wh registers per rate. Readings are updated at A hour intervals and are Rate 2 XXXXX kWh shown with no decimal places.

Rate 3 XXXXX kWh Rate 4 XXXXX kWh (CSDI3B 097] Time / Temperature T2 Press RATE Top segments show active gas rate I Pence! price in pence/kWh. Value will NOW J J Q J (J " automatically correct for block tariffs.

Present reading is the actual gas meter register shown in in3 Readings are updated at 1,4 hour intervals and Present Read I =shownwithnodecimalplaces Iota I XXXXX m3 Note: Numberof kwh'sto next block tariff change is removed [CSDI3B:098] Time I 3rd Press Temperature ______________________________ COST Top segments show cost yesterday.

(3 J J (3 Cost last 7 and 28 days for eJeclricity If!: usage shown in dot-matrix section

V ESTER DAY

Last 7 Days XX.XX FOR ILLUSTRATION ONLY' shown in Last 28 Days xx.xx inve,ted text styte IilUI!i (CS Dl 38.099f Time 1 A 4th Press Temperature (1) COST Top segments show cost yesterday J 0 J J Cost last 7 and 28 days for gas usage shown in dot-matrix section.

YESTERDAY

Last 7 Days XX XX Last 28 Days xx xx 1FORILLUSTRATIONONLYshowriin inverted font style zIDuI (CSD138 0100) 4.4 Electricity Display By pressing the electricity button the user can see usage numerically and graphically. Items viewable are: i5' Press -Usage Today xxx.xx kWh (+ profile bar graph of usage) (rolling value) 2 Press -Last 7 days xxxx.x kWh (+ profile bar graph of usage) (rolling value) 3rd Press -Last 28 days xxxx.x kWh (+ profile bar graph of usage) (rolling value) 41h Press -Last 12 months xxxxx kWh (+ profile bar graph of usage) (rolling value) JCSD13B.0 10 1) Display formats will be as follows: Time I lemperatute 151 Press kWh Top segments show present days kWh D J 0 usage starting from 00:00

S

TODAY

kWh Bar Graph to illustrate present days usage starting from 00:00 00 DOAM (CSD13B 01021 ________________________ Tsme/ Tempcra!ui 2nd Press kWh Top segments show kWh usage of 0 0 J Q 0 rolling last 7 days a LAST 7 DAYS kWh usage Bar Graph to illustrate rolling lasi 7 days M T W T F 5 5 [CSD1 38:0103] _______________ __________________________ rime / Temperature -3rd Press I kWh Top segments show kWh usage of 0 J fJ Q J rolling last 28 days a LAST 28 DAYS IlIIJIII1II!lIlIII*J Bar Graph to illustrate rolling last 28 days usage.

M M M M

[CSD1 38:0104] Temperature -h Press kWh Top segments show kWh usage for J J c c c rolling last 12 months LAST 12 MONTHS kWh I Bar Graph to illustrate rolling last 12 1iiiI months usage J F M A M J J A S 0 N 0 1C50136:0105) 4.5 Gas Display By pressing the gas button the user can see usage numerically and graphically.

Items viewable are: 1St Press -Usage Today xxx.xx kWh (+ profile bar graph of usage) (rolling value) 2nd Press -Last 7 days xxxx.x kWh (+ profile bar graph of usage) (rolling value) 3'd Press -Last 28 days xxxx. x kWh (+ profile bar graph of usage) (rolling value) 4113 Press -Last 12 months xxxxx kWh (+ profile bar graph of usage) (rolling value) ECSD1 38:0106) If the installation does not include a gas meter i.e. no gas data, the Il-lU will show Gas Meter Not Connected' in the dot matrix section instead of the following displays Display formats will be as follows; Timef A press Temperature kWh Top segments show present days kWh J 0 Q J J usage starting from 00:00

TODAY kWh

Bar Graph to illustrate present days usage starting from 00:00 00: OOAM jCSO13H.0107] _________ Timo / Temperature [2nd Press kWh Top segments show kWh usage of o Q U J rolling last 7 days

S

LAST 7 DAYS kWh Ii Bar Graph to illustrate rolling last 7 days iii. usage

M T W I P S S

(CS Dl 35.0108] Time / Temperature 3rd Press kWh Top segments show kWh usage of U J J J 0 roIling last 28 days

S

LAST 28 DAYS kWh days usage.

Bar Graph to illustrate rolling last 28

M M M M

CSD13B:0109] __________________________ lime / Temperature L ess kWh Top segments show kWh usage for J J c 0 cj rolling last 12 months

S

LAST 12 MONTHS kWh months usage Bar Graph to illustrate rolling last 12

J FMAMJ J ASOND

ICSD1 38:0110] Tirne/ A 3rd Press Tempertwe (f) jV(f Top segments show present days total 0 0 0 0 Kg emissions for gas usage starting from

TODAY

lkWh= 19kg Or Hse.Gas Kg J -lb Bar Graph to iHusirate present days gas ________________________ usage emissions starting from 00:00 00: OOAM [CS0136 0114) Twne/ ( )\ cc, -T4th Press Tempera hi re V) iop segments show total (electricity + J 0 0 0 Kg gas) emissions for last 7 days LAST 7 DAYS Lass 28 oay283 kg Last 28 days and 12 months total La s t 1 2 mon I h s 2850kg emissions shown in dot matrix section.

[C50138.01 15]

--

4.7 Messaging When the message button is pressed the dot matrix section of the display will change to show the active message. The message will be shown as below The envelope sign will denote a message is being shown.

Temperature ____ Message text here [C50138.O1 161 4.8 Demand Alarm message When the demand alarm is triggered a warning message will be shown to indicate the alarm has triggered. The warning message will appear as follows: Time / Temperature Usage Atatm Your Usage has exceeded Lx xx /hour Press ENTER to cancel [CSD13B 142] -3L- 4.9 Menu Screens The unit will have a menu selection to aflow settings to be entered and further information to be seen.

The menu will allow the following item to be viewed or set: * Set Up (allows buzzer to be switched off, enter Bind PIN) * System Information (Elec. meter serial #, Gas meter serial #) * Set Usage Alarm (allows a costihour alarm point to be set) [CSD13801 17] The menu screen mode is entered using the menu button. The dot matrix section will show the available options.

(CSO1 38 0118] The unit will use the four menu push buttons to enter the mode, select the required parameter then enter any required data. The buttons will have action from left to right: Menu Enter menu screen Move selection/entry down Move selection/entry up Enter Enter selection [CS0138.01 19, In normal operation pressing the menu button will show a selection screen: Timel MenU Temperature Selected item is shown in inverse text (white on black block) Buttons moves selection up/down Enter button selects requirement Menu 1 Selecting Exit returns to normal operating 2 System Infatmat ion display 3 Usage Alarm Exit ICSD1 38.0 1201 -35 -T,me/ Set-up Temperaiure Set-up allows the user to go to buzzer options or bind PIN entry screen Selected item is shown in inverse text (white on black block) S e I -U p t,j. Buttons moves selection up/down 1 Enter button selects requirement 2 Enter Bind PIN Selecting Exit returns to Menu screen Ec i t [CSDI 38.01211 Timel Buzzer Options Temperature Set-up allows the user to go to buzzer options or bind PIN entry screen Selected item is shown in inverse text (white on black block) Buzzer Dpi ions I 9 Buttons moves selection between ON & OFF S e I B u z z e Enter button selects requirement Selecting Exit returns to Menu screen Ex I [CSD13S. 143J Enter Bind PIN Time / Temperature Allows Bind PIN to be entered to connect IHLJ to meter Selected item is shown in inverse text (white on black block) t1 Buttons increment or decrement individual PIN code Meter Bind PIN E n I e r P I N c o d e I o Enter button selects the entry and moves to the next digit.

connect unit to meter If the entered Pin and the Bind PIN held by the unit does not match the display Will show PIN Error' and reset the P 1 N 0 0 0 0 0 number entered for the next attempt. See section 3.10 E x I t Selecting Exit returns to Menu screen [CSD13B: 144J -3'--Time,' System Information Temperature Screen is for information only and displays meter numbers for both gas and electric meters.

Enter button selects exit arid returns to menu System intomat screen Meter Set al Numbers Elec XXXXXXXXXXXXXxx Gas XXXXXXXXXXXXY)çxx

IIDUD

[CS0138:0122j -Tqne/ Usage alarm Temperature Whole pounds are shown in inverse text (white on black block) t.1' Buttons increments/decrement value Enter button selects the entry and moves to the next digit.

Usage Alarm-EJec Selecting Exit leaves menu without change Set alarm .OO!Hour To disable set value to zero Ex ii [CSD13B:O 123] 4.10 Communications Failure Warning If the unit is unable to receive communication from the electricity meter for 10 minutes a warning message is displayed as shown below.

Time / Temperature Cannot Tat I To Meter Sugge s ions Move closer to meter iry another room Meter Operation Is Not Al tected [CSDI 38:0124] 411 Start L/p Message FoHowing switch on of the unit, the urlits time will need to be updated from the 15-second update from the meter. While waiting for this to occur a start up splash screen will be shown.

Updatrig tntormat ion Please W fCS0138:0125J -38 -

Claims

Claims: I A smart metering systerri, comprising: an information display

unit (IDtJ), the IDU incorporating a display for displaying graphical and/or numerical data; at least one metering device for generaling consumption signals corresponding to consumption of a respective commodity, the consumption of each commodity having an equivalent energy consumption: and processing circuitry and a memory device, wherein the IOU is coupled for communication with said at least one metering device and the memory device; wherein the memory device is adapted to store data defining one or more of (a) instantaneous energy consumption (b) historical energy consumption, (c) instantaneous cost, (d) historical cost, and (e) historical environmental impact data: and wherein the IDU is adapted to receive data from the memory device and display graphically or otherwise one or more of (a) to (e).

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the IDU comprises an in home unit' (Il-lU) suited to installation in residential buildings.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the IDU and the or each metering device includes a first transceiver, each first transceiver being a low power radio transceiver, thereby providing wireless communications channels therebetween.

4. The system or claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising multiple certified metering devices.

5. A system of claim 4, wherein the processing circuitry is operable for (i) receiving consumption signals from each metering device, (ii) determining therefrom one or more of (a') total instantaneous energy consumption (b') total historical energy consumption, (c') total instantaneous cost, (d') total historical cost, and (e') total historical environmental impact data, and (iii) storing any of (a') to (e') determined in (ii) in said memory device, wherein the system is adapted to cause display in the IDU on demand or otherwise of one or more of (a') to (e').

6. A system of any of the preceding claims, further including a second transceiver, adapted for encrypted communication with a remote host, for example located at a commodity supplier, via a wireless wide area network or wireless telephony network 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the processing circuitry is operable for -39 -receiving from the remote host control messages containing updated tariff data, and storing the updated tariff data in the memory device: 6. The system of claim 6 or 7, wherein the processing circuitry is operable for receiving from the remote host consumer messages, and causing the display in the IDU instantaneously or in response to user action the consumer messages.

9 The system of claim 6 or 7, wherein the processing circuitry is operable for receiving from the remote host control messages containing a disconnection or enable reconnection command for a commodity, and causing the supply of the commodity to be disconnected or reconnected, respectively.

10. The system of any of claims 6 to g, wherein the processing circuitry is operable for for one or more of the metering devices receiving from the metering device a current meter reading, and sending to the remote host the current meter reading.

11. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein one of the metering devices comprises a hub device, the hub device incorporating the second transceiver and controlling communication between the other metering device(s) and the IDU.

12. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein said memory device is located separate from the IDU 13. The system of claim 11 or 12, wherein said memory device and said processing circuitry are incorporated in the hub device.

14. The system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the IDU is operable in conjunction with the processing circuitry on power-up of the IDU following an unpowered time interval during which the IOU is powered down for storage or relocation, for retrieving from said memory device missing data corresponding to one or more of (a) to (e) for the unpowered time interval.

15. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing circuitry is operable for aggregating the data derived from or corresponding to consumption signals, so as to provide an efficient retrieval of the historic data over a restricted communications channel.

16. The system of claims 15, wherein the processing circuitry is operable for aggregating the data so as to store in said memory device energy consumption data for one or more of (i) each part of the present hour, (ii) each hour of the present day, (iii) each day of the last 7 days, (iv) each day of the last 28 days1 and (v) each month of the last 12 months.

17. The system of any of the preceding claims, where IDU is adapted to display the data (a) to (e) in graphical or numerical form in respect of each of a plurality of time intervals, for example (i) each part of the present hour, (ii) each hour of the present day, (iii) each day of the last 7 days1 (iv) each day of the last 28 days1 and (v) each month of the last 12 months.

18. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the IDU includes a plurality a secondary display elements, e.g. LEDs, in different colours corresponding to different instantaneous energy consumption, e.g. green (LOW), amber (MEDIUM) and red (LOW).

thereby providing an instantaneous usage warning.

19. The system of any of the preceding claims, where the IOU and the or each metering device may be installed at different times and is temporarily operable during installation in a mode enabling them to be bound together to form a secure network for an individual consumer, building or residential unit, without requiring special tools or consumer specific data 20. An IOU for use in the system of any of the preceding claims, the IDU incorporating processing circuitry and a display for displaying graphical and/or numerical data; wherein the IOU is adapted to be coupled for communication with said at least one metering device and a memory device, the or each metering device generating consumption signals corresponding to consumption of a respective commodity, the consumption of each commodity having an equivalent energy consumption, wherein the memory device is adapted to store data defining one or more of (a) instantaneous energy consumption (b) historical energy consumption, (c) instantaneous cost, (d) historical cost, and (e) historical environmental impact data; and wherein the processing circuitry of the IDU is operable to (i) retrieve one or more of data (a) to (a) from the memory device, and (ii) display graphically or otherwise the retrieved data.

21. A smart metering system, comprising: an information display unit (IOU), the IOU incorporating a display for displaying graphical data; at least one metering device for generating signals corresponding to consumption of a respective commodity; and processing circuitry and a memory device, wherein the IOU is coupled for communication with said at least one metering device and the memory device via low power radio; -41 -wherein the memory device is adapted to store at least one or more of (b) historical energy consumption, (d) historical cost, and (e) historical environmental data in aggregated form; and wherein the IOU is adapted to receive data from the memory device and display graphically or otherwise one or more of (b), (d) and (e).

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the memory device comprises a first memory device incorporated in the IDU.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the memory device comprises a second memory device separate from the IOU, for example incorporated in one of the metering devices.

24. The system of claim 23, when dependent on claim 22, wherein the processing circuitry is operable, upon power-on of the IOU or otherwise, to update the data stored in the first memory device using the data stored in the second memory device.

25. The system of any of claims 21 to 25, wherein the memory device is adapted to store at least one or more of (a) instantaneous energy consumption and (c) instantaneous cost, and wherein the IDU is adapted to receive data from the memory device and display graphically or otherwise one or more of data (a) and (c).

26. An IDU for use in the system of any of claims 21 to 25, the IOU incorporating processing circuitry and a display for displaying graphical and/or numerical data; wherein the IDU is adapted to be coupled for communication with said at least one metering device and a memory device via low power radio, the or each metering device generating consumption signals corresponding to consumption of a respective commodity, the consumption of each commodity having an equivalent energy consumption; wherein the memory device is adapted to store data defining one or more of (b) historical energy consumption, (d) historical cost, and (e) historical environmental impact data in aggregated form; and wherein the processing circuitry of the IDU is operable to (i) retrieve one or more of data (b), (d) and (e) from the memory device, and (ii) display graphically or otherwise the retrieved data 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the memory device comprises a first memory device incorporated in the IDU.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the memory device comprises a second memory device separate from the IDU, for example incorporated in one of the metering devices.

29 The system of claim 28, when dependent on claim 27, wherein the processing circuitry is operable, upon power-on of the IDU or otherwise, to update the data stored in the first memory device using the data stored in the second memory device.

30. The system of any of claims 26 to 29, wherein the memory device is adapted to store at least one or more of (a) instantaneous energy consumption and (c) instantaneous cost, and wherein the IDU is adapted to receive data from the memory device and display graphically or otherwise one or more of data (a) and (c).

31 A smart metering system, comprising: an information display unit (IOU), the IDU incorporating a processing circuitry and display for displaying graphical data; a plurality of metering devices, each metering device for generating consumption signals corresponding to consumption of a respective commodity, the consUmption of each commodity having an equivalent energy consumption, and wherein one of the metering devices comprises a hub device, including first communications device for communication with the rest of said plurality of metering devices and the IOU via low power radio; wherein the hub device includes a second communications device, for communicating with a wireless wide area network or wireless telephony network.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the processing circuitry is operable to (i) receive data from the hub device derived from the consumption signals; and (ii) displaying graphically or otherwise the derived data.

33. The system of claim 31 or 32, wherein the processing circuitry is operable to (i) receive a message from the hub device that has been received by the seond communications device; (ii) displaying graphically or otherwise the received message.

34. An IDU for use in the system of any of claims 31 to 33, the IDU incorporating processing circuitry and a display for displaying graphical and/or numerical data; wherein the IDU is adapted to be coupled for communication with plurality of metering devices and a memory device via low power radio, the or each metering device generating consumption signals corresponding to consumption of a respective commodity, the consumption of each commodity having an equivalent energy consumption; wherein one of the metering devices comprises a hub device, including first communications device for communication with the rest of said plurality of metering devices and the IHU via low power radio; wherein the hub device includes a second communications device, for communicating with a wireless wide area network or wireless telephony network.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein the processing circuitry is operable to (i) receive data from the hub device derived from the consumption signals; and (ii) displaying graphically or otherwise the derived data.

36. The system of claim 34 or 35, wherein the processing circuitry is operable to (i) receive a message from the hub device that has been received by the seond communications device, (ii) displaying graphically or otherwise the received message.

37. A smart metering system, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs 1 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.

36. An IDU, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.