JP2015087152A - Power meter and power saving operation method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To implement power saving of a power meter including a communication function.SOLUTION: The power meter is configured to measure electric energy used by a user supplied with power from a power supply source. The power meter includes: a measuring part which measures electric energy and is a supply source of power for control required within the power meter; a first route communication part that uses power for control to communicate with the power supply source via a first route; a second route communication part that uses power for control to communicate with management equipment of the user via a second route; and a power control part that secures transmission power preferentially for the first route communication part by limiting the transmission power of the second route communication part as needed when executing transmission by the first route communication part and transmission by the second route communication part simultaneously with each other.

Description

  The present invention relates to a power meter having a communication function, and more particularly to power saving of a communication unit that performs the communication function.

  In recent years, energy management systems (HEMS: Home Energy Management System) that perform energy management, for example, in consumers such as general households, have attracted attention. In this system, a management device (HEMS gateway) installed in the home can monitor the power consumption of the electrical devices in the home and perform control such as power saving if necessary.

  Moreover, introduction of what is called a smart meter (registered trademark) having a communication function capable of automatic meter reading is progressing as a power meter for each consumer. Such a power meter can provide meter reading data not only to a power supply source such as a power company by communication, but also to the management device in the house. As a result, the management device can monitor power consumption as described above, and can perform control such as power saving as necessary.

  The communication unit responsible for the communication function of the power meter includes a so-called A-route communication unit that communicates with the power supply source and a so-called B-route communication unit that communicates with home management devices. (For example, Patent Document 1 (paragraphs [0018] and [0021])).

JP 2013-171453 A

For example, portable wireless (3G or the like) is used for the communication of the A route. For B route communication, for example, power line communication (PLC) is suitable. The control power supplied to these communication units is provided from the metering unit of the power meter, but the power is limited to a predetermined value or less. This level of power is sufficient to perform only A route communication or B route communication. However, if both routes are transmitted at the same time, power may be insufficient. However, when the power supply is increased, the power burden on the power supply source increases with the spread of the power meter.
In view of this problem, an object of the present invention is to realize power saving of a power meter having a communication function.

  The present invention is a power meter that measures the amount of power used by a consumer who receives power supplied from a power supply source, and measures the amount of power and uses control power required in the power meter. A metering unit, which is a supply source, a first route communication unit that uses the control power and communicates with the power supply source via a first route, a control unit that uses the control power, and a second route. A second route communication unit that communicates with the consumer's management device via the first route communication unit and a transmission by the second route communication unit are performed at the same time, if necessary. A power control unit that preferentially secures transmission power in the first route communication unit by limiting transmission power of the two-route communication unit.

  On the other hand, the present invention from another viewpoint is a power meter for measuring the amount of power used by a consumer who receives power supply from a power supply source. A metering unit that is also a supply source of the control power required by the control unit, a first route communication unit that communicates with the power supply source via the first route using the control power, and the control power. And a second route communication unit that communicates with the consumer's management device via a second route. When supplying power to the route communication unit and the second route communication unit, when the transmission by the first route communication unit and the transmission by the second route communication unit are performed at the same time, the second route is performed as necessary. Communication department Preferentially ensuring the transmission power to the first route communication unit by limiting the transmit power, a power-saving operation method.

  The present invention can be realized as a power monitoring control system including the power meter, in addition to being realized as a power meter and its power saving operation method.

  According to the present invention, power saving of a power meter having a communication function can be realized.

It is the schematic which shows an example of the power distribution to a consumer including the electric power meter which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the electric power meter in FIG. FIG. 3 is an example of an internal circuit diagram of a power control unit in FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows the transmission power of the 1st route | root communication part and the 2nd route | root communication part by the electric power meter shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the other circuit structure of an electric power meter. It is a figure which shows the transmission power of the 1st route communication part and the 2nd route communication part by the electric power meter shown in FIG.

[Summary of Embodiment]
The gist of the embodiment of the present invention includes at least the following.

  (1) This is a power meter that measures the amount of power used by a customer who receives power supply from a power supply source, and measures the amount of power and controls required within the power meter. A measuring unit that is a power supply source, a first route communication unit that uses the control power and communicates with the power supply source via a first route, and uses the control power, and a second When the second route communication unit that communicates with the customer's management device via the route, the transmission by the first route communication unit and the transmission by the second route communication unit are simultaneously performed, as necessary A power control unit that preferentially secures transmission power to the first route communication unit by limiting transmission power of the second route communication unit.

  In the power meter of the above (1), even if the transmission by the first route communication unit and the transmission by the second route communication unit are performed at the same time and the control power is likely to be insufficient, the second route communication unit The necessary transmission power is secured in the first route communication unit due to the transmission power limitation. Therefore, transmission by the first route communication unit having a high priority is not hindered. Note that “restrict transmission power” includes not only lowering the level of transmission power but also prohibiting transmission (that is, setting transmission power to 0).

(2) Further, in the power meter of (1), the power control unit is a case where transmission by the first route communication unit and transmission by the second route communication unit are simultaneously performed, and the control When the power for use exceeds the threshold value, the transmission power of the second route communication unit may be limited.
In this case, by limiting the transmission power of the second route communication unit, the control power is suppressed and the use with limited power is enabled. On the other hand, if it is not simultaneous, transmission power can be provided to the second route communication unit without limitation.

(3) In the power meter of (2), the power control unit may detect the control power, and may grasp transmission timing of the first route communication unit based on the detected power. Good.
In this case, the transmission power of the second route communication unit can be limited based on the detected control power.

(4) In the power meter of (2), the power control unit may acquire information on the line status of the first route and transmission timing information from the first route communication unit.
In this case, the transmission power of the second route communication unit can be limited based on the acquired information.

(5) In the power meter of (3) or (4), the power control unit prohibits transmission of the second route communication unit while the first route communication unit is at the transmission timing. May be.
In this case, transmission power can be reliably ensured for transmission by the first route communication unit.

(6) Moreover, in the power meter of (3) or (4), the power control unit is configured such that when the first route communication unit is at the transmission timing and the control power exceeds the threshold, Transmission of the second route communication unit is prohibited, and even when the first route communication unit is at the transmission timing, when the control power is less than the threshold value, transmission of the second route communication unit is prohibited. You may make it permit.
Thereby, when the first route communication unit is at the transmission timing, there are cases where transmission of the second route communication unit is prohibited and cases where transmission is permitted. The success rate of communication can be increased.

(7) In the power meter of (4), the power control unit obtains information on the line status of the second route in the second route communication unit, and if the line status is good, the second The transmission power of the route communication unit may be suppressed.
In this case, when the line condition of the second route is good, that is, when transmission is possible even if the transmission power is slightly reduced, the transmission power of the second route communication unit is suppressed (saved), so that the line condition of the first route is achieved. Regardless, both routes can be sent simultaneously.

(8) Further, in the power meter of (4), the power control unit obtains information related to a line state of the second route in the second route communication unit, and the second route communication unit restricts transmission power. Can be set in a plurality of stages, and the transmission power may be limited by selecting one stage from the plurality of stages according to the line state of the first route.
In this case, for example, the transmission power of the second route is limited so that the line condition of the first route has no margin (the line condition is poor), and the line condition of the first route has a margin (the line condition is By limiting the transmission power of the second route so as to be higher, the limited control power can be fully utilized with a suitable combination according to the line conditions of both routes.

(9) On the other hand, from the viewpoint of the power saving operation method, the power meter is used to measure the amount of power used by a consumer who receives power supply from a power supply source, A metering unit that is also a supply source of control power required in the power meter, a first route communication unit that uses the control power and communicates with the power supply source via a first route, and the control A power saving operation method executed by a second route communication unit that uses electric power and communicates with the consumer's management device via a second route,
Necessary when transmission by the first route communication unit and transmission by the second route communication unit are performed at the same time in supplying power from the weighing unit to the first route communication unit and the second route communication unit Accordingly, the transmission power of the second route communication unit is restricted according to the above, so that the transmission power is preferentially secured to the first route communication unit.

  According to the power saving operation method of the power meter as described above, even if transmission by the first route communication unit and transmission by the second route communication unit are performed at the same time, it is likely that the control power will be insufficient. The necessary transmission power is ensured in the first route communication unit due to the limitation of the transmission power of the second route communication unit. Accordingly, there is no problem in transmission by the first route communication unit having a high priority. Note that “restrict transmission power” includes not only lowering the level of transmission power but also prohibiting transmission (that is, setting transmission power to 0).

[Details of the embodiment]
《Distribution system diagram》
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described.
Drawing 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of power distribution to a consumer including a power meter concerning one embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a consumer 1 receives power from a power transmission line 2 via a transformer 3 in a single-phase, three-wire system, for example. The output line of the transformer 3 includes a grounded neutral line N and ungrounded voltage lines L1 and L2. The ground voltage of the neutral line N is 0V, and the AC voltages of the voltage lines L1 and L2 with respect to the neutral line N are 100V, respectively. Further, 200 V is applied between the voltage lines L1 and L2. A power meter (so-called smart meter (registered trademark)) 4 having a communication function is installed at a power receiving point of the customer 1. Three lines (L1, L2, N) via the power meter 4 are connected to a distribution board 11 installed in the consumer.

  In the customer 1, a management device (HEMS gateway) 12 including a function of the PLC modem 13 and a PLC modem 14 are connected to the 100 V system on the voltage line L1 side through the distribution board 11. A PLC modem 15 is connected to the 100V system on the voltage line L2 side. Furthermore, the PLC modem 16 is connected to the 200V system using the voltage lines L1 and L2. Note that the number of the PLC modems 14 to 16 shown here is only an example for convenience of illustration.

  Here, the PLC modems 14 to 16 are incorporated into at least an electric appliance in the house, or are used at least accompanyingly, and are used for an electric apparatus that can be controlled, for example, power saving, on / off, and operating time shift. Specifically, it is an electric device such as an air conditioner, an illumination, a heat pump, a storage battery, an EV (electric vehicle), a power conditioner for solar power generation, and a power supply device using the storage battery. The management device 12 can perform control such as power saving and stop for these electric devices when the set peak power is likely to be exceeded. The PLC modems 14 to 16 can communicate with the management device 12 but cannot communicate with the power meter 4. Only the management device 12 can communicate with the power meter 4.

<< First embodiment of power meter >>
Next, the power meter 4 according to the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the power meter 4. The power meter 4 includes a measuring unit 40, a first route communication unit 41, a second route communication unit 42, and a power control unit 43. The measuring unit 40 measures the amount of electric power and serves as a supply source of control power required in the electric power meter 4. Thus, the power meter 4 has a communication function of two systems (first route and second route). The first route and the second route are so-called A route and B route, respectively.

  The first route communication unit 41 can communicate with the power supply source by wireless communication (for example, 3G) of a mobile phone, for example. The second route communication unit 42 can communicate with the management device 12 of the customer 1 by, for example, PLC (power line communication). The second route communication unit 42 uses, for example, the voltage lines L1 and L2 as signal lines for the PLC signal, and uses two lines in the single-phase three lines including at least one of these two lines. It can be performed. That is, the second route communication unit 42 can communicate with the management device 12 of the customer 1.

As a communication method for the first route, for example, specific low power wireless communication in the 920 MHz band, PLC, and the like can be adopted in addition to 3G. In an apartment house, communication signals of the first route are collected in a concentrator, and there are cases where optical fiber communication is used from there.
As a communication method of the second route, in addition to the PLC, for example, specific low power wireless communication in a 920 MHz band is possible.

  The power control unit 43 detects how much control power is provided to the first route communication unit 41 and the second route communication unit 42, and based on that, if necessary, the power of the second route communication unit 42 Transmission power can be limited. Note that “restrict transmission power” includes not only lowering the level of transmission power but also prohibiting transmission (that is, setting transmission power to 0).

  Of the power consumed by the first route communication unit 41, the second route communication unit 42, and the power control unit 43, the first route communication unit 41 and the second route communication occupy a major proportion and become a large variation factor. This is the transmission power of the unit 42. In addition, the first route communication unit 41 has a function of automatically changing transmission power according to the line state of the first route (3G). Generally, when the line state is bad, the first route communication unit 41 increases the transmission power in order to increase the S / N ratio. Conversely, when the line condition is good, the transmission power is reduced. Although the second route communication unit 42 originally has the same function, the power control unit 43 may limit the transmission power in the present embodiment.

  The power control unit 43 is functionally different from the second route communication unit 42, but can be provided integrally with the second route communication unit 42 (mounted on one PLC modem). Further, a power control unit 43 may be provided separately from the second route communication unit 42. However, the power control target by the power control unit 43 is only the second route communication unit 42.

  FIG. 3 is an example of an internal circuit diagram of the power control unit 43. In the figure, the power control unit 43 includes a shunt resistor 431, a current measurement amplifier 432, comparators 433 and 434, and a flip-flop 435. The shunt resistor 431 is provided on the electric circuit CP that supplies the control power to the first route communication unit 41 and the second route communication unit 42. The control power has a substantially constant voltage, and the current varies depending on demand. Therefore, the control power actually supplied can be determined by measuring the current. A voltage generated at both ends of the shunt resistor 431 according to the current flowing through the shunt resistor 431 is input to the amplifier 432, amplified by a constant gain, and then input to the comparators 433 and 434. Constant reference voltages Vref1 and Vref2 are applied to the comparators 433 and 434, respectively.

Next, the operation of the power control unit 43 will be described.
As described above, transmission power accounts for a major proportion of power consumed as control power and is a major variable factor. Accordingly, when the first route communication unit 41 and the second route communication unit 42 perform transmission simultaneously with each other, the current increases most significantly. Therefore, if the current flowing through the shunt resistor 431 is constantly measured, at least the transmission timing at which the first route communication unit 41 and the second route communication unit 42 simultaneously transmit can be captured. Further, if an appropriate threshold value is set for the current (power), when a current exceeding the threshold value flows, transmission by the first route communication unit 41 and transmission by the second route communication unit 42 are performed at the same time. And it can grasp | ascertain that it is a case where the sum total of the transmission power by the 1st route communication part 41 and the 2nd route communication part 42 exceeds a threshold value.

Therefore, if the maximum value of the control power that can be supplied is, for example, P _max (the current in this case is I _max ), a value lower than I _max corresponds to the current threshold I _th (power threshold P _th ). ). The threshold value I _th (P _th ) is higher than the maximum value in the single transmission state of either the first route communication unit 41 or the second route communication unit 42. Therefore, in the single transmission state of the first route communication unit 41 or the second route communication unit 42, even if the transmission power increases because the line state is bad, the current does not reach the threshold value I _th (P _th ). Vref1 is a value obtained by converting the threshold value I _th (P _th ) into a voltage. Vref2 is a value lower than Vref1.

If sufficiently lower than current _{I th} flowing to the shunt resistor 431, the output voltage Vout of the amplifier 432 so as not to exceed any of the reference voltage Vref2 of the reference voltage Vref1 and the comparator 434 of the comparator 433 . Accordingly, the outputs of the comparators 433 and 434 are both at the H / L L level, and at this time, the output (Q) of the flip-flop 435 is at the L level. In this case, the transmission power for the second route communication unit 42 is not limited.

Next, approaches the _{I th} by the current flowing through the shunt resistor 431 is increased, the output voltage Vout of the amplifier 432 is increased. When the output voltage Vout of the amplifier 432 is Vref2 <Vout <Vref1, the output of the comparator 434 is H level, but the output of the comparator 433 is L level. In this case, the output (Q) of the flip-flop 435 is at the L level, and the transmission power for the second route communication unit 42 is not limited.

On the other hand, when the output voltage Vout of the amplifier 432 is Vref1 <Vout, the outputs of both the two comparators 433 and 434 are at the H level. In this case, the output (Q) of the flip-flop 435 becomes H level, and the second route communication unit 42 is instructed to limit the transmission power. That is, such a restriction is imposed when the transmission by the first route communication unit 41 and the transmission by the second route communication unit 42 are simultaneously performed, and the first route communication unit 41 and the second route This is a case where the total transmission power by the communication unit 42 exceeds the threshold value (P _th ).

  In such a case, by limiting the transmission power of the second route communication unit 42, the total transmission power is suppressed within a threshold value, and use with limited power is possible. Note that there is a slight time lag from when the output voltage Vout exceeds the reference voltage Vref1 until the transmission power is actually limited. Therefore, it is preferable to select the reference voltage Vref1 to a value that prompts the limitation of the transmission power early in consideration of this time lag.

  Also, once the output voltage Vout of the amplifier 432 becomes Vref1 <Vout and the current flowing through the shunt resistor 431 decreases and the relationship of Vref2 <Vout <Vref1 is established, the output of the flip-flop 435 ( Q) maintains the H level, and the transmission power limit for the second route communication unit 42 is maintained. Thereby, even if the output voltage Vout fluctuates up and down in the vicinity of Vref1, chattering of the output level of the flip-flop 435 can be prevented.

  When the output voltage Vout of the amplifier 432 becomes Vout <Vref2, the output (Q) of the flip-flop 435 returns to the L level, and the transmission power is not limited to the second route communication unit 42.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating transmission power of the first route communication unit 41 (abbreviated as “first” in the drawing) and the second route communication unit 42 (abbreviated as “second”). When transmitting, it uses much more power than when not transmitting.
FIG. 4A shows the maximum value of transmission power in a state where power is not limited. For simplification of description, the first route communication unit 41 and the second route communication unit 42 are drawn so that the maximum transmission power is the same. If the transmission by the first route communication unit 41 and the transmission by the second route communication unit 42 are not performed at the same time, the first route communication unit 41 or the second route communication unit 42 will reach the maximum power used by itself. Can be used to send. However, when simultaneous transmission is performed, the total required transmission power exceeds the maximum value P _max of control power that can be supplied by the weighing unit 40. Thus, either or both transmissions may fail.

Therefore, the power control operation of the power meter 4 as described below is performed using the power control unit 43 described above.
(Power saving operation method: Pattern 1)
As a power saving operation method of pattern 1, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the first route communication unit 41 has a transmission timing, as a result, the second route communication unit 42 transmits. Ban. Specifically, when the first route communication unit 41 and the second route communication unit 42 try to transmit each other at the same time, and the total of current (power) exceeds a threshold value I _th (P _th ), When receiving the transmission power limit command from the flip-flop 435, the second route communication unit 42 voluntarily prohibits its own transmission.

In this case, communication of the second route cannot be performed, but transmission power can be reliably ensured for transmission by the first route communication unit 41. The reference voltage Vref1 in this case is a value corresponding to the threshold I _th, the other reference voltage Vref2 is by a level first route communication unit 41 is equivalent to slightly above current when finished transmission That's fine. Therefore, when the first route communication unit 41 finishes transmission, the second route communication unit 42 can transmit.

(Power saving operation method: Pattern 2)
As a power saving operation method of pattern 2, as shown in FIG. 4C, transmission power is suppressed because the line condition is good even at the timing when the first route communication unit 41 performs transmission. As a result, the transmission of the second route communication unit 42 is permitted. Specifically, even when the first route communication unit 41 and the second route communication unit 42 try to transmit each other simultaneously, the total current (power) is less than the threshold value I _th (P _th ). The flip-flop 435 does not output a transmission power limit command. The power saving operation method of pattern 2 can be used in combination with the power saving operation method of pattern 1 while separating cases.

That is, the power control unit 43 prohibits the transmission of the second route communication unit 42 when the first route communication unit 41 is at the transmission timing and the control power exceeds the threshold, and the first route communication unit Even when 41 is the transmission timing, transmission of the second route communication unit 42 is permitted when the control power is less than the threshold.
Thereby, when the 1st route communication part 41 is a transmission timing, there are a case where transmission of the 2nd route communication part 42 is prohibited, and a case where it is permitted. The success rate of route communication can be increased.

<< Second Embodiment of Electric Power Meter >>
Next, the power meter 4 according to the second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the power meter 4. The power meter 4 includes a weighing unit 40, a first route communication unit 41, a second route communication unit 42, and a power control unit 43, as in the first embodiment (FIG. 2). The difference from the first embodiment is that information necessary for control by the power control unit 43 is given from the first route communication unit 41 to the second route communication unit 42 and the power control unit 43, and the control power is supplied. There is no configuration as shown in FIG. 3 for obtaining information from the current flowing as much as possible. In this configuration, the power control unit 43 only needs to exist as a function associated with the second route communication unit 42, and can be provided integrally with or inherently with the second route communication unit 42.

The second route communication unit 42 and the power control unit 43 obtain from the first route communication unit 41 information related to the line status of the first route and transmission timing information. The power control unit 43 also acquires information related to the line state of the second route communication unit 42.
Also in the case of such a power meter 4, the transmission power of the second route communication unit 42 can be limited based on the acquired information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating transmission power of the first route communication unit 41 (abbreviated as “first” in the drawing) and the second route communication unit 42 (abbreviated as “second”).
In the power meter 4 according to the second embodiment, the following power saving operation can be performed. The following pattern 1 ′ and pattern 2 ′ are the same as pattern 1 and pattern 2 in the first embodiment, respectively, but the acquisition route of information for control is different.

(Power saving operation method: Pattern 1 ')
As a power saving operation method of pattern 1 ′, the power control unit 43 acquires information on the transmission timing of the first route. Then, as shown in (b) of FIG. 6, when it is time for the first route communication unit 41 to perform transmission, transmission of the second route communication unit 42 is prohibited. Specifically, when the first route communication unit 41 is in transmission timing, that is, transmission enable (enable), the second route communication unit 42 is set to transmission disable. In this case, communication of the second route cannot be performed, but transmission power can be reliably ensured for transmission by the first route communication unit 41. When the first route communication unit 41 finishes transmission, the second route communication unit 42 can transmit.

(Power saving operation method: Pattern 2 ')
As a power saving operation method of pattern 2 ′, the power control unit 43 acquires information on the line state and transmission timing of the first route. Then, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the first route communication unit 41 performs transmission, if the line state is good and relatively low transmission power is sufficient, the control power is sufficient. Can afford. Therefore, the power control unit 43 permits transmission of the second route communication unit 42. This power saving operation method of pattern 2 ′ can be used in combination with the power saving operation method of pattern 1 ′ while separating the cases.

That is, when the first route communication unit 41 is at the transmission timing and the second route communication unit 42 performs transmission when viewed from the line state, the power control unit 43 determines that the second route Transmission of the communication unit 42 is prohibited, and even when the first route communication unit 41 is at the transmission timing, transmission of the second route communication unit 42 is performed when the control power is less than the threshold when viewed from the line state. To give permission.
Thereby, when the 1st route communication part 41 is a transmission timing, there are a case where transmission of the 2nd route communication part 42 is prohibited, and a case where it is permitted. The success rate of route communication can be increased.

(Power saving operation method: Pattern 3)
The power saving operation method of pattern 3 is useful when the line condition of the first route is bad and the transmission power is increasing, as shown in FIG. At this time, the power control unit 43 acquires the transmission timing information of the first route communication unit 41 and the line status information of the second route. Here, if the line condition of the second route is good and relatively low transmission power is sufficient, the transmission power of the second route communication unit 42 is suppressed as much as possible. As a result, even if transmission is performed on both the first route and the second route, the entire control power can be kept within the range of control power that can be supplied.
Thus, when the line status of the second route is good, that is, when transmission is possible even if the transmission power is slightly reduced, the transmission power of the second route communication unit 42 is suppressed (saved) to thereby reduce the line of the first route. Regardless of the state, both routes can be transmitted simultaneously.

(Power saving operation method: Pattern 4)
As a power saving operation method of pattern 4, the power control unit 43 acquires the line state of the first route, the transmission timing of the first route communication unit 41, and the line state of the second route. As shown in FIG. 6 (e), the second route communication unit 42 can set the degree of limitation of the transmission power in a plurality of stages (the figure is an example of three stages) under the control of the power control unit 43. Yes, according to the line condition of the first route, one stage is selected from the plurality of stages to limit the transmission power.

  For example, when the transmission power of the first route communication unit 41 is (1-H) level as viewed from the line state, the transmission power of the second route communication unit 42 is (2-L) level. If the transmission power of the first route communication unit 41 is (1-M) level when viewed from the line state, the transmission power of the second route communication unit 42 is (2-M) level. If the transmission power of the first route communication unit 41 is (1-L) level as viewed from the line state, the transmission power of the second route communication unit 42 is (2-H) level.

  As described above, the transmission power of the second route is limited so that the line condition of the first route has no margin (the line condition is bad), and the line condition of the first route has a margin (the line condition is good). ), The limited control power can be fully utilized with a suitable combination according to the line conditions of both routes.

<< Summary of each embodiment and each pattern >>
In the power meter 4 that realizes the power saving operation methods of the various patterns described above, transmission by the first route communication unit 41 and transmission by the second route communication unit 42 are performed at the same time, resulting in a situation where the control power is insufficient. Even so, the necessary transmission power is secured in the first route communication unit 41 due to the limitation of the transmission power of the second route communication unit 42. Therefore, the transmission by the first route communication unit 41 having a high priority is not hindered.

  More specifically, the power control unit 43 is a case where transmission by the first route communication unit 41 and transmission by the second route communication unit 42 are performed at the same time, and the control power exceeds the threshold value. In this case, the transmission power of the second route communication unit 42 is limited. In this way, by limiting the transmission power of the second route communication unit 42, the control power is suppressed, and use with limited power is enabled. Conversely, if it is not simultaneous, the transmission power can be provided to the second route communication unit 42 without limitation.

<Others>
In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the first route is wireless communication (3G) of a mobile phone and the second route is PLC. However, transmission of the first route is limited by limiting the transmission power of the second route. The technology for securing power can be applied to combinations of other various communication methods.

Moreover, about the pattern of a power saving driving | operation, you may use combining the illustrated pattern arbitrarily.
The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Consumer 2 Transmission line 3 Transformer 4 Electric power meter 11 Distribution board 12 Management equipment 13-16 PLC modem 40 Measuring part 41 1st route communication part 42 2nd route communication part 43 Power control part 431 Shunt resistance 432 Amplifier 433 434 Comparator 435 Flip-flop CP line L1, L2 Voltage line N Neutral line Vout Output voltage Vref1, Vref2 Reference voltage

Claims (9)

A power meter that measures the amount of power used by a consumer who receives power from a power source,
While measuring the amount of power, a metering unit that is a supply source of control power required in the power meter,
A first route communication unit that uses the control power and communicates with the power supply source via a first route;
A second route communication unit that uses the control power and communicates with the consumer's management device via a second route;
When transmission by the first route communication unit and transmission by the second route communication unit are performed at the same time, the transmission power of the second route communication unit is limited as necessary to the first route communication unit. A power control unit that preferentially secures transmission power;
Power meter equipped with.   The power control unit is configured to transmit the second route when transmission by the first route communication unit and transmission by the second route communication unit are performed at the same time, and when the control power exceeds a threshold value. The power meter according to claim 1, wherein transmission power of the communication unit is limited.   The power meter according to claim 2, wherein the power control unit detects the control power and grasps a transmission timing of the first route communication unit based on the detected power.   3. The power meter according to claim 2, wherein the power control unit acquires information on a line state of the first route and information on transmission timing from the first route communication unit.   The power meter according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the power control unit prohibits transmission of the second route communication unit while the first route communication unit is at the transmission timing.   The power control unit prohibits transmission of the second route communication unit when the first route communication unit is at the transmission timing and the control power exceeds the threshold, and the first route communication unit 5. The power meter according to claim 3, wherein transmission of the second route communication unit is permitted when the control power is less than the threshold even when the communication unit is at the transmission timing.   The power control unit acquires information related to a line state of the second route in the second route communication unit, and suppresses transmission power of the second route communication unit when the line state is good. The power meter described. The power control unit obtains information on a line state of the second route in the second route communication unit;
The second route communication unit can set the degree of restriction of transmission power in a plurality of stages, and restricts transmission power by selecting one stage from the plurality of stages according to the line state of the first route. 4. The electric power meter according to 4. A power meter that measures the amount of power used by a consumer who receives power supply from a power supply source, and measures the amount of power and also provides a control power source required in the power meter. A metering unit, a first route communication unit using the control power and communicating with the power supply source via a first route; and the demand using the control power and a second route. A power saving operation method executed by a second route communication unit that communicates with a home management device,
Necessary when transmission by the first route communication unit and transmission by the second route communication unit are performed at the same time in supplying power from the weighing unit to the first route communication unit and the second route communication unit A power saving operation method of preferentially securing transmission power to the first route communication unit by limiting transmission power of the second route communication unit according to the above.

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