Showing papers on "Electricity meter published in 1995"

Engery management and building automation system

Abstract: An energy management and building automation system including a local area network or home automation data bus such as the CEBus. Each load is connected to the bus via a control module which may contain a circuit breaker to disconnect the load from the mains upon command or upon occurrence of a power outage. Current monitoring control modules measure load current and power monitor modules monitor power consumed by selected loads, both modules transmitting bus messages indicating load status and status changes. A first microcomputer preferably is external to the customer premises, adjacent the electric utility power meter. A second microcomputer preferably is inside the customer premises. The two microcomputers communicate with each other and with the various modules via the network/data bus. The first microcomputer communicates with the utility company via any appropriate communications link. The second microcomputer serves, in part, as an input/output terminal for the system, allowing the customer to set parameters and query the system as to power usage, displaying reports requested by the customer and messages transmitted by the utility company and by either microcomputer. The first microcomputer acts as a master controller and/or network server, communicating with the world outside the premises, as a communications gateway between voice, video and data services, and being the primary data collector and operator of load control modules; the second microcomputer provides certain backup functions. The utility company can access selected utilization data and control at least some loads via messages to the first microcomputer.

System for rate-related control of electrical loads

Abstract: An energy management and building automation system including a local area network or home automation data bus such as the CEBus. Each load to be controlled is connected to the bus via a control module. A control module may contain a relay or switch (hereafter referred to as a "breaker" or "circuit breaker") to disconnect the load from the mains upon command or upon occurrence of a power outage, or in either case. Current monitoring control modules determine whether connected loads are drawing current and power monitor modules monitor the power consumed by selected loads (from which energy consumption may be calculated). Both types of monitors may place on the bus messages to indicate load status or changes in load status. A first microcomputer preferably is placed externally to the customer premises, adjacent (or even within the housing of) the electric utility power meter. A second microcomputer preferably is placed inside the customer premises. The two microcomputers communicate with each other and with the various load control modules via the network/data bus.

Method and apparatus for providing upgrades in electricity meters

Abstract: An electricity meter having a protected enabling scheme for activating meter options and upgrades is presented. The meter has a unique serial number, which includes bit-flags indicating which options have already been enabled, stored in the non-volatile RAM. Each option which is not enabled must be requested and a password verified before it can be utilized. At least one password is stored in a read protected location in the non-volatile RAM. The meter is in communication with a computer, e.g., a desktop or laptop type of computer. The password is generated by processing a secret software key and the unique serial number of the meter with an authentication algorithm. The computer is loaded with an upgrade software program, which includes the authentication algorithm. A hardware key which stores a secret software key is attached to a parallel port of the computer. The upgrade software program reads the serial number from the non-volatile RAM in the meter and reads the secret software key from the hardware key, then processes the read secret software key and the read unique serial number of the meter with the stored authentication algorithm to generate at least one password. The password along with an upgrade command are presented to the meter where they are compared to the read-protected password in the meter, and, if there is a match, then the upgrade command initiates codes in the meter to implement one or more stored options or upgrades.

Electricity meters using current transformers

Abstract: Electronic electricity meter, in which the electrical energy consumed by a load is evaluated using a signal indicative of voltage supplied to the load and a signal indicative of load current. The load current signal is derived from an estimated load current value produced by a current transformer (4). The meter includes a memory (9) storing one or more constants from equations indicative of how current transformer phase and ratio errors vary as primary current varies. An adjusted value for the load current is produced by calculating the phase and/or ratio error using the stored constants and the estimated load current value and correcting the estimated load current value to eliminate the error. Alternatively, the meter includes a memory (9) storing a plurality of values of phase error and/or ratio error for a respective plurality of primary current values of the current transformer of predetermined configuration. The estimated load current value is used to select from the storing means (9) a value of phase error and/or ratio error for one of said plurality of primary current values corresponding to the estimated value of primary current. The load current value is corrected using the selected value of phase and/or ratio error.

Electric meter cover

Abstract: An electric meter cover of an integrally molded construction which reduces cost of manufacture and increases performance by reducing number of seals required. The cover of the invention includes provision for an optic probe, a viewing window and a reset arrangement allowing the meter to be reset without removing the cover and in a one movement operation, which simplifies the reset operation.

Improvements in or relating to electricity meters

Abstract: An electricity meter comprising input terminals to which in use a mains electricity supply is connected, output terminals via which in use electricity is fed to a consumer, a switch via which electricity is fed from the input terminals to the output terminals and metering means operative to provide an indication of the quantity of electricity fed via the switch to the consumer, the meter being adapted to receive a unit arranged in operative association with the switch so as to effect operation of a switch actuator to open the switch for the purpose of interrupting the supply of electricity to the consumer consequent upon receipt by the unit of a predetermined actuation signal.

Measuring Process for Measuring Chargeable Electrical Consumption from an Electrical Network and Electronic Electricity Meter

Abstract: A process is described for the measurement of electricity consumption, that is specially suitable for small consumers, comprising the steps of continuously measuring consumer current, integrating said current with time to obtain a value (A.h) relating to consumption; adjusting the integration in function of the voltage of the network to obtain an adjusted value (Av.h) proportional to a preestablished unit of electricity consumption; and computing the number of preestablished units obtained to provide a value proportional to chargeable electricity consumption. Preferably, the adjustment to the integration is carried out in accordance with four bands of network voltage, in the form of a nominal band on either side of the nominal network voltage, an overvoltage band, an extended voltage band below the nominal band an an undervoltage band. An electricity meter without any power source is also described, comprising a current transformer (TC) having the consumer load line (15) as primary and a secondary generating a current representative of the current in the load line, a circuit connected to the secondary to integrate the value of such current with time, detector means for detecting when the integration circuit reaches a preestablished chargeable unit value of consumption of electricity and counter means associated with the detector means to sum the detected units of consumption. A housing is also described which is a single part and of extremely simple manufacture.

Modular electricity meter arrangement having remotely controllable switch

Abstract: An electricity meter includes input terminals to which, in use, a main electricity supply is connected, output terminals via which, in use, electricity is fed to a consumer, a switch via which electricity is fed from the input terminals to the output terminals and an indicating device operative to provide an indication of the quantity of electricity fed via the switch to the consumer. The meter is adapted to receive a unit arranged in operative association with the switch so as to effect operation of a switch actuator to open the switch for the purpose of interrupting the supply of electricity to the consumer consequent upon receipt by the unit of a predetermined actuation signal.

Roadway-powered electric vehicle having on-board energy storage means and information means

Abstract: A roadway-powered electric vehicle (RPEV) system includes: (1) an all-electric vehicle; and (2) a roadway network over which the vehicle travels. The all-electric vehicle has one or more on-board energy storage elements or devices that can be rapidly charged or energized with energy obtained from an electrical current, such as a network of electromechanical batteries. The electric vehicle further includes an on-board controller that extracts energy from the energy storage elements, as needed, and converts such extracted energy to electrical power use to propel the electric vehicle. The energy storage elements may be charged while the vehicle is in operation. The charging occurs through a network of power coupling elements, e.g., coils, embedded in the roadway. The RPEV system also includes: (1) an on-board power meter; (2) a wide bandwidth communications channel to allow information signals to be sent to, and received from, the RPEV while it is in use; (3) automated garaging that couples power to the RPEV for both replenishing the on-board energy source and to bring the interior climate of the vehicle to a comfortable level before the driver and/or passengers get in; (4) electronic coupling between 'master' and 'slave' RPEV's in order to increase passenger capacity and electronic actuators for quick-response control of the 'slave' RPEV; (5) inductive heating coils at passenger loading/unloading zones in order to increase passenger safety; (6) an ergonomically designed passenger compartment; (7) a locating system for determining the precise location of the RPEV; and (8) a scheduling and dispatch computer for controlling the scheduling of RPEV's around a route and dispatch of RPEV's based on demand.

Battery remaining-power meter and remaining-power calculation method

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable cheaply and highly accurately calculating the remaining power by providing a memory means and the like holding a data table correlating the terminal voltage of a battery at a specific discharge current or discharge power with battery remaining power. SOLUTION: A current sensor 3 is connected on the supply line from a battery 2 to a load M, detects battery discharge current or charge current, converts the amplitude of current to a current value signal having voltage values and outputs to an operator amplifier 4. An analog multiplexer 6 switches connection state by the command signal from a microcomputer 8 and outputs the analog output signal of amplifiers 4 and 5 selectively to an A/D converter 7. The converter 7 outputs the signal to a CPU 8. Using a program and data table installed in the CPU 8, the integrating calculation method of inventory is combined by a correction process with remaining power calculation using a terminal voltage. COPYRIGHT: (C)1997,JPO

Apparatus for measuring an RF parameter

Abstract: In apparatus for measuring the output power an RF transmitter stage (34) connected to an antenna (44) via a quarter wavelength stripline (38), a manual probe (20) is applied connect the output of the transmitter stage to a power meter (24) and connect the output end of the stripline (38) to ground. Thus, RF signals which were passed to the antenna (44) are switched to the power meter (24). All the circuitry including the antenna (44) is mounted on a printed circuit board (60) disposed within a housing (14) which has an aperture (18) to enable the probe (20) to be inserted. By providing a suitable meter, parameters other than RF power can be measured.

Electrical power consumption control and evaluation system

Abstract: An interactive power consumption control and evaluation system comprises a central control computer with management software and a group of communication controllers consisting of transmitters, receivers, and modems and insulators. The communication controller connects to a data exchanger in the user's interactive power meter which comprises a meter case, a data display, and a PCB board. A buzzer, a select button, and an alarm reset button are designed on the face of the meter case. On the PCB board, there is a single chip microcomputer, program storage, data memory, a transmitter and receiver module, an A/D and D/A conversion module, a theft control, a power line balance detection module, as well as a power supply module. The invention addresses many problems in current power supply management and is effective total automatic power supply management system with a computer network.

Wye service power meter

Abstract: A device for monitoring power in a wye power service having three phases includes a sampling element arranged and configured to sample a current value and a voltage value from each of the three phases. A processor, coupled to said sampling element, calculates power either (i) by using the current value and the voltage value for the at least one phase when the voltage value for the at least one phase is available, or (ii) by using the current value for the at least one phase and the voltage values for the other two phases if the voltage value for the at least one phase is unavailable.

Automatic meter reading processing system

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically perform meter reading and report work by reporting electric power information like a used electric energy or a power rate to a consumer by easy instalation construction. SOLUTION: A terminal equjpment 2 transmits various detection signals related to the used power detected by an electronic electric meter 1 to a data collection and management device 6 through a telephone line 5 in accordance with the transmission request command from the data collection and management device 6, and a data collection and management device 6 generates power information based on transmitted detection signals and transmits this power information to the terminal equipment 2 through the telephone line 5 in a prescribed period by no-ringing communication. Power information outputted from the terminal equipment 2 is transmitted indoors by signal transmission/reception of a radio transmitter 3 and a radio receiver 10 installed outdoors and indoors respectively, and power information is printed by a printer 11 connected to the radio receiver 10, thus reporting the power information to the consumer. COPYRIGHT: (C)1997,JPO

Microcontroller-based automated billing system

Abstract: This paper presents an integrated single board automated measurement and billing system for public utilities (electricity, water, gas, and telephone services). The proposed system is composed of hardware and software structures. The hardware structure consists of a digital energy meter module, a digital water (gas) meter module and a telephone call meter module, all of which are interfaced to a single chip microcontroller. The system is equipped with a credit card reading capability to read and charge automatically the customer's services consumption on site. Also, all service metering modules are facilitated with an automatic service connection and disconnection based on the available credit. The software structure commands the whole process via the microcontroller input/output ports. The integrated system was implemented and tested, and has proven to be stable, reliable and easy to maintain.

Noncontact prepaid card system meter

Abstract: PURPOSE:To obtain the noncontact prepaid card system meter which enables plural meters to be used by using one card and allows all repayments to be received by one card when there is the balance. CONSTITUTION:All the amount of money is received from the side of the noncontact prepaid card 1 to the side of a gas meter 7 temporarily; when there is the balance or a fixed amount of money is received, the balance can be sent back to the side of the card l and one card 1 can be used in common for the gas meter, an electricity meter, a water meter, a hot water meter, a calorimeter, etc.

Monitor unit for determining use of various supply media e.g. electricity and gas

Abstract: The individual counters or meters (Z1-Z5) form a counting system (5), which with a single indicating system (2) is assembled to a unit (1) and the counting system (5) is electrically connected with several pulse transmitters (G1-G5). The decentralized determined instantaneous usage of different supply media can be centrally summated and indicated. The indicating system can be so changed over, that the readings of the individual counters (Z1,Z5), can be selectively indicated. The unit (1) is locally assembled with the electric meter serving as the master meter.

Apparatus for connecting a power supply to a load

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting the power supply to a load having a central processor unit (2) which is connected to a data input device (1), the power supply (3) and at least one relay circuit board (4-1), via the relays of which the power (electricity, current) is switched from an electricity meter to the load In the case of this apparatus, the connection takes place on the basis of data which are input via the data input device (1) and are processed by the processor unit (2), and the processor unit (2) controls the assignment to the desired electricity meter by switching on the load via the assigned relay on the relay circuit board (4-1)

Intelligent card and enciphered read-write device

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the computer recognition of data, the intelligent card consists of serial EEPROMs and the read-write device consists of monochip computer. The in-situ enciphered read and write of card data by the read-write device ensures the safety of card data and prevents reading and writing card during card insertion and quit. The securities data in card can display at will, and in-situ change can settle the balance in old card when the new one is inserted. The said device may be used in intelligent electric meter, water meter, gas meter, etc.

Operational digital set type electronic electric meter

Abstract: The present invention changes the electric current and voltage signals into impulse form, and uses the digital operational components to make electric energy operation, and uses the characteristics of integrated structure so as to save several portions which can be shared, and can cheaply implement the digitalization, integration, automatization and multifunction of high-accuracy electric energy measurement.

Centralized wireless copying apparatus for electric meter

Abstract: The utility model relates to a centralized wireless copying apparatus for an electric meter, which is composed of a centralized data collecting monitor of an electric meter and a wireless meter copying instrument which proceed the wireless data communication in the half-duplex mode. When the utility model is used for copying, the meter copying instrument sends the command to the monitor, after receiving the copying command, the monitor immediately sends all monitoring data of the electric meter to the meter copying instrument which displays and stores the data at different times. The meter copying instrument can link with a microcomputer as well as link with a micro-printer, print out the copying data at a tabular form, and also remotely control the one and off of auser power circuit through the monitor.

Standard equivalent load power measuring checker

Abstract: The utility model relates to a standard equivalent load measuring checker, which is composed of an equivalent measuring loop which is arranged in a fixed container (1), wherein, the equivalent measuring loop is composed of a resistor or an electric heater (R), a miniature current transformer (CT), an electric current measuring meter (a), a voltage measuring meter (V), a transfer switch (ZK), an on-off switch (K), etc. The utility model can be used for measuring whether an electricity meter has a standard measurement, whether the electricity meter and the mutual inductor work normally, detecting whether the wire connection of the electricity meter and the mutual inductor is correct, whether the electricity meter and the mutual inductor are lack of phases, whether the precision of the electricity meter and the mutual inductor is over 95%, and whether the electricity meter and the mutual inductor has quality problems under the action of the standard equivalent load. The utility model has the advantages of small size, light weight, high safety, convenient operation, high speed, high precision, and convenient portability.

Power lead carrier wave automatic recording device for electric meter

Abstract: The utility model relates to a power lead carrier wave automatic recording device for an electric meter, which is mainly composed of three parts. A reformed electric meter which can realize the output of a digital signal is provided, and each electric meter is matched with a remote line box and an intelligent electric meter recording device. Code wheel contact brush pieces are arranged on the digital rotating disks of an electric meter, and a code printed circuit board of the 8-4-2-1 code is inserted between rotating discs. The output of the electrical signal of a code plate is sent to a shift register arranged in the remote line box, and the signals transmission between the intelligent meter recording device and each remote line box can be realized in the mode of the carrier communication of power lines. The utility model is suitable for the remote recording of an electric meter and the centralized management of the users in one transformer.

Power Meter Calibration

Abstract: One of most important fibre optic test instrument used in the characterization and analyses of fibres is the power meter. The background on the accuracy and precision of the optical power meter measurements in fibres is described and the possible error sources are discussed. Some techniques for the absolute calibration of power meters are described.

Uninterruptible switcher for high voltage machine

Abstract: PURPOSE:To prevent the electric shock accident positively when a bypass circuit is formed without interrupting power supply at the time of replacing a power meter. CONSTITUTION:A bypass circuit B on the load side of a gas switch 8 is provided with an instrument voltage current transformer 20 connected with a watthour meter 21. The watthour meter 21 measures power being fed through the bypass circuit B to a consumer. The instrument voltage current transformer 20 comprises a transformer 23 connected, on the primary, with each phase of the bypass circuit B. A disconnector 25 is arranged between the bypass circuit B and the primary of the transformer 23 connected with phases U and W. Since the disconnector 25 disconnects the primary of the transformer 23 from a branch line at the time of forming the bypass circuit B, no voltage is applied from the branch line to the ground through the transformer 23.

Utilities bullish on meter-reading technology

Abstract: By the end of 1996, the 400,000 customers of Kansas City Power & Light Company (KCPL) will have their electric meters read by a real-time wireless network that will relay electrical consumption readings back to computers at the utility`s customer service office. KCPL`s executives believe the new radio and cellular network will greatly improve the company`s ability to control its power distribution, manage its load requirements, monitor outages, and in the near future, allow time-of-use and offpeak pricing. The KCPL system represents the first systemwide, commercial application of wireless automated meter reading (AMR) by a U.S. utility. The article also describes other AMR systems for reading water and gas meters, along with saying that $18 billion in future power plant investments can be avoided by using time-of-use pricing for residential customers.

Multi-function computer control electricity meter and intelligent writing device

Abstract: The utility model relates to a multi-function computer control watt-hour meter and an intelligent writing device. The watt-hour meter mainly solves the problems of low performance of the existing watt-hour meter and no adaptation of the group automated management. The watt-hour meter is mainly composed of an electrical source, a testing circuit and a computer processing display remote measuring component. The input end of the testing circuit is connected with the electric network of every consumer, and the information transmission can be realized through a photocoupler and a computer processing mechanism. The data transmission can be realized through infrared telemetering and the writing device, a microprocessor chip and a bulk memory are adopted by the writing device, and the intelligent communication interface connected with a computer watt-hour meter and the serial communication interface connected with the microcomputer management system of the electricity board are arranged on the utility model.

Centralized metering electric meter box

Abstract: The utility model relates to a centralized metering electric meter box, which is composed of a box body, an electric meter mounting plate and a theftproof box door, wherein, a plurality of electric meters provided with safe power-saving devices is integrated in the box body. The electric meter mounting plate is provided with a transverse wire slot, a vertical wire slot, a main wire inlet terminal block, a main indoor neutral conductor wiring block, a phase wire wiring block, an indoor phase wire terminal block and an indoor zero terminal block, and the outer side of the electric meter mounting plate is provided with a sealed upper cover plate of an electric meter, and the upper cover plate is provided with an observation window and a label frame. The utility model has the advantages of convenient installation and maintenance and can efficiently prevent illegal electricity use, the lose of the electric meter and electric fire and can increase work efficiency.

Power factor sensor

Abstract: The utility model relates to a sensor which is used for regulating power factors. The utility model is characterized in that a rotary shaft is provided with an inductive disk and a position-limit mechanism. The inductive disk is driven by an electromagnetic coil. The surface of the inductive disk is provided with a hole, and both sides of the inductive disk are provided with photoelectric sensing mechanisms which are connected with a switch circuit. The sensor is on the basis of the structural principle that a wattless power meter can produce forward and reverse rotation when the power factors lag or advance at 1'. The utility model, which is improved, has the advantages of simple structure, good reliability, high sensitivity and low cost and has practical application value for popularizing.

Intelligent watt-hour meter

Abstract: The utility model discloses an intelligent watt-hour meter. The utility model relates to an electricity meter used for solving the power supply management style which is traditional and laggard and for preventing various behaviors of electric larceny. The utility model is composed of the connection in parallel of an intelligent electric card device and an existing watt-hour meter. The intelligent electric card device is mainly composed of a power supply circuit (1), a measurement sampling circuit (2), a micro computer circuit (3), an electric card interface circuit (4), a load current flow transformer circuit (5), a signal amplification arbitration circuit (6) and a switching executive circuit (7). The intelligent electric card device is connected in parallel with a watt-hour meter to form the intelligent watt-hour meter, the means of power utilization after the payment of users can be realized, the utility model has the inherent functions of implement of multiple time intervals, charging with multiple rates, current limiting, etc. Can be realized, and the occurrence of various electric larceny phenomena can be prevented by the utility model at the same time.