Showing papers on "Electricity meter published in 1998"

System and method for automatically determining the electrical energy service type to which an energy meter is connected

Abstract: A system for determining the service type to which an energy meter having meter elements is connected. The system includes a memory for storing reference information relating to different service types. The system determines which meter elements of the energy meter are active, and then determines relative phase angles and phase voltages of the meter elements. The relative phase angles are determined in to be in an ABC or a CBA rotation. Power quality monitoring is used in determining the phase voltages. The relative phase angles and phase voltages are compared to the reference information to determine the service type. The reference information includes services and scaling information, a nominal service voltage, a programmable potential indicator threshold, and a maximum and a minimum tolerance with respect to the nominal service voltage.

Method and apparatus for detecting and reporting a power outage

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a power outage within an energy meter and alerting a remote central computer about the outage using call-in reporting via modem (35) within the meter to a telephone number designated for outage reporting. A primary battery cell or pack (55) is placed inside the meter (40) to operate the modem (35) when line power is lost. The modem (35) switches from a line power source in the meter (40) to the battery source (55) when an outage is detected and is to be reported to the remote central computer as an outage call. The battery source (55) is switched off when the outage is completed or aborted. The number of retries to call to report the power outage and the time period between retries is programmable.

A single phase microcontroller based energy meter

Abstract: This paper presents a single phase electrical energy meter based on a microcontroller from Microchip Technology Inc. PIC family. This electronic meter does not possess any rotating parts, and the energy consumption can be easily read from a four-digit display. Besides that, energy consumption is stored in the microcontroller's EPROM memory. This action is necessary to ensure a correct measurement even in the event of an electrical outage or brown out. As soon as the supply is restored, the meter restarts with the stored value. As this meter is compatible with the electromechanical ones, no additional costs will be incurred by the utility companies in their replacement. A single-phase energy meter prototype has been implemented in the lab to provide measurement up 10 A load current from a 127 V line voltage. The observed accuracy was better than 97%.

Remote home monitoring system

Abstract: A remote home monitoring system (100) for monitoring a utility meter (108) and a home device (118) located in a dwelling (102) and for communicating with a remotely located host computer (130) having programs (306-330) for performing a prescribed function related to a purpose served by the host computer. The system includes a home control unit (116) having a receiver (82) for receiving a sensor status signal from the home device, a transmitter (82) for transmitting information to the home device, and a control module (83). A utility meter reading unit (120) is attached to a standard consumption meter (e.g. electric meter) and includes a sensing system (218) for reading consumption data from the utility meter; an interface module (302) for transmitting the consumption data; and a control module (304) for storing the consumption data from the utility meter and for controlling the transmission of the consumption data by the interface module. The utility meter reading unit is in communication with a concentrator (122) that includes a transmitter (650, 502) for transmitting a concentrator polling request signal to the interface module of the utility meter reading unit, a receiver (650, 504) for receiving the consumption data from the interface module of the utility meter reading unit in response to the concentrator polling request signal, a concentrator interface module (654) for packaging the consumption data into an automatic meter reading (AMR) packet having a destination host address, and a transceiver (658) for transmitting the AMR packet to the host computer. The system provides a home (including apartments etc.) to fully integrate and control utility meters and any number of home devices within the home that can be monitored by remotely located computers.

Energy meter having programmable functions

Abstract: An electronic energy meter which receives a measurement request, and responsive to the measurement request and data stored in data tables in a memory, performs a function and generates output information. The output information is outputted in accordance with a predetermined priority scheme. Each different type of measurement request has a different output priority. An electronic energy meter that permits the addition of new measurements or testing capabilities without requiring factory modifications to effect such functionality changes is also disclosed.

Energy meter with instrumentation systems and methods

Abstract: A system for monitoring near-instantaneous system parameters of electrical energy having at least one phase provided to an energy meter via a service type comprises a memory for storing reference information reflective of different service types, a digital signal processor for measuring characteristics of the electrical energy, and a microcontroller for retrieving the reference information from the memory and determining the near-instantaneous system parameters responsive to the reference information for the service type and the measured characteristics. The characteristics are derived from phase voltage and phase current, and are measured for a predetermined amount of time, such as a number of line cycles.

Temperature compensation for an electronic electricity meter

Abstract: An electricity meter which, in one embodiment, includes a temperature sensing unit for determining a signal representative of the temperature within the meter is described. In the one embodiment, the meter includes a current sensor, a voltage sensor and a processing unit. The current sensor generates an signal representative of a line current and the voltage sensor generates a signal representative of a line voltage. The current and voltage sensor and temperature sensing unit outputs are coupled to the processing unit. The processing unit includes an analog to digital (A/D) converter, a digital signal processor (DSP) and a microcomputer. The digital outputs of the A/D converter are connected to the DSP. The outputs of the DSP are connected to the microcomputer. Temperature characteristics of the meter are stored within the DSP. In operation, the output signals from the current sensor and the voltage sensor are sampled by the A/D converter to generate digital output signals representative of the line current and the line voltage. The output of the sensing unit is sampled by the A/D converter to generate a digital output signal representative of the temperature within the meter. The A/D converter digital output signals are transmitted to the DSP. The DSP determines if the output signal representative of the temperature within the meter is within a valid range. If the temperature signal is within the valid range, the DSP adjusts the line current and line voltage by the temperature characteristics of the meter based on the temperature representative signal. An adjusted energy consumption value is then determined by the DSP using the adjusted line current and the adjusted line voltage.

Energy meter with power quality monitoring systems and methods

Abstract: A system for monitoring power quality events of electrical energy provided to an energy meter via a service type comprises a memory for storing reference information reflective of different service types, a digital signal processor for measuring characteristics of the electrical energy, and a microcontroller for retrieving the reference information from the memory and comparing the measured characteristics to the reference information for the service type to determine the occurrence of power quality events. For each power quality event, at least one of a start time, a stop time, a duration, a measured phase, a magnitude of a measured quantity, and a predisturbance value, and a cumulative total of the power quality events is recorded.

A DSP based electricity meter with remote reading

Abstract: The paper introduces a DSP based electricity meter system with multi-user and automatic meter reading capability. It consists of a PC based master meter in the control station and a reasonable number of slave meters in the local residential area. The power line carrier (PLC) technique is implemented so that bi-directional communication can be conducted between master and slave meters. Each slave meter was designed to replace fifteen or more conventional meters, significantly reducing the construction material and installation space for electricity meters. Experimental results show that the accuracy of remote meter reading between 2-4 am each morning is quite satisfactory.

Electricity meter with a base-meter comprising a microcomputer, which is equipped with one or a number of interchangeable meter-modules

Abstract: The meter has a main unit (3) incorporating a microcomputer, and one or more exchangeable modules (2). Each module has an identifier characterizing its nature, according to which the computer operates application software to interpret the stored information or purpose of the module as indicated by the identifier.

Electricity meter with multiplexers for monitoring measurement channels

Abstract: An electricity meter includes measurement channels. In order to permit an extensive self monitoring of the measurement channels, input signals, in particular detected current signals and voltage signals, are detected in a double manner through different signal channels with sigma delta modulators. A plausibility monitoring of the detected signals takes place in a following digital signal processing device, wherein a corresponding error signal is generated depending on the type of malfunction or signal deviation.

System and method for detecting flicker in an electrical energy supply

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a flicker of electrical energy provided via a service type to an energy meter. The system comprises a memory for storing a respective voltage threshold for each different service type; a digital signal processor for measuring a respective phase voltage for each meter element of the energy meter; and a microcontroller for retrieving the voltage threshold for the service type from the memory and comparing the measured phase voltage to the voltage threshold to determine an occurrence of flicker.

Current experience with net metering programs

Abstract: Net metering is a utility metering practice that encourages direct consumer investment in renewable energy technologies. Laws and regulations that establish net metering practices now exist in 22 states. Net metering enables electricity customers with small generators to receive a higher value for some or all of the electricity they generate. This is accomplished by allowing the electric meters of such customers to turn backward when there is more generation than demand. It effectively allows customers with small generators to use the electricity they generate to offset their usage over an entire billing period. This paper reports on the current status of net metering laws and rules in the US. In particular, the extent of the net metering authority in each state is highlighted. Differing requirements for grid-interconnection have introduced significant variations in the actual implementation of net metering programs. Interconnection requirements from specific utilities are collected to understand how net metering programs have been affected.

Remote meter reading apparatus

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for retrofitting to an existing meter, particularly an electricity meter (1), the apparatus comprising a template (4) which is first aligned with a Ferraris disc of the meter, to which template components (6, 7 and 4b) are affixed which enable the meter to be read remotely. Apparatus in accordance with the invention can be retrofitted to many different types of meter, alleviating the need to have components specific to any one particular type of meter.

Implementation of a digital power meter using tms320c5x

Abstract: A power meter is an instrument for measuring in watts the power flowing in a electric equipment. Since the value which a conventional power meter measures is analog, the power meter is hard to determine a phase difference between the voltage and current for a inductive load. The phase difference causes a loss of electric power and a increase of power-line load. In this paper, we propose a digital power meter using TPs DSP(Digital Signal Processor) TMS320C5x, which is employed to calculate the phase difference and more accurate power consumption.

Power quality monitoring and analysis

Abstract: This paper describes the development of a power quality monitoring system capable of capturing and retrieving electrical quantities related to harmonics and distortion levels. A new algorithm to obtain synchronous samples when the input signal frequency changes is also presented. A fast and accurate measurement technique to measure the frequency of a sinusoid is also developed. Thus, a virtual energy meter with energy cost and maximum demand functions is implemented.

Development of data acquisition and load control system by programmable logic controller for high voltage load customer

Abstract: This paper proposes a PC based data acquisition and load control system (DAALCS) to fulfil load management functions for a high voltage load customer. A programmable logic controller (PLC) associated with a digital power meter has been applied to fulfil major application functions of DAALCS. In the data acquisition subsystem, two PLCs with redundant configuration are responsible for directly collecting power measurements via star connection telephone network with real time mode. 15 digital power meters with standard RS485 protocol are installed on each building substation to record more than 20 parameters for data acquisition subsystem. In the load control subsystem, six sets of PLCs with the mixture of PLC network and RS 485 channel are constructed to execute load control schemes. The load control schemes are composed of load shedding for demand monitoring, cycling on/off load control, timer control, and direct load control. The proposed system has been successfully installed and continuously operated on an academic power system. The statistical data retrieved from the database shows that the DAALCS can effectively reduce the daytime peak load during the summer season and significantly save electric energy consumption.

Electricity meter arrangement based on four-wire three-phase transformer meter

Abstract: A device for connection of at least two current transformers (21,22) to a three-path three-phase meter (23) includes an adapter terminal block (20) with integrated two watt-meter circuit (25,26). The adapter terminal block is provided with a releasable terminal pin (A1.9,11) at the, or at each, meter-side terminal (1-9,11), and the adapter terminal block (20) has a short-circuit bridge (27) between two vacant current transformer terminals (4,6).

Configurable electricity meter

Abstract: An electricity meter which, in one embodiment, includes a digital signal processor configurable for generating energy measurements for a plurality of meter form types and connections is described. In the one embodiment, the meter includes voltage and current sensor for generating signals representative of current and voltage at a load, and the digital signal processor (DSP) is coupled to the voltage and current sensors. The DSP includes a memory, and a plurality of selectable instruction sets corresponding to respective meter form types are stored in the DSP memory. The form types include meter ANSI form 9 and meter ANSI form 16 type forms, and the instruction sets include processing steps to be executed to determine line voltages and line currents for respective meter form types. The meter also includes a microcomputer coupled to the DSP for receiving data generated by the DSP. The microcomputer is operable to transmit a selection command to the DSP to control selection of one of the instruction sets stored in the DSP memory. An optical port may be electrically coupled to the microcomputer, and the microcomputer is configured to receive a control command from the optical port. The microcomputer uses the control command to generate the selection command.

Method and device for mounting and connecting electric meters

Abstract: A method and device for mounting and connecting electric meters, characterised by the fact that it uses a device for mounting and connecting electric meters that is made up of a base (1, 1', 1''), which is connected to an iron core (2, 2', 2'') fixed together with the meter onto a support plate (3) that is mounted on the locating surface, and is also equipped with the pieces (8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, S1, S2, S3) that enable the input/output, current and null-voltage conductors to be fixed, and the meter to be fixed rigidly to the plate by inserting the current conductors and the pieces (9, 12, 13, 14) in the terminal block and tightening some screws. By using the above mentioned device, as well as a service piece (10, 10'), the method and device for mounting and connecting electric meters allow a decrease in the number of operations performed for mounting and dismounting the meters, without interrupting the power supply to any consumers, ensure that the fixing and connecting operation for the conductors and the meter, respectively, is of higher quality, simpler and cheaper, obtaining remarkable economic results by increasing labour productivity for this type of work and by cutting costs incurred for connecting such electric meters in installations.

Communication system and terminal equipment and controller

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain indirect communication connection through another terminal equipment with a specific terminal equipment, and to achieve communication connection with all terminal equipments by allowing a controller to communicate through a mediating terminal equipment for permitting another communication with the specific terminal equipment when communication can not be attained with the specific terminal equipment. SOLUTION: A power meter radio interface 14 communicates with each meter for collecting the meter-reading data of each meter of not only a power meter 13 but also a gas meter 20 or a water supply meter 22 in each constant time. The interface 14 set also as a mediating terminal equipment outputs an activation command for confirming a mediated communication state in each constant time to a pairing interface, and mutual stored data are transferred to a back-up area so that data management can be mutually attained and the operating state of the meters can be confirmed. When communication with a specific interface can not be operated, communication with another interface is operated, and data are collected by indirect connection.

Pointer checking device of meter

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To input the value of a pointer into a portable terminal device without error and to avoid troublesome pointer checking work at the same time SOLUTION: The pointer checking device of a meter has a meter 1 such as a power meter, a gas meter or the like and a portable terminal device 2 On the side of the portable terminal device 2, a light source 3, which emits optical energy toward the meter 1x is provided On the side of the meter 1, a solar battery 4, which receives the optical energy emitted from the light source 3 and generates the electric power, is provided A transmitter 5 is connected to the solar battery 4 The transmitter 5 receives the supply of the power from the solar battery 4 and transmits the intrinsic information of the meter 1 (instrument number or customer number and the like) and the pointer-value information Furthermore, on the side of the portable terminal device 2, a receiver 6, which receives the intrinsic information and the pointer-value information transmitted from the transmitter 5 and inputs the information into the portable terminal device 2, is provided

Method for controlling an electric meter, and electric meter

Abstract: A method for controlling an electric meter, on which a module can be mounted. The module cooperates with a basic counting mechanism in the electric meter through a bidirectional optical transmission device. A bidirectional optical transmission path can be varied to detect the type of module that is mounted. An electric meter is provided with optical module detection.

Double metering-function three-phase four-wire mutural-induction electric meter preventing from fraudulent use of electricity

Abstract: The utility model relates to a double-metering three-phase four-wire mutual-induction electricity larceny preventing electric energy meter, comprising an electric energy meter, a current mutual inductor, an electricity larceny preventing device, an electricity penalty detection device, and an electricity penalty display. The three-phase four-wire power supply line of the utility model passes through the current mutual inductor, and the signal end of the current mutual inductor, the electricity larceny preventing device, and the electricity penalty device are in electric connection. The electricity penalty display is in mechanical connection with the driving motors of the electricity larceny preventing device and the electricity penalty detection device. The utility model which is provided with an electricity penalty device with electricity larceny metering has the advantages of simple and compact structure, convenient use, reliable performance of electricity larceny prevention, etc.

Moveable and controllable direction-regulatable ultraviolet disinfecting lamp

Abstract: The utility model relates to a moveable and controllable direction change ultraviolet sterilamp which comprises an ultraviolet lamp tube (5), a lamp umbrella (1), an upright post tube (11) and a bottom plate (12) The utility model is characterized in that the upper top end of the lamp umbrella (1) is in supporting connection with an elevating tube (6) through a metal flexible tube (2), the elevating tube (6) is sheathed in the upright post tube (11) of which the upper part is spirally connected with an elevation turn knob (7), and a time control electric meter (8) is fixedly installed on the upper part of the outer wall of the upright post tube (11) When used, the lamp can be optionally moved, sterilizing time can be set, and scientific supervision and examination can be performed by a sanitary supervision department according to the record of the electric quantity of the electric meter

A high accuracy reactive power and reactive energy meter

Abstract: A high accuracy instrument for reactive power and reactive energy measurements in a single phase power network is described in the paper. The measurement principle is in accordance with IEC recommendation. Test results show that in the range of 1 to 100% of the input current the accuracy of the meter is better than 100 ppm for frequency variations of ±5% around the nominal frequency. The instrument could be used as a single-phase reactive power and reactive energy standard. A three phase version of the instrument could be used as a standard or as a revenue meter because of its high accuracy, simple design and anticipated low cost.

Calibration method for an electronic electricity meter

Abstract: Method of calibration of an electronic electricity meter including a converter (1) adapted to receive at least one analogue input signal (V) and to provide a digital output signal (Fout) dependant on at least the value of the input signal, characterised in that the analogue input signal is fed to the converter (1) via a gated resistance component (6), the resistance component being switched on and off according to a duty signal, the ratio of the on and off periods being chosen based on an external comparison of the input and output values (V, Fout) so as to calibrate the digital output value relative to the analogue input.

Meter-reading system

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a meter-reading system which simplifies the meter-reading of a meter like a power meter, etc., and collecting money work which is accompanied to the meter-reading. SOLUTION: A meter-reader who performs meter-reading of a power meter 10 of each user holds a reader 20. The reader 20 is provided with a reading part 21 which reads a customer code 12 of the meter 20, an area code 13, etc., memory 31 which stores read data and a display part 22 which shows the data. The meter-reader visits each user, performs meter-reading and inputs required data in the memory 31. Then, he takes the reader 20 to a business office and connects it to a terminal of a host computer. The host computer reads the data from the memory 31 and performs an operation of charges and printout of bills, etc.

Solid-state residential meter including a disk analog display

Abstract: A disk analog display for a solid state electricity meter includes a series of segments that illuminate sequentially to indicate the direction of current flowing through the meter and the rate at which energy is being consumed by the load. The sequential illumination provides notice to a technician that the meter is completing the measurement of one energy consumption unit so that the measurement by the meter of one energy consumption unit can be accurately timed. In one embodiment, there are three segments that illuminate sequentially to indicate that the meter is completing measurement of one energy consumption unit. The segments then simultaneously blank to indicate that the meter has completed the measurement of one energy consumption unit.