System for the remote acquisition of the electric energy consumptions and for the remote control of the distributed targets of users, also of domestic type

• US 20050068192A1
• Filed: 12/20/2002
• Published: 03/31/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gridspertise Srl
• Original Assignee: ENEL Distribuzione SPA (ENEL SPA)
• Inventors: Rogai, Sergio
• Granted Patent: US 7,271,735 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/870.20
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 2204/45 Utility meters networked together within a single building
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 4/004 Remote reading of utility meters to a fixed location
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 21/1333 adapted for special tariff measuring
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 22/00 Arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. electricity meters
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 20/00 Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 90/20 Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector smart grids supporting the management or operation of end-user stationary applications in general, or like technologies with no associated climate change mitigation effect Y04S20/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/30 Smart metering, e.g. specially adapted for remote reading

Abstract

A system for the remote acquisition of data and for the remote control of electricity meters comprises a central server AMM in bi-directional communication with a plurality of concentrators. To each concentrator, a set of electricity meters is connected, such that bidirectional communication between each meter and its associated concentrator is possible. The intelligence of the system is distributed between the central server, the concentrators and the electricity meters. To this end, each meter comprises at least a first processor, a first data memory and a first program memory for bi-directional communication with the associated concentrator. The first data memory serves to at least temporarily store and/or transmit the data which have already undergone a first processing by the first processor. Each of the concentrators comprises a second processor, a second program memory and a second data memory as well as means for a bi-directional communication with a central server. The second data memory serves to temporarily store and/or transmit the data processed by the second processor.

Claims

1. System for the remote acquisition of data and for the remote control of the targets of users spread over a vast territory, of the type comprising electricity meters, equipped with means to measure the electric energy consumptions and associated to each user, intermediate stations or concentrators, to each of which a set of meters is connected by first means for the bi-directional transmission of data, said concentrators being in turn all connected to a central control and supervision unit through second means for the bi-directional transmission of data, wherein

the intelligence of the system is distributed between the central unit, the concentrators and the electricity meters;

a set of a limited number of electricity meters is connected downstream of each concentrator, each meter incorporating, in addition to said means to measure the electric energy consumptions;

means to transduce the measured values into measuring data meant to be processed;

at least a first processor to process said measuring data;

at least a first data memory and a first programme memory, as well as first means for the bi-directional transmission towards the associated concentrator;

the output of said first processor being connected to said first data memory and/or to said first bi-directional transmission means, so as to at least temporarily store and/or respectively transmit the data which have already undergone a first processing;

a plurality of concentrators is connected downstream of the central unit, each concentrator incorporating;

at least a second programme memory, at least a second microprocessor for further processing said data processed by the meters, at least a second data memory to store the data issued by said meters and/or by said second microprocessor, as well as second means for the bi-directional transmission towards the central server, the output of said second processor being connected to said second data memory and/or to said second bi-directional transmission means, so as to at least temporarily store and/or respectively transmit said further processed data.

2. System for the remote acquisition of data and for the remote control of the distributed targets of users, as in claim 1, wherein said first processor incorporated in each electricity meter performs at least the following functions:

acquisition of the electric energy consumptions, distribution of the electric energy consumptions into different scales of charges, estimate of the tampering attempts and control of an antifraud device, and transfer and maintenance of the stored data at least during the voltage drop.

3. System as in claim 2, wherein the function of distributing the electric energy consumptions into different scales of charges is programmed on the basis of time profiles and/or power thresholds.

4. System as in claim 2, wherein said first processor also performs the function of acquiring and recording the profile of the electric energy consumptions of the user (charging curve).

5. System as in claim 4, wherein the function of acquiring and recording the profile of the electric energy consumptions is performed with a programmable integration period (from 1 min. to 1 hour).

6. System as in claim 2, wherein said first processor also performs the function of measuring and recording the average and peak power (active and reactive).

7. System as in claim 2, wherein said first processor also performs the function of managing two separate invoicing periods at variable intervals (present and previous).

8. System as in claim 2, wherein said first processor also performs the function of managing two distinct electric energy supply contracts in the power range up to 35 kw (present and future).

9. System as in claim 2, wherein said first processor also performs the function of measuring and recording the quality parameters of the service, such as interruptions and deviations of the voltage from the nominal value indicated in the electric energy supply contract.

10. System as in claim 2, wherein said first processor also performs the function of managing, with the required precision (±

30 sec./month), a calendar clock apt to be remotely synchronised.

11. System as in claim 2, wherein said first processor performs also the function of opening the power circuit integrated in the electricity meter.

12. System as in claim 11, wherein said first processor adopts, for the function of opening the power circuit, a modular element (DIN standard) equipped with a suitable releasing element apt to be opened by remote control.

13. System as in claim 1, wherein said first data memory is preset so as to perform the function of maintaining the stored data, also during voltage drop, throughout the useful life of the electricity meter (15 years).

14. System as in claim 2, wherein said first processor also performs the function of displaying data on the electric energy consumption and/or the operation of the electricity meter.

15. System for the remote acquisition of data and for the remote control of the distributed targets of users, as in claim 1, wherein said second processor of each concentrator performs the double function of master of the PLC (power line carrier) network, for what concerns the communications on the power supply line between the actual concentrator and the electricity meters and, respectively, of a node of the TLC network, for what concerns the communications on the telephone line between the concentrator and the central server.

16. System for the remote acquisition of data and for the remote control of the distributed targets of users, as in claim 1, wherein said second processor of each concentrator performs at least the following additional functions:

execution of an energy balance for what concerns the single power supply substation into which the concentrator is installed;

constant monitoring of the working conditions of each electricity meter connected thereto and issue of an alarm signal in case the self-diagnostics of the meter should indicate a malfunction.

17. System as in claim 15, wherein said second processor of each concentrator performs, in association with said energy balance, a function of detecting any unauthorized withdrawals.

18. System as in claim 15, wherein said second processor of each concentrator also performs a function of automatic identification of the repeating path.

19. System for the remote acquisition of data and for the remote control of the distributed targets of users, as in claim 1, wherein the unit of the central server performs at least the following functions:

automatic management of the operations of disconnection, reconnection, discontinuances, suspensions for delayed payments and contract variations;

selective cut-off of the power supply due to requirements of the electric system (black-out risk or temporary overloads); and

downloading of the operating programs.

20. System as in claim 19, wherein the unit of the central server also performs an operative function in conditions of prepayment.

21. System as in claim 19, wherein the central server unit also performs a function of safety and/or protection of the PLC communication with authentication key.

22. System as in claim 19, wherein the central server unit also performs a function of displaying the operating data of the server and/or of the network.

23. System as in claim 1, wherein the unit of the central server also performs—

by means of the concentrators and in cooperation with the electricity meters, on the communication network between these three units—

a function of bidirectional transmission of information meant for the automation of services implemented by subjects other than the owner of the networks.