The present invention provides a method for preventing frost damage to one or more flow meters installed in a fluid distribution network containing a fluid, wherein each flow meter is configured to measure a temperature, preferably an air temperature, and to wirelessly transmit the measured temperature, such as via a mobile or a fixed wireless reading system to a processing unit. The method comprises: 1) during a period continuously monitoring (M_TMP) the temperatures measured by the plurality of flow meters over a period of time, 2) performing a data analysis (P_DA) on the temperatures of the plurality of flow meters from the period, 3) based on the data analysis, identifying (I_FDC) one or more ones of the plurality of flow meters as frost damage candidates in a future frost period, and 4) transmitting (T_WS) a warning signal indicative of the frost damage candidates or initiating frost protection measures to protect the frost damage candidates. It has been found that it is possible to monitor temperatures in a no-frost period to identify a frost damage candidate, e.g. if a flow meter is positioned in a pit and the lid is removed thereby causing the risk of a frost damage of the flow meter.
A consumption meter, e.g. a water or heat meter, for measuring a flow rate of a fluid supplied in a flow tube. First and second ultrasonic transducers are arranged at the flow tube for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals transmitted through the fluid and operated by a flow measurement sub-circuit for generating a signal indicative of the flow rate of the fluid. A noise measurement sub-circuit operates a sensor arranged at the flow tube for detection of acoustic signals of the flow tube, and being arranged to generate a signal indicative of a noise level of the flow tube accordingly. This sensor may comprise a separate transducer, or the sensor may be constituted by one or both of the first and second ultrasonic transducers. The consumption meter may communicate data representative of the noise level via a communication module along with data consumed amount of water, heat etc. Such consumer noise level measurement at the consumer site allows collection of noise level data to assist in locating fluid leakages in a fluid supply pipe system.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
G01M 3/24 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations
G01M 3/28 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves
A flow meter (1) includes a flow tube (3) and sensors (19a, 19b), that generate signals for measuring a fluid flow through the flow tube. An electronics housing (5) accommodates a battery (23) and a printed circuit board, PCB (15). The PCB is equipped with electronics. A pair of elongate connector elements (29) electrically connect axial end contacts (27) of the battery with the PCB for powering the electronics and/or sensors by the battery. The battery is arranged at a distance (D3) to the PCB. The pair of elongate connector elements includes a first end section (31), connected to the PCB, a contact section (33), connected to one of the end contacts of the battery, and a second end section (35). The electronics housing includes inward protrusions. The second end sections of the pair of elongate connector elements abut axially against the inward protrusions to fix the battery axially.
A method provides link management for wireless communication between measuring devices (7), installed to measure or detect a value at a utility installation, and a collection unit (5), collecting data from the measuring devices. Uplink data frames are sent from a measuring device to the data collection unit. Some of the uplink data frames are provide a time-limited access opportunity (AO) for receiving downlink frames from the data collection unit. A counter value (FC) in the measuring device is updated by adjusting the counter value for each non-used or unsuccessfully used access opportunity. An urgency indicator is transmitted to the data collection unit by at least some of the uplink data frames that provide an access opportunity. The urgency indicator depends on the counter value. Downlink frames are sent from the data collection unit to the measuring device according to a prioritization scheme, based on the urgency indicator.
H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
5.
AN AUTOMATIC READING SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR INSTALLING A PLURALITY OF BATTERY-POWERED STATIONARY MEASURING DEVICES AT A PLURALITY OF DISTRIBUTED INSTALLATION LOCATIONS
An automatic reading system (ARS—1) determines values at a plurality of distributed installation locations and communicates data containing said values via a low power wide area Network (LPWAN) to a head-end-system (HES—3). The ARS includes the HES and battery-powered stationary measuring devices (7), configured to be installed at an installation location and to determine said values at the installation location. The measuring devices include an LPWAN connection module to establish a wireless values communication connection via the LPWAN to the HES. A mobile installation device (13) includes a short-range connection module establishing a communication connection (15) and sending candidate information to measuring devices about to be installed at the installation location. The LPWAN connection module attempts to establish for the first time at the one of the installation locations a handshaked LPWAN connection to the LPWAN based on the received LPWAN connection candidate information.
G01K 17/10 - Measuring quantity of heat conveyed by flowing media, e.g. in heating systems based upon measurement of temperature difference between an inlet and an outlet point, combined with measurement of rate of flow of the medium
A utility meter comprising one or more wireless communication interfaces for transferring a payload between the utility meter and a communication partner. The utility meter includes security means for securing the payload being transferred via the one or more wireless communication interfaces by a security mechanism such as encryption or authentication. At least one of the wireless communication interfaces is an Ultra Wide Band, UWB, communication interface arranged for determining a distance between the utility meter and a communication partner. The utility meter is arranged to determine a distance between the utility meter and the communication partner and to communicate with the communication partner the wireless communication interface to transfer the payload between the utility meter and the communication partner. If the determined distance is shorter than a first distance limit, the payload will be transferred unsecured or secured at a first security level otherwise the utility meter will refrain from transferring the payload or transfer the payload secured at a second security level.
H04Q 9/00 - Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
A compact ultrasonic flowmeter for measuring flowrate and other fluid related data includes a flow tube with a flow bore for passage of the fluid between an inlet and an outlet, a flowmeter housing associated with the flow tube, a printed circuit board arranged in the flowmeter housing and including a processor for controlling operations of the flowmeter, a meter circuit including ultrasonic transducers provided on the printed circuit board and configured for operating the ultrasonic transducers to transmit and receive ultrasonic wave packets through the fluid, a display mounted on the printed circuit board and configured for displaying a measured flowrate and the other fluid related data, one or more battery packs for powering flowmeter operations, and an antenna element configured to be connected to a radio circuit via connectors provided on the printed circuit board and/or the antenna element.
G01F 1/667 - Arrangements of transducers for ultrasonic flowmeters; Circuits for operating ultrasonic flowmeters
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
Goods & Services
(1) Apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading and/or remote reading of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; utility meters including fluid flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, heat meters, cooling meters, energy meters, electricity meters, gas meters, smart meters, and apparatus and instruments, not included in other classes, used as auxiliary equipment in connection with utility meters; apparatus and instruments for controlling and configuring utility meters; data collection systems, including mobile data collection systems, for use in connection with recording, collecting, monitoring, reading and/or remote reading of consumption data, including apparatus and instruments, not included in other classes, for use in data collection systems; data collection systems in the form of automatic metering management (AMM) systems and automatic metering reading (AMR) systems; apparatus and instruments, not included in other classes for use in automatic metering management (AMM) systems and automatic metering reading (AMR) systems; data management systems in the form of meter data management (MDM) systems; apparatus and instruments for use in communication networks for transmission, reception and collection of consumption data; networks in the form of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) networks; apparatus and instruments for use in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) networks; computer hardware and computer software for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, and/or remote reading of consumption data; computer hardware and computer software for use in the aforesaid apparatus and instruments, utility meters, data collection systems, data management systems and communication networks; parts and fittings, not included in other classes, for all the aforesaid goods. (1) Recording, collecting and processing of data relating to the measurement, recording, collection, monitoring, reading, remote reading, and billing of energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity and the making up of statements, evaluations and statements of account in connection therewith.
(2) Installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, and/or remote reading of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of apparatus and instruments used in data collection systems related to consumption data and used in communication networks for transmission, reception and collection of consumption data.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
Goods & Services
Apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading and/or remote reading of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; utility meters including fluid flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, heat meters, cooling meters, energy meters, electricity meters, gas meters, smart meters, and apparatus and instruments, not included in other classes, used as auxiliary equipment in connection with utility meters; apparatus and instruments for controlling and configuring utility meters; data collection systems, including mobile data collection systems, for use in connection with recording, collecting, monitoring, reading and/or remote reading of consumption data, including apparatus and instruments, not included in other classes, for use in data collection systems; data collection systems in the form of automatic metering management (AMM) systems and automatic metering reading (AMR) systems; apparatus and instruments, not included in other classes for use in automatic metering management (AMM) systems and automatic metering reading (AMR) systems; data management systems in the form of meter data management (MDM) systems; apparatus and instruments for use in communication networks for transmission, reception and collection of consumption data; networks in the form of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) networks; apparatus and instruments for use in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) networks; computer hardware and computer software for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, and/or remote reading of consumption data; computer hardware and computer software for use in the aforesaid apparatus and instruments, utility meters, data collection systems, data management systems and communication networks; parts and fittings, not included in other classes, for all the aforesaid goods Recording, collecting and processing of data relating to the measurement, recording, collection, monitoring, reading, remote reading, and billing of energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity and the making up of statements, evaluations and statements of account in connection therewith Installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, and/or remote reading of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of apparatus and instruments used in data collection systems related to consumption data and used in communication networks for transmission, reception and collection of consumption data
A flow meter including a flow tube element with sensors configured to generate signals for measuring a fluid flow through the flow tube element. An electronics housing with a mounting side is releasably mounted to the flow tube element. The electronics housing accommodates a battery and electronics. The electronics and the sensors are powered by the battery, located in a battery cartridge that is arranged within the electronics housing and is removable through the mounting side with the housing unmounted from the flow tube element. A first anti-tampering element is arranged between a first part of the electronics and the battery cartridge. A second anti-tampering element is mounted to the flow tube element independently from the electronics housing. The second anti-tampering element and a second part of the electronics remain mounted to the flow tube element with the electronics housing unmounted from the flow tube element.
A system and a method for identifying a leak indication in a utility distribution system is de- scribed. A pipe network for supplying a utility to a multitude of service connections includes a plurality of acoustic sensors mounted at the service connections. The acoustic sensors are preferably integrated in ultrasonic flow meters. The method comprises the steps of obtaining information about a time of change (55) of a fluid pressure and then establishing a first noise indicator from the noise measured by the acoustic sensors before said time of change (55), establishing a second noise indicator from the noise measured after said time of change (55); and then correlating one or more first noise indicators and second noise indicators with the fluid pressure to identify service connections subject to leak indications. A leak detection sys- tem based on a mathematical cross correlation of noise indicators and fluid pressure in a fluid pipe system is also described.
G01M 3/28 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves
G01M 3/24 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations
A flow meter unit (1) comprising a flow tube (2), a housing (3) and a housing compartment (4), wherein the housing compartment comprises an electronic metering circuitry (5). The flow meter unit uses a first sensor arrangement (6) for determining a fluid flow rate or a fluid flow volume through the flow tube. In order to determine further physical parameters relating to the fluid a second sensor arrangement (7, 20, 30, 32, 60) is placed outside the housing compartment (4), is fluidically and mechanically connected to the flow tube and is in wireless communication with the electronic metering circuitry (5) via a short-range antenna of transmitter and receiver means (8, 8', 8'', 8''') placed in the second sensor arrangement and a short-range antenna (9, 31, 67) placed inside the housing compartment (4). The short-range antenna is positioned at a height in-between a long-range antenna and a bottom wall of the housing compartment. The solution has the advantage that the risk of fluid leakage into the housing when using fluid sensors is reduced and that such a second sensor arrangement is easy to replace or to retro-fit to an already installed flow meter.
G01F 15/063 - Indicating or recording devices for remote indication using electrical means
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
H01Q 1/22 - Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
An ultrasound flow meter includes a housing (1) which includes a channel (2) for leading through a fluid, which fluid flow rate is to be measured. Two ultrasound transducers are arranged on the wall which delimits the channel (2), within the housing (1). The ultrasound transducers are fixed within the housing by a non-releasable snap connection and/or clamping connection.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
A fluid consumption meter (50) configured to measure a flow rate of a fluid and with a noise detection module (40) for leak detection. Also having a control device with a bi-directional communication unit (60) and being configured to receive a leak detection control signal from an external device (100), to set the fluid consumption meter (50) into a leak detection mode upon reception of the leak detection control signal, and to start a noise measurement for leak detection in said leak detection mode and to transmit data from said noise detection module, an to a leak detection system.
G01M 3/24 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations
G01F 25/10 - Testing or calibration of apparatus for measuring volume, volume flow or liquid level or for metering by volume of flowmeters
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
38 - Telecommunications services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording,
collecting, monitoring, reading and/or remote reading of
consumption data related to energy, district heating,
district cooling, water, gas and electricity; utility meters
including fluid flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, heat
meters, cooling meters, energy meters, electricity meters,
gas meters, smart meters, and apparatus and instruments, not
included in other classes, used as auxiliary equipment in
connection with utility meters; apparatus and instruments
for controlling and configuring utility meters; data
collection systems, including mobile data collection
systems, for use in connection with recording, collecting,
monitoring, reading and/or remote reading of consumption
data, including apparatus and instruments, not included in
other classes, for use in data collection systems; data
collection systems in the form of automatic metering
management (AMM) systems and automatic metering reading
(AMR) systems; apparatus and instruments, not included in
other classes for use in automatic metering management (AMM)
systems and automatic metering reading (AMR) systems; data
management systems in the form of meter data management
(MDM) systems; apparatus and instruments for use in
communication networks for transmission, reception and
collection of consumption data; networks in the form of
advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) networks; apparatus
and instruments for use in advanced metering infrastructure
(AMI) networks; computer hardware and computer software for
measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading,
and/or remote reading of consumption data; computer hardware
and computer software for use in the aforesaid apparatus and
instruments, utility meters, data collection systems, data
management systems and communication networks; parts and
fittings, not included in other classes, for all the
aforesaid goods. Recording, collecting and processing of data relating to the
measurement, recording, collection, monitoring, reading,
remote reading, and billing of energy, district heating,
district cooling, water, gas and electricity and the making
up of statements, evaluations and statements of account in
connection therewith. Installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of
apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording,
collecting, monitoring, reading, and/or remote reading of
consumption data related to energy, district heating,
district cooling, water, gas and electricity; installation,
configuration, maintenance and repair of apparatus and
instruments used in data collection systems related to
consumption data and used in communication networks for
transmission, reception and collection of consumption data. Telecommunications, including transmission of data relating
to the measurement, recording, collection, monitoring,
reading, remote reading, and billing of energy, district
heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity. Engineering; scientific and technological services and
research and design relating thereto; industrial analysis
and research services; design and development of apparatus
and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting,
monitoring, reading and/or remote reading of consumption
data related to energy, district heating, district cooling,
water, gas and electricity; design and development of
utility meters including fluid flow meters, ultrasonic flow
meters, heat meters, cooling meters, energy meters,
electricity meters, gas meters, smart meters, and apparatus
and instruments used as auxiliary equipment in connection
with utility meters; design and development of apparatus and
instruments for controlling and configuring utility meters;
design and development of data collection systems, including
mobile data collection systems, for use in connection with
recording, collecting, monitoring, reading and/or remote
reading of consumption data, including apparatus and
instruments for use in data collection systems; design and
development of data collection systems in the form of
automatic metering management (AMM) systems and automatic
metering reading (AMR) systems; design and development of
apparatus and instruments for use in automatic metering
management (AMM) systems and automatic metering reading
(AMR) systems; design and development of data management
systems in the form of meter data management (MDM) systems;
design and development of apparatus and instruments for use
in communication networks for transmission, reception and
collection of consumption data; design and development of
networks in the form of advanced metering infrastructure
(AMI) networks; design and development of apparatus and
instruments for use in advanced metering infrastructure
(AMI) networks; design and development of computer hardware
and computer software for measuring, recording, collecting,
monitoring, reading, and/or remote reading of consumption
data; design and development of computer hardware and
computer software for use in the aforesaid apparatus and
instruments, utility meters, data collection systems, data
management systems and communication networks; calibration
of apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording,
collecting, monitoring, reading and/or remote reading of
consumption data related to energy, district heating,
district cooling, water, gas and electricity; calibration of
utility meters including fluid flow meters, ultrasonic flow
meters, heat meters, cooling meters, energy meters,
electricity meters, gas meters, smart meters, and apparatus
and instruments used as auxiliary equipment in connection
with such utility meters.
Fluid consumption meter comprising a noise detection module for leak detection measurements and a control device comprising a bi-directional communication unit. The control comprises a time synchronization module for time synchronization of leak detection measurements with an external device via the bi-directional communication unit with a time synchronization error of less than 1000 micro seconds. The control device is arranged to receive a leak detection control signal from an external device and to start the leak detection measurements at a point in time specified the received leak detection control signal.
G01M 3/24 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
F17D 5/06 - Preventing, monitoring, or locating loss using electric or acoustic means
18.
METHOD FOR ACOUSTIC LEAK DETECTION IN A DISTRICT HEAT CONDUCTION NETWORK
The method is used for acoustic leak detection in a district heat supply network (3), in which a heat transfer medium is circulated between a combined heat and power plant (1) and points of usage. The points of usage (5) have heat meters (10) which work with ultrasonic flow meters which can be operated in a leak detection mode for acoustic leak detection, and the acoustic signals captured in leak detection mode are filtered to eliminate extraneous noise, in particular pump noise.
G01M 3/24 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
G01M 3/28 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves
19.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACOUSTIC LEAKAGE DETECTION BY USE OF AN ULTRASONIC FLOW METER
A method for acoustic leakage detection in a fluid pipe network (1) uses at least one ultrasonic flow meter (13) installed at a pipe (15, 17). The pipe connects a consumer site (3) to the fluid pipe network. The method includes detecting at least one sound wave traveling along the pipe and/or along fluid within the pipe from a sound source to the at least one ultrasonic flow meter, determining the traveling direction of at least one of the at least one sound wave, interpreting a sound wave of the at least one sound wave as a leakage sound candidate if the determined traveling direction of said sound wave is towards the consumer site, and interpreting a sound wave of the at least one sound wave as a background noise if the determined traveling direction of said sound wave is away from the consumer site.
G01M 3/28 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
38 - Telecommunications services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Data processing apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading and/or remote reading of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; utility meters namely, fluid flowmeters, ultrasonic flow meters, heat meters, cooling meters, energy meters, electricity meters, gas meters, smart meters; apparatus and instruments, namely auxiliary programming in the nature of handheld electronic equipment for equipment for reading and programming in connection with utility meters; apparatus and instruments, namely, remote controls for controlling and configuring utility meters; data collection systems, namely, downloadable mobile data collection software, for use in connection with recording, collecting, monitoring, reading and remote reading of consumption data apparatus and instruments, namely, data processing equipment, for use with downloadable data collection software; data collection systems in the form comprised of automatic, downloadable metering management (AMM) software and downloadable automatic metering reading (AMR) software; apparatus and instruments, namely data processing equipment for use in downloadable automatic metering management (AMM)software and downloadable automatic metering reading (AMR) software; data management systems comprised of downloadable meter data management (MDM) software; apparatus and instruments, namely, data processing equipment for use in communication networks for transmission, reception and collection of consumption data; local area networks (LAN) in the form of downloadable advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) software networks; apparatus and instruments, namely, data processing equipment for use in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) networks; computer hardware and recorded computer software for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, and/or remote reading of consumption data; computer hardware and recorded computer software for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, and remote reading of consumption data use in the aforesaid apparatus and for use with utility meters, data collection systems, data management systems and communication networks; structural parts and fittings, for all the aforesaid goods Utility billing and bill management services, namely, recording, collecting and processing of data relating to the measurement, recording, collection, monitoring, reading, remote reading, and billing of energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity and the preparation of financial statements, evaluations, and statements of account in connection therewith Installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, and/or remote reading of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of apparatus and instruments used in data collection systems related to consumption data and used in communication networks for transmission, reception and collection of consumption data Telecommunications services, namely, transmission of data relating to the measurement, recording, collection, monitoring, reading, remote reading, and billing of energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity by means of telephone, telegraphic, cable, radio communication and satellite transmissions Engineering; scientific and technological services, namely, research and design in the field of energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; conducting scientific analysis for the energy industry; environmental research services; design and development of apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading and remote reading of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; design and development of utility meters namely fluid flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, heat meters, cooling meters, energy meters, electricity meters, gas meters, smart meters;, and design and development of apparatus and instruments, namely auxiliary programming in the nature of handheld electronic equipment for reading and programming in connection with utility meters; design and development of apparatus and instruments for controlling and configuring utility meters; design and development of data collection systems, namely, mobile data collection systems, for use in connection with recording, collecting, monitoring, reading and/or remote reading of consumption data; design and development of data collection systems in the form of automatic metering management (AMM) systems and automatic metering reading (AMR) systems; design and development of apparatus and instruments for use in automatic metering management (AMM) systems and automatic metering reading (AMR)systems; design and development of data management systems in the form of meter data management (MDM) systems; design and development of apparatus and instruments for use in communication networks for transmission, reception and collection of consumption data; design and development of computer software and computer hardware for communication networks in the form of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) networks; design and development of apparatus and instruments for use in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) networks; design and development of computer hardware and computer software for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, and/or remote reading of consumption data; design and development of computer hardware and computer software for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading of consumption data; design and development of computer hardware and computer software for utility meters, data collection systems, data management systems and communication networks; calibration of apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading and remote reading of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; calibration of utility meters namely, fluid flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, heat meters, cooling meters, energy meters, electricity meters, gas meters, smart meters, and apparatus and instruments, namely auxiliary programming in the nature of handheld electronic equipment for reading and programming in connection with such utility meters
21.
METHOD FOR SETTING UP AN ACOUSTIC LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM
The invention refers to a method for setting up an acoustic leak detection system in a fluid distribution network characterized by the following steps: placing at least one first acoustic sensor (10) in the network; placing at least one acoustic signal generator (26) in the network at a location distanced to the at least one first acoustic sensor (10) along a Pipe (4); generating an acoustic signal by the acoustic signal generator (26); evaluating whether the at least one first acoustic sensor (10) detects said generated acoustic signal; and in case that said generated acoustic signal is not detected by said at least one first acoustic sensor (10), placing at least one second acoustic sensor (24) in the network at a location less distant along the pipe from the location of the signal generator (26) than said at least one first acoustic sensor (10).
G01M 3/24 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations
E03B 7/07 - Arrangement of devices, e.g. filters, flow controls, measuring devices, siphons, valves, in the pipe systems
22.
METHOD FOR LOCATING A LEAK IN A WATER SUPPLY NETWORK
A method for locating a leak (19) in a water supply network with a water source (11) and one or more water consumption meters (21, 22) on the consumer side. The method includes calculating a length of the pipe (17) between the consumption meter (21) and the leak (19) location based on a temporal temperature curve and a quantity of water flowing through the at least one consumption meter (21).
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Apparatus and instruments for measuring, surveying, monitoring and controlling, namely electrical and electronic measuring instruments for measuring heat energy, calorimeters, water meters, hot water meters, and gas and liquids quantity measuring apparatus
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
(1) Apparatus and instruments for measuring, surveying, monitoring and controlling, including electrical and electronic measuring instruments, calorimeters, water meters, hot water meters, quantity measuring apparatus.
A method for determining events in a network (1) of consumption meters (5), in which an event is determined by grouping data characterizing the event according to consumption meters (5) which have detected this characterizing data. If groups of consumption meters match, this is determined as an event, the grouping being carried out according to the following criteria - temporal coincidence of the event - spatial concordance of the event - consistency of the event type The spatial concordance is determined by determining and ranking the Euclidean distance of each of a plurality of consumption meters (5) to everyone of the of others of the plurality of consumption meters (5), and by assigning the n closest consumption meters (5) that have detected this characterizing data to a group of consumption meters (5).
A method for replacing an existing key derivation key in a utility meter arranged in a meter communication infrastructure in a secure way. The method provide a secure mechanism for exchange of symmetric keys without the need for transferring keys across the meter communication infrastructure. From the head-end system to the utility meter is transmitted a command data message comprising a request for replacing the existing key derivation key with the new key derivation key, the key-generation information and a activation key or an authentication code calculated based on the activation key. The utility meter receiving the command data message is arranged to derive the new key derivation key based on a copy of a disaster recovery key stored in the utility meter and on the key-generation information comprised in the received command data message. Further, the utility meter is arranged for deriving a activation key from the new key derivation key. The activation key is used for verifying the command data message. If the command data message is verified the existing key derivation key is replaced by a new key derivation key.
A method for detecting a constant envelope burst-mode radio frequency (RF) signal with a known periodic synchronization sequence (PSS) represented therein includes transforming an incoming RF signal into a digital baseband signal (DBS), and processing the phase domain part by: 1) applying a correlation algorithm to correlate the DBS with a synchronization pattern corresponding to the PSS, 2) filtering the resulting correlation signal for removing at least a DC component of the correlation signal, 3) down-sampling the filtered correlation signal with a sampling time controlled by a clock aligned with amplitude peaks in the filtered correlation signal, 4) performing a decision algorithm on the down-sampled signal to determine if PSS is present in the incoming RF signal, then 5) generating an output signal indicating if the known PSS is present in the incoming RF signal, in response to a result of the decision algorithm.
Flow meter for an ultrasonic flow meter, comprising a flow tube with a through-going opening for passage of a fluid between an inlet and an outlet, comprising: a flow pipe of a first material, such as metal, extending between the inlet and the outlet, a liner of a second material, such as a polymer-based material, extending along an inner surface of the flow pipe between the inlet and the outlet, a housing providing a compartment for transducers and metering electronics wherein the housing is connected to the liner, by being mounted on an interface being an integrated part of the liner.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
G01F 15/18 - Supports or connecting means for meters
A method detects seismic events, in particular detects foreshocks for earthquake prediction. The events are detected by a plurality of sensors, wherein at least a part of a water pipe network on which the sensors are arranged is used for detection. An ultrasonic water meter to be connected to a water pipe network and an ultrasonic water meter system connected to a water pipe network are provided to detect seismic events.
The present disclosure relates to a method for link management for wireless communication between - a plurality of measuring devices (7), wherein each of the measuring devices (7) is installed to measure or detect a value at a respective utility installation, and - at least one data collection unit (5) for collecting data from the plurality of measuring devices (7), wherein the method comprises: - sending uplink data frames from at least one of the measuring devices (7) to the data collection unit (5), - providing by at least some of the uplink data frames a time-limited access opportunity (AO) for receiving downlink frames from the at least one data collection unit (5), - updating a counter value (FC) in the at least one of the measuring devices (7) by adjusting the counter value (FC) for each non-used or unsuccessfully used access opportunity (AO), - transmitting an urgency indicator to the at least one data collection unit (5) by at least some of those uplink data frames that provide an access opportunity (AO), wherein the urgency indicator depends on the counter value (FC), - sending downlink frames from the data collection unit to the at least one of the measuring devices (7) according to a prioritization scheme being based on the urgency indicator.
A fluid consumption meter (2) is arranged to measure a flow rate of a fluid and has a control device (14) with a sound detection module (26) arranged to detect a sound in said fluid. The control device (14) is configured such that during activation of the sound detection module (26) at least one further module (20, 22, 24) of the consumption meter (2) not required for sound detection is in a deactivated state. A method is provided for detecting sound in a piping system.
A wireless communication link management method includes sending data in a primary uplink data frame from the measuring device (7) to the data collection unit (5) via a primary channel. After sending, the measuring device provides a time-limited primary access opportunity (AO) for receiving a link management downlink frame. A primary signal quality is evaluated. A secondary uplink frame is sent from the measuring device via a secondary channel. A time-limited secondary access opportunity for receiving a link management downlink frame is provided. Secondary signal qualities are evaluated. One among the primary access opportunity and the secondary access opportunities is selected for sending a link management downlink frame from the data collection unit to the measuring device depending on the signal qualities. The associated channel is used as the primary channel for sending data in a primary uplink data frame from the measuring device to the data collection unit.
A battery-powered stationary measuring device (7), measuring or detecting a utility installation value, includes a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) connection module configured to establish a wireless communication connection to a LPWAN for communicating data to a head-end-system (HES) (3) and attempt to successfully establish a connection (9) to the LPWAN by selectively conducting one of the group comprising: an extended LPWAN search (225) and a limited LPWAN search (207); veto the extended LPWAN search as long as a savings threshold for a total number or amount of power budget savings has not been reached; increase (219) the total of power budget savings for unsuccessful limited LPWAN searches; and allow the extended LPWAN search if the total number or amount of power budget savings has reached the savings threshold. The total number or total amount of power budget savings is reduced (227) with each conducted extended LPWAN search.
H04W 76/18 - Management of setup rejection or failure
34.
AN AUTOMATIC READING SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR INSTALLING A PLURALITY OF BATTERY-POWERED STATIONARY MEASURING DEVICES AT A PLURALITY OF DISTRIBUTED INSTALLATION LOCATIONS
The present disclosure relates to an automatic reading system, ARS (1), for determining values at a plurality of distributed installation locations and communicating data containing said values via a Low Power Wide Area Network, LPWAN, to a head-end-system, HES (3), the ARS (1) comprising: - a HES (3); - a plurality of battery-powered stationary measuring devices (7), wherein each of the measuring devices (7) is configured to be installed at one of the installation locations and to determine said values of said one installation location, wherein each of the measuring devices (7) comprises an LPWAN connection module being configured to establish a wireless communication connection to the LPWAN for communicating data containing said values via the LPWAN to the HES (3); and - a mobile installation device (13) comprising a short-range connection module configured to establish a short-range wireless communication connection (15) to one of the measuring devices (7) that is about to be installed at one of the installation locations, wherein the short-range connection module is configured to send, via the short-range wireless communication (15), LPWAN connection candidate information to said one of the measuring devices (7) that is about to be installed at one of the installation locations, and wherein the LPWAN connection module of said one of the measuring devices (7) is configured to attempt to establish for the first time at said one of the installation locations a handshaked LPWAN connection to the LPWAN based on the received LPWAN connection candidate information.
H04Q 9/00 - Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
G01D 1/00 - Measuring arrangements giving results other than momentary value of variable, of general application
35.
STATIONARY MEASURING DEVICE FOR MEASURING OR DETECTING A VALUE AT A UTILITY INSTALLATION
A stationary measuring device (7) measures or detects a value at a utility installation. The measuring device includes a low power wide area network (LPWAN) communication module configured to establish a wireless communication connection to a LPWAN for communicating data to a head-end-system (HES) (3) via the LPWAN. The LPWAN communication module is configured to: send a request for a first clock time from the measuring device to a time server; receive the first clock time from the time server in response to the request; receive a second clock time from a base station of the LPWAN; compare the first clock time and the second clock time with each other; and determine a current clock time based on the second clock time if the second clock time lies within a pre-determined range about the first clock time.
Utility meter for measuring thermal energy delivered to a point of consumption by a fluid supplied via a supply flow and a return flow, including a flow meter unit for measuring a supply flow rate or return flow rate of the fluid; a pair of temperature sensing probes for measuring temperatures of the supply flow and the return flow, each of the temperature sensing probes including a resistive temperature device; and a calculator device configured for executing a measuring algorithm for determining an amount of thermal energy delivered to the point of consumption over a period of time based on flow rates and temperatures received from the flow meter unit and temperature sensing probes, respectively; wherein the calculator device is configured to detect the type of resistive temperature device included in the temperature sensing probes and to adapt the measuring algorithm according to the type of resistive temperature device.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
G01K 7/18 - Measuring temperature based on the use of electric or magnetic elements directly sensitive to heat using resistive elements the element being a linear resistance, e.g. platinum resistance thermometer
G01K 13/02 - Thermometers specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring temperature of moving fluids or granular materials capable of flow
37.
Modular ultrasonic flow meter having a power supply contained in a watertight meter housing
A modular ultrasonic flow meter including a substantially watertight meter housing connected to a flow tube; a measurement printed circuit board including a measurement circuit communicating with one or more ultrasonic transducers, arranged in the meter housing for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals; and a self-contained power supply. The ultrasonic flow meter further includes a control module comprising a module housing connected with a main printed circuit board including a central processing unit, a memory circuit and a communication circuit, and a power- and communication connection is provided between the main printed circuit board of the control module and the measurement printed circuit board whereby the self-contained power supply may power the main printed circuit board and the measurement printed circuit board.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
G01F 15/063 - Indicating or recording devices for remote indication using electrical means
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
Goods & Services
Flow meters for use in measuring, recording, collecting and/or monitoring water consumption in households and transmitting data relating thereto; utility meters for use in measuring, recording, collecting and/or monitoring water consumption in households, namely, fluid flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, water meters; apparatus and instruments, namely, auxiliary programming equipment for reading and programming in connection with utility meters; electronic instruments, namely, transmitters, receivers and transceivers for the reception, collection and transmission of data relating to measuring and monitoring of water consumption in households via wired or and wireless networks, and telecommunication networks and computer networks. Utility billing and bill management services, namely, recording, collecting and processing of data relating to the measurement, recording, collection, monitoring, reading, remote reading, and billing of water consumption in households and preparation of financial statements, evaluations and statements of account in connection therewith. Installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of apparatus and instruments, namely, water meters for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, and remote reading of consumption data related to water consumption in households.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
Goods & Services
Apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of data, such as distribution data and consumption data, related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; utility meters including fluid flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, heat meters, cooling meters, energy meters, electricity meters, gas meters, smart meters, and apparatus and instruments, not included in other classes, used as auxiliary equipment in connection with utility meters; computer hardware and computer software for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of data, such as distribution data and consumption data, related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity. Recording, collecting and processing of data relating to measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing, visualizing and/or billing of energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity and the making up of statements, evaluations and statements of account in connection therewith. Installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity.
A compact ultrasonic flowmeter for measuring flowrate and other fluid related data of a fluid includes a flow tube with a flow bore for passage of the fluid between an inlet and an outlet, a flowmeter housing, a printed circuit board arranged in the flowmeter housing and including a processor for controlling operations of the flowmeter, a meter circuit including ultrasonic transducers provided on the printed circuit board and configured for operating the ultrasonic transducers to transmit and receive ultrasonic wave packets through the fluid, a display mounted on the printed circuit board and configured for displaying a measured flowrate and the other fluid related data, one or more battery packs for powering flowmeter operations, and two or more backing devices arranged to provide a holding force to the ultrasonic transducers, forcing a lower side of the ultrasonic transducers against transducer areas provided on the flow tube.
G01F 1/667 - Arrangements of transducers for ultrasonic flowmeters; Circuits for operating ultrasonic flowmeters
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
A compact ultrasonic flowmeter for measuring flowrate and other fluid related data includes a flow tube with a flow bore for passage of the fluid between an inlet and an outlet, a flowmeter housing associated with the flow tube, a printed circuit board arranged in the flowmeter housing and including a processor for controlling operations of the flowmeter, a meter circuit including ultrasonic transducers provided on the printed circuit board and configured for operating the ultrasonic transducers to transmit and receive ultrasonic wave packets through the fluid, a display mounted on the printed circuit board and configured for displaying a measured flowrate and the other fluid related data, one or more battery packs for powering flowmeter operations, and an antenna element configured to be connected to a radio circuit via connectors provided on the printed circuit board and/or the antenna element.
G01F 1/667 - Arrangements of transducers for ultrasonic flowmeters; Circuits for operating ultrasonic flowmeters
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
Goods & Services
Apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording,
collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading,
transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of consumption
data related to energy, district heating, district cooling,
water, gas and electricity; utility meters including fluid
flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, heat meters, cooling
meters, energy meters, electricity meters, gas meters, smart
meters, and apparatus and instruments, not included in other
classes, used as auxiliary equipment in connection with
utility meters; computer hardware and computer software for
measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading,
remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing
of consumption data related to energy, district heating,
district cooling, water, gas and electricity. Recording, collecting and processing of data relating to
measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading,
remote reading, transmitting, analyzing, visualizing and/or
billing of energy, district heating, district cooling,
water, gas and electricity and the making up of statements,
evaluations and statements of account in connection
therewith. Installation, servicing, maintenance and repair of apparatus
and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting,
monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing
and/or visualizing of consumption data related to energy,
district heating, district cooling, water, gas and
electricity.
43.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACOUSTIC LEAK DETECTION IN A UTILITY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Method for identifying a leak indication in a utility distribution system including a pipe net- work for supplying a utility to a multitude of service connections and including a plurality of acoustic sensors mounted at the service connections. The method comprises the steps of: determining the presence of a normal fluid pressure in the pipe network; establishing a base- line noise indicator at a time of normal fluid pressure by using the acoustic sensors; deter- mining the presence of a difference fluid pressure in the pipe network; establishing a leak noise indicator at a time of the difference fluid pressure by using the acoustic sensors; and correlating one or more baseline noise indicators and leak noise indicators to determine ser- vice connections subject to leak indications.
Integrated flow meter and control valve (1) including a flow tube (11); a substantially watertight meter housing (12) providing a compartment (121), extending from the flow tube; a metering unit (139 arranged inside the compartment for measuring the flow of a medium flowing though the flow channel, and an electrical valve actuator (18) arranged inside the compartment and adapted to control a flow control element (19) arranged inside the flow channel, wherein that meter housing is formed as an integrated part of the flow tube with the compartment having a primary opening (124) for insertion of the metering unit and a secondary sealable opening (125) for insertion of the electrical valve actuator.
G01F 15/00 - MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW, OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
F16K 27/06 - Construction of housings; Use of materials therefor of taps or cocks
F16K 31/04 - Operating means; Releasing devices magnetic using a motor
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
F16K 5/06 - Taps or cocks comprising only cut-off apparatus having at least one of the sealing faces shaped as a more or less complete surface of a solid of revolution, the opening and closing movement being predominantly rotary with plugs having spherical surfaces; Packings therefor
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
Goods & Services
Apparatus and instruments, namely, meters for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; utility meters, namely, fluid flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, heat meters, cooling meters, energy meters, electricity meters, gas meters, smart meters, and apparatus and instruments, not included in other classes, used as auxiliary equipment in connection with utility meters; computer hardware and downloadable computer software for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity Data processing services, namely, processing of data relating to measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing, visualizing and/or billing of energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity and the making up of statements, evaluations and statements of account in connection therewith Installation, servicing, maintenance and repair of apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
Goods & Services
Apparatus and instruments, namely, meters for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of data, such as distribution data and consumption data, related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity, which all include preinstalled software for wireless data transfer; utility meters, namely, fluid flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, heat meters, cooling meters, energy meters, electricity meters, gas meters, smart meters, and apparatus and instruments, not included in other classes, used as auxiliary equipment in connection with utility meters, which all include preinstalled software for wireless data transfer; computer hardware and downloadable computer software for use in wireless data transfer in relation to measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of data, such as distribution data and consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity Data processing services, namely, processing of data relating to measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing, visualizing and/or billing of energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity and the making up of statements, evaluations and statements of account in connection therewith Installation, configuration in the nature of installation and setting up, maintenance and repair of apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity
The invention refers to a fluid consumption meter (50) configured to measure a flow rate of a fluid and comprising a noise detection module (40) for leak detection, further comprising a control device comprising a bi-directional communication unit (60) and being configured to receive a leak detection control signal from an external device (100), to set the fluid consumption meter (50) into a leak detection mode upon reception of the leak detection control signal, and to start a noise measurement for leak detection in said leak detection mode and to transmit data from said noise detection module, an to a leak detection system.
G01M 3/24 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
38 - Telecommunications services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading and/or remote reading of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; utility meters including fluid flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, heat meters, cooling meters, energy meters, electricity meters, gas meters, smart meters, and apparatus and instruments, not included in other classes, used as auxiliary equipment in connection with utility meters; apparatus and instruments for controlling and configuring utility meters; data collection systems, including mobile data collection systems, for use in connection with recording, collecting, monitoring, reading and/or remote reading of consumption data, including apparatus and instruments, not included in other classes, for use in data collection systems; data collection systems in the form of automatic metering management (AMM) systems and automatic metering reading (AMR) systems; apparatus and instruments, not included in other classes for use in automatic metering management (AMM) systems and automatic metering reading (AMR) systems; data management systems in the form of meter data management (MDM) systems; apparatus and instruments for use in communication networks for transmission, reception and collection of consumption data; networks in the form of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) networks; apparatus and instruments for use in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) networks; computer hardware and computer software for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, and/or remote reading of consumption data; computer hardware and computer software for use in the aforesaid apparatus and instruments, utility meters, data collection systems, data management systems and communication networks; parts and fittings, not included in other classes, for all the aforesaid goods. Recording, collecting and processing of data relating to the measurement, recording, collection, monitoring, reading, remote reading, and billing of energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity and the making up of statements, evaluations and statements of account in connection therewith. Installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, and/or remote reading of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of apparatus and instruments used in data collection systems related to consumption data and used in communication networks for transmission, reception and collection of consumption data. Telecommunications, including transmission of data relating to the measurement, recording, collection, monitoring, reading, remote reading, and billing of energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity. Engineering; scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto; industrial analysis and research services; design and development of apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading and/or remote reading of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; design and development of utility meters including fluid flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, heat meters, cooling meters, energy meters, electricity meters, gas meters, smart meters, and apparatus and instruments used as auxiliary equipment in connection with utility meters; design and development of apparatus and instruments for controlling and configuring utility meters; design and development of data collection systems, including mobile data collection systems, for use in connection with recording, collecting, monitoring, reading and/or remote reading of consumption data, including apparatus and instruments for use in data collection systems; design and development of data collection systems in the form of automatic metering management (AMM) systems and automatic metering reading (AMR) systems; design and development of apparatus and instruments for use in automatic metering management (AMM) systems and automatic metering reading (AMR) systems; design and development of data management systems in the form of meter data management (MDM) systems; design and development of apparatus and instruments for use in communication networks for transmission, reception and collection of consumption data; design and development of networks in the form of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) networks; design and development of apparatus and instruments for use in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) networks; design and development of computer hardware and computer software for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, and/or remote reading of consumption data; design and development of computer hardware and computer software for use in the aforesaid apparatus and instruments, utility meters, data collection systems, data management systems and communication networks; calibration of apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading and/or remote reading of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; calibration of utility meters including fluid flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, heat meters, cooling meters, energy meters, electricity meters, gas meters, smart meters, and apparatus and instruments used as auxiliary equipment in connection with such utility meters.
49.
Smart metering device providing adaptive service level
A smart metering device being part of an advanced metering infrastructure is provided. The smart metering device might comprise one or more sub devices such as: metering devices, actuator devices, sensor devices etc. The smart metering device includes a valve arranged to limit the delivery of a utility to the consumer. Moreover the smart metering devices includes a communication device including a transmitter and a receiver for wireless communication with a collector, utilizing a listen after talk mechanism to perform a two-way communication to the head end system through a collector. The presented invention is especially beneficial for battery supplied smart metering devices. The advanced metering infrastructure will provide a given service level for communication between the meter and the head end system. The service level will be changed dynamically in order to meet the adequate service level at all times.
A consumption meter arranged to measure a flow rate of a fluid comprising: a tube with two transducer holes in a wall of the tube; a meter housing arranged at the tube, comprising two transducer housings and a main housing; first and second ultrasonic transducers arranged in the transducer housings for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals propagating through the fluid; a control circuit arranged in the meter housing for operating the first and second ultrasonic transducers to generate a signal according to the flow rate of the fluid. The transducer housing comprises: an internal transducer housing element arranged at an inner surface of the tube and an external transducer housing element arranged at an outer surface of the tube to extend through the transducer hole in the wall of the tube such that the transducer housing is fixated to the tube.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
G01F 1/667 - Arrangements of transducers for ultrasonic flowmeters; Circuits for operating ultrasonic flowmeters
A consumption meter arranged to measure a flow rate of a fluid, comprising: a tube with for passage of the fluid between an inlet and an outlet, multiple individual flow meters arranged at the tube to measure a sub-flow rate of the fluid, a first control circuit and communication interface arranged for receiving the measured sub-flow rate from each of the multiple flow meters, and being arranged to generate a signal indicative of the flow rate of the fluid according to the received sub-flow rates, each of the multiple individual flow meters comprising: a flow meter housing arranged at the tube; first and second ultrasonic transducers arranged in the flow meter housing for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals propagating through the fluid; a second control circuit arranged for operating the first and second ultrasonic transducers, and being arranged to generate the signal indicative of the sub-flow rate of the fluid accordingly; and a communication interface arranged for transmitting the signal indicative of the sub-flow rate to the first control circuit.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
G01F 1/667 - Arrangements of transducers for ultrasonic flowmeters; Circuits for operating ultrasonic flowmeters
G01F 15/063 - Indicating or recording devices for remote indication using electrical means
52.
ULTRASONIC FLOW METER AND A METHOD OF DETERMINING A FLOW RATE
Disclosed is an ultrasonic flow meter and a method of determining a flow rate of a fluid in a flow path between a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. There is an act of transmitting multiple wave packets through the flow path, each wave packet generated from a set of different Tx-parameter types. At least two wave packets have different Tx-parameter values. There is an act of receiving the multiple wave packets. Also disclosed are means for performing the acts as well as computer programs with instructions to perform the acts.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
An apparatus, such as a smart utility meter, comprising a set of master resources, such as data registers and functions which are protected by a master key. The apparatus being arranged to receive a request of access to one or more of the master resources through a communication interface and to grant or deny access to the requested master resources. The request of access comprises a rights descriptor which defines a set of rights for accessing a subset of the master resources. The request of access has been authenticated by use of a key which has been derived based on the master key and the rights descriptor. The apparatus being arranged to derive a derived key based on the key derivation function, the master key and the received rights descriptor and to verify that the received request has been correctly authenticated by use of the derived key and that that the rights descriptor defines rights for accessing the requested resources. If it is verified that the request has been correctly authenticated by use of the derived key and that the rights descriptor defines rights for accessing the requested resources, the apparatus grant access to the resources otherwise access is denied.
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
54.
SENSITIVE AND ROBUST FRAME SYNCHRONIZATION OF RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNALS
A method for detecting a constant envelope burst-mode radio frequency (RF) signal with a known periodic synchronization sequence (PSS) represented therein, e.g. to be for reading of data from utility meters. An incoming RF signal is transformed into a digital baseband signal (DBS), and the phase domain part is processed by: 1) applying a correlation algorithm to correlate the DBS with a synchronization pattern corresponding to the PSS. 2) filtering the resulting correlation signal for removing at least a DC component of the correlation signal. 3) down-sampling the filtered correlation signal (or the correlation signal) with a sampling time controlled by a clock aligned with amplitude peaks in the filtered correlation signal (or the correlation signal). 4) performing a decision algorithm on the down-sampled signal to determine if PSS is present in the incoming RF signal. Then, 5) generating an output signal indicating if the known PSS is present in the incoming RF signal, in response to a result of the decision algorithm. The steps 1)-5) serve to detect if an amplitude in the correlation signal indicates the presence of the known PSS. Preferably, a second decision algorithm serves to detect if periodicity in the correlation signal indicates the presence of the known PSS, and finally the results of the first and second decision algorithms can be combined, e.g. by a logic AND operation, to arrive at a sensitive and reliable PSS detection result.
Flow meter for an ultrasonic flow meter, comprising a flow tube with a through-going opening for passage of a fluid between an inlet and an outlet, comprising: a flow pipe of a first material, such as metal, extending between the inlet and the outlet, a liner of a second material, such as a polymer- based material, extending along an inner surface of the flow pipe between the inlet and the outlet, a housing providing a compartment for transducers and metering electronics wherein the housing is connected to the liner, by being mounted on an interface being an integrated part of the liner.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
The present invention relates to an ultrasound flow meter comprising a main housing, at least one reflector and a set of transducers. The flow meter may comprise a measuring pipe forming a measuring channel having a measuring channel inlet and a measuring channel outlet. The flow meter may comprise a flow pipe with a set of flow pipe holes through the pipe wall. The measuring pipe may be adapted to be arranged inside the flow pipe. The measuring pipe may comprise a set of measuring pipe holes to be aligned with the flow pipe holes. The ultrasound flow meter may comprise a set of transducer insert housings. Each of the transducer insert housings may comprise a transducer. Each of the transducer insert housings may be adapted to be arranged through a corresponding measuring pipe hole and a flow pipe hole. The ultrasound flow meter may further com- prise one or more connection tubes comprising one or more transducer interfaces and a housing interface. The main housing, the connecting tubes and the transducer insert housings may form a hermetically sealed compartment.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
Radio frequency communication method for wirelessly transmitting data packets between two communication nodes of a communication network, the method comprising the steps of generating a data packet including payload data and a first data check value a, transmitting the data packet from the first node to a second node; and determine whether the data packet is transmitted correctly by calculating a second data check value based on the received payload data and comparing the second data check value to the first data check value to; if the data packet is received correctly, transmitting from the second node to the first node an acknowledgement packet including a first acknowledgement check value wherein the first acknowledgement check value provides stronger assurances about data integrity of the received payload data than the first and second data check values; and at the first node, calculating a second acknowledgement check value based on the original payload data, and determining whether the data received at the second node matched the data originally sent from the first node.
Utility meter for measuring thermal energy delivered to a point of consumption by a fluid supplied via a supply flow and a return flow, including a flow meter unit for measuring a supply flow rate or return flow rate of the fluid; a pair of temperature sensing probes for measuring temperatures of the supply flow and the return flow, each of the temperature sensing probes including a resistive temperature device; and a calculator device configured for executing a measuring algorithm for determining an amount of thermal energy delivered to the point of consumption over a period of time based on flow rates and temperatures received from the flow meter unit and temperature sensing probes, respectively; wherein the calculator device is configured to detect the type of resistive temperature device included in the temperature sensing probes and to adapt the measuring algorithm according to the type of resistive temperature device.
G01K 7/18 - Measuring temperature based on the use of electric or magnetic elements directly sensitive to heat using resistive elements the element being a linear resistance, e.g. platinum resistance thermometer
G01K 17/10 - Measuring quantity of heat conveyed by flowing media, e.g. in heating systems based upon measurement of temperature difference between an inlet and an outlet point, combined with measurement of rate of flow of the medium
A radio communication device comprising a radio frequency circuit and a microcontroller arranged to control the radio frequency circuit. The radio communication device further comprises: a radio frequency reference connected to the radio frequency circuit and arranged to be the frequency reference of at least the symbol frequency; a MCU and a time frequency reference connected to the microcontroller. The microcontroller is arranged to determine a frequency error of the time frequency reference relative to the radio frequency reference by performing the steps of: transmitting a radio signal, and signal a timing signal on a control interface, comprising information on start of transmission and end of transmission of the radio signal; receive the timing signal from the radio frequency circuit and measure a transmission duration of the radio signal with reference to the MCU frequency reference and calculate a frequency error of the MCU frequency reference relative to the radio frequency reference based on the measured transmission duration of the radio signal and the number of symbols and the symbol frequency. Further, the microcontroller measures a time period of the time frequency reference with reference to the MCU frequency reference; and calculate the frequency error of the time frequency reference relative to the radio frequency reference.
A dual band antenna (AN) configured for being position on a surface of a pit lid and capable of wireless signal transmission at two frequency bands in response to an electrical signal applied via a feed wire. A convex conductive surface, e.g. 5 dome-shaped, is placed above a conductive ground plane element, wherein at least a part of an edge, e.g. 20-40% of the edge, of the dome-shaped radiator element is in electrical contact with the conductive ground plane element. Further, the convex conductive surface is connected via the feed wire. This antenna design allows first and second resonance frequencies within a factor of such as 1.8-2.2, 10 which allows the antenna to be designed e.g. for both of the frequency bands 450-470 MHz and 902-928 MHz which are relevant for meter reading data and with smaller dimension than what could be expected from conventional antennas. A housing with a convex top surface forms an enclosure around the antenna parts conductive ground plane element and the dome-shaped radiator element, the 15 housing has a bottom surface arranged to face the surface of the pit lid, and where the feed wire exits the housing.
An electronic flow meter comprising a flow tube provided with flow channel extending between an inlet and an outlet, an electronics housing arranged in association with the flow tube, wherein a sensor bore in fluid communication with the flow channel is provided in an inner surface of in the electronic housing; a flow sensor including a pair of ultrasound transducers mounted on a main printed circuit board arranged inside the electronics housing, the flow sensor being configured for measuring a flow rate of a fluid flowing through the flow tube, a pressure sensor including a sensor element and an associated electronic measurement circuit; wherein a top-side of the sensor element is arranged opposite the sensor bore and a backing device is provided to force the sensor element against a sealing element arranged to provide a sealing between the sensor element and the inner surface of in the electronic housing.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
G01L 9/00 - Measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by electric or magnetic pressure-sensitive elements; Transmitting or indicating the displacement of mechanical pressure-sensitive elements, used to measure the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or fluent solid material, by electric or magnetic means
G01L 19/00 - MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus for measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluent medium insofar as such details or accessories are not special to particular types of pressure gauges
A water utility meter configured for dynamic throttling and arranged to register and manage the amount of water delivered to a consumption site from a distribution network is disclosed. The water utility meter comprises a flow sensor for measuring a flow rate through the water utility meter, a valve for limiting the flow rate from the distribution network to the consumption site, an actuator for changing a valve position so that the valve may be in an open position or a closed position or a variable throttling position and a controller unit arranged to control the actuator. The controller unit is further configured to monitor the flow rate using the flow sensor, to verify if the flow rate exceeds a maximum flow rate limit or does not exceed a minimum flow rate limit and if the limits are exceeded adjust the valve position to change the maximum flowrate.
G01F 15/00 - MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW, OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
A modular ultrasonic flow meter including a substantially watertight meter housing connected; a measurement printed circuit board including a measurement circuit communicating with one or more ultrasonic transducers, arranged in the meter housing for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals; and a self-contained power supply. The ultrasonic flow meter further includes a control module comprising a module housing connected with a main printed circuit board including a central processing unit, a memory circuit and a communication circuit, and a power- and communication connection is provided between the main printed circuit board of the control module and the measurement printed circuit board whereby the self-contained power supply may power the main printed circuit board and the measurement printed circuit board.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
G01F 15/00 - MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW, OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
Integrated flow meter and control valve (1) including a flow tube (11); a substantially watertight meter housing (12) providing a compartment (121), extending from the flow tube; a metering unit (139 arranged inside the compartment for measuring the flow of a medium flowing though the flow channel, and an electrical valve actuator (18) arranged inside the compartment and adapted to control a flow control element (19) arranged inside the flow channel, wherein that meter housing is formed as an integrated part of the flow tube with the compartment having a primary opening (124) for insertion of the metering unit and a secondary sealable opening (125) for insertion of the electrical valve actuator.
F16K 5/06 - Taps or cocks comprising only cut-off apparatus having at least one of the sealing faces shaped as a more or less complete surface of a solid of revolution, the opening and closing movement being predominantly rotary with plugs having spherical surfaces; Packings therefor
F16K 31/04 - Operating means; Releasing devices magnetic using a motor
F16K 31/53 - Mechanical actuating means with toothed gearing
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
F16K 27/06 - Construction of housings; Use of materials therefor of taps or cocks
G01F 15/00 - MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW, OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
A water utility meter arranged to register the volume of water delivered to a consumption site through a distribution network and connect or disconnect the consumption site from the utility distribution network is disclosed. The water utility meter comprises: a flow sensor arranged to measure a flow rate and/or a volume of water delivered to the consumption site; a valve for connecting and disconnecting the consumption site from the distribution network; an actuator for opening and closing the valve; and a controller unit arranged to control the actuator. The controller unit is configured to connect the consumption site to the distribution network by operating the actuator to open the valve. After opening the valve the controller unit analyses flow rate and/or volume measurements from the flow sensor to determine if a reference profile is violated. If the reference profile is violated the controller unit will disconnect the consumption site from the distribution network by closing the valve.
G05D 7/06 - Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means
G01F 15/00 - MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW, OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
G01F 15/075 - Integration to give total flow, e.g. using mechanically-operated integrating mechanism using electrically-operated integrating means
Method and devices for wirelessly transmitting data packets in a meter reading system, wherein the method comprises generating at the meter device, a first data packet including payload data and a first message authentication code computed based the payload data and associated meter data stored in a memory of the meter device, transmitting the first data packet from the meter device to the receiver, and performing a primary authentication check of the first data packet and verifying the associated meter data at the receiver by recalculating the first message authentication code using the received payload data and current associated meter data stored in a memory of the receiver, as input.
A consumption meter (M1) arranged to determine a consumed quantity of a utility at the consumer site. The meter (M1) has a communication unit with a transmitter and a receiver arranged for communication via a network, preferably an RF network. The meter can autonomously transmit data frames (DF) in accordance with a set of transmission parameters, e.g. data frames with data indicative of a consumed quantity. The meter can receive, within a limited time window (TW) following transmission of said data frame (DF), an acknowledgement frame comprising link data indicative of receipt of said data frame by an associated collector which has received the data frame (DF). Finally, the meter can adjust the set of transmission parameters for transmission of a subsequent data frame (DF) in response to said link data.
H04Q 9/00 - Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
Compact ultrasonic flowmeter for measuring flowrate and other fluid related data, comprising: a flow tube with a flow bore for passage of the fluid between an inlet and an outlet; a flowmeter housing associated with the flow tube; a printed circuit board arranged in the flowmeter housing and including a processor for controlling operations of the flowmeter; a meter circuit including two or more ultrasonic transducers provided on the printed circuit board and configured for operating the ultrasonic transducers to transmit and receive ultrasonic wave packets through the fluid; a display mounted on the printed circuit board and configured for displaying a measured flowrate and other fluid related data; and one or more battery packs for powering flowmeter operations including at least the processor and the meter circuit and the display; wherein the processor and the ultrasonic transducers are surface mounted on a lower side of the printed circuit board and the display is mounted on an upper side of the printed circuit board.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
A turbidity measurement device for measuring turbidity of a fluid flowing in a flow tube. A first transducer transmits ultrasonic signals through the fluid in the turbidity measurement section so as to provide a first ultrasonic standing wave between the first and second section ends. A receiver transducer receives the ultrasonic scattered response from particles in the fluid flowing through the turbidity measurement section. A control circuit operates the transducers and generates a signal indicative of the turbidity of the fluid in response to signals received from the receiver transducer. Preferably, the device may comprise a second transducer for generating a second ultrasonic standing wave with the same frequency, and further the two transducers may be used to generate a measure of flow rate by means of known ultrasonic techniques. This flow rate may be used in the calculation of a measure of turbidity. Both turbidity facilities and flow rate facilities may be integrated in a consumption meter, such as a heat meter or a water meter.
G01N 29/032 - Analysing fluids by measuring attenuation of acoustic waves
G01M 3/24 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
G01M 3/28 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves
A stand-alone ball valve actuator (2) comprising an actuator housing (20) including an valve interface (24) configured for releasably coupling the stand-alone ball valve actuator to a ball valve; an electric motor (21) arranged in the actuator housing, configured to selectively rotate a ball element of the ball valve via a gearing (211) and coupling member (23), an encoder assembly (4) for producing a position signal representative of the rotational position of the coupling member; a transceiver system (5) arranged in the actuator housing, for wirelessly receiving configuration information regarding a desired rotational position of the coupling member; a processor (6) arranged in the actuator housing, configured to process said position signal and said configuration information, and control the electric motor to rotate the ball element, accordingly, and a self-contained power source (7) arranged in the actuator housing, for driving the processor, the transceiver system and the electric motor.
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
F16K 31/04 - Operating means; Releasing devices magnetic using a motor
F16K 5/06 - Taps or cocks comprising only cut-off apparatus having at least one of the sealing faces shaped as a more or less complete surface of a solid of revolution, the opening and closing movement being predominantly rotary with plugs having spherical surfaces; Packings therefor
G01D 5/241 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance by relative movement of capacitor electrodes
The invention relates to a water meter platform and a housing component for a water meter platform. The housing component providing a flow tube, a sealable main compartment adapted to house a meter unit for measuring a flow of a fluid flowing through the flow tube and a flow channel interface in fluid communication with the flow tube adapted for mounting additional functional units.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
G01F 15/00 - MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW, OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
F16K 27/04 - Construction of housings; Use of materials therefor of sliding valves
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
F16K 27/06 - Construction of housings; Use of materials therefor of taps or cocks
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
Goods & Services
Apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording,
collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading,
transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of data, such as
distribution data and consumption data, related to energy,
district heating, district cooling, water, gas and
electricity; utility meters including fluid flow meters,
ultrasonic flow meters, heat meters, cooling meters, energy
meters, electricity meters, gas meters, smart meters, and
apparatus and instruments, not included in other classes,
used as auxiliary equipment in connection with utility
meters; computer hardware and computer software for
measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading,
remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing
of data, such as distribution data and consumption data,
related to energy, district heating, district cooling,
water, gas and electricity. Recording, collecting and processing of data relating to
measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading,
remote reading, transmitting, analyzing, visualizing and/or
billing of energy, district heating, district cooling,
water, gas and electricity and the making up of statements,
evaluations and statements of account in connection
therewith. Installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of
apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording,
collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading,
transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of consumption
data related to energy, district heating, district cooling,
water, gas and electricity.
A consumption meter, e.g. a water or heat meter, for measuring a flow rate of a fluid supplied in a flow tube. First and second ultrasonic transducers are arranged at the flow tube for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals transmitted through the fluid and operated by a flow measurement sub-circuit for generating a signal indicative of the flow rate of the fluid. A noise measurement sub-circuit operates a sensor arranged at the flow tube for detection of acoustic signals of the flow tube, and being arranged to generate a signal indicative of a noise level of the flow tube accordingly. This sensor may comprise a separate transducer, or the sensor may be constituted by one or both of the first and second ultrasonic transducers. The consumption meter may communicate data representative of the noise level via a communication module along with data consumed amount of water, heat etc. Such consumer noise level measurement at the consumer site allows collection of noise level data to assist in locating fluid leakages in a fluid supply pipe system.
G01M 3/24 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
G01M 3/28 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves
74.
Smart metering device providing adaptive service level
The present invention describes a smart metering device being part of an advanced metering infrastructure. The smart metering device might comprise one or more sub devices such as: metering devices, actuator devices, sensor devices etc. The smart metering device includes a valve arranged to limit the delivery of a utility to the consumer. Moreover the smart metering devices includes a communication device including a transmitter and a receiver for wireless communication with a collector, utilizing a listen after talk mechanism to perform a two way communication to the head end system through a collector. The presented invention is especially beneficial for battery supplied smart metering devices. The advanced metering infrastructure will provide a given service level for communication between the meter and the head end system. The service level will be changed dynamically in order to meet the adequate service level at all times.
A dual band antenna (AN) configured for being position on a surface of a pit lid and capable of wireless signal transmission at two frequency bands in response to an electrical signal applied via a feed wire. A convex conductive surface, e.g. 5 dome-shaped, is placed above a conductive ground plane element, wherein at least a part of an edge, e.g. 20-40% of the edge, of the dome-shaped radiator element is in electrical contact with the conductive ground plane element. Further, the convex conductive surface is connected via the feed wire. This antenna design allows first and second resonance frequencies within a factor of such as 1.8-2.2, 10 which allows the antenna to be designed e.g. for both of the frequency bands 450-470 MHz and 902-928 MHz which are relevant for meter reading data and with smaller dimension than what could be expected from conventional antennas. A housing with a convex top surface forms an enclosure around the antenna parts conductive ground plane element and the dome-shaped radiator element, the 15 housing has a bottom surface arranged to face the surface of the pit lid, and where the feed wire exits the housing.
H01Q 9/42 - Resonant antennas with feed to end of elongated active element, e.g. unipole with folded element, the folded parts being spaced apart a small fraction of the operating wavelength
An ultrasonic flow meter for measuring a flow rate of a fluid. The meter has a polymeric housing comprising a flow tube with first and second fluid openings connected by a flow channel. First and second mounting faces are formed inside the flow tube by a reduction in the cross-sectional area of the flow channel. The second mounting face is arranged upstream of the first mounting face inside the flow tube with a cross-sectional area of the flow channel at the first mounting face being smaller than a cross-sectional area at the second mounting face. The flow meter further comprises a first flow insert forming a measuring tube and a first ultrasound reflector holder and being provided with a mounting flange arranged to engage with the first mounting face, and a second flow insert forming a second ultrasound reflector holder and being provided with a mounting flange arranged to engage the second mounting face. Further, first and second ultrasound transducers are arranged to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals through the measuring tube via first and second ultrasound reflectors fixated by the respective ultrasound reflector holders, so as to allow ultrasonic measurement of a fluid flowing through the measuring tube.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
77.
Flow meter with ultrasound transducer directly connected to and fixed to measurement circuit board
An ultrasound flow meter unit arranged to measure a fluid flow rate with one or more ultrasound transducers (606), and a circuit board (602) with an electronic circuit arranged to operate the ultrasound transducer(s) (106, 306). The ultrasound transducer (606), e.g. in the form of a piezo-electric element, is mechanically fixed to the circuit board (602) by a first electrically conducting fixing means which additionally serve(s) to provide an electrical connection between an electrical terminal of the transducer (606) and the electronic circuit. Hereby a functional flow measurement unit (600) is provided which can be tested prior to assembly with a flow meter housing etc. Preferably, a set of ultrasound transducers (106, 306) are soldered directly onto electrically conducting paths (631) on a surface of the circuit board (602) being in electrical connection with the electronic circuit, e.g. in a single SMT mounting process together with mounting of all other electronic components on the circuit board (602). Through-going openings (630, 640) of the circuit board (602) in the vicinity of these conducting paths (631) serve to provide thermal elasticity. A metal clip soldered to the circuit board (602) may serve to electrically connect a second electrical terminal of the transducer (606) to the electronic circuit.
G01F 1/20 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
Method and devices for wirelessly transmitting data packets in a meter reading system, wherein the method comprises generating at the meter device, a first data packet including payload data and a first message authentication code computed based the payload data and associated meter data stored in a memory of the meter device, transmitting the first data packet from the meter device to the receiver, and performing a primary authentication check of the first data packet and verifying the associated meter data at the receiver by recalculating the first message authentication code using the received payload data and current associated meter data stored in a memory of the receiver, as input.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
Goods & Services
Apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of data, such as distribution data and consumption data, related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; utility meters including fluid flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, heat meters, cooling meters, energy meters, electricity meters, gas meters, smart meters, and apparatus and instruments, not included in other classes, used as auxiliary equipment in connection with utility meters; computer hardware and computer software for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of data, such as distribution data and consumption data, related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity. Recording, collecting and processing of data relating to measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing, visualizing and/or billing of energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity and the making up of statements, evaluations and statements of account in connection therewith. Installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity.
80.
CONSUMPTION METER AND REMOTE READING METHOD IN A UTILITY NETWORK WITH LINK MANAGEMENT
A consumption meter (Ml) arranged to determine a consumed quantity of a utility at the consumer site. The meter (Ml) has a communication unit with a transmitter and a receiver arranged for communication via a network, preferably an RF network. The meter can autonomously transmit data frames (DF) in accordance with a set of transmission parameters, e.g. data frames with data indicative of a consumed quantity. The meter can receive, within a limited time window (TW) following transmission of said data frame (DF), an acknowledgement frame comprising link data indicative of receipt of said data frame by an associated collector which has received the data frame (DF). Finally, the meter can adjust the set of transmission parameters for transmission of a subsequent data frame (DF) in response to said link data.
A turbidity measurement device for measuring turbidity of a fluid flowing in a flow tube. A first transducer transmits ultrasonic signals through the fluid in the turbidity measurement section so as to provide a first ultrasonic standing wave between the first and second section ends. A receiver transducer receives the ultrasonic scattered response from particles in the fluid flowing through the turbidity measurement section. A control circuit operates the transducers and generates a signal indicative of the turbidity of the fluid in response to signals received from the receiver transducer. Preferably, the device may comprise a second transducer for generating a second ultrasonic standing wave with the same frequency, and further the two transducers may be used to generate a measure of flow rate by means of known ultrasonic techniques. This flow rate may be used in the calculation of a measure of turbidity. Both turbidity facilities and flow rate facilities may be integrated in a consumption meter, such as a heat meter or a water meter.
G01M 3/24 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
G01M 3/28 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves
82.
ELECTRICITY METER WITH AN IMPEDANCE LEARNING ALGORITHM
The present invention relates to an electricity meter adapted to measure electricity consumption in an electricity distribution network with three phases, wherein the electricity meter comprises a measuring circuit for measuring voltages and currents for each of the three phases, a microcontroller unit configured to calculate the electric energy supplied from the electricity distribution network via the phases, and an impedance learning algorithm unit for estimating impedance values of the electricity distribution network as seen at the electricity meter. The impedance learning algorithm unit is arranged to continuously calculate symmetrical components of the three phases based on measured voltages and currents from the three phases and to estimate zero- and negative sequence impedances as the ratio between a summation of changes in the zero- and negative sequence voltages and a summation of the changes in the zero- and negative sequence currents, respectively.
G01R 21/133 - Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor by using digital technique
G01R 22/10 - Arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. electricity meters by electronic methods using digital techniques
83.
ULTRASONIC FLOWMETER AND METHOD USING PARTIAL FLOW MEASUREMENTS
Ultrasonic flowmeter for measuring the flowrate of a fluid based on transit times of opposite propagating ultrasonic wave packets, including two ultrasonic transducers arranged at a flow tube for transmitting and receiving the ultrasonic wave packets through a fluid; a control circuit configured for operating the ultrasonic transducers to transmit and receive co-propagating and counter-propagating ultrasonic wave packets, and to determine transit times between transmission and reception of the ultrasonic wave packets; wherein the control circuit is further configured to continuously determine the flowrate of the fluid based on sequential application of separate flow measurement sequences and flow estimation sequences, the flow measurement sequence including transmitting and receiving a co-propagating wave packet and a counter-propagating wave packet, determining a transit time difference between the co-propagating and the counter-propagating wave packets, determining the speed of sound in the fluid, and calculating the flowrate based on the transit time difference and the speed of sound; and the flow estimation sequence including transmitting and receiving a co-propagating wave packet and/or a counter-propagating wave packet, and based on the co-propagating or the counter-propagating wave packet, determining whether a fluid condition of the fluid has changed since the previous flow measurement.
G01F 25/00 - Testing or calibration of apparatus for measuring volume, volume flow or liquid level or for metering by volume
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
84.
RADIO FREQUENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED ERROR CORRECTION
A radio frequency communication system comprising a transmitter device configured for encoding and transmitting a data packet to a receiver device; the receiver device being configured to receive, decode and correct errors in a bit sequence indicative of the data packet;the data packet including a main part encoded according to a standard protocol for wireless communication including error-correction code for use by the receiver device to correct errors in the bit sequence; wherein the receiver device is configured to receive additional information adapted to improve decoding of the bit sequence indicative of the data packet, whereby performance of the error correction applied by the receiver device may be improved.
Radio frequency communication method for wirelessly transmitting data packets between two communication nodes of a communication network, the method comprising the steps of generating a data packet including payload data and a first data check value a, transmitting the data packet from the first node to a second node; and determine whether the data packet is transmitted correctly by calculating a second data check value based on the received payload data and comparing the second data check value to the first data check value to;if the data packet is received correctly, transmitting from the second node to the first node an acknowledgement packet including a first acknowledgement check value wherein the first acknowledgement check value provides stronger assurances about data integrity of the received payload data than the first and second data check values; and at the first node, calculating a second acknowledgement check value based on the original payload data, and determining whether the data received at the second node matched the data originally sent from the first node.
H04L 1/16 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received by using return channel in which the return channel carries supervisory signals, e.g. repetition request signals
86.
A METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING THE PHASES OF A MULTI-PHASE DISTRIBUTION GRID
The present invention relates to a method for identifying which phase of a multi-phase system is associated with which terminal of a group of electricity meters associated with the multi-phase system, based on an analysis of voltage variables measured by and collected from the electricity meters.
The invention relates to a water meter platform (1) and a housing component (2) for a water meter platform. The housing component (2) is providing a flow tube (3), a sealable main compartment (4) adapted to house a meter unit (5) for measuring a flow of a fluid flowing through the flow tube (3) and a flow channel interface (6) in fluid communication with the flow tube adapted for mounting additional functional units, particularly a remote controllable valve unit (7) for interrupting the flow. The meter unit (5) is an ultrasonic meter comprising one or more ultrasonic transducers (51). The meter unit (5), the valve unit (7) mounted in association with the flow channel interface (6) and a self-contained power supply are arranged inside the main compartment (4). The housing component (2) is a monolithic polymer structure (11), preferably adapted to be cast as a single component in one machine cycle.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
G01F 15/00 - MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW, OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
Goods & Services
Apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; utility meters including fluid flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, heat meters, cooling meters, energy meters, electricity meters, gas meters, smart meters, and apparatus and instruments, not included in other classes, used as auxiliary equipment in connection with utility meters; computer hardware and computer software for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity. Recording, collecting and processing of data relating to measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing, visualizing and/or billing of energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity and the making up of statements, evaluations and statements of account in connection therewith. Installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
Goods & Services
Apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; utility meters including fluid flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, heat meters, cooling meters, energy meters, electricity meters, gas meters, smart meters, and apparatus and instruments, not included in other classes, used as auxiliary equipment in connection with utility meters; computer hardware and computer software for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity. Recording, collecting and processing of data relating to measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing, visualizing and/or billing of energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity and the making up of statements, evaluations and statements of account in connection therewith. Installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
Goods & Services
Apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; utility meters including fluid flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, heat meters, cooling meters, energy meters, electricity meters, gas meters, smart meters, and apparatus and instruments, not included in other classes, used as auxiliary equipment in connection with utility meters; computer hardware and computer software for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity. Recording, collecting and processing of data relating to measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing, visualizing and/or billing of energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity and the making up of statements, evaluations and statements of account in connection therewith. Installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, monitoring, reading, remote reading, transmitting, analyzing and/or visualizing of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity.
91.
Data transmission system having consumption meter and reversibly deformable antenna
A data transmission system (600) for transmitting consumption data from a consumption meter (100) is provided, wherein the system (600) comprises the consumption meter (100) arranged to measure a volume of a supplied utility and comprising a housing (110) with an outer surface (112); a control circuit arranged in the housing to generate a signal indicative of the volume of the utility; and a transmitter (40) arranged in the housing and being connected to the control circuit and arranged for transmitting the signal indicative of the volume of the utility; and a transmission coupler module (200) comprising a housing adaptor (210) which fits onto the outer surface (112) of the housing (110); and a conductive element (220) arranged with the housing adaptor (210) and being near-field coupled to the transmitter (140), wherein the conductive element (220) is removably arranged with the housing adaptor (210). The data transmission system has high transmission efficiency.
H01Q 7/00 - Loop antennas with a substantially uniform current distribution around the loop and having a directional radiation pattern in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop
H04B 5/00 - Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive loop type
92.
System of ultrasonic consumption meters with pressure sensors
A system of a plurality of ultrasonic consumption meters 100 each arranged in a utility network 1 for measuring consumption data of a utility in terms of a supplied fluid, the utility network 1 further comprising a data collector 2 for collecting the consumption data is provided, wherein: Each of the ultrasonic consumption meters 100 are arranged to measure a flow rate of the supplied fluid and a pressure of the supplied fluid, the consumption meters 100 comprising: A flow tube 110 with a through-going opening 112 for passage of a fluid between an inlet and an outlet, the flow tube having a wall with an outer surface 114; two ultrasonic transducers 120, 122 arranged at the outer surface 114 of the flow tube 110, so that ultrasonic signals are transmitted through the wall; a control circuit 30 arranged for operating the two ultrasonic transducers 120, 122 and to generate a signal indicative of the flow rate of the fluid; and a communication module 140 connected to the control circuit 130 and arranged for communicating the signal indicative of the flow rate of the fluid to the data collector 2; wherein the control circuit 130 is arranged for operating a first strain gauge 150 arranged at the outer surface 114 of the flow tube 110 to generate a signal indicative of the pressure of the fluid, and 1 wherein the communication module 140 is arranged for communicating the signal indicative of the pressure of the fluid to the data collector 2. The consumption meters 100 of the system are capable of obtaining and communicating data relating to flow and pressure in a utility network to an operator of the network for proper operation of the network.
G01B 7/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
G01L 1/16 - Measuring force or stress, in general using properties of piezoelectric devices
G01L 5/04 - Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands
G01L 1/22 - Measuring force or stress, in general by making use of electrokinetic cells, i.e. liquid-containing cells wherein an electrical potential is produced or varied upon the application of stress using resistance strain gauges
The invention provides a pressure sensor device arranged for measuring a pressure in a fluid pipe system, e.g. a utility network. A measurement system with a pressure sensor serves to measure pressure in the fluid pipe system, and a data processing unit determines at least one statistical parameter in response to a plurality of pressure measurements. Data packets with the statistical parameter is then transmitted by means of a communication module, e.g. via a data network which serves for remote reading of utility meters. The statistical parameter is selected from the second, third and fourth statistical moments of the pressures measured with the plurality of measurements of pressure. The pressure sensor device in a battery driven form can be placed at remote locations in a fluid pipe system to monitor pressure transients, e.g. in a water distribution system. Especially, a time stamp may follow the statistical parameter(s) sent, such that it is possible to track pressure transient creating events on the fluid pipe system.
G01M 3/28 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves
A consumption meter for measuring consumption data of a supplied utility is provided, the consumption meter comprising: a housing with an opening, where the housing forms a closed compartment when the opening of the housing is closed with a cover; a communication module provided in the closed compartment; a front plate provided in the closed department and arranged adjacent to the cover, wherein the front plate has a first front plate surface facing the cover, and a second front plate surface facing opposite; and an antenna comprising an antenna body with an antenna conductive element, which is connected to the communication module; wherein the front plate has an indentation arranged between the first and the second front plate surfaces, and wherein the antenna body is arranged in the indentation. The consumption meter provides an antenna with a high transmission performance. Further, the antenna is mechanically supported, and is arranged inside the closed compartment, eliminating the need of any feedthrough across the housing wall.
H01Q 1/22 - Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
H04Q 9/00 - Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
A consumption meter, e.g. a water or heat meter, for measuring a flow rate of a fluid supplied in a flow tube. First and second ultrasonic transducers are arranged at the flow tube for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals transmitted through the fluid and operated by a flow measurement sub-circuit for generating a signal indicative of the flow rate of the fluid. A noise measurement sub-circuit operates a sensor arranged at the flow tube for detection of acoustic signals of the flow tube, and being arranged to generate a signal indicative of a noise level of the flow tube accordingly. This sensor may comprise a separate transducer, or the sensor may be constituted by one or both of the first and second ultrasonic transducers. The consumption meter may communicate data representative of the noise level via a communication module along with data consumed amount of water, heat etc. Such consumer noise level measurement at the consumer site allows collection of noise level data to assist in locating fluid leakages in a fluid supply pipe system.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
G01M 3/24 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations
A turbidity measurement device for measuring turbidity of a fluid flowing in a flow tube. A first transducer transmits ultrasonic signals through the fluid in the turbidity measurement section so as to provide a first ultrasonic standing wave between the first and second section ends. A receiver transducer receives the ultrasonic scattered response from particles in the fluid flowing through the turbidity measurement section. A control circuit operates the transducers and generates a signal indicative of the turbidity of the fluid in response to signals received from the receiver transducer. Preferably, the device may comprise a second transducer for generating a second ultrasonic standing wave with the same frequency, and further the two transducers may be used to generate a measure of flow rate by means of known ultrasonic techniques. This flow rate may be used in the calculation of a measure of turbidity. Both turbidity facilities and flow rate facilities may be integrated in a consumption meter, such as a heat meter or a water meter.
A system for monitoring a utility network, e.g. to determine anerror state such as a pipe leak etc. The system comprises a plurality of consumption meters at respective consumer sites. Besides determining aconsumed quantity of the utility, these meters can measure a first parameter indicative of fluid flow rate, andat least one second parameter indicative of one of: pressure transients, noise level, and turbidity of the fluid. Data representing the consumed quantityandthe first and second parametersare transmitted from themetersto a server, preferably via an existing communication system for meter reading. At server level amonitor algorithm processesthe first and second parameters,preferably involving a correlation analysis between flow rate and one or more of the second parameters. An output of thealgorithm is compared with a reference value and a state of the utility network is determined accordingly.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
Goods & Services
Apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, controlling, monitoring, reading and remote reading of consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity; apparatus and instruments for conducting, switching, transforming, accumulating, regulating or controlling electricity; Electricity measuring instruments and electricity distribution boards and cabinets complete with related computer hardware and software; smart grid energy management systems including computer hardware and computer software to control and operate smart grid energy management systems; energy saving controls; computer software and hardware for use with smart grid applications, namely having functions of energy load management and control, energy theft detection and control, monitoring and diagnostic of electrical grid, electric power outage management and control, fault detection, geospatial technology, network access management, operation and maintenance of electric grid. Installation, maintenance and repair of apparatus and instruments for measuring, recording, collecting, controlling, monitoring, reading, and remote reading of data, including consumption data related to energy, district heating, district cooling, water, gas and electricity.
The present invention relates to a device and a system for transmitting data messages which can be received by different types of receivers. A device and system are disclosed where data transmissions are based on data messages (2) comprising two parts, a first part (20) being encoded in accordance with a communication protocol, such as the wireless MBus protocol, and a second part (21) which comprises error-correcting information for enabling a receiver device to correct errors in the data message (2), such as parity information related to turbo coding. The first part (20) forms an independent sub data message which can be received independently of the content of the second part (21). The sub data message can be received as is within a first communication range (6), and the entire data message can by virtue of the error correction information, and subsequent error correction, be received within a second longer communication range (7).
H04L 1/00 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received
H04Q 9/00 - Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
A data transmission system (600) for transmitting consumption data from a consumption meter (100) is provided, wherein the system (600) comprises the consumption meter (100) arranged to measure a volume of a supplied utility and comprising a housing (110) with an outer surface (112); a control circuit arranged in the housing to generate a signal indicative of the volume of the utility; and a transmitter (40) arranged in the housing and being connected to the control circuit and arranged for transmitting the signal indicative of the volume of the utility; and a transmission coupler module (200) comprising a housing adaptor (210) which fits onto the outer surface (112) of the housing (110); and a conductive element (220) arranged with the housing adaptor (210) and being near-fieldcoupled to the transmitter (140),wherein the conductive element (220) is removably arranged with the housing adaptor (210). The data transmission system has high transmission efficiency.
