FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention in general relates to solar power conditioning
unit (PCU). The present invention in particular relates to solar PCU
with prepaid metering unit.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
Recently, due to the rapid rise in international oil prices and the
introduction of greenhouse gas reduction for solving the global
warming problem, research into new & renewable energy capable
of replacing fossil fuels has attracted attention throughout the
world.
In particular, a grid-interactive photovoltaic generation system
attracts attention, which refers to a photovoltaic generation system
that interacts with a grid power source. In detail, a grid-interactive
photovoltaic generation system is a system that receives power
from a grid power source when power produced through
photovoltaic generation is lesser than power consumed by a load,
and supplies surplus power to the grid power source when power
produced through photovoltaic generation exceeds power
consumed by a load, thereby improving overall operational
efficiency.
Today, energy such as power is delivered as if it were a fluid. This
is demonstrated in the way it is measured at the consumption
point. Recently, prepaid utility metering systems have been
proposed for overcoming the shortcomings of traditional billing
systems. These prepaid systems were designed so that the
purchase of a supply of electricity is made at a central station and
the information regarding the amount of the purchase is then
communicated to the customer site where the electricity is
consumed. At the customer site a metering device is installed
which is designed to receive the prepayment communication
information and credit the user with the amount purchased at the
central site. These types of proposed prepaid metering systems
may reduce meter reading expenses, bad debt collection, account
transfer expenses and credit department expenses, and may
provide a greater awareness on the consumer's consumption
habits.
Reference may be made to the following citations:
US Patent No. 6,529,883 describes a prepayment energy metering
system with two-way smart card communications. A controller
decrypts the data in accordance with decryption techniques and
preferably uses a key unique to the meter. This patent deals with
only prepayment energy meter and not the complete integrated
solar power generation and metering unit.
US Publication No. 20 130035802 provides an intelligent user-side
power management device (PMD) which allows the consumers to
purchase power using a prepaid model to recharge their meters.
The meter calculates the amount of power being consumed and
keeps counting down these energy credits. PMD interfaced to a ACgrid
comprises a circuit protection, a switch and a meter at grid
operator end and a local storage with a battery manager, a battery
charger, a DC-AC inverter, at least one DC-DC converter and on-off
switches at the user end, including the microcontroller. This
patent deals with only prepayment energy meter and not the
complete integrated solar power generation and metering unit.
US Patent No. 5,450,007 provides a power measuring apparatus
which can readily be isolated electrically from the supply to enable
user access ports (such as a coin freed or card reader control) to be
associated therewith. The invention is equally applicable to single
or multiple phase electrical supply metering. This patent deals with
only prepayment energy meter and not the complete integrated
solar power generation and metering unit.
US Publication No. 20120150670 describes an
automated metering of, e.g. charging or billing for, access to
wireless power. The user account may include a prepaid allotment,
such as an allotment of prepaid charging minutes that is debited
as wireless power is provided. The power may be paid for by the
power owner. The main input is rectified before going through a
DC/DC converter and an inverter. A consumer may provide either
an email or a phone number for SMS and the billing processor may
confirm the consumer's identity by submitting a code by email or
text (SMS) message. The code can then be used to access the
wireless charge. This patent deals with only prepayment energy
meter and not the complete integrated solar power generation and
metering unit. The system does not have a renewable energy
generation system.
US Patent No. 8,069,100 provides a system for charging or billing
for access to wireless power. The metering of power delivery may be
provided so as to receive value for the electrical charge or power
that is provided, while remaining consumer friendly. The account
may include a prepaid allotment, such as an allotment of prepaid
charging minutes that is debited as wireless power is provided. A
consumer may provide either an email or a phone number for SMS
and the billing processor may confirm the consumer's identity by
submitting a code by email or text (SMS) message. The code can
then be used to access the wireless charge. The wireless network(s)
may include one or more of a local area network (LAN), a wide area
network (WAN), a direct connection such as through a Universal
Serial Bus (USB) port, and the like.
Reference may be made to an article entitled "A prepaid
architecture for solar electricity delivery in rural areas" by Daniel
Soto, et a1 (ACM, 2012) that talks about a model for electricity
delivery and revenue collection in a rural context with the potential
to increase the reliability of service delivery and lower operating
costs compared to traditional fixed monthly fee utilities. The
system provides power on a pre-paid basis similar to the way
ccllular phone air-time is sold. This system uses Short Message
Service (SMS) messages sent over the Global System for Mobile
Communications (GSM) networks for communication allowing
installation in any place within reach of a GSM tower. This model
provides a distributed metering of the power to homes, where as
our system provides the complete integrated solution of solar
power generation, grid power usage and battery backup with
complete individual metering of the powers as per the predefined
rates.
One of the problems with these prepaid metering systems is that
they are difficult and expensive to install. Typically the metering
dcvicc is installed outside of a consumer or business location and
a terminal which reads the prepayment information is either
located with the meter or coupled by a cable to the meter and
located inside.
Another problem with typical prepaid systems is that they do not
have provision for communication of information back to the utility
service provider. With these typical prepayment systems, an
amount of credit is issued to a consumer and at the customer site.
A customer terminal receives the credit and reduces the credit as
the utility is consumed. The utility service provider has no way of
knowing anything about the consumption at the consumer
location. The utility service providers only know that a customer
requests more credit and issues the credit to the consumer.
In view of the above prior arts, there is need of a prepaid energy
metering system that is cost effective and easier to install and
which also provides information back to the utility service
provider.
Therefore, the present invention introduces solar power
conditioning unit with prepaid metering system which makes
power available on a prepaid basis.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The principal object of the present invention is to provide solar
PCU with prepaid metering unit which allows consumers to buy
electricity on prepaid basis in a grid interactive photovoltaic
system.
Another object of the present invention is to provide solar PCU with
prepaid metering unit which monitors the energy usage of the
individual house/consumers.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide solar PCU
with prepaid metering unit which separately measures the energy
consumption from Solar and Grid supply and accordingly
generates separate bills.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide solar PCU
with prepaid metering unit which prevents any misuse or theft of
energy.
Another object of the present invention is to provide solar PCU with
prepaid metering unit together with GPS to trace the physical
location of the system.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide solar PCU
with prepaid metering unit which separately measures the energy
fed back to the grid.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide solar PCU
with prepaid metering unit which automatically controls the power
flow to the consumer site based on the remaining credit available
in the system.
Another object of the present invention is to provide solar PCU with
prepaid metering unit which has separate provision of the DC
power socket for home light solution.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a solar PCU with prepaid energy
metering system that allows the consumers to buy electricity on
prepaid basis in a grid interactive photovoltaic system based on
their requirements or available funds. The energy usage of the
individual residence is monitored by the integrated PCU prepaid
metering system. The PCU measures separate energy consumption
from solar and grid supply and accordingly generates separate bills
for grid and solar power at separate rates. The PCU automatically
controls the power flow to the consumer site relying on the balance
amount available in the system. Once the balance amount in the
PCU finishes, the power output is cut and only battery charging is
maintained. The consumer recharges the PCU to use the power
output using prepaid card. A code/ key is provided through which
the consumer can activate and recharge the PCU by inputting the
key. The PCU can be charged from any location.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the PCU
comprises the metering unit along with memory, processing unit,
GSM/ GPRS/ LAN connectivity.
In another embodiment of the present invention, all the parameters
are monitored at the remote site by GSM/GPRS communication
etc.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the PCU can
be recharged through GSM/ GPRS or some unique code
configuration in the PCU through keyboard entry or serial
communication.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the PCU
provides all the data of energy consumption from various sources
of energy such as solar, grid and battery so that any misuse or
theft of energy can be accounted.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the PCU
separately measures the excess energy generated which is not used
by the consumer and fed back to the grid.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the PCU has
separate provision of DC power socket for home light solution.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the prepaid
metering system can also be integrated with inverter and
uninterruptible power supply system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further objects and advantages of this invention will be more
apparent from the ensuing description when read in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings and wherein:
Figure 1 shows: block diagram of present invention according to
the present invention; 5 JuL
Figure 2 shows: Connectivity of power conditioning unit with
centralized database according to the present
invention;
Figure 3 shows: flow chart according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION WITH REFERENCE --
TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The present invention discloses solar power conditioning unit
(PCU) with prepaid metering. Reference may be made to figure 1
which shows block diagram of a solar PCU (1) with prepaid energy
metering system which is connected with battery (2), solar panel
(3) and grid supply (4) to supply electric power to load (5) at
customer site (6). The system allows the consumers to buy
electricity on prepaid basis in a grid interactive photovoltaic system
based on their requirements or available funds. The system uses
the solar energy generated to charge the battery and once the
batteries are fully charged the extra energy is fed to the Grid
Supply. The system comprises such as solar power conversion,
battery charging grid feed operation and metering. The individual
consumer residence receives electricity from the hybrid solar and
grid power system through the prepaid meter. The energy usage of
the individual residence is monitored by the integrated PCU
prepaid metering system. The PCU measures separate energy
consumption from Solar and Grid supply and accordingly
generates separate bills for grid and solar power at predefined
separate rates.
The PCU automatically controls the power flow to the output based
on the balance amount present in the system. Once the balance
amount in the PCU finishes, the power output is cut and only
battery charging is maintained. The consumer can recharge the
PCU account to use the power output using prepaid card. A code/
key is provided through which the consumer can activate and
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recharge the PCU by inputting the code/key. The PCU can b a ,)UL
charged from any location with the help of a mobile device or input
keypad.
Once the output is cut due to low balance and battery is charged
fully, the excess energy is transferred to the grid and the output to
the user remains cut. Once the user recharges the system with
balance the output power automatically resumes and the user can
use that power.
In the case when solar power is not available for a long time the
system takes the input grid and charges the battery in
bidirectional operation and load is also bypassed to grid supply.
Separate KWH is determined for the energy consumed from solar
power and grid power and the energy exported to the grid. The user
can be compensated for the power fed to the central grid as he has
installed the systems at his premises along with solar panels.
Now, reference may be made to fig.2.
The individual PCU sites is monitored and controlled from a
centralized location with the help of network monitoring unit. The
PCU (1) also has the GPS facility to trace the physical location of
the system. The PCU data is automatically transferred to a
centrally located Database (3) through GSM/GPRS channel (2)
which stores complete data and history of the installed systems.
The PCU is further connected to a mobile (4) and laptop (5) for
various purpose such as login, recharge etc. The electricity board
can now keep track of the energy generation, and consumption. It
also keeps track of the prepaid recharge system for the PCU's; the
system can provide advance intimation to the registered user by
call/ messages etc. in case the prepaid balance is below certain
threshold. When the output is blocked the user is again intimated
by call/ messages.
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3
The PCU system is a complete integrated system with metering
communication system to control the power generation and billing.
Reference may be made to figure 3 which shows flowchart
according to the present invention. The PCU is initialized to read
all the configuratidn setting from memory and user setting and
also to read all the parameters. If the amount in the prepaid meter
is above threshold, the load is turned on followed by measurement
of the PV power generated and the load connected. If the amount
in the prepaid meter is below threshold, the load is turned off and
gives indication to the user for the recharge
The battery voltage is checked to charge the battery. If battery is
fully charged, it transfers extra generated energy to grid.
It is to be noted that the present invention is susceptible to
modifications, adaptations and changes by those skilled in the art.
Such variant embodiments employing the concepts and features of
this invention are intended to be within the scope of the present
invention, which is further set forth under the following claims:-
WE CLAIM:
1. A solar power conditioning unit with prepaid metering system
comprising a power conditioning unit integrated with prepaid
energy metering system, which is connected to a solar panel,
grid supply and battery for supplying electricity to consumer
site on prepaid basis in a grid interactive photovoltaic system.
2. A solar power conditioning unit with prepaid metering system
as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system offers electricity on
prepaid basis in the grid interactive photovoltaic system
according to consumer's requirement or available credit.
3. A solar power conditioning unit with prepaid metering system
as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the system uses generated
solar energy to charge the battery fully following which surplus
electrical energy is fed to the grid supply.
4. A solar power conditioning unit with prepaid metering system
as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the energy
usage of the individual residence is monitored by the integrated
PCU prepaid metering system.
5. A solar power conditioning unit with prepaid metering system
as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the PCU
measures separate energy consumption from Solar and Grid
supply and accordingly generates separate bills for grid and
solar power at predefined separate rates.
6. A solar power conditioning unit with prepaid metering system
as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the
individual PCU site is monitored and controlled from a
centralized location with the help of network monitoring unit
and traces the physical location of the system.
7. A solar power conditioning unit with prepaid metering system
as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the data is
automatically transferred to a centrally located database
through communication channel which stores complete data
and history of the installed systems wherein the electricity
board can keep track of the energy generation, and
consumption, and track of the prepaid recharge system for the
PCU's.
8. A solar power conditioning unit with prepaid metering system
as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the system
can provide advance intimation to the registered user through
call, messages or Email wherein in case the prepaid balance is
below certain threshold and the output is blocked, the user is
again intimated by call, messages or Email.
9. A solar power conditioning unit with prepaid metering system
as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the power
conditioning unit can be charged by means of prepaid card, in
which when solar power is not available for a long duration the
system opts for the input grid and charges the battery in
bidirectional operation and load is bypassed to grid supply.
10. A solar power conditioning unit with prepaid metering
system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein once
the output is cut due to low balance and battery is charged
fully, the excess energy is transferred to the grid and the output
to the user remains cut and when the user recharges the
system with balance the output power automatically resumes.
Dated this 23rd day of July, \ 2014
OF L.S.DAVAR & CO.,