Abstract: Techniques for discovering a device in a wireless network are described herein. For example, a first device may send a network discovery solicitation message to a second device to solicit a communication relationship (e.g., request connection to a parent). The network discovery solicitation may include one or more information elements that indicate a channel function associated with the first device and a listening window during which the first device will be listening for communications. The second device may use the channel function to frequency hop and send a network discovery message to the first device during the listening window. The network discovery message may include one or more information elements to establish a sampled schedule for the first device moving forward.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves systems and computer implemented methods for implementing a resource allocation and adjusting resource usage and spending based on information received from a plurality of network-connected devices. One example method includes identifying a new connected device replacing an existing device associated with a resource allocation, the resource allocation defining an expected resource usage for a plurality of devices (including the existing device), obtaining historical resource usage information associated with the existing device, identifying the existing device's operational parameters, and determining an expected resource usage for the new connected device after replacement. A change in the expected resource usage in the resource allocation is calculated based on the obtained historical resource usage information associated with the existing device and the expected resource usage amount for the new connected device.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatuses, methods, and computer readable media for asynchronous sensing and/or validating of data using a first sensor and a second sensor for a purpose of transforming input data into validated output data when at least one attribute of external data or the input data, as determined by a sensor, is missing. The external data is associated with the input data and is used for determining a set of attributes for the first sensor. The asynchronous sensing and/or validating of the input data enables faster transforming of the input data into the validated output data.

Abstract: A method and system for operating fiber optic monitoring systems utilizing solar panels, batteries, and an interrogator system with associated electronics for operating in cold climates.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optically reading data from metering equipment by using a camera to record images of a meter, and converting the displayed data measurement regions of the images into alphanumeric data for reporting over a wireless network to a database system for storage, analysis and reporting. One implementation of the device is a water meter reading device integrated into a form factor that replaces the lid of a water meter box. The device captures images of the meter face, converts the images using optical character recognition software into usage data, meter identification and date/time of the data capture and sends the data to a database over a wireless data network.

Abstract: An antenna system for a meter and/or other communication device, including a capacitive electric field source and an external antenna element. The capacitive electric field source is positioned within a dielectric cover and is electrically connected to an output port of a transceiver for forming an electric field indicative of the output signal. The external antenna element is separated from the capacitive electric field source by the dielectric cover and is configured for capacitively coupling to the capacitive electric field source and radiating electromagnetic radiation indicative of the output signal. The external antenna element then efficiently radiates and receives electromagnetic waves for wireless communications.

Abstract: A Wireless Subterranean Soil Monitoring System. The system measures the complex permittivity around a subterranean antenna, and then responsively adjusts the antenna's tuning circuit according to the measured permittivity. Once tuned, the system will then execute the transmission of the probe data. Furthermore, the antenna design is adapted for subterranean use to further reduce the de-tuning effect of the adjacent soil.

Abstract: A system and method for learning and asserting what portions of a utility GIS network model are incorrect or flawed as they relate to real world conditions, and what the correct real world relationships are in the field is described. The system and method leverage available smart grid data to assess the quality of a primary (GIS) source data set; quality data renders derived analyzes across the utility valid, sound, and action worthy. The system and method utilize existing partially correct electrical network distribution model data and various non-specialized source data including smart meter, spatial, and customer information data collected from the network to test, validate and suggest corrections to the connectivity model. By forming putative ground truth assignments between utility components, the system tests the assumptions by examining the geospatial proximity and correlating voltage and event data over time to form refined hypothesis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) comprising: a heating device (11) comprising at least one heating means (110) supplied by an AC power grid (2); a control module (12) for controlling said heating device (11), the system being characterized in that the heating means (110) is supplied via a switching converter (120) rectifying the alternating current of the grid (2) into direct current, the switching converter (120) being controlled by the control module (12) in accordance at least with descriptive data of a state of said power grid (2), so as to adjust the power of the heating means (110).

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and techniques for managing streetlights. The subject matter included in this document is embodied in a method that includes receiving, at a computing device, information representative of a location and status of a streetlight included in a network of streetlights. The method also includes presenting a representation of the streetlight in a graphical user-interface in accordance with the received location and status information, and receiving information representing a selection of the streetlight for inclusion in a group of streetlights from the network. The method further includes initiating delivery of one or more control signals to the group of streetlights.

Abstract: A method for identifying a type of a sensor includes obtaining a first input data stream from the unidentified sensor in a vehicle, wherein the input data stream includes an identifier representing the unidentified sensor and a first data pattern associated with the identifier, detecting a change in a vehicle parameter of the vehicle, obtaining a second input data stream from the unidentified sensor in the vehicle, wherein the second input data stream includes the identifier and a second data pattern associated with the identifier, the second data pattern being different from the first data pattern, associating the change in the vehicle parameter of the vehicle with a change from the first data pattern to the second data pattern, and identifying the type associated with the unidentified sensor based on detecting the change in the vehicle parameter.

Abstract: A retrofit device and method of installing such a device for supplementing a legacy flow meter in a fluid pipe system. The retrofit device enhances the function of the legacy flow meter by providing a digital interface and means for error diagnostics and tamper detection. The retrofit device adapts to the mechanical and casing form factor design of the legacy flow meter, particularly a flow meter already installed, such as buried in the ground.

Abstract: A power system management device manages the operational states of a plurality of power systems each including a power generator and a power conditioner connected to each other, and can promptly inform a user of erroneous setting of configuration information. The management device stores configuration information in correspondence with each power system including a power generator (photovoltaic array) and a power conditioner connected to each other. The configuration information indicates the configuration of each power system and includes one or more configuration information elements set by a user.

Abstract: A method includes sending, by a node, a beacon at a regular time interval, the beacon comprising at least an associated utility device identification (ID) and communication channel information; receiving, at the node, a message from a network device on the communication channel beginning within a time window after a defined delay after the beacon was sent; determining, by the node, if the message comprises the associated utility device ID; and initiating, by the node, temporary two-way communication by sending a response to the network device.

Abstract: The present technology discloses a utility meter with an externally-mounted antenna that is electrically insulated to prevent conduction outside of the meter. The antenna is coupled to a communication device that is positioned adjacent to an inside surface of a meter cover and that is configured to connect to a metrology board. The utility meter also comprises an antenna, having one or more leads for coupling with the communication device, the leads extending through openings in the meter cover. The communication device is advantageously positioned to minimize or eliminate radio frequency interference with the metrology board.

Abstract: A system for controlling urination in a patient includes an implantable controller and an external device. The implantable controller includes circuitry and electrodes for stimulating the pudenal nerves in order to control urination. In addition, the implantable controller includes sensors for determining information on bladder fullness and for transmitting such information to an external device which is used for controlling the implanted controller. The external device will display when bladder filling exceeds a safe threshold level, allowing the patient and a caregiver to take appropriate steps to allow the patient to urinate.

Abstract: A safety control system includes: a first control unit arranged to control a controlled system, a second control unit arranged to detect a fault with the controlled system and arranged to transmit messages wirelessly to the first control unit, wherein the second control unit includes: a first controller and a second controller, each of the first and second controllers being arranged to detect a condition of the controlled system and output messages indicative of whether or not the condition has been detected; a transmitter arranged to transmit wirelessly to the first control unit; and a multiplexer arranged to connect each of the first and second controllers in turn to the transmitter so that messages from each of the first and second controllers can be transmitted to the first control unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for monitoring power consumption of individual devices on an electric power system. A monitoring system may identify unique power characteristics of each device. The monitoring system may use the identified unique power characteristics to disaggregate electric data representative of the power consumption of all of the devices on the electric power system into portions associated with each device.

Abstract: A computer system for hosting a virtual power system environment includes a plurality of virtual devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of virtual devices is configured to simulate the function of at least one physical device in a power system, a virtual device manager configured to perform at least one operation on the plurality of virtual devices, a virtual power monitor configured to control a function of the plurality of virtual devices, a simulation engine configured to simulate a performance of the plurality of virtual devices according to conditions detected on the power system, and a configuration generator configured to generate a configuration for a physical power monitor according to a configuration of the virtual power monitor.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system for managing energy of a residential community sharing energy, the system including a plurality of home EMS (Energy Management System) provided in individual households; a unit for supplying common use energy having a production unit configured to produce common use energy, and a storage unit for charging the produced common use energy; and a residential community EMS configured to manage production and charging of the common use energy, and to control the unit for supplying the common use energy, in response to receiving a signal requesting to use the common use energy transmitted from a home EMS supply, supply the common use energy to the home EMS that transmitted the signal requesting to use the common use energy.

Abstract: Mobile units moving in a local network environment and at times in the vicinity of meters of the network, at least temporarily bypass relay functions of a concentrator operated in a stationary manner, if the relay function is not yet available, for instance during construction, for radio communication of data packets of the meter linked into the smart-metering network to a center. The mobile units are persons and/or vehicles with communication devices such as smartphones for long-distance links over the Internet or in the mobile radio standard. The communication devices, as modified mobile radio telephones, receive data packets from meters by using hardware or a software app over a short-distance link to the mobile unit being accidentally temporarily located in the vicinity of the meter. Long-distance communication of packets from mobile unit to center then takes place over the Internet or the mobile radio standard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for compressing data from a smart meter. The method comprises: LZ-encoding electricity load data collected by the smart meter whenever the smart meter collects the electricity load data; storing the LZ-encoded electricity load data in a temporary database through a smart grid communication channel; reading the electricity load data from the temporary database every preset second duration, wherein the read electricity load data is electricity load data stored in the temporary database within the second duration before a corresponding reading time point; and LZ-decoding the read electricity load data, SAX-compressing the LZ-decoded electricity load data, and storing the SAX-compressed electricity load data in a data center. The present invention has high compression rate, reduces the transmission burden for communication lines and storage burden for the data center, and improves the efficiency of smart electricity data analysis and mining.

Abstract: A virtual payment system including a customer-specific, customer geolocation responsive, limited time duration payment identifier generator operative to generate a customer-specific, customer geolocation responsive, limited time duration payment identifier, a customer-specific limited time duration payment identifier communicator operative to communicate the customer-specific, customer geolocation responsive, limited time duration payment identifier to a customer and a limited time duration payment identifier validator, operative to verify genuineness and timeliness of the customer-specific, customer geolocation responsive, limited time duration payment identifier presented by the customer at a point of sale.

Abstract: An energy virtualization system may include a physical interface gateway that may include a plurality of common interfaces. The plurality of common interfaces may be coupled to a plurality of energy-producing devices, a plurality of energy-control devices, and a plurality of energy-consuming devices. The system may also include a building network, where the plurality of energy-producing devices, the plurality of energy-control devices, and the plurality of energy-consuming devices can communicate through building network. The system may additionally include a computing device running an energy virtualization layer. The virtualization layer may include a plurality of virtual devices representing the plurality of energy-producing devices, the plurality of energy-control devices; and the plurality of energy-consuming devices. The virtualization layer may also direct energy from the energy-producing devices to the energy-consuming devices according to information received from the energy-control devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for remotely configuring gateway devices in a gateway-based Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) network. Remotely configurable gateway devices are provided for Internet Protocol (IP) communications between consumption measuring devices and a utility central facility. Communications between the gateway device and central facility may be by way of wired or wireless communications and may include configuration information multicast from the central facility to selected gateway devices.

Abstract: Tangible interfaces for partitioned energy consumption are generally described herein. An example tangible resource device to represent a limited resource may include sensor and communication modules to receive a consumption limit of the limited resource allocated to an associated user. The sensor and communication modules may further monitor consumption of the limited resource by the associated user. The example tangible resource device may further include a display to present information indicative of the consumption limit and consumption of the limited resource by the user, and an interface module to receive input from the user to control the limited resource.

Abstract: A signal sending device, a signal receiving device, and a signal sending and receiving system and method are presented. The devices and system combine a plurality of sense data into a data packet to transmit the data packet. Through the method, the data packet is processed, received, and sent under a transmission mechanism based on independent data packets. Therefore, the plurality of sense data and overhead data are combined into a data packet, and thus the redundant overhead data is reduced, so as to reduce the time spent on sending actual data to a transmission channel, thus improving the efficiency of data exchange and saving electrical energy.

Abstract: A computerized platform for monitoring the operation of an electric power distribution grid which includes in one form an accessory device operatively coupled with or comprised in an electronic protection relay of said electric power distribution grid, wherein said accessory device is configured to gather grid data and to transmit said grid data through the Internet; a publishing computerized unit capable of communicating with said accessory device through the Internet, said publishing computerized unit being configured to interact with said accessory device to acquire and store said grid data; an interface computerized unit capable of communicating with said accessory device and said publishing computerized unit through the Internet, said interface computerized unit being configured to provide interface services to manage the interaction of said accessory device with said publishing computerized unit.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are provided of telematics devices and exemplary corresponding methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a telematics device generally includes at least one hub device having a wireless network interface and a BLUETOOTH interface, and one or more peripheral devices. Each peripheral device includes a BLUETOOTH device in wireless communication with the hub device and/or at least one other peripheral device. Each of the one or more peripheral devices includes a peripheral device identifier and is configured to periodically broadcast peripheral device information including the peripheral device identifier to be received by the hub device. The hub device is configured to analyze received peripheral device information and transmit a report based on the analyzed peripheral device information to a remote station. Other exemplary embodiments include a camera interface for a telematics device, a smart lock assembly for a trailer, and a trailer tracking system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to handheld systems, individual components, and methods of using such systems and components for measuring parameters, such as electrical, mechanical, and physical measurement parameters. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a gateway device for a measurement system generally includes a first communication system for receiving at least one signal containing data according to a first protocol, wherein the at least one signal includes at least one measurement value from at least one handheld measurement device, a signal translator for translating the signal containing the data to another signal containing the data according to a second protocol different from the first protocol, and a data memory system for storing data on the gateway device.

Abstract: A system and method for inferring schematic and topological properties of an electrical distribution grid is provided. The system may include Remote Hubs, Subordinate Remotes, a Substation Receiver, and an associated Computing Platform and Concentrator. At least one intelligent edge transmitter, called a Remote Hub Edge Transmitter, may transmit messages on the electrical distribution grid by injecting a modulated current into a power main that supplies an electric meter. The Subordinate Remotes, Remote Hubs, the Substation Receiver, and the associated Computing Platform and Concentrator may contain processing units which execute stored instructions allowing each node in the network to implement methods for organizing the on-grid network and transmitting and receiving messages on the network.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for detecting anomalies in a metering system. In one embodiment, data representing usage of a defined commodity are collected from meters, and the data collected over a given time period are analyzed to identify any of the meters showing at least one defined type of anomalous usage pattern. For each of the meters showing an anomalous usage patterns, an anomaly score is determined for the usage pattern shown, and the anomaly scores are used to rank the meters. In one embodiment, the collected data are analyzed to identify any of the meters showing one or more of a group of types of anomalous patterns including meter-no-reading, meter-by-pass, and meter-silting patterns. Embodiments of the invention utilize time series techniques and data analysis on meter reading data. Further, embodiments of the invention require no additional installation of equipment or sensors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for implementing telemetry applications with the SIM card of a mobile equipment. For one embodiment of the invention the telemetry application allows the encoding of TAD within a supplementary services message and transmission of the TAD over a control channel of a GMS telecommunications system. For one embodiment of the invention the telemetry application allows the decoding of caller identification message received from a CMS to obtain the TAD.

Abstract: Methods of operating a communication node are provided. A method of operating a communication node may include receiving data from an electric grid device via a network interface. The method may include processing the data from the electric grid device at the communication node. Moreover, the method may include transmitting a filtered portion of the data to an electric utility head end system, after processing the data at the communication node. In some embodiments, a method of operating a communication node may include using a message broker controlled by a virtual machine in the communication node to provide a protocol to interface with a field message bus that includes a standards-based or open-source Application Programming Interface (API). Related communication nodes and computer program products are also described.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an apparatus for monitoring a usage of an item. The usage characterises a physical handling of the item. The apparatus comprises a sensor configured to measure the usage of the item and to generate usage data based on the measured usage; a processing unit configured to determine based on the generated usage data a characteristic indicative of the usage of the item; and a wireless communication unit configured to transmit the determined characteristic indicative of the usage of the item and/or the generated usage data.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies described herein relate to WI-FI and cellular interworking for Internet of Things (“IoT”) devices. According to one aspect disclosed herein, a radio access technology selection system can generate a policy for network selection. The policy can include network selection criteria for network selection to be performed by a dual-mode IoT device. The radio access technology selection system also can provision the policy for the dual-mode IoT device. The dual-mode IoT device can utilize the policy to select one or more networks over which to communicate IoT data. The radio access technology selection system can be or can include an access network discovery and selection function (“ANDSF”). The ANDSF can utilize an ANDSF management object (“MO”) tree to implement an MO defined specifically for the network selection criteria for the IoT device.

Abstract: In an aspect, a system is provided for determining an energy usage cost over a time period for a selected unit of a multi-tenanted building. The system includes a fluid mover for the selected unit, configured to operate at at least one pre-selected volumetric flow rate to deliver fluid flow to the selected unit; and a monitoring system configured to: a) detect uses of the fluid movers and detect the associated flow rate; b) determine the duration of use of each fluid mover; c) determine an energy usage cost for the selected unit based on the durations of use, on the flow rate associated with each detected use, on the durations of use for the other fluid movers, and based on a total energy usage cost for all the units of the multi-tenanted building; and d) indicate the energy usage cost for the unit for the time period.

Abstract: A method includes measuring one or more performance metrics of a set of solar cells coupled to an inverter. Based at least on the performance metrics meeting a first criterion, a first subset of the set of solar cells are disabled, reducing a voltage, power, or current provided to the inverter. Based at least on the performance metrics meeting a second criterion, a second subset of the set of solar cells are disabled, further reducing a voltage, power, or current provided to the inverter.

Abstract: A system and method for inferring schematic and topological properties of an electrical distribution grid is provided. The system may include Remote Hubs, Subordinate Remotes, a Substation Receiver, and an associated Computing Platform and Concentrator. At least one intelligent edge transmitter, called a Remote Hub Edge Transmitter, may transmit messages on the electrical distribution grid by injecting a modulated current into a power main that supplies an electric meter. The Subordinate Remotes, Remote Hubs, the Substation Receiver, and the associated Computing Platform and Concentrator may contain processing units which execute stored instructions allowing each node in the network to implement methods for organizing the on-grid network and transmitting and receiving messages on the network.

Abstract: A utility cover for covering an opening includes an outer frame formed of a first material and an insert within the outer frame formed of a second material, wherein at least a portion of the insert is substantially transparent to wireless communications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a battery-operated stationary sensor arrangement with a unidirectional data transmission. The battery-operated stationary sensor arrangement has a sensor, a means for generating data packets and a means for transmitting data packets. The transmitter is implemented to determine sensor data and provide a sensor data packet based on the sensor data, wherein the sensor data has an amount of data of less than 1 kbit. The means for generating data packets is implemented to divide the sensor data packet into at least two data packets, wherein each of the at least two data packets is shorter than the sensor data packet. The means for transmitting data packets is implemented to transmit the data packets with a data rate of less than 50 kbit/s and a time interval via a communication channel.

Abstract: A method is provided for handling the heating resulting from the operation of a self-powered power sensor (SPPS). The SPPS periodically switches between a sense mode and a harvest mode, each contributing to power dissipation that translates into heat, which may become a safety hazard. A duty cycle that is the ratio between the period in which sensing take place and the total time elapsed between sensing periods defines the duty cycle of the SPPS. In order to prevent overheating of the SPPS it is configured to provide a dynamic duty cycle that is higher for lower currents in the primary power wire and lower, for higher primary currents. This allows for better power dissipation of the SPPS and removing it from operation in unfavorable or dangerous conditions.

Abstract: A control valve (10) includes a valve body with a plurality of ports (A, B, C, D, E, F) and a plurality of annular flow passages (53, 55, 57). A piston (34) which includes a plurality of annular flow passages and a longitudinal flow passage is selectively movable within a bore (32) within the valve body through operation of a valve controller (70). The valve controller is selectively operative to control the position of the piston so as to enable liquid flow through a plurality of flow paths. The valve controller further includes a installable and removable valve controller housing (74) which is releasibly engageable with a valve base (72). The valve may include a changeable piston and changeable injector and plug components to adapt the valve to different flow and fluid mixing requirements.

Abstract: A controller is configured to use an energy cost function to predict a total cost of energy purchased from an energy provider as a function of one or more setpoints provided by the controller. The energy cost function includes a demand charge term defining a cost per unit of power corresponding to a maximum power usage of the building system. The controller is configured to linearize the demand charge term by imposing demand charge constraints and to mask each of the demand charge constraints that applies to an inactive pricing period. The controller is configured to determine optimal values of the one or more setpoints by performing an optimization procedure that minimizes the total cost of energy subject to the demand charge constraints and to provide the optimal values of the one or more setpoints to equipment of the building system that operate to affect the maximum power usage.

Abstract: A wireless radio communication system for consumption meters is disclosed. The communication system includes one or more consumption meters arranged to be able to communicate using a first set of radio frequency bands, one or more mobile communication devices arranged to be able to communicate using a second set of radio frequency bands, and one or more meter reading systems arranged to be able to communicate using a third set of radio frequency bands, wherein the first set of radio frequency bands includes a HF band and a first VHF/UHF band, the second set of radio frequency bands includes at least the HF band and a second VHF/UHF band, and the third set of radio frequency bands includes at least the first VHF/UHF band.

Abstract: In accordance with disclosed embodiments, a first power line communication (PLC) device connected to a PLC network includes channel control logic that assigns a first channel of the PLC network for transmission on a power line of PLC data packets between the first PLC device and a second PLC device connected to the PLC network and assigns a second channel of the PLC network for transmission on the power line of PLC data packets between the first PLC device and the third PLC device connected to the PLC network. The PLC device includes a transceiver that receives and transmits PLC data packets on the PLC network and which operates as a bridge device that communicates on both the first and second channels to pass PLC data packets between the second PLC device and the third PLC device.

Abstract: Combining and analyzing streamed and polled electric power delivery system information is disclosed herein. A system therefore includes a plurality of IEDs in communication with the electric power distribution system and configured to provide streaming and/or polled data via a communications network. An analysis engine in communication with the communications network receives selected streaming information and requested polled information, analyzes such streamed and polled information, and provides a display of such streaming and polled information to a user.

Abstract: In a wireless network that includes a plurality of nodes, a method of maintaining, by a first node, information regarding communications links between nodes in the wireless network includes: for each communications link that is established with another node, recording an identification of the other node; and for each message received by the first node from the other node through the communications link with the other node, recording a network pathway by which the message has been sent in the wireless network, the network pathway identifying the nodes and the communications links therebetween by which the message has been sent. Another method includes recording, by a server, for each message that is received by the server from the wireless network, a network pathway by which the message has been sent, the network pathway identifying the nodes and the communications links therebetween by which the message has been sent.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method can include determining an amplitude for each of a plurality of input channels, corresponding to respective nodes. A measure of similarity can be computed between the input channel of each node and the input channel of its neighboring nodes. The method can also include comparing an amplitude for each node relative to other nodes to determine temporary bad channels. For each of the temporary bad channels, a measure of similarity can be computed between the input channel of each node and the input channel of its neighboring nodes. Channel integrity can then be identified based on the computed measures of similarity.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data in a frequency selective communication channel in provided. The method comprises: parsing data to be transmitted into a plurality of data fields; assigning the data from each data field into a corresponding one of a plurality of sub-channels; modulating the data from each of the plurality of sub-channels into a corresponding one of a plurality of sub-bands, the plurality of sub-bands having spaced apart center frequencies; and concurrently transmitting the data from the plurality of sub-bands onto the channel.