US 4,166,975 A · Multiple rate electrical energy metering system and method

Abstract

An electronic time-of-day metering system is disclosed for measuring electrical power by at least two different mechanical recording devices depending on the time-of-day and time of week in which the electrical power is being consumed. A conventional kilowatt hour meter includes a set of decade gear driven dials which register the kilowatt hours consumed on a continuous basis. At least one other set of decade gear driven dials is provided for registering the consumption of kilowatt hours during preselected peak power usage intervals. A single MOS integrated circuit controls the operation of the alternate set of decade gear driven dials. This circuit utilizes as its time base the 60 Hz line voltage derived from the energy distribution system being metered. A clock circuit generates timing signals for a clock control circuit which includes a circulatory memory which is preprogrammed to contain the times at which one or more alternate sets of dials are to be actuated. When the clock time equals a stored time a gating signal is generated. At the same time a function command signal, also stored in the circulatory memory, is passed through the enabled gate for engaging or disengaging the alternate set of decade gear drive dials, depending on the value of the function stored. The gated signal controls the energization of a bistable clutch which engages the alternate set of dials. A method for registering total energy consumed by a metered system as well as energy consumed during preselected time intervals is also disclosed.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A multiple rate electrical energy metering system for registering the total electrical energy consumed and the electrical energy consumed during preselected time intervals comprising:

a first means for continuously registering the consumption of electrical energy, said means including a plurality of dial pointers, said dial pointers being driven by a set of decade gears, said decade gears being driven in accordance with the electrical energy being consumed,
at least one alternate means for registering the consumption of electrical energy during said preselected time intervals, said at least one alternate registering means comprising a plurality of dial pointers and decade gear means for driving said dial pointers, a clock means for generating real time signals,
a recirculating storage means for storing a plurality of time data signals corresponding to a plurality of predetermined times and for storing a plurality of function data signals corresponding to control functions to be performed at said predetermined times, a comparator means for periodically comparing said real time signals with each of said time data signals, logic means responsive to said comparator means and said recirculating storage means for generating a function control signal when a comparison of said real time signals and said time data signals exists, said function control signal corresponding to said function data signals in time coincidence with said compared time data signals, and clutch means responsive to said logic means for engaging or disengaging said at least one alternate registering means in accordance with said function control signal, said clutch means including a first gear means continuously driven by the decade gears of said first means for continuously registering, a second gear means in continuous engagement with the decade gears of said at least one alternate means for registering, and means responsive to said function control signal for selectively engaging and disengaging said second gear means with said first gear means.

A multiple rate electrical energy metering system for registering the total electrical energy consumed and the electrical energy consumed during preselected time intervals from a power distribution system comprising:

a first means for continuously registering the consumption of electrical energy,
at least one alternate means for registering the consumption of electrical energy during said preselected time intervals,
a clock means for generating real time signals, said clock means including means for deriving a time base signal from said power distribution system, a low power oscillator means for generating a second time base signal, means responsive to said first or second time base signals for generating said real time signals, and time base selecting means for selectively connecting said first or said second time base signals to said real time signal generating means, a recirculating storage means for storing time data signals corresponding to a plurality of predetermined times and for storing function data corresponding to control functions to be performed at each of said predetermined times, a comparator means for periodically comparing said real time signals with each of said stored time data signals, logic means responsive to said comparator means and said recirculating storage means for generating a function control signal when a comparison of said real time signals and said stored time data signals exist, said function control signal corresponding to the stored function data in time coincident with said compared time data signals, and means responsive to said logic means for engaging or disengaging said at least one alternate registering means in accordance with said function control signal.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multiple rate electrical energy metering system and method

Life of this patent

Multiple rate electrical energy metering system and method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9