A quasi-real-time data collection system for a competitive power market includes a distributed data collection unit, a centralized data collection unit, and a main collection station, where the distributed data collection unit is connected to an intelligent watt-hour meter by using an internal downlink communication module of the distributed data collection unit, and configures data item collection parameters and task execution parameters by using an internal collection task and scheme configuration module of the distributed data collection unit; the centralized data collection unit is connected to the main collection station by using an internal file conversion and uplink communication module of the centralized data collection unit; and the centralized data collection unit is connected to multiple distributed data collection units by using a local high speed power line carrier communication (HPLC) network.

A utility meter device (1002) including a communications receiver (110) for receiving file fragments for the device, a processing means (150), eg microprocessor, microcontroller, and programmable non-volatile memory means (120), eg flash, EEPROM, for building and storing application and date files from the fragments, and executing a meter application of the device by processing at least one application file and associated data identified by configuration instructions in at least one of the fragments to provide data for reconfiguring a meter through a control interface (1016).

Methods of operation of a self-powered power sensor (SPPS) are provided for the measurement of the likes of current, power, power factor, and other parameters related to the power consumption, at points of interest, such as circuit breakers, machines, and the like. Each SPPS is enabled to communicate its respective data, in an environment of a plurality of such apparatuses, to a management unit which may further process the data sent thereto, as well as communicate back to the SPPS for the purpose of synchronization of, for example, clocks of the SPPS and the management unit.

Some embodiments include a metering system including a base housing configured to be coupled to a supply of a consumable, and including a plurality of meter slots, wherein each meter slot is configured to couple with a removeable meter module. Further, the metering system includes a removeable cover housing configured to removably couple to the base housing, and a meter module that includes at least one meter core and at least one data transfer functionality or assembly. The meter module can independently meter at least a portion of the consumable consumed by at least one consumer. A metering assembly with a removeable meter module and an associated meter slot can independently meter at least a portion of a consumable consumed by at least one consumer, and metering of the consumable to a consumer from one meter slot is independent of metering of the consumable from another meter slot.

A load estimating device measures a voltage and a current supplied to a load connected with a generator, calculates a feature amount of the load, senses a remaining amount of fuel, outputs a time during which the load is continuously operable. The device estimates what the load connected with the generator is, based on the calculated feature amount and the feature amounts stored in a storage, and determines the time during which the estimated load is continuously operable, based on a power consumption of the estimated load, and the remaining amount of fuel. The device has a load registration mode for causing the storage to store therein a feature amount of a new load that is not stored in a storage.

A system including a transceiver that is in a first device and receives wirelessly or over a powerline and from a second device, (i) a voltage value of a voltage detected between bus bars of a power source, where the power source supplies power to a load, and where the load is distinct from the first and second devices, or (ii) a current value of a current detected by a current sensor and drawn from the power source by the load. A sensing module one of (i) if the transceiver receives the current, detects the voltage and timestamps the voltage value with a first timestamp, and (ii) if the transceiver receives the voltage, determines the current and timestamps the current value with a second timestamp. A parameter module determines a parameter of the load based on the voltage, the current, and the first and second timestamps.

Interconnection meter socket adapters are provided. An interconnection meter socket adapter comprises a housing enclosing a set of electrical connections. The interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a standard distribution panel and a standard electric meter, thereby establishing connections between a distribution panel and a user such that electrical power may be delivered to the user while an electrical meter measures the power consumption of the user. An interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a DC-AC inverter, which may be coupled to various energy sources. As such, the energy sources are coupled to an electrical power system. In addition, a connector such as a flexible cable or flexible conduit containing insulated wires can be provided for connecting various energy sources and/or sinks.

Provided is a structure which is capable of central control of an electric device and a sensor device and a structure which can reduce power consumption of an electric device and a sensor device. A central control system includes at least a central control device, an output unit, and an electric device or a sensor device. The central control device performs arithmetic processing on information transmitted from the electric device or the sensor device and makes the output unit output information obtained by the arithmetic processing. It is possible to know the state of the electric device or the sensor device even apart from the electric device or the sensor device. The electric device or the sensor device includes a transistor which includes an activation layer using a semiconductor with the band gap wider than that of single crystal silicon.

A method and device of charging a battery is provided. A charging device transmits a charging initiation request including a charging identifier for identifying a user to an electric meter and receives a charging initiation response from the electricity meter. The charging device performs charging by connecting the charging station with the battery after receiving the charging initiation response. The charging device receives charging information indicating billing information according to the charging of the battery from the electricity meter.

A system for sensing electrical power usage in an electrical power infrastructure of a structure. The system can include a sensing device configured to be attached to a panel of the circuit breaker box overlying at least part of the one or more main electrical power supply lines. The system also can include a calibration device configured to be electrically coupled to the electrical power infrastructure of the structure. The system further can include one or more processing modules configured to receive one or more output signals from the sensing device. The sensing device can be devoid of being electrically or physically coupled to the one or more main electrical power supply lines or the electrical power infrastructure when the sensing device is attached to the panel. Other embodiments are provided.