Automated meter reading system and energy conservation method using same

摘要

The present invention provides a meter retrofit and method for use thereof, utilizing a transducer with an encoder driven by a rotating shaft of a meter reading dial, the transducer including a plurality of encoder contacts surrounding a rotation axis, with each encoder contact connected to a magnetic switch. A wiper connects to the shaft and rotates around the rotation axis, sequentially contacting the plurality of encoder contacts, providing a variable signal to a monitoring device.

主权项

1. An energy conservation method utilizing a meter transducer retrofit on a meter, the meter including a rotating shaft that drives a meter reading dial, the method comprising:
measuring, by an encoder device, a volume supplied through the meter, by detecting rotation of the rotating shaft; obtaining, from the encoder device, a plurality of overall usage profiles of a plurality of appliances supplied by the meter, for sequential time intervals; comparing the plurality of overall usage profiles to historical usage profiles of each of the plurality of appliances; identifying each specific appliance of the plurality of appliances receiving the volume at each time interval; and comparing the plurality of overall usage profiles to historical usage profiles for each of the identified specific appliances, wherein a volume received by a specific appliance of the plurality of appliances is identified by a consumption signature or the specific appliance.