MX2007013710A - Data integrity in a mesh network - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods for ensuring data integrity in a mesh network. A mesh network can include multiple RF devices. Transmittingquality data in or on the mesh network is improved using communication validation functions. The communication validation functions ensure a reliable communication network, preserve data during a network outage, and validate data. The communication validation functions can measure or control data quality within a communication and analysis network. The communication validation function operates to control data quality, for example, by measuring the quality of wireless links, ensuring the presence of redundant links, testing the ability of the mesh network to establish a backup communication path, generating alarms based on communication thresholds, tracking the communication path followed by communication packets, and identifying placement locations for additional RF devices.

Description

INTEGRITY OF DATA IN A NETWORK OF MESH BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the invention In facilities, such as a building, where a significant amount of energy is used in a variety of units, it would be desirable to allow the building owner to allocate the energy costs to different units, for example consumers inside the building. . For a commercial office building, these units may include different tenants within the building or common loads for the same, such as elevators or HVAC systems. For an industrial installation, these units can include the different production lines, machines or processes within the installation. Contrary to allocating costs based on a fixed or common approach (such as proportionally, for example, dollars per square foot or based on the theoretical consumption of a process / machine), allocating a cost based on actual measurements using appropriate monitoring devices can be more accurate and the most useful information, as well as the distribution costs are fairer.

Installation costs such as ongoing operation and maintenance for these monitoring devices are important considerations in deciding whether to invest in a monitoring system. While the monitoring devices can be read manually, which does not increase the installation cost, the collection of manual information can increase the costs of use / operation. Alternatively, the monitoring devices can be interconnected and read automatically by means of a communication link. However, typical communication connections require cabling to interconnect the devices, which increases the installation cost. Additionally, a particular tenant in the building may want to verify that he or she is being charged correctly by reading the energy meter or other energy monitoring device that accumulates the use of energy. This can be a simple process, despite the intense and cumbersome work, with a typical energy meter that provides a display that can be seen by the tenant.

Mesh wireless networking technologies, or wireless mesh networks, can be used to reduce the costs of installing monitoring devices, while providing automated data collection. Also called a mesh topology or a mesh (or mesh) network, a mesh is a network topology in which the devices are connected with many redundant interconnections between network nodes. Effectively, each network node acts as a repeater / router with respect to the received communications where the device is not the receiver intended to facilitate communications between the devices throughout the network. The use of wireless interconnects allows a simpler and more cost-effective implementation of mesh topologies, where each device in a node interconnects wirelessly with at least some of the other nearby devices using RF-based links. Mesh network technologies are generally of two categories: high speed, high bandwidth; and low speed, low bandwidth, low power. The first category of devices are typically more complex and expensive than the second. Since energy monitoring generally does not require high-speed / high-bandwidth communication, the second category of devices is often sufficient in terms of data transfer rate.

Energy monitoring devices may include electric power meters that measure at least one of kWh, kVAh, kVARh, demand Kw, demand kVA, Energy measuring devices may also include devices that measure the consumption of water, air, gas and / or steam.

Bad data integrity can manifest as poor quality of information; Poor quality of information can restrict the ability to execute business plans and can cost money in organization. Bad data integrity can manifest itself as an analytical failure and a failure in the business initiative. Analytical systems that do not implement at least some information quality mechanisms may suffer from acceptance limited or fails due to lack of attention to matters related to the quality of information. A Global Information Management Survey by Pricewaterhousecoopers in 2001 states that 75% of companies have significant problems as a result of matters related to the quality of their information. More than 50% incurs extra expenses due to the need for internal reconciliation, 33% of companies have been forced to delay or discard new systems, 33% have not been able to collect or collect outstanding accounts, 20% have failed to comply with contracts or service levels. Because analytical systems begin to be used in measurements of IO energy, there is an important need to ensure that there are information quality mechanisms to increase the level of energy quality within an energy analytical system. Additionally, there is an important need to report the level of information quality within an energy analytical system. I 5 The dependence of companies on information can increase in a maraca and irreversible way in the future while more "automated" decisions are based on information; this increases the exposure of companies to bad information and increases the need for information integrity to be treated in an analytical energy system. An energy analytical system that relies on the storage of historical information and information in real time to present analytical data or report and perhaps automatic decisions have a significant reduced value, if the quality system of data integrity and analysis is not direct the analytical system. There is a great need for addressing the data integrity problems to an energy analytical system especially within a wireless mesh (mesh) communication system.

Summary of the invention These and other limitations are overcome by means of the personifications of the invention, which are related to the systems and methods for controlling or measuring the integrity of data in a mesh network. In one embodiment, a system for monitoring energy information that is representative of the energy of at least one point of an energy distribution system includes a wireless mesh network. A first radiofrequency ("RF") device operates for monitor the energy in at least one point of the energy distribution system, the construction of the energy information representative of at least a portion of the energy monitored, the construction of a communication package containing the energy information and the transmission of the energy communication package in the wireless mesh network. A second RF device is coupled to the first RF device via a wireless link. The second device - • .- ,. RF operates to receive the communication packet from Majla's wireless network and retransmit the communication packet through the wireless mesh network. The wireless link between the first RF device and the second RF device includes an information link. A data integrity function is coupled with at least one of the first and second RF devices and operates to monitor the integrity of data in the energy information. The data integrity of the energy registers and the communication system can be verified through the use of validation, estimation, editing rules and the data validation engine. The data integrity report can be facilitated by using a number of nine - 20 representations, alarm indications, the signal-to-noise ratio, graphical representation of the communication network with reliable indications. The integrity of the data of the records; within the remote device can be preserved using a lossy compression style, removing interval information and storing information within remote devices accessible by means of an information link. The communication packet typically contains a representative value of at least a portion of the energy information.

In another personification, a system to control the quality of data within a The power distribution system includes a mesh network having a first RF device and a second RF device. The first and the second RF device they are able to communicate over a plurality of wireless links. The system also includes a communication validation function coupled to the first and second RF devices; The communication validation function operates to monitor the plurality of wireless links to facilitate the transmission of power information in the mesh network by adjusting at least one of the first RF device, the second RF device and the plurality of wireless links.

The advantages and additional features of the invention will be more apparent from the following description, and in part will be obvious from this or can be learned by means of the practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention can be realized and obtained by means of the instrument and combinations mentioned in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will be more apparent, or can be learned by practicing the invention as explained below.

'AÍS' fl.n .. a jfc-i¿i.r ^ ~ P; BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To further clarify the aforementioned and other advantages and features of the present invention, a particular description of the invention will be provided by reference to specific personifications thereof, which are illustrated. It is estimated that these drawings illustrate only the typical personifications of the invention and therefore do not limit its scope. The invention will be described and explained with specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 shows a system of energy sensors inside a commercial building communicating by means of a wireless mesh network.

Figure 2 shows a personification of a communication diagram representing mesh communication links.

Figure 3 shows a personification of a communication diagram representing mesh communication links.

Figure 4 shows a personification of a communication diagram representing mesh communication links.

Figure 5 shows some of the general components within the RF communication data payload package.

Figure 6 shows an energy sensor equipped with various service aids.

Figure 7 shows a block diagram of an energy sensor.

Figure 8 shows a block diagram of an energy sensor using energy derived from the measured energy signal to the energy measuring device.

Figure 9 shows an example flow chart for monitoring the quality of information for an energy management system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED PERSONIFICATIONS Hereinafter the phrase "coupled with" is understood to be directly connected to or indirectly connected by means of one or more intermediary components.

Such intermediary components may include hardware, communication and software-based components. The additional intermediary components may include components of coupled electric fields and coupled magnetic fields. The drawings included in this document refer to several groups of elements using a prefix number and a suffix letter, such as as 120a, 120b, and 120c. The number listed only without the letter as a suffix refers to at least one of these elements. An example of this is when a group of elements such as energy sensors are mentioned as energy sensors (120), this means that it refers to at least one of the energy sensors (120a), (120b), (120c) ), (120d), (120e), (120f), (120g), (120h), or (120?). I5 The integrity of data in an energy management system is important for the overall analysis and possible billing of the energy management system. Poor data integrity can lead to information quality problems; the problems of data quality within a management system energy can cause incorrect billing, maintenance problems, distribution problems and power failures. There are at least three areas for improvement, in which the data integrity function can assist with quality problems within the energy management system. These three areas include securing a communication network, preserving information during a network blackout, and validate the information. An information integrity function is a measure or control of the quality of information within a communication and analysis network. An information integrity function can include a system that ensures the reliability of the communication network, a system that can preserve the information during a communication network breakdown, or a system to validate, estimate and edit information measured or received by a device or system.

Two of the benefits of the data integrity system, is to ensure the reliability of the communication network and preserve the information during a network blackout, is perhaps of particular interest with a wireless network, such as a wireless network of Mali; however, the methods covering all three data integrity methods are disclosed in this document.

The present personifications reduce the energy measurement costs by reducing the installation costs and commission costs for the measurement points. Additionally, the present personifications reduce the need for additional external components, such as power transformers, transformers. current and measurement cabinets. The present personifications are able to reduce these costs by using various combinations of the technologies mentioned below. By reducing these costs, the number of measurement points within an energy distribution system, such as an electric power distribution system, can be increased; Similar approaches can be used to increase the number of measurement points along other energy distribution systems, such as water, air, gas and steam distribution systems.

Referring to Figure 1, a wireless network composed of a radio frequency (RF) repeater converter (110), an RF repeater (115) and power sensors (? 20 20); o-are used to transmit communication data packets between the power management station (100) and the power sensors (120).

As shown in Figure 1, this wireless network can be implemented within the space of a commercial building. An RF device includes at least one of the RF repeater converters (110), an RF repeater (115), power sensors (120), RF signal strength sensors, or RF deployment devices (140). RF devices make use of an RF mesh network for communication. By using RF communication, the present personifications are able to reduce the cost of measuring an additional point or to reduce the cost of communication to an existing measurement point in a power distribution system to the station. of power management (100) or SCADA software by significantly reducing the cost of making communication cables available at the measurement point and maintaining the communication cables between the power management station (100) and the measurement point. < t 5 The power management station (100) may be software inside a computer or firmware residing in an intelligent electronic device (IED). The energy sensor (120) is an IED that is capable of measuring at least one parameter related to energy and communicating through an RF mesh network. An energy sensor (120) may include several measurement coupling devices; this allows the sensor, energy (120) to measure or couple with the measurements of various forms of energy. An alternate embodiment of the energy sensor (120) may include a measurement coupling device such as a digital input used as a pulse counter in turn used to read the pulses.

I5 An example is shown in Figure 1, where an energy sensor (120a) monitors the pulse of a flow meter (125) in a pulse connection. These pulses can originate from another energy meter that can measure water, air, electric power or steam. An alternate personification may contain a measuring coupling device that is directly coupled with the energy that is being measured. - -. The power management station (100) is coupled to an RF repeater converter (110) via the communication backbone (105). The RF repeater converter (110) can allow the power management station (100) communicate through the network and receive information from the power sensors (120) within the wireless network. The power management station (100) may have a connection to a communication backbone (105), - such as an Ethernet, LAN or WAN network, or to an alternative means of communication and may be able to communicate to the wireless network by means of a converter RF repeater (110) that is connected to the alternate means, such as a satellite or telephone connection. The alternative means of communication or backbone of Communication can be composed of any communication channel, such as a telephone network, Ethernet, Intranet, Internet, satellite or microwave medium.

In Figure 1, the wireless communication paths (150) represent some of the possible wireless communication paths between the RF devices. The wireless network technology used is an appropriate wireless mesh network technology; An appropriate network may not have infrastructure or understand an unplanned infrastructure. The appropriate network allows a communication network to be established although careful advance planning of the infrastructure is normally required with communication networks such as wired Ethernet networks. A mesh network is a network that can contain multiple trajectories to communicate information. A mesh network comprises a number of RF devices; generally each RF device is capable of receiving 'messages from other RF devices and that the RF device retransmits the message to the mesh network.

An example of this is shown in Figure 1, where the energy sensor (120e) can transmit a message or communication packet (s) (1000) containing a measure of energy taken to the intended receiver of the power management station (100) The initial transmission of the sensor (120e) can only be received by the RF devices within the transmission range of the sensor (120e). The communication packet (1000) may contain the transmit transmission information (1020), such as how many jumps, or direct communication transfers from device to device, between the RF devices is required the last time a message was sent or received from the power management station (100). If another RF device, such as an energy sensor (120g) receives the message from the energy sensor (120e), it may be able to compare the number of jumps that the transmissions usually require to be received by the destination, and compare with the number of jumps indicated in the communication packet (1000), and determine if the message should be retransmitted based on the reduction in the number of jumps required for transmission. The same evaluation process I I it can be carried out for other communication indicators, such as a measure of the signal-to-noise ratio or a measure of success rate. In the example above, the power sensor (120d) could determine that it is a jump closer to the power management station (100) and retransmit the communication packet (1000). The power sensor (120d) may add its sending information such as how many jumps there are among other RF devices where it was required the last time a message from the power management station (100) was sent or received thereto. In addition, the storage and evaluation of the sending of information allows RF devices and the mesh network system to monitor and react to the efficiency of information communication.

RF devices such as RF repeater converters (110), RF repeaters (115), power sensors (120), and RF deployment devices (140) using the appropriate mesh network technology can be recognized automatically by other RF devices within the communication range. These additional RF devices can be used to extend the range of the wireless network, bandwidth, performance and resistance. For example, if an energy sensor (120i) is installed in an area that is not currently within the range of the mesh network, the installer only needs to add at least one appropriate RF (115) repeater to extend the range of the network dejnalla. In another example, the system may be designed with a second RF repeater (115b) that overlaps part of the service area of the first RF repeater. (115a); in this case the energy sensor (120¡) which is in the superimposed area has at least two different communication paths back to the power management station) 100). This increases the resistance of the system, if the first RF repeater is damaged or temporarily blocked due to RF noise, the power sensor (120) may still be able to communicate by means of the second RF repeater (115). The mesh network can be made to ensure that such additional RF devices must either be secured to the network or contain a security key that is accepted by means of an authentication device within the network. The security of communication it can comprise a public and private key system where the signed or encrypted information and the public key are transmitted in the RF mesh network.

RF devices may be able to automatically modify RF transmission sitpoder to be only as strong as required to reach a repeater RF or other RF device in the mesh network with the appropriate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This adjustment of the RF transmission power can be mentioned as RF power control. For example, the microprocessor (825) (see Figure 7) inside the RF device can slowly increase the power until at least one RF device near the target, for example the power management station (100), successfully receives the message. Alternately, when a communication packet (1000) is received from another RF device, that packet may contain the established transmit power of the RF Transceiver (875). The transmit power information can be used by itself or with another measure, such as the signal-to-noise ratio by means of the microprocessor (825) to determine the RF transmission power required of the RF Transceiver (875).

Another example of a microprocessor (825) controlling the RF transmission power of the Transceiver (875) can occur if a transmission is sent from the RF source device and collected by at least two separate RF devices. The RF source device can receive the RF packet. communication as retransmitted by both RF devices and can modify the next communication-pack so that it does not repeat on one of the devices or modify the transmission power of its RF transceiver (875), so that a single RF device is within the transmission range. This has the additional benefit of reducing the range of RF transmission zones to increase safety, as well as reducing the power requirements of the RF repeater. If the RF device transmitting the communication packet does not receive successful transmission confirmation or the retransmitted packet from another RF device is not seen, the RF device transmission may increase the transmitting power in an attempt to reach another RF device within the wireless mesh network (mesh).

The control of the RF device over the RF transmission power can be used to create mesh zones; an RF zone can be used if a number of RF devices are within the range of communication with each other but by limiting their RF transmission power, they limit the range of their RF transmissions to be inside7 of the RF zone. At least one of the RF devices participating within this RF zone acts as a repeater or portal for the rest of the mesh network. The RF device can be able to dynamically modify its RF transmission power depending on the intended destination of the communication packets or the next hop intended for its destination. As a result of the ability of RF devices to modify their transmission range, network security can be increased as RF power is established at the minimum level required. Additionally, the power supply requirements of the RF devices decrease.

The installation of mesh networks, such as the energy sensor (120) or the RF repeater (115) can be complicated by intermittent network connections due to the I transmission and the marginal reception of information in the network. During commissioning of the system, all that can be done in a normal manner is to verify that each RF device (120) can ultimately communicate with the power management system (100). This verification simply tells the installer that the system is currently working properly, but does not say how much operating range the radios have. For low-cost devices, it is not usually feasible to include signal strength measurement.

The operating conditions of the mesh network radius can change due to nearby coforal effects, temperature, interference, loss of intensity and multiple trajectories. If the reception of the RF device (120) is close to the operating limit of the radio, then small changes in the operating conditions can return the RF device (120) unable to communicate, resulting in power one or more RF devices (120) already not in communication with the power management station (100).

This disclosure proposes the use of an RF device (120) with variable RF power to validate the correct operation of the system at a reduced RF power level. During commission the system is switched to low power mode. The RF device (120) can have either one or both of the variable RF transmission power and one variable RF reception capacity. Once the mesh network has been verified to be fully operational, the system is changed to operating mode. This verification may require the installation of an appropriate RF repeater (115) or RF repeater converters (110) to complete the network. During normal operation the mesh network power node can be increased at a higher (normal) power level by ensuring that the reception and transmission of the mesh network information is above any radio operation parameter marginal. Alternatively, the power level may be allowed to increase to a higher (normal) power level if the RF device operates to automatically adjust to its transmit power during operation normal.

The RF repeaters (115) are used to receive and retransmit wireless packets between the power sensors (120) and the power management station (100) or between two RF devices. For example, the RF repeater (115) can to facilitate communication between the energy sensor (120i) and the energy sensor (120h) or the deployment device (140). These RF repeaters (115) may be capable of sending wireless packets. These send boxes can be stored in the RF repeater in the non-volatile memory so that after a power failure, the communication network can be quickly restored. The RF devices can use a self-healing feature that makes use of a network architecture that can withstand a failure in at least one of its transmission paths such as a mesh or a partial mesh network. The self-healing feature may allow an RF device to redirect a communication packet in a manner that avoids an RF repeater (115) or a device RF that does not work. Additionally, the RF repeaters (115) may be able to determine if they are the final destination of a communication packet, decode the package and also carry out the given instruction. This instruction may be the modification of a configuration within the RF device, a request to read a record, part of a firmware update, communication acknowledgment, or an instruction to generate an alternative communication packet. At least a portion of the RF repeater (115) can be implemented inside a chip ASIÓ The RF repeater converter (110) or a portal device (110) may be used to repeat the RF signals as necessary in a manner similar to the i or RF repeaters (115). In some cases, the functionality of the RF repeater (115) can be left aside from the repeater converter (110) to reduce costs; however, when the RF repeater converter (110) has this capacity there may be additional savings since the network is extended without the need for an RF repeater (115). Additionally, RF repeater converters (110) can operate to provide a bridge between the wireless mesh network and other communication devices, such as an Ethernet backbone, power line carrier, telephone network, Internet and other wireless technologies, microwave, spread spectrum, etc. furthermore, the RF repeater converters (110) may be able to determine if they are the final destination of a communication packet, decode the package and further carry out the given instruction. This instruction can be the modification of a configuration inside the RF device, a - - request to read a firmware update, communication acknowledgment, or an instruction to generate an alternative communication package. At least a portion of the RF repeater converter (110) can be implemented within an ASIC chip.

The power sensors (120) may be able to repeat the RF signals in the same way as the repeaters (115). In some cases, the functionality of the RF repeater may be left aside from the energy sensor (120) to reduce costs; however, when the energy sensors (120) have this capacity there may be additional savings, since the network is extended without the need for a RF repeater (115). The energy sensors (120) that can act as RF repeaters (115) can increase the range and strength of the network, as well as reduce the number of components required to assemble the wireless mesh network. The sensors (120) have the additional task of generating a package of communication information that contains a measure that has been taken or calculated. Additionally, the energy sensor (120) can report the status of the energy sensor (120). In addition, the power sensors (120) may be able to determine if they are the final destination of a communication packet, decode the packet and further carry out the instruction provided. This instruction may be a modification of the configuration within the power sensor 120, a request to read a record, part of the firmware update, communication acknowledgment, or an instruction to change the output or control a device. An energy sensor (120) is used to monitor or measure at least one energy parameter. This energy parameter can be monitored directly or indirectly, or via another monitoring device such as an energy meter with a pulse output or an energy meter with a communication port. Alternatively, the energy sensor (120) can monitor a parameter that has an effect on the energy distribution system such as temperature, vibration, noise, short circuits, etc. At least A portion of the circuit of the RF repeater converter (110) can be implemented within an ASIC chip.

The RF devices may include wireless deployment RF devices (140). These RF deployment devices (140) can be mobile, mounted or attached to the outside of the measuring cabinet. The RF display devices (140) may display readings or alarms from one or more power sensors (120). These energy sensors (120) may be inside the measuring cabinet, near the RF deployment device (140), or accessible to the communication paths in the RF network. The deployment devices (140) may contain user interfaces such as keyboards, styles or touch screens that allow access to various deployments and quantities within the energy sensors. He RF deployment device (140) can be mobile and used to communicate to more than one power sensor (120). Alternatively, the RF deployment device (140) may communicate with the power management station (100) and display the information or alarms of the power management station (100).

Additionally, these RF display devices (140) are capable of correlating several readings of different energy sensors (120) or specific values, performing calculations and displaying various parameters or parameter derivations of the energy sensors (120) to which they have access in the wireless mesh network. For example, if an IED (135) is capable of measuring the IOO bus voltage, the voltage is a specific constant and if the expected power factor is provided, the display device (140) is able to correlate the values and calculate different energy parameters, such as kVA, kVAR and kW with at least usable precision, and displays them on the screen or registers them in memory. An RF deployment device (140) permanently mounted or " Semi-permanent can be used as an active RF repeater (115) to augment the RF signals of the sensors within the measurement enclosure or in the vicinity of the RF deployment device (140). At least a portion of the circuit of the RF deployment device (140) can be implemented within an ASIC chip. 20 The energy sensors (120) are capable of taking a measurement directly and providing the energy; F-Wireless? to the power management station (100) by means of the RF repeaters (115) and the repeater converters (110). Alternately, the energy sensors (120) or other RF devices are can be built directly into the IDE (135) as the IDE (135) is represented. In this example, the energy sensor (120b) and the energy sensor (120c) can communicate to the power management station (100) by means of an RF gateway integrated in the IED (135), which is connected to the communication backbone (105). Depending on the RF device inside the lED (135), the "RF device may be able to perform the lED configuration, record modification, firmware update and lED control (135).

Alternatively, an RF repeater converter (110) may be connected to a communication port, such as an RS232 port on the lED (135). For example, the communication port (870) can be wired directly to the RS 232, RS 485, USB (universal serial bus) or an Ethernet port on the lED (135). The RF device, such as a repeater converter (110), can be operated to receive wireless communication in the mesh network, and if the communication is routed to an IED (135) connected to the RF device, it provides the information to the IED ( 135) by means of a communication port (870). In addition, if the IED (135) sends a message or a response to a message received on an RF device, the RF device may be able to transmit the message to the wireless mesh network. This effectively allows a legacy of the LED (135), an IED device (135) without RF wireless communication, to send and receive packets in the wireless mesh network, uses the RF device to send and receive the communication packets. The RF device acts as an interface that can modify the communication packets to change the protocol or add shipping information. The RF device can act as an information concentrator where the energy data can be manipulated before transmission such as the reception of voltage information from one sensor to the current information from another sensor and the combination of such information. More than one device or IED legacy (135) can be connected to the communication port. This can be completed using more than one communication channelFor example, if there are a number of IEDs connected in an RS 485, the RF device may be able to coordinate, for example, two RS-232 interfaces or using an interface such as RS4855 which allows more than one device to share a communication channel. communication with each lED individually in the RS 485 communication line. Alternatively, there may be a more direct link between the two communication ports.

In addition, the RF repeater converter (110) may be able to draw power from the communication port of the device to propel itself and provide full communication to the device in the wireless mesh network. Three examples of available energy from a communication port are supplied with power by means of a USB communication port, Ethernet power, or parasitic energy extracted from an RS-232 port. Alternatively, the repeater converter 110 can be driven from an external power source or by means of an alternate source of forward power described in this document. 5 An RF device (200) can be driven by an intermittent and unreliable power supply, such as a solar panel. The aforementioned energy sources may be intermittent or have periods when they are unable to produce enough energy to drive the RF device. The present i or personifications make use of a super capacity capacitor to store the energy when it is available and allows for shorter high energy extractions for the RF device. For example, an RF repeater (115) may be in a low / power / hearing mode, when it receives a packet, the power requirements may increase for the device and finally if the RF repeater is required to retransmit the particular packet, the power requirements will again increase to a level sufficient to transmit to the next RF device in the routing path. The super capacity capacitor is capable of storing excess energy that is not needed in the low energy ear mode and providing extra power when required in the higher energy modes, such as when the RF device needs to transmit information, or when the microcomputer (825) in the RF device needs additional power to perform more complex calculations. Other energy storage devices (815), such as rechargeable batteries, can function similarly to the super capacity capacitor. An alternative personification can be the use of a non-rechargeable battery that can be replaced to supply any additional energy requirement that is not provided by the alternative sources of energy mentioned above.

When using the super capacity capacitor or a battery to store energy, RF devices can be operated to transmit a message to the Station of Energy Administration (100) when the alternative energy supply of the RF device has decreased or has been removed. RF devices can be configured with a tolerance threshold so that a passing period (defined by the user) must elapse when the power supply is able to provide less power than that established by an additional threshold, or when the power is cut off completely before the RF device transmits the power has been completely removed. This requirement of a user's pass of a specific amount of time when power is supplied is less than a threshold, reduces traffic in the mesh network due to the lack of periodic regular power that only lasts a short time is not reported .

Alternatively, the RF device can be configured to transmit a message saying that the energy is low inside the device. One of the recipients of this type of message may be the power management station (100). This message can be sent when both the power supply and the energy reserved by the super capacity capacitor or battery are low and may indicate that a better alternative power supply can be used or needed to charge the power reserve. Both of the above-mentioned messages, "low or extracted power supply" and "low energy within the device", may contain RF child nodes that may lose communication to the rest of the RF mesh network due to the loss of the RF device that has a imminent loss of energy. Alternatively, this information can be determined pofcmediQ = energy management designation (100).

RF devices can use long-lasting batteries to power the devices for an extended period of time. These batteries can be made of several technologies such as lithium-ion batteries that can last up to 10 years with a low energy extraction or other technologies that allow the batteries to have a long life. This solution can be used to give the installer one of the RF devices (200) easier to install. The RF device (200) can simply be provided with a strong adhesive or magnetically mounted. For example, to extend the RF mesh network, the installer only You have to take an RF device that uses a long-lasting battery and simply stick it, or mount it magnetically, in almost any location.

RF devices, such as repeater converters (110) or repeaters (115), can be constructed to conform to general form factors, and be able to extract energy from these factors in a standard manner. For example, an RF device can be made to have a form factor with an interface to a utility outlet. This allows the RF mesh network to extend to any location, the repeater can be connected to the utility outlet. Generally this form factor can have a plug-in interface for general use to allow another plug to connect to it. For example, if the utility outlet (GPO) is being used, the RF repeater can fit between the GPO and the existing plug. Another similar example is the construction of a repeater (115) in a form factor that can allow it to be screwed into a standard Edison socket and allow the focus to be screwed to the repeater's form factor. These implementations can use the device or focus as an RF anther. Although the Edison light socket may not always be driven, when it is powered from the repeater it can store energy in a super cap or rechargeable battery.

RF devices can be configured and indirectly determine the average power required for the performance of the device. For example, in the power sensors (120), the user is able to modify the sleep function, transmit and the sample intervals. For example, if the sample interval increases, say from a sample every 30 seconds to a sample every minute, the energy sensor (120) only requires taking one reading every minute instead of two readings per minute, which can reduce energy required for the energy sensor (120) to work. This reduction in energy increases the life of the battery of the energy sensor (120) which depends on the battery power. Additionally, you can increase the path by means of the time of the energy sensor (120) if the energy supplied to the device is insufficient or remove In addition, by modifying the transmission interval in an energy sensor (120), the information collected by the energy sensor (120) can be stored in the sensor (120) and only be sent in a specific interval to transmit more information in each case. communication information package, but be able to transmit information not so often. For example, an energy sensor (120) that takes samples every minute can only transmit every hour, thereby reducing globally the energy required in one hour to transmit, against an energy sensor (120) transmitting 60 times in one hour. Likewise, a repeater (115) or a repeater converter (110) can queue the received communication information packets up to a specific time interval or a waiting time has expired when all the information can be transmitted in a single time. transmission. Additionally, RF devices can queue information until enough energy is stored to allow data transmission and continue operation. The queued information inside the RF device can be stored inside a non-volatile memory so that it does not get lost at home from a power failure. Alternatively, the information can be transferred to a non-volatile memory before an electrical fault occurs in the RF device.

An external power supply can be used to provide extra power by allowing the RF device to charge the super-cap or rechargeable battery. Generally this can be used either before the installation of the RF device or during the commission to provide the extra power required to perform the configuration commands or to handle extra RF communication to configure the device. Alternatively, the external power supply can be used to charge the super capacity capacitor for a period when the device has low power or when the device indicates that it has low power. This external power supply is a device that is capable of generating an electromagnetic field that is used to drive the RF device. This means that there is no requirement for a direct physical connection. Using the electromagnetic field to charge the RF device has the advantage that there is no requirements for conductive cables or keypads in the RF device that can corrode over time. Alternatively, the external power may be designed to be coupled directly to the device where a physical connection is required. s There may be communication between the RF device and the external power supply, so that it may be able to indicate to the user the level of charge within the RF device.

RF devices can contain non-volatile memory to store the configuration of the RF device; this is to prevent the loss of the configuration if the device's power is temporarily lost. Additionally, the RF device can store at least a portion of the sending frames within the non-volatile memory. This facilitates rapid recovery of the network if power fails, for example, when an RF device is turned on after a power failure, it may not know to which RF (115) repeater or RF device to send the communication packets without a packet requirements of transmission or repetition of a network send box discovery phase.

A great cost associated with adding measurement points is the installation cost. Generally, the installation cost includes the labor and material expenses. There are a number of individual costs associated with the installation of a measurement point in an energy distribution system. The RF devices. they can lead to or eliminate many of these costs-and simplify installation by using various form factors, energy methods, mounting techniques, and installation methods. These methods are explained more in the following paragraphs.

As mentioned above, one of these costs is to run the communication cable to each IED (135) or power sensors (120). Often, installation sites require that any cable that runs must be enclosed within a tube. This significantly increases the cost of allowing communication in a device, however, communication is often important for an energy management system. The LEDs (135) and energy sensors (120) can use wireless RF mesh networks. A preferred personification is a wireless network of RF mesh including RF repeaters (115) and RF repeater converters (110). When using this wireless network, the communication cable does not need to be taken to each installation point. In fact, a system of power management using only a wireless RF mesh network does not need any communication cable installed, however, in practice, the communication cabling can be used together with a repeater converter (110) that facilitates communication between the traditional means of communication and the mesh network. An example where both communication cabling and networks Wireless RF IOs can be used where there are wired communications or a substation. In this case, the repeater converter 110 can be connected to an existing communication cabling and provide connection to the power sensors 120 using RF wireless communication packets. In another case, a repeater converter (110) can be used in conjunction with a telephone, cellular or satellite modem to provide long-distance connection to the RF mesh network of the power sensors (120) and other RF devices.

The physical installation of the energy sensor (120) or IED (135) is another cost of significant installation. The physical installation usually requires the creation of a mounting hole or a method to secure the sensor to the measuring cabinet -v .- (200b)? In many cases, a hole is made in the measuring cabinet ~ (200b) so that the deployment of the measuring devices is mounted. The additional costs of physical installation of an energy sensor (120) or IED (135) are the insertion of the sensor (120) or IED (135) into a primary or secondary current loop, which means using a short CT block or de-energizing the point in the electrical distribution system, breaking the secondary current loop and adding the new device to the loop. There are significant wiring costs to connect the meter to the current transformer. Even with the use of a CT not intrusive there is a wiring that needs to be installed and work around it to connect a non-intrusive CT to the measuring device during the process of 2 installation. Additionally, the connection must be made to the electric bus or power transformer to measure the voltage. In addition, it is often necessary to separately wire the power control to the measuring device.

The energy sensor (120) and RF devices can reduce these installation costs by using the energy technologies described above. These energy technologies may not require a direct wired connection to a power supply. Additionally, the energy sensor may incorporate a non-intrusive current transformer (CT) as described in paragraphs i or following, so that the primary or secondary current loop does not have to break. In addition, the energy sensor may incorporate a non-intrusive voltage capacity detection as described later in the document.

The IED (135) and the energy sensor (120) can incorporate a non-intrusive CT.

This allows a simple and economical installation comprising the non-intrusive CT, which incorporates the sensor microprocessor and can include wireless communication hardware, separates, slides over the current carrying the cable or fuse, and reconnects to form a CT core around the wire or fuse. Figure 6 shows an electrical power sensor (500) comprised of sections (925 and 930) operable separately for a cable carrying current placed within the section (925) of the electrical power sensor (500). An electrical power sensor (500) is a personification of the energy sensor (120) used to monitor the electrical power parameters. The section (930) engages the section (925) to form a non-intrusive CT sensor. The electromagnetic field generated by the cable carrying the current is captured by the CT and can be used to drive the microprocessor in addition to allowing the current carrying the cable to be measured. The electrical power sensor (500) may incorporate tabs (905) which can be bent when the sensor is installed on a cable or fuse. These plastic tabs are then able to hold the cable or fuse due to the friction and pressure created when inserting the cable into the electrical power sensor (500). As the electric power sensor (500) is able to maintain its Location on the power cord or fuse, it is not required to mount the sensor anywhere in the cabinet. In cases where it is desired to monitor two or more phases of the current, the electrical power sensors (500) may have wires extending from these towards one or more non-intrusive CTs. Alternatively, two or more separate electrical power sensors (500) can be used where these sensors (500) communicate their readings wirelessly to a master electrical power sensor (500), or alternatively to the management station of energy or an additional RF device. It is possible to correlate these two or more readings for the master electric power sensor (500), the additional RF device, or the power management station (100).

Alternatively, the shape factor illustrated in Figure 6 can be used for an RF repeater (115) or an RF repeater converter (110). This form factor allows an easy method to extend the RF mesh network, as the form factor is able to extract energy from the magnetic fields generated by the current cable. This can allow the range of the network to extend to a long range by installing this RF (115) form factor repeater or other RF device over the electrical distribution cables. Alternatively, these repeaters can act as RF repeaters (115) for communication, packets and frequencies of other RF systems. Some examples of these RF communications from other RF systems may include but are not limited to cellular phone frequencies, wireless Ethernet connections and other radio frequency transmissions. Alternatively, a repeater converter 110 may be used in this form factor to detect power line bearers in the cable and be able to increase the signal, repeat the signal or convert the power line bearer into another means of communication such as the wireless mesh network.

Alternatively, the energy sensor (120) or the electrical power sensor (500) can be manufactured to fit over a standard high breaking capacity (HRC) fuse or other type of fuse. The energy sensors (120) may be able to use the resistance of the fuse to monitor the current flow through means of the fuse when compensating its resistance over the current and temperature ranges. Alternatively, the power sensors (120) may incorporate a non-intrusive CT to measure the current flow through the fusible element. The power sensors (120) can monitor the parameters of the fuse, such as the various current levels, and the temperature in time, to determine when the fuse needs to be replaced, and the power sensors (120) can be capable of predict the failure of a fuse and transmit the information of the fuse failure in the RF network.

Another embodiment of the energy sensor (120) is to incorporate the energy sensor (120) into a switch. In this case, the switch has an integrated power sensor (120) with wireless communication. The wireless communications used in the present personifications can form a wireless network of RF mesh. Alternate personifications construct the RF device, such as the energy sensor (120) or the RF repeater (115) in an energy bar, utility box, or an Edison light socket. These personifications have the advantage of making it easier to install and monitor a specific load.

As described above, a great cost of measuring certain points in an energy distribution system is to place the communication cables at each point; however, with the wireless mesh network used in the present embodiments only the wireless mesh network exteto the energy sensor (120). By adding active RF (115) repeaters near the limit of the existing mesh network the wireless mesh network is extended. Alternatively, by using repeater converters (110) a mesh network can be extended in existing communication means, such as, but not limited to, modem, Ethernet, telephone, satellite, spread spectrum, or RS485 communication methods. . RF repeaters are simple and inexpensive to install due to the power supply technology mentioned earlier in this document.

The RF devices may comprise an RF signal intensity sensor; This RF signal intensity sensor has an indication that measures the RF signal strength received from another device in the mesh network. Additionally, it can indicate whether the mounted power sensor, near the RF signal intensity sensor is able to communicate to the mesh network. This may include communication to the power management station, an RF deployment device, or other RF device. This indicator mechanism can be incorporated into another RF device. The indication of the RF signal strength allows the installer or the individual operator to determine where an RF (115) i repeater needs to be installed or to extend the network. The RF signal intensity sensor may have the ability to indicate the number of independent paths from the current location to the power management station or any specific location within the Malian network. By using this mechanism, the installer can determine the best locations for RF devices, including power sensors (120),15 repeaters (115), deployment devices (140) and repeater converters. (110), as well as the best orientation for the RF device or RF antenna. This mechanism can be used to solve problems or add additional shipping paths for the network and increase overall reliability and resistance of the network. At least a portion of the sensor detection circuit of RF signal strength can be implemented within an ASIC chip.

The present personifications of the power management station (100), RF deployment device (140) and the RF signal intensity sensor may have a display for the user showing the RF sending paths. available among various RF devices. This information can be coupled with the physical location of the device, if known, and the present personifications are able to show the possible sending trajectories, as well as indicate the intensity of each RF link. The RF deployment device (140), the RF signal intensity sensor and the power management station (100) can be able to analyze this information and indicate the best locations to add repeaters or sensors. As an alternative, the installer or manager can be able to quickly choose the best locations for an RF repeater (115) based on the presentation of the send trajectories and signal strength. For example, Figure 1 represents what can be displayed to the installer. Each RF link (150) shown may include a signal strength indication, such as a number, symbol, bargraph or colors indicating the signal strength on the communication link (150). Additionally, the distance, the signal-to-noise ratio, error rates of the communication path can be calculated, stored in a database (103), and displayed in the diagram. The distance for a communication path can be determined by sending a small communication, the "ping distance" between two or more RF devices and determining the distance based on the time that the ping distance was sent and received to the RF device, hardware delay and speed of the communication medium.

Reducing the initial cost of the commission and the costs of commission errors reduces the overall cost of owning a measurement point in an energy distribution system. Generally, the commissioning costs of energy measurement points are relatively high. There is often a need to have a factory representative in place to take charge of the system completely. Additionally, you can make errors that are difficult to correct if the incorrect settings are sent to the measuring device. An example of a service error occurs when an electronic monitoring-device is configured at an incorrect PT or CT ratio to monitor the electrical power as incorrect primary measurements can be calculated from the secondary measurements. Another example may include setting an incorrect value per pulse for monitoring a pulse output from another measurement device. Additional service costs include manual configuration for the communication of the monitoring devices with the SCADA software. Each connected measurement point can have the communications configured at the measurement point, as well as in the system software. Any error in these configurations anywhere can result in incommunication and may require a solver problems, which further increases the cost of the service. The RF devices can reduce or eliminate many of the costs resulting from the service of a power sensor (120) or a communication device by using the automatic detection of the device, the communication configuration and registering the information as described above. Additionally, RF devices may contain automatic or at least partially automatic location methods when servicing a measurement point. These methods are described below.

Referring to Figure 6, the electric power sensors (500) can indicate i or the direction of energy flow in the cable (505). The direction of the energy flow is calculated from the detected phase of the cable current with the current CT and the phase of the detected voltage. The energy flow can be used by means of the electric power sensor (500) to indicate a supply or charge electric power through a measuring point. A quick indication can be made using two LEDs of different color. For example, a red LED may indicate that the energy flow detected in the cable (505) corresponds to the generation or supply of energy, and the green LED corresponds to a charge or demand for electrical energy. The installer or manager of the electric power sensor (500) may be able to determine if the electric power sensor (500) is connected in the orientation correct one wire (505). For example, the electrical power sensor (500) is connected to a measuring point that should register as a load and the LED illuminates indicating a supply 'o-generation' of power, the installer can reinstall the electric power sensor ( 500) in opposite orientation so that the flow of energy flows in the opposite direction through the electric power sensor (500). Alternatively, a single LED can be used to indicate the direction of energy flow through the electrical power sensor (500). This single LED may be able to indicate two different colors or simply indicate one of two directions of the energy flow if it is illuminated, and the opposite direction of the energy flow if it does not illuminate.

The RF devices and the power management station (100) can be operated to detect a new RF device when it is activated within the communication range of the mesh network. By using automatic detection, the power management station (100) may be able to automatically configure all communication settings. In addition, the power management station (100) and the RF devices may be able to automatically determine the shipping method to be used to communicate, as well as to alternate the shipment if available. As soon as the power management station (100) has automatically detected and configured the communication to the power sensor (120) or IED (135), it can be operated to begin requesting at least one reading or configuration adjustment of the RF device . These readings and configuration settings can be recorded in the database (103) together with the identification code of the device. Recorded configuration settings can be used to detect configuration changes within the device or to assist in reading compensation or displaying recorded information when incorrect configuration settings are used. The device identification code may be used to assist in locating the device within the energy distribution diagram or within a physical location. Additionally, the power management station (100) may allow a retroactive configuration change to be made. This means that if an error is detected in the configuration of the RF device or power sensor (120) after some registrations, the power-management station (100) may be able to * calculate and correct the recorded parameters. in the database (103). Alternatively, the power management station (100) may be able to calculate the corrected information and display this information to the user.

The power management station (100) is coupled with a database (103) used to record information of the energy sensors (120) and energy information that can be derived at least partially from the information retrieved from the sensors of energy (120). The power management station (100) can monitor and record the configuration, and send the trajectories of the wireless network and any of the RF devices within the range of the wireless network. The power management station (100) can be configured to automatically detect any repeater (110), repeater (115), sensor (120) or RF deployment device (140) new. When the power management station (100) detects a new RF device, it can automatically add to its send box and determine which other devices are within the range of the new RF device. The power management station (100) can use this information to modify the shipping table and have more efficient communication. As the cost io can be a factor within the network, such as when there is a satellite, long distance carrier, or a cell phone connection within the shipment, the power management station (100) allows the operator to adjust an indicator representing the cost associated with certain communication links. The power management station may be able to try to reduce costs in the sending of communication when evaluating the cost of several trajectories. Additionally, the power management station (100) may be able to choose the most reliable and fastest delivery paths based on the history of alternate communication links. Alternatively, at least a portion of the RF devices contains dispatch intelligence and determine the best trajectory for at least part of the communication. This can be done by means of a collaboration protocol or frequency between the RF devices. When using this auto technology - detection and auto configuration ^ la-red-es- ^ Gapaz to adapt to changes in the network such as new RF devices, faulty RF devices or inadequate power supply to an RF device. 25 An important process in the service is to program the location of the monitored devices in the power management station (100) or the Supervision and Data Acquisition Control software (SCADA). The location of an energy sensor (120) can be the physical location or the point that the energy sensor 30 (120) monitors in a diagram of the power distribution network (one-line diagram). A diagram of a line is a standard term for a simple JJ block diagram showing the energy distribution system. Alternatively, the physical location of the device may be preferred such as the building number, floor number, substation number or geographic coordinates. Generally, both the physical location and the point being monitored 5 in the power distribution system that the energy sensor (120) are useful for recording the location of other RF devices within the communication network £ during service. To reduce service time and hence cost of ownership, RF devices automate this process through several methods and alternately provide some standardized records for the IED (135) i and RF devices. The techniques used to automate and simplify the ability to locate the RF devices, power sensors (120) and LED (135) are discussed below.

Referring to Figure 6, a number of location devices are shown service. RF devices, such as energy sensors (120) and IDE may contain an identification tag. This identification tag may be represented by a bar code number (615) or may be integrated into a MAC address, or comprise at least some other semi-unique identification codes. The identification tag can be stored inside of the RF device memory and can be recovered by means of communication to the RF device. For example, the power management station (100) may be "capable" of retrieving the identification tag of the RF device of the mesh network. There are other alternatives that can be used as an identification device or method, such as radio frequency identification (RFID). For example, any string is capable of being used as a single or at least semi-unique electronic fingerprint such as a serial number or a MAC address can be used to uniquely identify a device from a series of RF devices. This identification code may be present in a removable portion of the RF device, such as a detachable label (610) or a breakable label (605). The identification code can be represented by a bar code (615a) on the breakable label (605), a bar code (615b) in the removable label (610), or in the same RF device as a bar code (615c). These labels can have an area (620a or 620b) that can be used to take note of the location of the RF device or the necessary adjustments of the RF device. The information can be recorded so that it can be read automatically by the power management station (100) such as a punch card computer or alternatively the power management station (100) can be able to recognize the symbols or writing in the area (620a or 620b). The information that can be recorded consists of items such as buildings, floors, bus, feeder, etc. An example of service method using these breakable labels (605) or removable labels (610) is that the energy sensor (120) or RF device is connected to the point in the power distribution system, such as a power cable, the manager of the RF device can break the label (605) or detach it (610) and take notes on the label in the areas (620a or 620b). Then at the power management station (100), the label (605 or 610) is read at the power management station (100) and any notes or RF device settings on the label are read automatically or entered. manually The power management station (100) may be able to read the barcode (615a or 615b) of the tag and harmonize with the settings or location to the RF device within the mesh network or the communication skill of the station -of power management (100).

Referring to Figure 6, an optical port (625) is shown in the RF device or power sensor (120). A handheld computer (635), such as a WinCETM or PalmOS ™ device, may be able to establish an IRDA or other type of optical communication link (630) via the optical port (645) to the RF device or power sensor ( 120) in the optical port (625). Alternatively, a laptop, palmtop or cell phone - can be used to establish a communication link (630) to the RF device or power sensor (120). Alternatively, the communication link can be hardwired or use a limited RF communication range. The handheld (635) may be capable of register the identification tag represented by the bar code (615) den energy sensor (120). Alternatively, the handheld (635) may be able to read radio frequency identification (RFID). Alternatively, the handheld (635) can read the barcode (615c) of the sensor power (120) to register the identification tag. The operator of the handheld (635) may be able to enter any location notes or settings on the handheld (635). This information can be added using the area (620c) or the keyboard (650). This information can be sent immediately to the RF mesh network to the i or power management station (100) or recorded on the handheld computer (635) and subsequently synchronized to the power management station (100). Alternatively, the handheld (635) may comprise at least part of the power management station (100). The handheld (635) may contain an RF device and be operable to communicate directly in the RF mesh network.

Alternatively, the handheld (635) can be connected to the RF mesh network via the IRDA communication link (630) to the RF device. The handheld (635) may be able to integrate into the mesh network and report the identifications of the units around it. The handheld (635) may be able to display the sender's send information. energy (120) to the power management station (100), in addition to the intensity and RF resistance of the network between the RF device or power sensor (120) and the energy management station (100).

The installer or manager of the RF device can use the GPS (Global Positioning System) to determine the location of the measurement point. This information can then be recorded on the breakable label (605), the removable label (610) or the handheld computer (635). Alternatively, the location information can be recorded by the installer manually and entered into the power management station. A preferred embodiment may include the GPS system (630) coupled with the handheld (635) with the physical location being recorded automatically on the handheld (635). By way of alternately, another positioning system can be used, since the GPS system (630) may not work properly in some installation sites. The power management station (100) can be operated to estimate the physical location of the RF device using triangulation. This is done by using the network RF mesh and existing knowledge of the location of at least other RF device. The location detection is completed using the RF devices at known locations, RF transmission speed, as well as the intensity of the RF transmission of an RF device at a location known to the RF device. A camera can be used to also indicate the position of the i or RF device and install the location. A digital camera can be attached with the handheld (635). This image can be communicated via a communication link to the power management station (100).

As illustrated in Figure 6, a microphone (640) is included in the RF device or power sensor (120). This microphone can contain an action button and can be used by the installer of the RF device to record a short message. This message can be used to determine the location of a power sensor (120) or RF device and the recommended settings for the RF device. The power sensor (120) may use the RF mesh network to transmit the message to the power management station (100) for recovery by an operator at the power management station (100). Alternatively, the power management station: ((00) or the RF device can use speech recognition to determine the location of the installer message.

Referring to Figure 7, a block diagram of the internal components that can be used in an energy sensor (120) is illustrated. The power sensor (120) and other RF devices such as the RF repeater converter (110), the RF repeater (115), the RF display device (140), and the RF intensity sensor can be derived from a combination limited internal components of an energy sensor with the complete features (120) described below. The energy sensor (120) can contain five sections, an energy section (800), a measurement section (826), a communication section (858), a control section (883) and a processing section (890); Each of these sections will be explained in detail below. The energy sensor (120) can be completely implanted inside with an ASIC chip or alternatively any combination of the described blocks to assemble the energy sensor (120) can be implanted inside an ASIC chip.

The power section (800) may comprise an energy coupling device (805), an energy rectification circuit (810), a power I Or energy storage (815) and an energy control unit (820). The energy coupling device (805) is used to couple with the alternating energy source. This can be, but is not limited to, an electric thermal generator, solar panel, electric power, battery, vibration generator, or an alternate power converter used to take advantage of some of the other power supplies alternates, described above in the power supply section of this document. The power rectifier circuit (810) is used to convert an alternating or fluctuating energy source to a more stable DC power source. You can use the energy storage device (815) to store the excess energy which in turn is capable of supplying energy when the source of alternating energy is unable to provide the required energy to the device. The energy storage device (815) is generally a super or a rechargeable battery. The energy control unit (820) is controlled by the microprocessor (825). The microprocessor (825) may be able to monitor the available energy through the circuit energy rectifier (810) and determine how much energy each component will receive in the energy sensor (120) by means of the energy control unit (820). As an alternative, the energy control unit (820) may contain a microprocessor and be operable to control at least part of the energy distribution within the energy sensor (120).

The measurement section (826) may comprise a coupling-measuring device (830), an analog-digital converter (835), a microphone (840), a camera (845), a digital input (850), and a keyboard (865). The coupling-measuring device (830) can be used by the sensor (120) to make a analog measurement of an energy parameter. The A / D (835) converts this power parameter from an analog signal to a digital signal. The microphone (840) is used to convert a sound recording into an analog signal; the A / D (835) can convert this into a digital signal. The microprocessor (825) may be capable of storing the sound recording in the memory (855) and may be capable of IO transmit the recorded information to the power management station (100) or other RF device. Likewise, the camera (845) can be used to record an image or flow of images that are stored in the memory (855) and can be transmitted to the power management station (100) or another device. The digital input (850) couples with the microprocessor (825) and can be used to monitor the status of a switch, switch, or monitor the pulses of another measurement device such as a flow meter, gas meter or electric meter. The keyboard (865) can be used to change the displays or make changes to the RF device setting.

The communication section (858) may comprise a display (860), a communication port (870), an RF transceiver (875) and an RF antenna (880). The z ss ^ .. microprocessor can use the display (860) to provide information to the user such as measurement parameters, settings information and measurements. The communication port (870) may contain more than one communication channel. He communication port (870) can be used to handle the IRDA port and in addition another communication port (870) can be directly coupled to Ethernet, modem, power line bearer or a serial port. The RF transceiver (875) can be used by the microprocessor (825) to transmit and receive communication packets wirelessly in the RF mesh network. As Alternatively, the RF transceiver (875) may be separated from the sensor (120) and may be coupled with the microprocessor (825) via the communication port (870).

The control section (883) may comprise an analog output (884) and a digital output (885). The analog output (884) can be used to transmit the measurement information by means of an analog signal to another device or be used to perform the control function, such as, without limitation, to control the thermostat. The digital output (885) can be used to transmit the measurement information in the form of pulses or perform a control action, such as, without limiting it, I O to activate a switch, readjust it, turn on an alarm, etc.

The processing section (890) comprises a microprocessor (825) and a memory (855). Some of the tasks for which the microprocessor (825) is used include storing and reading information within the memory (855), coordinating the energy distribution in the sensor (120) by means of the energy control unit (820). ), create and read communication packets, encode and decode communication packets for the wireless network, and read the measurements through the A / D (835).

The memory (855) can be used to store any communication packet created by the microprocessor (825) or received from another RF device (200) within the memory ~ (855). The communication packet is kept in the memory (855) until it is transmitted in the mesh network or an acknowledgment is received of the packet in another RF device (200) or in the power management station (100). These stored packets may consist of packets generated within the microprocessor (825) or communication packets received from another RF device that is maintained for retransmission in the mesh network. If an acknowledgment transmission of a packet is received, either retransmitted using another RF device or acknowledgment received -. 30 - of the target device, the communication packet may not be retained for transmission. There may be a direct link between a component in the communication (858) and memory (855) to better facilitate the transfer of communication packets for storage. Alternatively, the communication section (858) may make use of a separate memory area for storage.

This storage of communication packets can occur if the logic control unit 820 turns off any RF transmission in progress due to the power requirements for performing said transmission, and where the communication packets created by the microprocessor 825 or received in the mesh network are stored until there is enough energy available to make the RF transmission. Any communication packet (1000) received from the mesh network or information created by the microprocessor (825) or that the information or communication packet is compressed before storage.

At least some information within the communication packet (1000) that is received or created by the RF device (200) can be stored within the memory in the RF device (200). This information can be stored until the space allocated within the memory (855) for storing said information approaches its limit, the information is considered irrelevant, or a communication is received by the RF device (200) that the information is received by the target RF device (200) or the power management station (100). The power management station (100) or the target RF (200) device may send a periodic communication packet (1000) indicating at least that a specific communication packet (1000) was received. If this communication packet (1000) is received by an RF device (200) by keeping at least one part of the communication packet (1000) of reference, the RF device (200) can erase or mark the deletion of any information stored for the reference information package. The intermediate RF (200) devices may send a communication packet (1000) similar to the mesh network indicating that the information has been received and maintained until acknowledgment is received that the original packet (1000) has reached its destination. An RF device receiving this communication of an intermediate RF device (200) closest to the target RF device (200) or a power management station (100) can likewise erase or mark to erase any stored information from the reference communication packet (1000). Alternatively, any RF device (200) that receives a packet with acknowledgment of a communication packet (1000) can record the fact that the information is held in another RF device (200) but is not erased or dialed. immediately deleted the communication packet (1000) referred to.

The data integrity function in RF devices (200) can erase or mark to erase information in a non-chronological way. For example, if a specific RF device (200) maintains the information for every fifteen minutes on the last day and is unable to transmit this information to the power management station (100) or another RF device (200) to be stored and the memory used to store the information interval of fifteen minutes upon reaching the limit, rather than deleting the oldest information in memory, the data integrity function can remove the intermediate information, such as the information of each fifteen minutes, in a that while the information is lost, the system there continues the distribution of information throughout the range. Finally, the memory can only contain the information with an interval of half an hour or an hour. The data integrity function can alter the records Costs, such as information that is not "completely lost." For example, if the average energy use in a fixed interval is to be eliminated, the information integrity function may combine the information with the next record in the record. As an alternative, if the maximum demand of an interval is to be erased, the information integrity function can modify the next log to store the maximum of its record and the record is deleted. of a complete record entry for a specific time stamp deleted, the information integrity function can only - eliminate specific information, such as the lowest energy demand reading of the memory registers.

Alternatively, the information integrity function may limit or reduce the number of memory bits used to store numerical values and thus effectively reduce the number of significant figures within a numerical record. For example, instead of using 8 significant figures to store a accumulated energy reading, the energy integrity function can dynamically reduce the number of significant figures in a data record by storing only 7 significant figures, and thus releasing a few bits of memory space for each stored record . The number of significant figures or number of information bits used to store a value IO can be recorded by the RF device (200) and the energy management station (100) to indicate a reliable value to the reading stored in the database (103). The microprocessor (825) may be operable to perform energy calculations at a measurement point and store energy values in the memory (855). In addition, it may be able to control the distribution of energy within the energy sensor (120) by means of the energy control unit (820). Additionally, the microprocessor is capable of encoding and decoding the communication packets sent over the RF transceiver (875).

Referring to Figure 8, the measuring device-coupling (830) serves also as an energy coupling device (805). For example, the energy sensor (120) can incorporate a non-intrusive CT and be used to monitor the The current induced in the measuring-coupling device (830) is the electric current sensor (500) shown in FIG. 6. Non-intrusive CT) can be changed to the rectifier circuit of energy (810) or the analog-digital converter by means of a switch (895). Generally, when a measurement is taken, the output of the measurement-coupling device (830) is changed by the microprocessor (825) to the analog-digital converter (835) to reduce the CT load of the energy sensor (120), during this time, the energy sensor (120) is driven from the device energy storage (815), otherwise the current is changed to the power rectifier circuit (810). The energy sensor (120) is capable of measuring the flow of current through the conductor (900) passing through the center of the sensor (120). As shown in Figure 6, the power cable can be held in place by means of the tabs (905) effectively holding the sensor to the power cable. The electric power sensor (500) the personification of the energy sensor (120) may contain two separable main parts (925 and 930). The section (925) can contain all electronics, as well as a large non-intrusive CT section; however, it is possible for both sections to contain the electronics. The remaining section (930) can be removed so that the electrical power sensor (500) can be placed around the power cable, while the section (930) is connected to the section (925), which in combination comprises a CT core around the power cable (900).

The indication of the actual voltage can be provided through the RF link or through an operator. The operator can use a standard voltage meter to measure the voltage and enter the measured values in the electric power sensor (500) to a handheld computer (635) or the power management station (100). Alternatively, there may be voltage guides or voltage terminals on the power sensor (500) that allows a direct measurement of the voltage. This can allow the counting of additional energy parameters in the electric power sensor (500), such as kW, kVAR, kVA, etc.

The electrical power sensor can use a specific voltage and an energy factor to calculate the power and energy power of the current readings of the electrical power sensor; An electrician can specify the voltage and power of energy. Alternatively, the energy factor can be determined using a voltage phase detection with a capacitive voltage detector as described above. Alternatively, the voltage can be provided to the electrical power sensor (500) of another IED device that can monitor the voltage in another location where the voltage in the cable can be derived. This can be calculated by using a known voltage on another bus and the PT ratio or the electronic equipment used to couple two electrical buses together. Alternately, the calculations for the factor Power, voltage, power and power can be made in other RF devices such as the RF deployment device (140). Alternatively, the handheld computer (635) or the power management station (100) can be used.

The energy sensor (120) may be able to monitor any meter, such as water, air, gas, electric power and steam, by means of digital input or an analog sensor used as a measurement coupling device (830) and transmit the information wirelessly to another RF device or the power management station (100). The power management station (100) may be software residing on a handheld computer (635), or firmware within an intelligent electronic device (lED) such as lED (135). The power management station (100) is coupled with a repeater converter (110a) that allows communication through the network and receipt of information from the power sensors (120) within the wireless mesh network. Alternatively, the power management station (100) is capable of communicating directly in the RF mesh network. The power management station (100) is operable to receive on and off messages from the RF devices and alert the system operator.

The power management station (100) can automatically detect new RF devices added to the mesh network or added within the communication range of the station. power management, such as by means of a serial connection, an existing modem connection, wireless transceiver, Ethernet connection, or a combination of these or other communication mechanisms. The power management station (100) can automatically configure the communication with the RF device and can immediately begin recording the configuration, identification and measurement of data of the RF device or the energy sensor (120) in the database (103). ). If the data configuration is changed in the future, the option may be available to make retroactive changes within the database. This allows correction of any adjustment error when entering configuration settings.

The information collected at the power management station (100) in the database (103) can be used for the energy cost analysis. RF devices can reduce the cost of ownership of each measurement point, and therefore can allow several additional monitoring points further in the power distribution system close to individual loads. This allows a large amount of information to be known throughout the energy distribution system. The power management station (100) may be able to convert this information from the knowledge of the distribution system, and may present it in such a way that there are economic consequences of various loads of energy consumption, energy storage and clear power generation at system operator. This allows the system operator to make informed decisions concerning the use of energy money within the facility.

It is possible to have additional power management station (100) within a power distribution monitoring system. A preferred embodiment using more than one power management station comprises stations that can coordinate communication activities with one of them taking the role of master station and the others as dependent stations. An alternate embodiment when using more than one power management station (100) comprises at least one of the additional management stations of:?, Enercjia? Í? (5l; 0Q) ~ acting independently of the rest, showing, Analyzing and alarming information independently.

The power management station (100) may be capable of sending a known or specified voltage and power factor to the power sensor (120). This allows the power sensor (120) to calculate the energy and power information of the current detected in a power cable. As an alternative, additional calculations to determine energy and energy parameters can be made at the power management station (100) either as the values in real time or later based on the information collected from the energy sensor (120). The voltage can be specified by the system operator, or alternatively the power management station (100) can estimate the voltage based on the read voltage by means of another power sensor (120) or the IED (135) that is able, = to communicate. Additionally, the power management station (100) may be able to analyze the power distribution system supplied and calculate the voltage that passes through various transformers, switches or switches to determine what voltage may be in the energy sensor ( 120). For example, if the voltage can be measured at 480V bus, the power management system may be able to recognize a transformer in a line of the power distribution network diagram and determine what voltage may be in the bus side load. where the power sensor (120) is installed. These calculations can include the transformer and line loss calculations. In the same way you may be able to calculate the power factor using this method as well how to know the charge and electrical components between the power factor that is used to measure and the load.

The voltage, phase and current readings can be used to calculate other energy parameters such as kW, kVAR, and kVA. The voltage and phase can be specified by the system operator, measurements of another energy sensor or voltage meter, or be calculated based on various measured and specified values: all: the energy distribution system-as explained above. The power management station (100) may be operable to store the measured, specified and calculated parameters within the database (103). Alternatively, RF devices may be able to store these parameters within an internal database. These parameters can include a measured current, specified power factor, specified voltage, kW, kVAR and calculated kVA. Alternatively, the voltage phase can be detected using the capacitive voltage sensing discussed above. The phase of the voltage can be used to calculate the power factor. Additionally, capacitive voltage detection can determine a change in the voltage line of the voltage specified. If available, the measured voltage and calculated power factor can be stored in the database and can be at least partially used in power and power calculations. Other information may be stored in the database (103), such as error tolerances specified for specific values and error tolerances calculated for measured and calculated values. Additionally, the time stamp information, the physical location of the device, the identification of the device and other energy parameters, energy events, etc., can be stored within the database (103).

The power management station (100) may be able to access the RF signal strength within each wireless connection in the mesh network and calculate the coverage of the mesh network; may be able to display this information on a geographic map indicating the measured and estimated coverage of the RF mesh network. The RF signal strength, the error rate, the signal-to-noise ratio and the use of each wireless connection can also be represented in the diagram. In addition, the power management station (100) may be able to analyze the mesh network based on signal strength and error rate, and may suggest where an RF repeater (115) is located to increase coverage and resistance of the network.

The power management station (100) may be capable of performing an improvement? EriftUn =: RF device by means of a wireless link. Preferably, this wireless link is an RF mesh network and at least one delivery path may exist between the RF device and the power management station (100). Alternatively, a portion of the communication path may be an alternate communication means such as an Ethernet connection. Additionally, if there is more than one delivery path to the RF device, it may be possible for a faster communication rate and therefore a faster firmware update. The RF devices may be able to signal to the power management station (100) whether it has sufficient backup power for a firmware update in the event that the external power supply fails.

The microprocessor in the power sensor (120), the RF devices and the power management station (100) can mount the RF communication data packets (1000). Additionally, the microprocessor (825) in the ejiergy sensor (120) can calculate the energy parameters, as well as build, code and decode the RF communication data packets (1000). This RF (1000) communication data package can be optimized for efficient communications, high speed and low collision. Additionally, the communication data packet (1000) can be highly flexible by containing from only a few power parameters for a large number of power parameters and from a few pieces of shipping information to a large number of them. As shown in Figure 5, part of the information that a RF wireless payload may contain includes a packet start (1005) or preamble manufacturer, the ID sensor (1010), EEM information (1015), shipping information ( 1020), signal strength (1022), battery life (1025), time of information collected (.1030), synchronization time information, physical location (1035), location of the power distribution meter, volts (1040) ), power factor (1045), current (1050). 12R (1052), V2h (1053), watts (1055), VAR (1060), VA (1065), public safety key (1070), error code (1073) and an end-of-package manufacturer (1075).

The error code (1073) may include a redundancy error check ~ Cyclical? Frde; rpr.eferencia contain an advance error correction. The forward error correction may be used by the receiving RF device or the power management station (100) to correct information in the data packet that may have been corrupted during transportation. By using the advanced error correction, the range of the wireless mesh network can be increased, the RF antenna required, the transmission energy required in each RF device can be decreased, and any corruption of the information packet occurred during transportation, especially of long distances and outside the partial RF shield. RF devices can intelligently assemble the information in each package so as not to include redundant or unnecessary information within the RF payload. An RF device or power management station (100) can assemble a communication data packet (1000) for use at the time of synchronization of another RF device or power management station (100). An RF device or administration station of energy (100) receiving or processing the communication packet (1000) containing the synchronization time, you can adjust its time to correspond to the synchronization time sent in the communication packet. The time synchronization process can count for any packet decoding delays and the speed of communications. The communication packet (1000) i or can be digitally signed and can use a private key and a public key signature system. Alternatively, the communication packet (1000) may be digitally encrypted and use a private and public key exchange between two or more RF devices including the power management station (100).

Now referring to Figure 2, there is shown an example communication diagram that presents radio frequency ("RF") devices communicating through a wireless mesh network. The wireless mesh network composed of radiofrequency ("RF") devices (200) used to transmit communication data packets between the power management station (100) and the _20 RF devices (200). An RF device (200) includes at least one RF repeater converter (110), one RF repeater (115), energy sensors (120), sensors. :; r ^ RF signal strength or RF deployment devices (140). This figure shows the RF device (200a) linked to the RF device (200b) through the wireless communication link (150a); and the RF device (200b) linked to the device RF (200d) through the wireless communication link (150b); and the RF device (200d) linked to the RF device (200c) via the wireless communication link (150e) and the repeater converter (110); the RF device (200c) linked to the repeater converter (110) through the wireless communication link (150c). The repeater converter (110) is linked to the station energy management (100) through the direct link (205). The power management station (100) is connected to the database (103).

With any communication network attached to the sensors, it is important to ensure the resistance of the network. Generally, this is sometimes taken for granted with a wired communication system, however, even in this case problems can occur and information can be lost. With a wireless network, especially one powered with low power, the appropriate network such as a wireless mesh communication system, critical paths can be disabled and communication between the power sensors and the power management station, or the location of information storage, can be delayed. In a wireless communication network, especially in an appropriate wireless mesh network, there may be additional reasons for employing a communication validation function. A communication validation function can provide a measure of the resistance or redundancy between the communication paths; This may be during the service of a system to ensure the best operation after the service process.

The present personifications of the power management station (100), the RF deployment device (140) and the RF signal strength sensor can have a user display showing the RF sending paths available between the different RF devices. This information can be coupled with the physical location of the device if known; and the present personifications are capable of showing the possible trajectories of sending, as well as indicating the -intensity of each RF link. The RF display device (140), RF signal strength "e" and the power management station (100) can analyze this information and indicate the best locations for adding sensors or repeaters, alternatively, the installer or manager you can quickly choose the best locations for an RF repeater (115) based on the presentation of routing (path) of sending and signal strength.For example, Figure 2 is a representation that can be shown to the installer.Each RF link (150) ) shown may include an indication of the signal strength such as a number, symbol, bar indicators or colors indicating the signal strength through the communication link (150). Additionally, you can calculate the distance, the signal-to-noise ratio and the error rate of the communication / trajectory / stored in a database (103) and shown in the diagram. The distance for a communication path can be determined by sending a small "ping distance" communication between two RF devices and determining the distance based on the time the ping is sent and received on an RF device, the delay of the hardware and the speed of the communication medium.

There is a need to represent the quality of the link between nodes using a simple measure. While link quality can be revealed using the signal-to-noise ratio or the bit error rate, the meaning of these terms is not always understood by the operators. One way to collect this information or manipulate the measures to the common link quality indicator is important. A method of representation of link quality between nodes can be by means of a number of indicator of nines. For example, 2 numbers nine may indicate that 99% or 99 of 100 communication packets were successfully transmitted through the link; this can refer to the probability of success. The communication validation function can indicate the number of nines between two individual nodes directly or between two individual nodes using an intermediate node network.

This representation of link quality can indicate whether wireless mesh repeaters need to be added or added to increase the "strength of the mesh network, while keeping costs low by adding an additional repeater." The communication validation function can be able to include redundant intermediate paths using several intermediate nodes between two communication mesh nodes or a mesh node and the power management system within the calculation of link quality indication.

The communication validation function can alert when one or more communication links in the entire power management system fall below a certain link quality. The alarm can be caused by a fall in the link quality percentage of a normal or average link quality for a specific communication link or when the quality of the link goes to the preprogrammed threshold. This link quality may be a representation such as the number of nines mentioned above or the signal-to-noise ratio measured between two RF devices. The communication validation function can alert when communication to a node or via a communication path is no longer viable. Form The communication validation function can ensure that a good wireless communication network keeps track of the path taken by at least some of the packets. Each RF device (200) can add a marker to the packets it passes. The marker may be bits of information incorporated within or added to each end of the communication packet (1000). The information path (1020) within the communication packet (1000) can be used to contain the "route taken" information.

Alternatively, each RF device (200) can simply store an identification information of the communication packet to indicate that the packet is received. This identification information can be stored in the RF device (200) along with the course of the action information. For example, each RF device (200) may have a record containing the identification of each packet received or created, where the packet was received from, the time it was received, and what action was taken, such as retransmitting the packet to the packet. mesh network. This, communication-registeo can be transmitted to the energy management information (100) in a preprogrammed or on-demand interval of the power management station (100). Alternatively, the communication record may be transmitted due to a fault within the Mali network or the RF device (200). The communication record may be input to the RF device (200) to the power management station (100) or may be requested by the power management station (100). The communication record can be used by the communication validation function to track the use of the mesh network.

DJ The communication verification function may be able to indicate the existence, use and reliability of the wireless links formed within the mesh network. For example, in Figure 2, by analyzing the trajectory of at least some of the communication packets (1000) taken, the verification anointing communication may indicate which communication paths (150a-150e), as shown, connect to the RF devices (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d) and the repeater converter (1 10). Additionally, the communication verification function can determine the number of proven paths that a specific RF device (200) may be able to use to communicate to the IO power management station. For example, the RF device (200d) may use a mesh link .. (- 1.50d) to communicate directly to the repeater converter (1 10) or may use the wireless link (150e), the RF device (200c) and the wireless link (150c) to communicate to the repeater converter (1 10). The communication verification function can determine critical trajectories as indicated by the RF device (200b) with only one wireless link (150b) to obtain information for the RF device (200d) and the rest of the network. Possibly, if either the wireless path (150b) or the RF device (200d) were not functioning properly or were not available, the information in the RF device (200a) and the (200b) would be unable to reach the power management station (10D). The communication verification function can detect this possibility of only one critical path and take '^ T-fi *' rw * 'action, such as creating an alarm or indication to the user. EPñaméroí-required redundant trajectories can be established by the user or system manager; For example, the system can be established to ensure that there is minus 3 independent trajectories.

The communication verification function can disable certain trajectories - Wireless to check if the mesh network is capable of generating a backup or a redundant path. The order can indicate only stop for a period of time set or stop until another order is received to continue. Before temporarily disabling the communication link (150), the function of Information verification can send an order to a device to transmit a message at regular intervals. By temporarily disabling a certain wireless path or an RF device (200) from repeating any mesh signal, the communication verification function can find out if there are trajectories alternate For example, in Figure 2 the communication verification function can send a message to the RF device (200a) or the (200b) to transmit a packet to the power management station (100) at a regular interval of 1 minute; The interval can be adjusted to any duration. Subsequently, the communication verification function may send a signal or a communication packet to the RF device (200d) to stop the retransmission of packets in the mesh network. The instruction may be more specific to stop the retransmission of packets. sent from the RF device (200b) to the mesh network for 5 minutes. By effectively disabling the communication path (150b), the communication verification function is able to verify whether the mesh network can adopt and determine if there is an alternate path. For example above, the mesh network can find an alternate wireless path between the RF device (200a) and the (200d), in which the wireless path (150b) is not critical for the operation but perhaps the RF device (200d) ) if it is critical. In addition, the communication verification function can send an order to the RF device (200d) to temporarily stop the repetition of any mesh communication from either the RF (200a) or the (200b) device. In this case, the communication verification function can determine whether a link between the RF device (200a) or the (200b) exists with any other RF device (200) in addition to the device (200d). The communication verification function can alert or trigger an alarm within the power management system (100). The alarm can be transmitted through the wireless mesh network to a mana computer or a mobile indicator (140).

If the communication verification device is unable to determine whether there is sufficient alternate trajectories for the reliability of the mesh network, may indicate that an additional repeater (115) or an RF device (200) must be installed. The communication verification function can indicate the specific or general area where this repeater (115) should be installed. Alternatively, the communication verification function can indicate which RF nodes need an alternate communication path. For example, as shown in Figure 3, an RF repeater (115) was added to create direct links to the RF device (200a), the device (200b) and (200c) through the wireless communication links (150g, 150h and 150i).

Referring to Figure 4, a personification of the mesh network with multiple repeater converters (110) used to convert the wireless signals of. mesh to media and protocol that interconnects with the power management station. The communication path (205) between the repeater converters (110a and 110b) can be two independent communication connections of each repeater converter (110a and 110b) to independent communication ports in the power management station (100) such as but not limiting to an RS 232 or USB connection. Alternatively, they may share a signal communication interface, such as but not limited to, a wired or wireless Ethernet connection or an RS-485 link. The repeater converter (110a) may be sufficient to send and receive communication to the entire mesh network; however, the repeater converter (110b) can be added to increase the reliability of the mesh network. This repeater converter (110b) can operate a mesh retractor to bypass signals from the RF device (200a) to the RF device (200c) and can function as an additional path for the mesh RF devices (200) to send and receiving communication packets (1000) to the power management station (100). This can reduce the possibility of a network stop if the repeater converter (110a) is temporarily unavailable.

The repeater converters (110a and 110b) in Figure 4 can communicate with each other, the RF devices (200) are primarily responsible for the communication. For example, a repeater converter (110b) can repeat mainly communication packets (1000) between the power management station (100) and the RF devices (200a and 200b), while the repeater converter (110a) can be the preferred mesh path for the communication packets (1000) between the energy management station s (100) and the RF devices (200c and 200d). This organization between the repeater converters (110b) can be a function of better quality of information links destined to the RF devices (200), a smaller number of jumps to the destination RF devices and a load balance of the packets of communication (1000) between the RF devices (200). Additionally, RF devices (200) and repeater converters (110a and 110b) can alter their RF transmission power so that messages are only received by RF devices (200) within a limited RF range. This may allow more than one message to be carried simultaneously by the mesh network. For example, this may allow the repeater converter (110a) to communicate with the RF device (200d), at the same time the repeater converter (110b) communicates with the RF device (200a).

The RF devices (200) can determine the next RF device (200) which is generally the successful wireless path of the communication packets (1000) sent to a specific destination. The RF device (200) can send the next communication packet it receives that has the same specific destination to the specific RF device (200) in the first retransmission attempt, such as the number of collisions -RFfó &other RF devices ( 200) receiving and retransmitting the communication packet. For example, in Figure 3, a wireless communication packet (1000) sent from the RF devices (200a) with the destination to the power management station (110) can be reached by both the RF device (200b) and the RF repeater (115) and potentially being retransmitted from both. However, generally the fastest or most successful path for the mesh communication of this RF device (200a) includes an RF repeater (115) and not the RF device (200b). This can be determined by the RF device (200a) of a communication packet (1000) of the power management station (100), the RF device (200b) or the RF repeater (115), giving acknowledgment of the information and the most successful wireless trajectories used to deliver the communication packet (1000).

Alternatively, the data integrity function in the power management station (100) can determine the best wireless paths of the received communication packet (1000) and whether the path specified by the originating RF device (200a) and any device RF (200) intermediate. If the path was not specified or incorrectly, the information integrity function can and by at least one specific destination and send communication packets (1000) with the instruction to the specific RF devices (200) in the preferred path to use to retransmit the information to a specific destination to the RF devices (200). With this information, the next communication packet (1000) sent by the RF device "(200a) can be specifically directed to be only repeated by the repeater (115) to the power management station (100) .The repeater (115) can interpret that the communication packet (1000) is sent to the power management station (100) and subsequently use its own best path to the station (100), repeat the transmission and specifically address the RF device (200c) that would repeat in a specific way to the repeater converter (110), which would convert the communication packet (1000) to interconnect to the communication link (205) and send the communication packet = to the station = power management (100). The information integrity function within the power management station (100) can analyze the communication path taken by the packet, record the communication path taken or instruct the RF devices (200) within the mesh network of an alternate communication path for use with the following communication packet (1000) focused on the same nodes.

The RF (200) and the IED (135) devices can have the data integrity function where it includes routines for cleaning and self-healing information. This it may be referred to as the energy validation engine ("DVE") and at least a portion may be in the energy management station (100). This data integrity function can include a self healing function when the missing information is filled or reconstructed from the recorded data inside the original device or other sensors. An example of this is where the energy information can be monitored at a point of entry at a certain energy crossing, as well as the exit points where one of the information records of the monitoring points is missing. The self-healing function can recognize that the measurement of the energy flow in and out of this crossing point i or zero sum, which means that all the energy supplied to this crossing is counted by the output energy meters. For example, in Figure 1, the energy measured by IED (135) is distributed by two feeders measured by the energy sensors (120b and 120c). If information is missing from the energy sensor (120b), the self-healing function can calculate the missing information when subtracting any data measured in the energy sensor (120b) of the IED (135). Alternatively, if information is missing from both energy sensors (120b and 120c), the self-healing function can determine the average percentage of the energy delivered by both feeders and divide the energy measured by IED (135). Alternately, if the information is missing from IED (135) and the energy sensor (120c), the self-healing function can calculate closely the IED (135) of the information measured in the energy sensor (120b) and the percentage of energy that the. Energy sensor (120b) monitorrally monitor all the energy delivered by IED (135). This type of recovery (healing ??) of information can occur from any of the energy sensors (120) or IED (135) within the system with some recorded or preprogrammed data of the relationships between the energy sensors (120) or IED (135).

Referring to Figure 9, an example flowchart is used to illustrate a personification to monitor the quality of information within a device.

RF (200) or lED (135) used within an energy management system.

This example illustrates a data quality system that includes at least one of the two methods to verify the quality of the energy information measured by one sensor or received through the communication packet of another sensor. These two methods are a validation and calculation of energy information and an information acknowledgment system. Blocks or sections within the information quality system (960) can span multiple devices. As an alternative, some of the validation, calculation and editing functions ("VEE") or additional VEE functions may be performed at the power management station (100). The data quality system (960) is processed in at least one of the measured energy information (block 962) and the energy information received through the communication network (block 964). The energy information or received communication packet (1000) may be stored in the memory (block 966) within the device, such as but not limited to memory (855). The storage of the energy information in block 966 may be an optional portion of this process and in some cases the entire communication packet (1000) may be stored as an alternative with the memory. Alternatively, the energy information may come from historical data files already stored in memory as shown in block 961. The data quality process (960) may include validation and calculation functions, which may be included in the data. one or more processes indicated by blocks 968, 970, 972, 974, 976, 978, 980, 982, 984, 986 and 987. The validation and calculation functions are described below. If the validation and calculation functions are not included in the quality process of ~ p ata ~ 96T;) ~ the process goes from storing the energy information in block 966 to transmitting the information to the network in block 988. The data quality system 960 may include a communication acknowledgment system shown in FIGS. blocks 990, 992 and 994 mentioned above. If the data integrity system does not include the communication acknowledgment system, it may be complete in block 988.

The communication acknowledgment system can wait for a confirmation to be received from another RF device (200) further used to transmit the communication packet (1000) to a designated end point or the same endpoint once that it has received the communication packet (1000) either directly or through RF devices (200). This acknowledgment wait is shown in block 990. If the acknowledgment is not received within a certain time as shown in block 992, the communication packet can be retransmitted to the network in block 998. The RF device (200 ) can change the communication packet (1000) before retransmission to the network to affect the sending within it. Alternatively, the RF device (200) may use another communication method if available; An example of the alternative method of communication may be but is not limited to a communication backup method using an interface through a simple telephone line system ("POTS"), a paging network, cellular network, radio frequency alters or modulation, or a satellite connection. When using this communication validation system, once the acknowledgment is received, the information may still be stored in the memory of an RF (200) or IED (135) device, it is marked as received by the endpoint or a device RF (200) subsequent within the wireless communication network.

The data integrity function of the RF (200) and IED (135) devices can include a validation function, a calculation function and an editing function. Any individual function or combination of these three functions can reside within a function ("VEE") validation, calculation, editing. This VEE function can exist in any of the power sensors (120), repeaters (115) and repeater converters (110) within VEE function can include one or more VEE rules. These VEE rules can comprise any number of validation, calculation and editing rules. The location of the VEE functions and rules in the lED (135) or the RF devices (200) can directly reduce the processing load in the power management station (100). Additionally, any user of the power management station (100) that does not include a VEE module can still benefit when the actual measuring devices, such as the lED (135) or RF device (200), or communication devices, such as RF repeaters (115), repeater converter (110) or any hardware used to receive and transmit communication packets, contain VEE functionality at the device level. The VEE function can process a measurement or record the measurement made by an energy sensor (120) or IED (135) to ensure that the reading complies with the pre-programmed VEE rules. s 5 Figure 9 indicates a personification of this validation and calculation process within blocks 968, 970, 972, 974, 976, 978, 980, 982, 984, 986 and 987. Just as energy information enters this process in block 968 of blocks 961, 962 or 964 (can pass through block 966) a validation process is run against the information using one or more validation rules. If the information passes the validation process in block 970, the data is marked as validated which means that validation has passed in block 972 and transmitted to the network in block 988. If the information does not pass the process of validation in block 970, is marked as validation failure in block 974 and may have a calculation process and rules in the energy information in 976. This calculation process can use information from other RF devices (200), IED (135) or intervals of historical energy data. In block 978, if you are unable to calculate an estimated value using the available calculation rules, the data is marked with a calculation failure indication (block 986) as well as stored within the memory (block 987) to further edit or run through of this calculation process once the new information is received or measured. If in block 978, the calculation process is successful, the information can be marked as aJeala ai ^ '&tap 980) and a validation process (block 986) can be run at the new estimated value. This validation process (block 986) can use different validation validation process in block 968. If the validation process is successful (block 984), the information can be marked as approved validation; however, the data may retain the indication of the calculation of block 980. The information or the information file may then be stored or updated in the memory of the device in block 987. If the second validation process was unsuccessful (block 984) ), the information can mark as calculation failure, and can be stored within the memory (block 987) to further edit or run through the calculation process once that the information is received or measured. The information can be transmitted to the network in the block (988) and carry out the process already described.

For example, the validation rules may include but are not limited to the following examples. A validation rule, for example, can check that the energy measured using a specific interval does not exceed a maximum, check to make sure that the energy readings do not increase more than the set amount, and check other energy meter readings to verify that both energy meters are within the percentage established between them. Another example of a validation rule can include the sum of all the interval information during a billing period and compare this sum with the difference between the cumulative energy reading at the end of the billing period and the beginning of the billing period. These two figures should be almost equal or be within the established percentage. A typical VEE rule can compare these two numbers and accept them if they are within x% of each other.

Another example of a validation rule can compare any given data reading interval with the preceding one, and reject if there is more than x% difference between them. As an alternative, the validation rule can compare each data reading interval to the same time interval for the previous work day, month, year, etc., for example, the kWh reading on Thursday from 10:15 to 10:30 must be within a% of the eetuEari'HWte on Wednesday from 10:15 to 10:30. Another example of a validation rule can compare each data interval between a main meter and a backup or secondary meter. Generally, all points of income measurement are close so that a wired or wireless communication is possible. Again, these readings can be validated if they are within x% of each other. Generally, x% can be a function of the accuracy of the meter, so that, for example, if both meters are class 0.2 meters, the difference between their readings should be less than 0.4%, of course it can be set to any value.

Another validation rule can be where the meter, RF device (200) or IED (135) can proactively recognize when specific events occur (error codes, energy cycles, etc.) and can highlight the relevant intervals such as requiring a rule of calculation or rule of editions As an alternative, in case a measurement does not pass a specific validation rule, the VEE function can highlight the relevant interval to require a calculation or editing rule. This mark indication can be stored together with the measurement value or within the same data set within the memory register (855). This brand indication may be resistant or it may be made to resist so that the brand can remain with the data set for the life of the information.

The calculation function can calculate the value based on the previously recorded measurement information, the information from other sensors or alternately mark the dirty information and wait for additional measurements. The VEE function can then use these new measures and use the previously recorded measures to calculate the information and replace it. The VEE function can request information from other meters to assist the validation and calculation process. The new estimated value has to pass the validation function before it is recorded in the memory register as valid data. An estimated value can be generated when the information that is tested passes the validation function within the IED (135) or RF device (200), the missing information, the information is corrupted.; n.aa is? available otherwise.

The calculation rules that may be applied within the IED (135) or the RF device (200) may include but not be limited to the following example. An example of a slide rule that can replace missing or missing information intervals with readings from the same intervals of the backup meter. This information may be transferred via a wired link, power line bearer or a wireless communication link, such as but not limited to IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11s optical link, or a wireless mesh network. When only one interval is missing or is marked as bad, the Calculation rule can use the difference between the accumulated energy reading at the end of the billing period and the accumulated reading at the beginning of the aforementioned period minus the sum of all good information intervals. For example, the billing period can start at the beginning of the day and end at the end of the day. The calculation can be by the difference of the accumulated energy recorded at the beginning of the day and the reading of the accumulated energy recorded at the end of the day minus the sum of all the energy intervals demanded during the day. Another example of a slide rule is to use the percentage of the consumption interval for this site or use the same interval as the previous day.

The editing function can interface with a user interface, such as a display or keyboard on the lED (135) or RF device (200) and allow the operator to edit a recorded information value. The editing function can also include an edit rule that only allows the information that could not pass the validation or calculation functions to be edited. Any information that has been edited can be marked with a flag to indicate the edition; it can also be marked by whoever made the edition. The edition indicator flag can be resistant or be made to resist, so that the flag stays with the information during the life of it. Another example of an editing rule may comprise a security process to ensure that the operator attempting to change the value is authorized to edit an information value. The security and authorization process can be unique for different values of information: the security and authorization process can be unique for different recorded values, for example, a recorded value such as a power reading that can affect an account may require a different authorization than the editing of a voltage value.The editing process may involve the user using another device, such as a handheld computer (635) which comprises a user interface and is operative to communicate to the lED (135 ) or the RF device (200) to edit an information value As an alternative, the power management station (100) can be used to provide the user interface to allow the information value to be edited.

Power management (100) allows this editing process to run locally at the power management station (100). Alternatively, the power management station (100) may allow editing to be performed on the IED (135) or RF device (200) by providing a user interface to the device via a communication link.

- £ As part of the VEE function, the following data interval marks can be used. The mark or no mark of raw data may indicate that the information has not passed through any VEE function. Any edited or calculated data may or may contain a calculation / editing mark. For the edited information, a trace of the person who edited this information is kept based on the authorization process or user identification. Any information that has passed the validation process can be marked with a validation mark passed. Any information that has not passed the validation process may be marked with a validation failure mark. A verified mark of information may indicate that the information has not passed at least one of the required validation reviews, but its current use was determined by means of another validation mark or by means of an editing process. Generally, a data set may have some of its change marks as well as it progresses through the validation process; however, there may be 1 exception, this is when the calculation or editing indication mark is set, -r.-.- It's' still 'and stays with a set of specific information during the' life 'of ** ^' this set of information, for example, the meter accumulates a load profile for 24 hours, but the interval of 9:00 to 9:15 is missing for some reason.

Validation fails due to this missing interval, and the entire set of information is marked as if validation had failed. Subsequently, the meter calculates and creates this interval by means of one of the mechanisms described above, and marks this interval as calculated. Then, the entire information set goes through the validation process again, and this time it happens. At this point, the whole set of information is marked as having passed the validation, but the interval that was calculated remains marked as such forever, even though it is now part of a valid information.

The VEE function within the IED (135), specific energy sensor (120) or other RF devices (200) may be able to request another measurement be taken by the original measuring device and another IED (135) or RF device (200) to assist in the validation and calculation process. Once the IED (135) or the RF device (200) makes this request rather a VEE function in the power management station (100) the time needed to take a IO measure not programmed to help in the VEE function Whenever the information is reconstructed from other information using the auto recovery function, the VEE function, or other calculations, a confidence value or an indicator can be generated to store with the data. This confidence value can indicate the level of trust or cleanliness of the data. The trust value can contain a statistical probability indication of the information used within a record, especially if the information was calculated using averages of the data record. Additionally, the confidence value can indicate the accuracy of the sensor used to measure, calculate, or generate the energy data value. The data integrity function either within the power management station (100), the RF devices (200) or the lED (135) can alert if the confidence level is outside the pre-established tolerance or has been significantly altered from the • - '< • historical levels. -. ** -, -. .

It is intended, therefore, that the foregoing detailed description be considered as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that the following claims include all equivalents, which are intended to define the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (49)

1. A system for monitoring energy information, the energy information being representative of at least one point of a power distribution system, the system characterized in that it comprises: a wireless mesh network; - a first radio frequency ("RF") device operative to monitor the energy in at least one point of the power distribution system, build the energy information representative of at least a portion of the monitored energy, build a communication packet containing the power information and transmit the information packet in the wireless mesh network: - a second RF device coupled to the first RF device with a wireless link, the second RF device operative to receive the wireless mesh network communication packet and retransmitting the communication packet through the wireless mesh network, where the wireless device enters the first RF device and the second RF device comprising a data link; and - a data integrity function coupled with at least one of the first and second RF devices, and operative to monitor the data integrity of the energy information.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that in addition the second RF device is operative to monitor the energy at a point within the power distribution system.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication packet comprises a first communication packet, the data integrity function is further operative to alter at least one aspect of the communication network and alter the transmission of a second packet. of communication through the wireless mesh network.

4. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that the second RF device is at least one of a repeater and a repeater converter.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the data integrity function comprises a communication validation function, and wherein the communication validation function is operative to determine the approximate distance of the data link between the first and the second one. second RF device

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the function of I O data integrity comprises a communication validation function and where the function of. Communication validation is operative to produce a report on the reliability of the data link within the wireless mesh network.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that the report on the reliability of the data link comprises an indication with a number of historical successes of the wireless communication for the data link.

8. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that the report on the reliability of the data link comprises at least one of the following, a 20 alarm, an indication and a third communication packet.

9. The system according to claim 1, characterized further in that the second RF device is operative to receive the communication packet of the first RF device, at least to partially alter the packet of 25 communication, and retransmit the altered communication packet.

10. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the data integrity function is a first data integrity function and the communication packet is a first communication packet, the system also 30 comprises: - an operating energy management station for transmitting a second communication packet; - a receiver converter device coupled to the power management station and the wireless mesh network, the operating receiver converter for receiving and transmitting the first and second communication packets of the wireless mesh network and the power management station; and - a second data integrity function coupled to the power management station.

11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that one of the first and second data integrity function comprises a communication validation function.

12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that the communication validation function is operative to detect whether the first communication packet has passed a preprogrammed threshold of one of the first or second RF device.

13. The system according to claim 12, further characterized in that the communication validation function is operative to alert if an expected communication has not been received.

14. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one of the first or second data integrity function is operative to determine which data link used in the mesh network transmits the communication packet of the first RF device to the function of data integrity.

15. The system according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one of the first or second data integrity function is operative to determine the critical path used by at least one of the first or second communication packet transmitted by the first RF device.

16. The system according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one of the first or second data integrity function is operative to indicate the possible communication paths of the energy sensor to at least one of the first data integrity function and the second data integrity function.

17. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the data link is a first data link, the system comprises: - a third radio frequency ("RF") device operative to receive the first communication packet of the wireless mesh network and retransmitting the first communication packet in the wireless mesh network, where a second data link e between the second RF device and the third RF device, and a third data link is comprised between the third device RF u the repeater converter; - wherein at least one of the first data integrity function and the second data integrity function are operative to transmit a third communication packet to the third RF device to temporarily block the communication links incorporating the third RF device.

18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the first data integrity function is operative to initiate an alert when communication is restricted between the first data integrity function and at least one of the energy management station. ^ ~

19. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the second data management function is operative to initiate an alert when the communication is restricted between the second integrity function data integrity function and at least one of the first and second device RF

20. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the data link is a first data link and the system further comprises: - a third RF device operative to receive and retransmit the first communication packet of the wireless mesh network, where at least a second data link is possible between the first and second RF devices; - where the data integrity function is operative to identify a preferred data link of the first and second data link.

21. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that the preferred data link is identified based on at least a signal-to-noise ratio, signal strength, reliability of the data link, latency, number of data links and physical location.

22. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that the data integrity function is operative to transmit a third communication packet to the first RF device by instructing the first RF device to use the second RF device as an intermediate step to transmit the second. communication package to the data integrity function.

23. The system according to claim 17, characzed in that the second RF device further comprises a memory regis wherein the data integrity function is further operative to store the first and second communication packets of the wireless mesh network within the regisof memory.

24. The system according to claim 1, characzed in that the first RF device further comprises a memory regisused to store energy information where the data integrity function is also operative to remove inediate information from the memory regisas well as the registration of memory reaches the predeined threshold and the stored energy information in the regisexpects successful transmission acknowledgment.

25. The system according to claim 1, characzed in that the second RF device further comprises a memory regiswhere the data integrity function is further operative to remove and store the stored energy information of the first and second network communication packets. from 5 wireless mesh inside the memory regis

26. The system according to claim 25, characzed in that the data integrity function is further operable to transmit a third communication packet containing the stored energy information. 27. The system according to claim 25, characzed in that the data integrity function within the RF device is operative to transmit an acknowledgment to the energy sensor that at least one of the first and second communication packets was received and stored. within the memory of the RF device.

I 5

28. The system according to claim 25, characzed in that the data integrity function is also operative to remove the inediate information from the memory regisas well as the memory regisreaches the predeined threshold and the energy information stored in the memory. the record waits for the 20 successful transmission acknowledgment ^

.29. The system according to claim 25, characzed in that the memory regiscomprises operational digital bits for storing information; and wherein the data integrity function is operative to reduce the number of digital bits used to store energy information within the memory regis as the memory regisreaches its capacity limit and the energy information stored in the regis awaits successful transmission acknowledgment.

30. The system according to claim 1, characzed in that the data integrity function comprises at least one validation rule and is also operative to validate the energy information using at least one validation rule.

31. The system according to claim s30, characzed in that the energy information analyzed by the information validation function is stored within the memory regis

32. The system according to claim 31, characzed in that the data integrity function is coupled with the first RF device and the data integrity function is operative to use the energy information of the second RF device when applying the validation rule of .data.

33. The system according to claim 30, characzed in that the "data integrity" function further comprises at least one information calculation rule and is further operative to calculate an estimate of energy information using the data calculation rule.

34. The system according to claim 33, characzed in that the data integrity function is coupled with the first RF device and the data integrity function is operative to use the energy information of the second RF device when the calculation rule is applied .

35. The system according to claim 30, characzed in that at least one of the first RF device and the second RF device further comprises a user inace, where the user inace is operative to show the memory regisand allow to operate an editing process , in addition, the data integrity function is operative to indicate in the memory regiswhere the energy information has been edited.

36. A system for controlling the quality of data within an energy distribution system, characterized in that it comprises: - a mesh network having a first RF device and a second RF device, wherein the first and second RF devices are capable of communicating through a plurality of wireless links; - a communication validation function coupled to the first RF device and to the second RF device, the communication validation function is operative to monitor the plurality of wireless links to facilitate the transmission of energy information in the mesh network by adjusting the minus one of the first RF device, the second RF device and the plurality of wireless links.

37. A system according to claim 36, characterized in that the communication validation function identifies the probability of success for the plurality of wireless links.

38. A system according to claim 37, characterized in that the communication validation function identifies at least one location for a repeater to improve the probability of success.

39. A system according to claim 36, characterized in that the communication validation function identifies specific wireless links having a link quality below the privileged threshold.

.40. A system according to claim 36, characterized in that the communication validation function tracks a path of at least one communication packet transmitted between the first RF device and the second RF device in the mesh network using information sending bits. .

41. A system according to claim 36, characterized in that the communication validation function verifies specific wireless links that allow the energy information to be transmitted from the first RF device to the power management station.

42. A system according to claim 36, characterized in that the communication validation function temporarily disables one or more wireless links to determine in the mesh network, and generate a backup path of the plurality of wireless links. <

43. A system according to claim 42, characterized in that the communication validation function includes an order sent to at least the first RF device to stop the retransmission of communication packets in one or more wireless links.

44. A system according to claim 36, characterized in that the communication validation function identifies a particular number of different communication paths of the first RF device to the power management station of a plurality of wireless links. 15

45. A method for monitoring the energy information representative of the energy of at least one point of an energy distribution system, characterized in that it comprises: - energy monitoring of at least one point of the energy distribution system 20 with a first radiofrequency ("RF") device; . - - construction of energy information representative of at least a portion of ^. ^. , -the energy monitored; -r --- - - transmission of the energy information in a communication packet in the wireless mesh network; 25 - receiving the communication packet from the wireless mesh network with the second RF device; - retransmission of the communication packet of the second RF device; and - monitoring the information integrity of at least one of the wireless communication network and the energy information with an integrity function 30 of data coupled with at least one of the first and second RF device.

46. The method according to claim 45, characterized in that the construction of energy information representative of at least a portion of the monitored energy, further comprises an analysis of the energy information with the data integrity function. < J

47. The method according to claim 46, characterized in that the analysis further comprises marking the energy information in at least one of the following past or failed.

48. The method according to claim 46, characterized in that the analysis further comprises:;:. . ^ .. - mark the energy information as failed; and - calculate the new energy information.

49. The method according to claim 45, characterized in that the transmission of energy information in a communication packet in the wireless mesh network further comprises waiting for the acknowledgment in a transmission of the second RF device.