WO1998009175A1

WO1998009175A1 - Processing apparatus for detecting a fraudulent manipulation in the electric power supply network

Info

Publication number: WO1998009175A1
Application number: PCT/ES1996/000164
Authority: WO
Inventors: José Javier Alejo Trevijano; Juan Manuel Tenorio Campa
Original assignee: Alejo Trevijano Jose Javier; Juan Manuel Tenorio Campa
Priority date: 1996-08-30
Filing date: 1996-08-30
Publication date: 1998-03-05

Abstract

Method and apparatus for detecting a direct connection to a network as well as the bridging of electric meters, characterized in that it comprises means to measure the network impedance (2, 3, 4 and 5), as well as means to detect the network impedance drop (5), and means to indicate the detection of such network impedance drop (8). The means intended to measure the network impedance are means which effect the electric measurement of such impedance or means which effect the mechanical measurement thereof. The mechanical measurement is used to detect direct hookings to the network and comprises sending ultrasounds through the network and detecting them at a remote point, or detecting the vibrations of the cable.

Description

FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION METHOD AND DETECTION

OF THE POWER SUPPLY NETWORK.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting fraudulent manipulation in the electric power supply network, which aims to prevent losses that electric companies suffer from unauthorized hookups that are made directly to the network and by the bridges that are made in the meter installed in the homes of the users.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is known the circumstance that the electric companies suffer frauds that have a severe impact on their economy, for the improper manipulations that the users make in the meters installed in their homes, and for the not allowed hooks that are made directly to the power grid The bridges that are carried out on the counters constitute the most common fraud, since it is the least complex and most accessible, since there are thousands of homes with the meter within the user's own home. As is known, the counters are basically determined by a coil, whereby when the current circulates, a magnetic field is created that moves a mechanical system.

The bypass of the meter falsifies the reading of the number of years consumed, which represents a serious inconvenience for the electric companies when suffering great economic losses for this circumstance.

Another common case, but less frequent than the previous one, consists of making the direct take on the network, that is to say, to engage directly on the general conduits of the electric company. In this case, all the consumption made is borne by the electricity company, which constitutes an inconvenience that results in large economic losses.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION To solve the aforementioned drawbacks, the invention has developed a method and apparatus that performs the detection and signaling of fraudulent manipulation of the electricity supply network.

As indicated by the most usual manipulation, it consists in carrying out the bypass of the counter, which, as it is known, is basically determined by a coil, by which when the current circulates, a magnetic field is created that moves a mechanical system

Therefore, when a bridge is produced in the meter and therefore in the coil, the impedance of the meter drops, so if a measurement is made of it, a bridge can be detected.

This same concept is applicable to the case in which a direct network connection is made, since when a hitch occurs and an electrical device is connected, the impedance varies. In addition, in this case apart from a variation of the electrical impedance, there is also a variation of the mechanical impedance, since when hooked directly on the conduction cables of the electric company, a vibration occurs in them.

In order to be able to make an effective measurement of the impedance of the coil, a generator of low voltage and higher frequency signals than the network is used, which is connected to the terminals of the coil through a separator, so that in said coil is increased the impedance due to the presence of said signal.

In this situation, if the meter is bridged, the impedance drops considerably, and therefore a voltage drop occurs, so if this voltage is measured and compared with a reference voltage, the drop is detected and measured. of voltage, and therefore the impedance drop.

This comparator is connected to signaling means through a timer, so that when a bridging is performed, a voltage drop occurs that is detected and signaled in the corresponding means.

The function of the timer is to prevent the signaling means from activating when a network outage occurs or when transients occur in it.

Obviously, the signaling means can be determined by optical, acoustic or similar means. Another way to detect the bridging is to place a parallel impedance at the meter input, so that the coil causes a constant drop in voltage, so that by bridging the meter the voltage in the coil drops , operating identically to the one described above.

In series with the impedance, a diode that limits the resistive consumption is connected.

A particularization of the case in which the oscillator that generates the signal of low voltage and frequency higher than that of the network is used consists in having an electromagnetic sensor that stops receiving the oscillator signal when a bridge is produced.

To detect a direct network outlet, a low voltage signal of higher frequency than the network is also generated, so that it is obtained a certain impedance at the point where the generator is connected, so that when a direct connection is made within the generator's field of action, a voltage drop occurs at the point where it is connected, detecting the direct coupling of similar to the one already described. Also in this case the voltage measurement is sent to a timer and from this to the manipulation signaling means.

In addition, the detection of a direct network hitch can be detected by generating ultrasound, for which there is a transmitter determined by an oscillator that sends a coded signal or not that has an electroacoustic transducer that adheres to the part metallic cable, so that the acoustic (mechanical) signal is sent through it, so that if there is a direct hook to the network, the acoustic signal received varies, a circumstance that is detected by an ultrasound receiver, which is determined by an acoustic-electric transducer connected to the network, which, after odulating the signal, compares it with the emitted signal, so that if they do not coincide, a signaling medium (acoustic or optical) is activated, indicating the manipulation by direct coupling. Another way of detecting the direct network hitch is to arrange a sound receiver, so that when the hitch is made, vibrations occur in the cable that are detected by the sound receiver, activating the signaling means.

Both in the case of detection of vibrations and ultrasound, the detection of the variation of mechanical impedance that occurs in the cable is performed. Based on what is described, it is understood Easily, the method of the invention consists in measuring the network impedance, detecting the drop of said impedance and signaling the detection of the impedance drop. Furthermore, based on what is described, it is easily understood that the impedance measurement refers to the electrical measurement thereof or the mechanical measurement.

In different cases, the method consists in generating and measuring the different signals already mentioned in the different possibilities of the device.

Next, in order to facilitate a better understanding of this descriptive report and forming an integral part thereof, a series of figures are attached in which the object of the invention has been represented by way of illustration and not limitation.

BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE FIGURES Figure 1.- Shows a functional block diagram of a possible embodiment to detect the bridging of a counter. Figure 2.- It shows a block diagram of another embodiment for detecting the bridge by means of a sensor.

Figure 3.- Shows an electronic scheme of a possible embodiment of the block diagram of the previous figure.

Figure 4.- Shows a block diagram of another possible embodiment for the detection of the bridging of a counter.

Figure 5.- Shows a block diagram for the detection of a direct connection to the network.

DESCRIPTION OF ONE OR VARIOUS EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENT

Below is a description of the invention based on the figures mentioned above. Figure 1 shows a diagram of blocks of an apparatus for the detection of the bridging of a counter 1, which as it is basically known is constituted by a coil through which when circulating currents a magnetic field is created that moves a mechanical system.

Therefore, when a counter 1 bypass is performed, the coil bypass is performed.

When the meter bypass occurs, the impedance drops and in this way a simple bypass can be detected.

Thus, the apparatus of the invention for measuring said impedance has a signal generator 3 that is fed from an alternating current to direct current converter 2 and is connected to the coil terminals of the counter 1 through of a separator 4.

The separator 4 basically consists of a decoupling capacitor.

In turn, the separator 4 is connected to a comparator 5 to which a reference voltage obtained from the AC to DC converter is provided 2. -— The comparator 5 is connected to a timer 6 and this to a fuse 7 through which the connection of timer 6 is made to a led diode 8.

So far the structure of the device is described and its operation is described below.

The application of the signal provided from the signal generator 3, increases the impedance in the coil, so that it raises the value of the coil to a value that facilitates its measurement.

This impedance provides a voltage level that is applied through the separator 4 to the comparator 5, so that when a voltage drop occurs the comparator 5 provides a level of voltage that blows the fuse 6, leaving the led diode 8 permanently off or on depending on the logic that is used, indicating the bypass of the meter. The RC timer prevents the comparator voltage from being applied directly to the fuse, delaying the passage of the current towards the fuse, and this prevents the fuse from melting in cases where there is a power outage or transients in the net.

Obviously the LED 8 can be replaced by a speaker, the combination of both elements or any other signaling device.

A variation with respect to the exemplary embodiment described, is shown in Figure 2, in which an electromagnetic sensor 11 is used that detects the low voltage and frequency signal higher than the network provided by the signal generator 3 and applied to the coil of the counter 1 through the separator 4, so that when a bridging occurs between points A and B, the sensor 11 stops receiving the signal and through an amplifier 12 activates a led diode 8c.

A concrete embodiment is shown in Figure 3, in which the electromagnetic sensor 11 is determined by a ferrite core 14 on which a winding 15 is wound, so that the ferrite core has an annular shape through which center it is made pass the meter cable.

The winding terminals 15 are connected to an amplifier 12 whose output is connected to an inverter 13 that activates the led diode 8c detecting the bridging.

It is also possible to detect the bridging by providing an impedance 9 in parallel with the counter, so that the coil is it causes a constant voltage drop, which, when a bridge occurs, decreases, so detecting said voltage drop allows the existence of the bridge to be known. This voltage drop is detected by a comparator 5a which in one of its inputs receives a reference voltage provided by an AC to DC converter 2a and in its other input receives the coil voltage through a decoupling 4a. The comparator 5a is connected to a timer 6a and this to a led diode 8a through the fuse 7a operating in an equivalent manner to that already described.

It should be noted that in series with impedance 9 a diode 10 is arranged that reduces the resistive consumption by half.

Figure 5 shows a possible embodiment for the detection of direct connection to the network, which, as in the previous examples, consists of an AC to DC converter 2b, a signal generator 3b, a separator 4b, a comparator 5b, a timer 6b, a fuse 7b and a led diode 8b, with the only difference that a resistor 14 is used between the signal generator 3b and the separator 4b, which allows the meter intensity to be measured one.

In this case, the signal generator provides a signal that checks the network within a certain range of action, so that the low voltage and frequency signal higher than the network, being a relatively high frequency, the meter coils act as a low-pass filter preventing the passage of this signal. In addition, the counters within this field of action can be treated by adding a filter to increase the level of blocking of said signal, if necessary. In this way, if a hook to the network is carried out in the signal's radius and any electrical device (lamp, dryer, radio, etc.) is connected, the impedance of the network will still be lowered by placing a coil in series to act Low pass filter.

This drop in impedance is detected by measuring the intensity from the resistance 14.

In any of the examples described so far, it is evident that the fuse could be suppressed, so that the timer signal was applied directly to the LED, but it is evident that the incorporation of said fuse ensures that the signaling is correct.

Another way of detecting a direct hook to the network is to introduce a sound or ultrasound into the metal cable of the network, so that when it is cut or manipulated the reception at another point of the sound varies, and can be detected from This mode the hitch. Therefore, if the electrical network is connected to a sound transmitter, which is sent through the network cable and received by a sound receiver, a direct network hitch can be detected.

Thus the emitter can be constituted by an encoder or non-encoded oscillator, with an electro-acoustic transducer, such as a loudspeaker, which adheres to the metal part of the cable. The acoustic signal sent by the electro-acoustic transducer through the cable, is collected in the receiver that is determined by an acoustic-electric transducer that amplifies and odulates said signal giving a light or acoustic warning when a signal variation occurs for what compares the signal of odulada with the emitted signal, and when these are different it is representative of which a direct hook has been made - to network. Therefore, by this device The mechanical impedance of the power grid is measured.

Obviously there is also the possibility of using exclusively a receiver of acoustic signals, since when there is a direct hook to the network, this generates vibrations in the cable that are detected by the sound receiver, activating the acoustic or optical signaling means .

Therefore, in the latter case, the measurement of the mechanical impedance of the network is also performed. In the above descriptions, in order to achieve a faster incorporation in the connection terminals of the meter, magnets that adhere to the connection screws of the meter, or needle-shaped terminals or the like can be provided for puncturing the cable, allowing the existence of electrical contact. With these terminals, the installer does not have to screw and unscrew to assemble the device of the invention.

Obviously, the detection method of the invention is based on the described apparatus and consists of measuring the network impedance, detecting the fall of the network impedance and the signaling of the detection of the network impedance drop, performing the electrical measurement of it on the one hand or mechanical measurement on the other.

The measurement of the electrical impedance is carried out on the terminals of the meter coil to detect its bridging or the measurement of the impedance is made at a point in the network to detect the direct connection to it.

In addition, in order to measure the impedance, the low voltage and frequency signal higher than that of the network is generated, as already mentioned, to achieve an elevation of the impedance to a sufficient level that allows to easily measure its variations

In addition, the method comprises performing an electro-magnetic detection of the generated signal, so that when the meter is bridged, the electro-magnetic detection is not activated.

Also as stated above, to carry out the impedance measurement, a resistive element is connected in parallel to the meter input that provides a minimum voltage drop from which its variation can be easily measured, arranged in series with the element resistive an element that reduces resistive consumption.

The mechanical measurement of the network impedance is carried out by emitting ultrasound at one point and receiving them at another or by measuring the vibrations or acoustic signals of the cable.

It should be noted that to detect the bypass of the meter, if the voltage drop in the coil is so small that it could not be detected, since all the meters are not equal, a coil can be placed in series that does not affect the magnetic circuit of the counter, so that the voltage drop in the coil is the sum of the voltage drop in the meter coil itself plus the voltage drop in the new planned coil. Therefore, by means of the method and apparatus of the invention both the manipulations referring to the bridge bypass and the direct network hook are detected.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1.- METHOD OF DETECTION OF FRAUDULENT HANDLING OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, which detects the direct connection to the network as well as the bridging of the electric meters provided at the entrance of the electrical installation of each user; for what is essentially characterized because it performs:

- measurement of the network impedance;

- network impedance drop detection; - network impedance fall detection signaling.

2.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION METHOD OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claim 1, characterized in that the impedance measurement refers to the electrical measurement thereof.

3.- METHOD OF DETECTION OF FRAUDULENT HANDLING OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to previous claims, characterized in that the measurement of the impedance is carried out in terminals of the meter coil to detect its bridge.

4.- HANDLING DETECTION METHOD

FRAUDULENT OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the measurement of the impedance is made at a point in the network to detect the direct connection to it.

'

5.- HANDLING DETECTION METHOD

FRAUDULENT OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to previous claims, characterized in that to perform the measurement of the impedance a signal of low voltage and frequency higher than that of the network is generated, to raise the impedance to a sufficient level that allows Easily measure your variations.

6.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION METHOD OF THE POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claim 5, characterized in that the low voltage and frequency signal higher than the network is detected electromagnetically, so that when the meter is bridged, the electromagnetic detection is not activated.

7.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION METHOD OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claims 1, 2 and 3, characterized in that a resistive element is connected in parallel to the input of the meter providing a resistive element that provides a minimum voltage drop from which its variation can be easily measured.

8.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION METHOD OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claim 7, characterized in that an element that reduces resistive consumption is arranged in series with the resistive element.

9.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION METHOD OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical measurement of the impedance is performed to detect the direct connection to the network.

10.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION METHOD OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claim 9, characterized in that the mechanical measurement of the impedance is performed by emitting ultrasound at one point and receiving them at another remote point.

11.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION METHOD OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claim 10, characterized in that the detection of the impedance variation is carried out by comparing the emitted ultrasound with the received.

12.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION METHOD OF THE POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claim 9, characterized in that the mechanical measurement of the impedance is carried out by measuring the vibrations or acoustic signals of the network cable, detecting the noise that occurs when the cable core is punctured.

13.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION DEVICE OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, which detects the direct connection to the network as well as the bridging of the electric meters provided at the entrance of the electrical installation of each user; for what is essentially characterized because it has:

- means for measuring network impedance;

- means for detecting the drop in network impedance; - means for signaling the fall detection of the network impedance.

14.- HANDLING DETECTION APPLIANCE

FRAUDULENT OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claim 13, characterized in that the means for measuring the network impedance are means that perform the electrical measurement of said impedance.

15.- HANDLING DETECTION APPLIANCE

FRAUDULENT OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claim 14, characterized in that the means for measuring the electrical impedance of the network are determined by:

- means for generating a frequency signal higher than the network signal that are connected to the meter coil to make an impedance other than 0;

- means for measuring the voltage at the terminals of the meter coil; voltage that is proportional to the impedance.

16.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION DEVICE OF THE POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claim 15, characterized in that the voltage measurement means in terminals of the meter coil are determined by an electromagnetic sensor that collects the frequency signal higher than that of the network, so that when a bridge is produced in the counter, stop receiving that signal.

17.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION DEVICE OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claims 13 and 14, characterized in that the means for measuring the electrical grid impedance are determined by:

- resistive means connected in parallel to the meter input that obtain a voltage drop; - voltage measuring means on terminals of the meter coil.

18.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION APPLIANCE OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claim 17, characterized in that resistive consumption limitation means are connected in series with the resistive means.

19.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION APPARATUS OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claims 13 and 14, characterized in that the means for detecting the drop in network impedance are determined by a comparator that activates the signaling means; when the tension in the coil falls below a certain level.

20.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION DEVICE OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claim 13, characterized in that the means for measuring the network impedance are means that perform the mechanical measurement of said impedance.

21.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION DEVICE OF THE POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claim 20, characterized in that the means for performing the mechanical measurement are determined by an ultrasound emitter that sends the mechanical (acoustic) signal through the network, generating a mechanical impedance; and by an ultrasonic receiver that detects said mechanical (acoustic) signal, which is located at a remote point.

22.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION DEVICE OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claim 21, characterized in that the ultrasonic emitter has an electroacoustic transducer that adheres to the metal part of the cable.

23.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION DEVICE OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claims 20 and 21, characterized in that the ultrasonic receiver has an acoustic-electric transducer that collects the cable signal.

24.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION DEVICE OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to claims 20 and 23, characterized in that the means for performing the mechanical measurement are determined by a sound receiver that detects the noise produced in the network when prick the core of the cable.

25.- HANDLING DETECTION APPLIANCE

FRAUDULENT OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to previous claims, characterized in that the signaling means of the network impedance fall detection has a timer that prevents signaling in cases of network outage and transient production.

26.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION DEVICE OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to previous claims, characterized in that the signaling means of detecting the fall of impedance feature an optical indicator.

27.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION DEVICE OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to previous claims, characterized in that the signaling means have an acoustic indicator.

28.- FRAUDULENT HANDLING DETECTION APPLIANCE OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY NETWORK, according to previous claims, characterized in that the means for detecting the drop of network impedance are determined by a comparator that detects the impedance drop and activates the means of signaling.