The core function of anti backflow electricity meter

In the scenario of combining new energy generation (such as photovoltaics and energy storage) with traditional power grids, bidirectional flow of current has become a common phenomenon. When the electricity generated by new energy equipment exceeds its own consumption, if the excess electricity flows into the power grid without control, it may affect the stable operation of the power grid and even cause safety hazards. The anti backflow meter is a specialized metering device designed to address this issue. It not only has basic energy metering functions, but also achieves precise control of current flow through multiple core functions, providing dual protection for new energy users and grid safety. ​
1、 Accurately monitor the flow of current and prevent reverse current from entering the network
The core function of an anti reverse current meter is to monitor the direction of current flow in real time, and to trigger control measures in a timely manner to prevent reverse current from entering the grid when detecting current reversal (i.e. the transmission of electrical energy generated by new energy equipment to the grid). The implementation of this function relies on the collaborative work of the high-precision current detection module and intelligent control unit inside the electricity meter. ​

The current detection module can continuously capture the current signal in the circuit, accurately determining whether the current is flowing from the power grid to the user (normal electricity consumption) or from the user side to the power grid (reverse flow). When reverse current is detected, the intelligent control unit will respond quickly - some anti reverse current meters will directly send control signals to cut off the transmission path of reverse current; Some electricity meters also send warning signals to the user's energy management system first, and the system adjusts the output power of new energy equipment according to the actual situation, reducing the amount of electricity generated until the reverse current disappears. Through this closed-loop process of "monitoring response control", anti backflow electric meters can effectively prevent excess electricity from flowing into the power grid in a disorderly manner, ensuring the stability of parameters such as grid frequency and voltage, and complying with safety regulations for grid operation. ​

2、 Bidirectional energy metering, clear recording of electricity consumption and generation data
In addition to anti backflow control, anti backflow meters also have bidirectional energy metering functions, which can record the electricity purchased by users from the grid (forward electricity consumption) and the electricity generated by new energy equipment (reverse power generation, unconnected part), providing users with complete energy data statistics. ​
In terms of positive metering, it is similar to a regular electricity meter, accurately recording the total amount and time distribution of electricity used by users in their daily use of the grid, as the basis for electricity bill settlement; In terms of reverse metering, it can provide detailed statistics on the total electricity generated by new energy equipment, as well as changes in power generation during different time periods. This bidirectional metering function allows users to clearly understand their specific situation of "electricity consumption" and "power generation" - such as how much electricity new energy equipment can generate in a day, how much it consumes, and whether there is excess electricity that needs to be adjusted. At the same time, these data also provide reference for users to optimize the efficiency of new energy utilization, such as adjusting their electricity habits or charging and discharging strategies of energy storage devices based on the matching situation between power generation peak and electricity consumption peak, and the utilization of self-produced electricity.
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3、 Abnormal situation warning to ensure the safety of electricity and equipment
The anti backflow electric meter also has a comprehensive abnormal situation warning function, which can monitor the voltage, current, power and other parameters in the circuit in real time. When abnormal fluctuations or safety hazards occur, timely warning signals are issued to remind users or operation and maintenance personnel to handle them, ensuring electrical safety and stable equipment operation. ​
Common warning scenarios include: high or low voltage (which may affect the normal operation of equipment and even damage the equipment), current overload (exceeding the rated carrying capacity of the circuit or equipment, easily causing problems such as line heating and short circuit), sudden increase in reverse current (which may be caused by new energy equipment failure or control system failure), and meter malfunction (such as abnormal metering module, communication interruption, etc.). When these abnormalities are detected, the anti backflow meter will issue reminders through local indicator lights flashing, buzzer alarms, and other methods. Some intelligent anti backflow meters can also remotely send warning information to users' mobile apps or management platforms to ensure that users are aware of the situation in the  place. By early warning, users can promptly investigate the cause of faults, take measures such as power outages and repairs, avoid safety accidents, and reduce losses caused by equipment damage. ​

4、 Data storage and transmission, supporting efficient energy management
To meet the needs of users for refined energy management, anti backflow electric meters have data storage and remote transmission functions. They can locally store the collected data on current flow direction, bidirectional energy, abnormal warning, etc., and transmit it to the higher-level energy management platform or user terminal through communication modules (such as 4G/5G, Wi Fi, power line carrier). ​
In terms of data storage, the electricity meter will record key data at certain time intervals (such as every minute, every hour) to form a long-term energy database. Users can query historical data and analyze the trend changes of electricity consumption and generation, such as comparing the differences in power generation in different months and analyzing the impact of seasonal changes on the utilization of new energy. In terms of data transmission, remote uploading of real-time data allows users to monitor device operation status and energy data at any time through their mobile phones or computers without the need for on-site viewing; At the same time, these data can also provide support for energy management platforms. By summarizing and analyzing multi-user data, the platform can provide personalized energy-saving suggestions or grid scheduling references for users, helping them further optimize energy utilization efficiency. ​
5、 Compliant with grid requirements to ensure system compatibility
Another important core function of anti backflow electricity meters is to comply with the operational requirements of the power grid in terms of design and performance, ensuring seamless compatibility with the power grid system and users' new energy equipment (such as photovoltaic inverters and energy storage batteries), and avoiding operational failures or compliance issues caused by equipment mismatch. ​
The power grid has clear technical standards for current reversal, power quality, etc. The anti backflow threshold setting, response speed, measurement accuracy, and other parameters of anti backflow meters must comply with these standard requirements to ensure that their control behavior does not interfere with the normal operation of the power grid. At the same time, the anti backflow electricity meter will adopt a universal communication protocol and interface, which can be compatible with the user's existing new energy control system, electricity meter collection system, etc., and can be connected to the original energy management system without additional modification. This compliance and compatibility not only allows users' new energy systems to be smoothly connected and used, but also ensures that their operation complies with industry standards, avoiding the risk of rectification or punishment due to equipment non-compliance. ​
The core function of anti backflow electric meters revolves around five dimensions: "control, measurement, safety, management, and compliance". It not only solves the problem of grid backflow that may arise from new energy generation, but also provides users with comprehensive energy data and security guarantees. In the context of the popularization of new energy, these core functions make anti backflow meters a key link between user side new energy equipment and the power grid, providing important support for the safe and efficient utilization of energy.