Smart
metering is a term used for intelligent energy management and metering
systems for residential and commercial communities. These systems are
not only cabable of measuring and managing electricity, but can also be
applied to water metering.
Absolute
energy's smart metering system can control up to two circuits on the
end-user's distribution board. Typically these would be the high usage
appliances, such as a geyser and/or pool pump. A data concentrator is
used to manage to control each individual metering unit via power line
transmission. Up to 2000 distribution boards can be controlled from one
data concentrator. Each data concentrator connects to the Internet via
GPRS. The entire system can be managed from a web-based control
interface.
Smart metering features
- Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) Smart Metering Components
- Automatic Demand Management
- Peak Demand Levelling
- Operator override
- Web-Based Interface
- Highly Cost-Effective
- Easy Installation
Smart Metering – Automatic Meter Reading
- Eliminates human error
- Readings are always up-to-date
- No more estimated readings
- Consumption patterns can be more accurately determined
- Increased User Confidence through billing accuracy
- Ability to deal with complex tariff structures
Smart Metering Automatic Demand Management
- Passive demand management based on AMR readings
- Automated switching of circuits to remove supply to un-needed devices
- Automatic rescheduling of devices to level peak demand
- Schedules determined in consultation with client
Smart Metering Peak Demand Management
- System can be programmed to manage peak demand
Smart Metering Active Demand Management
- All devices on the system can be controlled by central operator in control room
- Devices may also be controlled via any device connected to the Internet, e.g: Mobile phone, Netbook etc.
- Permissions may be granted to end-users so they can control selected circuits e.g. startup of bakery ovens, switching on heaters late at night to accommodate out of hours meetings etc.
Smart Metering User Interface
Absolute
energy's user interface device is similar to a cordless remote. Touch
PadThis allows end users the comfort and convenience of controlling and
managing their electricity expenditure. Options also exist whereby users
can manage their electrical devices via mobile phone.
Smart Metering Extensions
- Compatible with most sensors (Temperature, Humidity, Smoke detectors etc.)
- Adaptable to future “smart grids”
- Available for other options, e.g. Gas and Water
Automated electricity meter reading
Automated
meter reading uses wireless or other technology to record how much
electricity is being used by a consumer and then transmit the recorded
data to a central point where billing can be carried out. Automated
meter reading is also applied to certain meters which contain a short
range wireless transmitter that meter-readers can receive and manually
record the consumption. Here, we discuss the former definition.
Automated Meter Reading is being implemented by several municipalities,
including Johannesburg City Power.
How it Works
The
meters are radio controlled from a central location or hub and
broadcast their readings via radio in the 433MHz UHF band. The results
are entered into a central computer database and software is used to
manipulate the readings so that the user is billed with the correct
tariff amount.
