The resources consumed by man need constant accounting. The main purpose of this is to determine the amount of consumed electricity, the total amount for the provided kilowatts and the total amount of electricity that the supplier must produce. To account for electricity and other resources, special devices have been developed and regularly improved. One of them is an electric meter with remote reading.
Features
Electricity metering devices with a remote data transmission system save the user from the need to take readings, calculate the consumed kilowatts and pay for them. After installing an electric meter with remote control, the electricity supplier receives from the consumer complete information about the consumed resource without the participation of the latter. The functionality of the devices allows you to monitor the level of electricity consumption and adjust the work on the basis of the data obtained, increasing efficiency.
Appointment
Remote transmission of meter readings is via the Internet. Special software reads and sends the necessary information to the servers of the energy supplying company. Such systems are fully automated and do not require human intervention in the workflow.
Electric meters with remote reading and transmission of readings are used to automate the processes of collecting and sending information and analysis of energy consumption. Energy supply companies that use information-measuring systems in their work receive not only data on the energy consumed by customers, but also a number of opportunities that are not available when using standard metering devices. These include:
- Several tariff modes of operation.
- Remote connection and disconnection of the consumer to the power supply system.
- Effective and close cooperation with the client on the basis of the terms of the contract.
- Guaranteed delivery of notifications to consumers.
- Analysis of the collected information for more efficient operation of the device.
The advantages of electricity meters
The use of an electric meter with remote control entails certain advantages for the consumer:
- Quick dispute resolution between supplier and consumer without conflict. Remote meter reading is carried out daily, which eliminates most of the problems that arise when filling out receipts.
- The ability to control the data of metering devices installed in remote premises, for example, rented apartment.
- Efficiency and accuracy of calculations when changing tariffs. Charges for the provided resources are carried out on average, provided that there are no indications for the period of changing tariff plans. Metering devices avoid rounding off calculations in favor of energy companies.
- The function of remote reading of the meter readings allows the use of equipment in smart home systems. Special software for mobile devices activates the heating system.
- Security. Remote de-energization of housing through a computer or smartphone turns off electrical appliances left on when there are no hosts.
- Practicality. There is no need to remove and transmit data from metering devices.
Remote Meter Design
The principle of operation of new electric meters with remote data collection is based on the conversion of analog signals into pulses, based on which the amount of energy consumed is calculated. The main difference between electronic and induction devices is the absence of mechanical parts driven by motion and a wider functionality:
- A well-organized electricity consumption metering system.
- Extended input voltage range.
- Saving and providing data for previous accounting periods.
- Connection to systems for collecting and sending information to the supplier.
- Power consumption measurement.
The design of the remote electric meter is represented by the required details:
- LCD display.
- Timer displaying the actual time.
- Transformer.
- Telemetry connectors.
- Controls and controls.
- Supervisor.
- Source of power.
- Optionally, an optical port can be installed.
The liquid crystal display of the electric meter with remote reading shows information on the amount of energy consumed, the actual date and time, the operating mode of the device and the tariff.
An independent power supply provides operation of the electronic circuitry of the meter. A supervisor is connected to it, creating a reset signal for the microcontroller that occurs when the meter is turned on or off remotely. The supervisor monitors changes in input voltage.
The function of the clock in some models is performed by a microcontroller. The part is equipped with a separate microcircuit, which reduces the load and power consumption, which allows you to redirect energy to other tasks.
It is possible to connect an electric meter with a remote control to a personal computer or data transmission system using the telemetric output. Information from the meter is removed by the optical port.
Microcontroller
The main element of the meter is a microcontroller. It performs the following functions:
- Data processing.
- Converting the current received from the transformer into digital information.
- Information output on the liquid crystal display.
- Receiving commands from the main control systems.
- Work with interfaces.
The installed software affects not only the possibility of programmed slowdown of the meter with remote reading, but also the number of functions. Modern models of metering devices are constantly being improved and equipped with new functions. Among the latest options are the ability to monitor the status of the power grid and transfer the collected information to the electricity supplier.
Some models of electric meters with remote reading are equipped with a function for adjusting the network power level. The device automatically turns off the power in case of increased power consumption. The supply of voltage to the household network is controlled by a contactor embedded in the circuit. The device turns off the power supply if the limit is exceeded or there is no prepayment for the provided resource.
Control system
The advent of microprocessors has allowed the creation of automated electricity metering systems. Previously, such devices were installed only at industrial enterprises due to their high cost. The advent of cellular communications and the widespread adoption of computers and electronic meters have made it possible to create wireless automatic metering systems.
Automated systems perform the following tasks:
- Collection of information on energy flows for certain periods of time and at all voltage levels.
- Analysis of the collected data.
- Creation of reports on the provided and received resources based on the received information.
- Analysis of power consumption and its forecasting.
- Processing payment information.
- Carrying out calculations on electricity.
Organization of automated data collection systems requires the implementation of certain measures. High-precision equipment is installed, which records electricity. Data is loaded into special blocks with built-in memory. The data transfer system is formed after all actions are completed. The creation of an information processing center and its equipping with a personal computer with installed software is the final stage.
The principle of operation of electric meters with remote reading
The functionality of automated data transmission systems includes:
- Collection of information.
- Data transfer to the supplier.
- Analysis and storage of information.
Data collection is carried out by special devices that measure system parameters. Among these devices include sensors, the connection of which to the automated system is via digital or analog converters or a special connector.
The received digital or analog signal is transmitted by microcontrollers between the interface lines. This is required to collect data from a PC or controller. The server, personal computer or controller connects to the process at the last stage and is responsible for collecting, processing and storing data. The performance of such functions is only possible with software.
Automated data systems
Remote reading of meter readings and their transmission can be carried out not only by electronic, but also by induction devices. Models marked "D" are equipped with a telemetry connector. Such an output is represented by a pulse sensor that transmits information to a system that collects, processes, and stores the received data.
A measuring transformer, by emitting magnetic fluxes and crossing an aluminum disk, produces pulses. They are transmitted to an electronic circuit, after which a communication line is supplied to the meter. The photo-LED head of the sensor is directed towards the aluminum disk. The signal emitted by the LED is reflected from the disk and fixed by a photodiode. The intermittent signal depends on the darkened sector of the disk.
The electronic circuitry of the counter processes the signal interruption data, converting them into pulses and transmitting them to the communication line. The receiving device calculates their number for a certain period of time and displays the resulting value on the liquid crystal display.
Testimony
The resource provider receives data from the electricity meter, bypassing the energy company and the consumer. The client is required to transmit the very first testimony. Electric meters with remote readings work as long as this is necessary.
Calculation of electricity consumption is performed hourly. The collected data is sent to the supplier once a day. Some models of remote electric meters installed on poles are equipped with SIM cards, with the help of which data are sent to energy companies.
The advantages of remote metering devices
In practice, data transfer via induction meters is not applicable. Such devices have recently been replaced by electric meters with remote controls with the possibility of use in automated data transfer systems.
The disadvantage of electric meters equipped with a radio module is the need for constant supply from the network and the inability to use fuses to turn off the device. For this purpose, a special cutter is installed.
Counter Manufacturers
Electric meters with a remote control have been operating for many years, which requires the selection and installation of high-quality and reliable equipment. Consumers are trying to choose products from trusted manufacturers - Taypit, Inoteks and Energomera.
The Russian company Inotex specializes in the production of electronic equipment and metering devices for fifteen years. It occupies a leading position in the Russian market.
"Energomera" appeared on the domestic market in 2010, almost immediately having won a considerable part of the market due to the high quality of manufactured devices.
Founded in 1999 in St. Petersburg, the company Taypit specializes in the production of measuring equipment, including electric meters with remote reading on a pole.
Popular models of metering devices
- Neva 103 1SO / Typit. Certified one-rate model of an electric meter with a mechanical reader. First class accuracy. The working temperature range is from -40 to +60 degrees. The average price is 700 rubles.
- Mercury 201.8 / Inotex. One tariff metering device with a liquid crystal display. First class accuracy. It works at temperatures from -45 to +75 degrees. Cost - from 600 to 750 rubles.
- CE102M S7 145-JV / Energomera. Universal multi-tariff electric meter. Four working rates are available. First class accuracy. The operating temperature range is from -45 to +70 degrees. Price - from 1400 to 2100 rubles.
- Mercury 200.02 / Inotex. Commercial model of a multi-rate meter. First class accuracy. The operating temperature range is from -40 to +55 degrees. Cost - from 1500 to 1800 rubles.
- Mercury 231 AM-01 / Inotex. Commercial model of a single rate meter. Three phase voltage. First class accuracy. It works at temperatures from -40 to +55 degrees. Price - from 2000 to 2500 rubles.
- CE300 R31 043-J / Energomera. Single tariff meter with LCD display. Three phase voltage. The working temperature range is from -40 to +60 degrees. Accuracy class - 0.5-1. Cost - from 2100 to 4400 rubles.
- Mercury 231 AT-01 / Inotex. Universal model of multi-tariff meter. Three phase voltage. The temperature range of work is from -40 to +55 degrees. Support from 2 to 4 tariffs. First class accuracy. Price - from 2700 to 3220 rubles.
How to choose an electric meter?
The main indicators when choosing a remote meter are:
- Protection against environmental influences.
- The number of supported tariffs for paying for electricity.
- Number of phases.
- Power.
Counters are divided into two categories according to the number of tariffs - with the support of one or more. The classification by phases is similar - single-phase or three-phase models.
Induction metering devices are inferior to electric ones in resistance to temperature changes and other environmental influences.
The device placed on the street according to the PUE must be insulated. Modern models placed on the poles of electric meters with remote readings remain operational at low temperatures, but require protection from other factors. Operation must be carried out only in a sealed and dry place.
The design of the device affects the choice of box. Installed at low altitude, meters need a small window. Other models require free space to accommodate the modem. Metal necessarily grounded.
Individual consumption and building dimensions affect the number of phases. For a small house, one is enough, for large buildings of several floors - three. Meters with three phases must be correctly connected to a common network for even load distribution.
The method of attachment and the date of the last inspection of the device are specified before installation. Most often, the meters are mounted using a DIN rail. The date of the last check for a single-phase model is no more than two years ago, for a three-phase model - no more than a year.
The installation and connection of the meter
After agreeing on the procedure for connecting the meter, the company of the electricity supplier sends a qualified specialist who installs the device. Self-assembly is possible only with safety precautions and written permission.
Installation of an electric meter with remote reading begins with the submission of an application. The electricity supplier company prepares a package of documents, including an installation certificate and an agreement with the user. The papers must indicate:
- Type of device, number of supported tariffs and phases.
- Input protection device.
- Wire length and cross-sectional area.
- The name of the box.
Installation of the device is carried out only after the issuance of technical documentation to the consumer. During installation, the following factors are observed:
- Installation of equipment is carried out when the power supply is disconnected.
- The maximum height of the device is 1700 millimeters, the minimum is 400 millimeters.
- To protect the meter from the effects of low temperatures, a box with heating is installed. The optimum temperature for the effective functioning of the device is from 0 to 20 degrees.
- The input circuit is connected first to the circuit breaker, then to the meter.
- Metal cases require grounding.
- An output circuit is connected to the input circuit breaker.
- The minimum distance between the water, gas and electricity lines is one meter.
- Before the operation of the power supply network, a trial run is carried out.
The document for the right to use the meter is executed after the installation of the electric meter. The consumer draws up an application and sends it to the office of the supplier company. The paper indicates:
- Initials of the applicant.
- Contract number.
- Contact phone number and home address.
- Date of registration, signature and decryption of the user's signature.
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Conclusion
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