Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G01D4/00—Tariff metering apparatus
  • G01D4/002—Remote reading of utility meters
  • G01D4/004—Remote reading of utility meters to a fixed location
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
  • Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
  • Y04S20/00—Management or operation of end-user stationary applications or the last stages of power distribution; Controlling, monitoring or operating thereof
  • Y04S20/30—Smart metering, e.g. specially adapted for remote reading

Definitions

• the present invention relates to intelligent automatic meter reading system for collecting and managing data from metering devices
• the power corporations collate the meter information either manually or with a conventional meter reading device called CMRI and send the data to the billing department once in a month or at periodic intervals. This is a manpower intensive process and requires huge resources and time. If there is any tampering or theft the DISCOM (Distribution Companies) incurs further loss.
• the need of the hour is a system, which can be integrated with the energy meter and relay the metered data to base station, is called as the automatic meter reading or remote meter reading. This system is tamper proof and functions smoothly 24/7 without any interruptions
• Intelligent automatic meter reading system for collecting and managing data from metering devices which comprises: two main modules i.e., CPU and GSM modern module, CPU module being powered with an ARM7 core controller (LPC2214), the microcontroller has two internal UARTs (compatible with 16C550) that are utilized for connecting a serial GSM modem and an Electronic TVM, the firmware is built such a way, that the controller reads the meter instantaneous parameters at regular intervals and analyzes the data for any abnormal conditions, in case an abnormality is found, the controller further checks for some more time for the existence of the same abnormality and after the fixed time is lapsed, it sends an SMS message to the base station about the abnormality with the snapshot of the instantaneous parameters, the unit having a large memory space to store additional data such as billing parameters and load survey, the data is being sent to the base station from time to time in the form of SMS and different reports are generated and presented at the base station for a proper analysis of load flow and power consumption.
• two main modules i.e.,
• the Intelligent automatic meter reading system for collecting and managing data from metering devices have another controller that controls the mode of operation of the main controller from execution mode to ISP mode and back from ISP mode to execution mode to facilitate programming of the main controller from a remote location
• Work stations are high end computers used for receiving, down loading meter data as well as executing the control functions, the quantity of work stations to be employed depends on the size of I-AMR implementation and frequency of data retrieval and each work station is attached two GSM modems with accessories
• GSM transceivers consists of two GSM modems (M l & M2/ M3 & M4) are attached with each work stations along with their accessories (Accessories like antenna and power supply) and LED indication panel for communication display, out of two modems, one will only receive the message and data i.e. only meant for incoming communication, other one will dispatch the commands for control function or e-directing the information to field officials cell phone i.e. only out going communication
• meter information displayed on work station screen immediately it goes to database which resides in the database server, the database is designed keeping all the requirement of utility, the database used for this purpose can be SQL or ORACLE.
• Intelligent automatic meter reading system for collecting and managing data from metering devices wherein it acts as an interface among data base server, web server and utility intranet, for any data transaction/display both web server and utility intranet system have to interact with the data base server through application server which is very important from security point view also
• Intelligent automatic meter reading system for collecting and managing data from metering devices, as described above wherein consumer may access their account that resides in the web server through internet and utility officials can access certain information up to a specific level, web applications are developed on J2EE platform, web-clients can be incorporated for using them from laptops through the internet giving the same functionality as if logged on to utility intranet giving the virtual access to authorized personnel.
• Intelligent automatic meter reading system for collecting and managing data from metering devices as described above wherein the utility intranet-clients will be directly served by the main system through leased-line with standby ISDN, through which it has access to all application including administrative/operative access and can be customized in as per the utility's need.
• Intelligent automatic meter reading system for collecting and managing data from metering devices as described above wherein it is provided for generating number of custom defined reports, analysis graphs etc and connected directly to the database server or through any terminal server depending on the type of security and data integrity need by utility.
• IAMR Intelligent Automatic Meter Reading
• GSM Global System for Mobile communications
• IAMR is a fast growing sector of the metering industry. Increasing the speed and accuracy with which meter readings can be taken is key to improve billing efficiency. Although there are a variety of industry definitions, IAMR generally is regarded as the reading of a utility meter by means that does not require physical access or visual inspection of the meter. IAMR consists of mainly ( Figure 1).
• ⁇ Power supply Intelligent AMR in which the data transfer from the remote meter to the base station is through SMS using GSM network.
• the query from the base station can be broadcasted to a group of meters, say, 70-100 numbers and the meters in turn respond to the query by sending the required parameters.
• the serial link can be either RS- 232/optical or RS-485.
• IAMR is the only true multi-vendor meter data management system for collecting and managing data from the complex metering devices typically used for large commercial and industrial customers.
• IAMR offers powerful data management and analysis tools that ensure data integrity and process consistency. Increase the accuracy and reliability of consumption and load data by establishing a single data repository with auditable validating, estimating and editing processes.
• Improve operational efficiencies through the automation of system process such as collecting data and delivering that data to stakeholders throughout the utility.
• Net working elements and UPS Requisite net-working and other protection facility can be incorporated based on utility's requirement, size of implementation and base station infrastructure
• Instantaneous parameters Three phase voltages, three phase line current, active current, reactive current, three phase power factor, average power factor, active power in KW, reactive power KVA Energy parameters KWh, KVAh, KVArh (lag), KVArh (lead), Angle P.F
• Intelligent AMR sends the data at predefined time interval by SMS.
• the frequency (time interval) at which IAMR sends data can be programmed from the base station such as the data retrieval frequency may be set at every 30 minutes or every 15 minutes i.e. any time interval. For example if the data retrieval frequency is set for every 30 minutes for all the meters, then IAMR fitted to these meters will start sending data to base station in every 30 minutes
• a specific time (fixed time) can be also set in addition to the retrieval frequency, so that IAMR will send that in that fixed time also, if the utility want to get data of all meters at 00.00 hrs, it can be achieved in this method.
• meter data can also be collected by generating a request by base station
• IAMR unit sends an instantaneous SMS message to the base station when someone opened the door of the box in which the meter is enclosed and also incase closing the door unless maintenance is enabled. Maintenance can be enabled or disabled only from the base station for maintenance works.
• Maintenance enable/disable For any official work purpose if the utility officials want to execute any sorts of maintenance activities; with respect to that, the maintenance enable function can be activated from base station so that IAMR will not send any message such as Door Open to the base station. Once the maintenance job is over, maintenance disable function can be activated from base station and after that IAMR will start checking for Door Open/Door close status
• IAIVIR detects tamper caused by the consumer and send tamper alerts in the form of SMS to the base station. Following are the sample types of tampers IAMR detects and sends the alerts to the base station.
• the IAMR sends SMS message regarding the occurrence and restoration of any of the above mentioned conditions.
• the persistence time for occurrence is 5 minutes and 3 minutes for restoration facility for setting the persistence time is provided from base station.
• the logics used for tamper conditions are programmable from the base station. These logics are used for deciding tamper condition. Tamper condition and logics vary from utility to utility. So provisions are kept in IAMR to incorporate the custom defined tamper types, conditions or logics as per the utility's requirement.
• Enabling/disabling of tamper through SMS Any specific tamper types can be disabled or enabled depending upon utility's need from base station it self by sending an SMS from it
• IAMR is designed such away that it can switch from SMS to DATA mode. If the utility want to download the complete 36/61 days of meter data can achieve it by dialing the. meter from base station through data call using meter specific dial-up software.
• Power failure detection (Optional): The unit detects the power failure condition and sends an SMS message when power failure occurs. Power failure restoration is also intimated after the power is restored Base station Operational Functionality
• the work stations loaded with custom built data acquisition & control software (base station software) and meter specific dial-up software act as base station has the following operational functionalities.
• report generation package Using report generation package a number of query and selection based reports can be generated or reports may be customer specific. Apart from that number of forms is also provided for entering relevant data into the database. Followings are few sample reports generated by report generation package:
• Load survey analysis report Load survey analysis reports are nothing but the graphical- representation of different electrical quantities with respect to time at a specific interval of time such as 15 minutes or 30 minutes which gives a clear picture of the load profile and consumption pattern of the consumer at any point of time. Load survey graphics can be drawn between the following as well as for custom defined need. • 3phase voltages Vs time in minutes
• This board is designed for reading digital electronic Tri-Vector Meter (TVM) of any make.
• TVM digital electronic Tri-Vector Meter
• the CPU module is powered with an ARM7 core controller (LPC2214) and The GSM module is powered with a WISMO Quik Q2403 Modem
• the ⁇ controller has two internal UARTs (compatible with 16C550) that are utilized for connecting a serial GSM modem and an Electronic TVM (Tri Vector Meter).
• the firmware is built such a way, that the controller reads the meter instantaneous parameters at regular intervals and analyzes the data for any abnormal conditions. Once an abnormality is found, the controller further checks for some more time for the existence of the same abnormality and after the fixed time is lapsed, it sends an SMS message to the base station about the abnormality with the snapshot of the instantaneous parameters.
• the unit has a large memory space to store additional data such as billing parameters and load survey. All this data is sent to the base station from time to time in the form of SMS and different reports are generated and presented at the base station for a proper analysis of load flow and power consumption.
• the unit has another controller that controls the mode of operation of the main controller from execution mode to ISP mode and back from ISP mode to execution mode to facilitate programming of the main controller from a remote location.
• the IAMR unit is an aluminium channel of dimensions 262mm x 60mm x 37mm.
• the box has two panels.
• the front panel has a 9-pin D-type female connector to connect the optical cable going to the meter and a DC jack to power the device.
• the rear panel consists of female SMA connector for connecting an antenna (OdBi or 3dBi), a 2 pin connector for connecting the door sensor, 5 LEDs and an opening for SIM card holder (Fig 3(a) and 3(b)).
• ADVANTAGES Reduces labour, lowers the cost and improves the productivity.
• IAMR will interact with the meter using optical port or as direct connection with cable using RS232 / RS485 serial ports.
• Communication to the base station It can be done using various options like GSM network - SMS and data calls, GPRS network, CDMA network, PSTN lines, radio modems, RF communications and PLCC.
• c. Built in intelligence for auto selection of the programs depending on the type and make of meter and sending in a common format to the base station.
• the system is capable of changing any firmware (if required during commissioning/operation as per the user) in the IAMR from the base station by using remote programming method. e.
• the IAMR unit has a power supply, which is Compact, slim SMPS power supply, capable to withstand wide input variation with 6 KV surge protection.
• the input supply can be 50 Hz, 1 10V/230V+/- 30%; and the power supply will operate in extreme conditions like 1 phase or 2 phase or neutral missing. The burden on the PTs will never exceed the limits at any time.
• Current consumption is less than 500 mA at power level 5 & peak current limited to 2A during transmission. h.
• the IAMR has Multiplexing faci lity to connect various meters to a single modem, where the meters are in the same vicinity, i. IAMR has facility for monthly billing generation automatically, at the end of the monthly billing data and send SMS to the individual consumers regarding their bill amount. j. IAMR system has facility to connect with the Web so that the consumers / distribution companies can view the required data using internet, any where. k. IAMR is certified for environmental tests by ETDC (an Indian government electronic test laboratory) as per standard IS 9000 (part 1) -
• Instantaneous parameters can be queried at any time.
• the meter data's can be retrieved from any authorised cell phone.
• SMS messages alert to the officers-in charge (cell number needs to be authorised).
• Unit is based on: 32 bit micro controller
• Modem section Type of modem GSM/GPRS (optional CDMA / RF / PLCC)
• GSM Modem have auto bauding facility - 300 TO 38,400 bps.
• L x B x h Length X Breadth X Height LED: Light emitting diode
• GSM Global system for mobile SIM: Subscriber interface module
• GPRS General packet radio service Kbps: Kilo bits per second CDMA: Code division multiple access RF: Radio Frequency PLCC: Power line carrier communication
• EEPROM Electrically erasable programmable read only memory RAM: Random access memory KB: Kilo Bytes
• MB Mega Bytes PTs: Potential transformers bps: bits per second SMS: Short message service ETDC: Electronic Test & Development Centre
• PSTN Public Switching Telephone Network

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
• Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
• Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)

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• 2008
  • 2008-03-17 WO PCT/IN2008/000152 patent/WO2009013762A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2008-03-17 EP EP08751428A patent/EP2171401A1/de not_active Withdrawn

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