In the present scenario, the use of advanced technologies such as digital metering and use of IT in metering has become extremely necessary to achieve greater efficiency. Theft reduction lessens AT & C losses and improves revenue collection. The utilities and planners should now focus on the best use of IT Technology to develop a complete 'smart' system, which is capable of offering long term benefits and comprehensive solutions in addition to theft reduction.
Fundamentally Information Technology is a means of creating, transmitting, analyzing and storing information. The use of IT in Metering started with the advent of Static (Electronic) Energy meters. These microprocessor based meters offered programmability which enabled the meter manufacturers to incorporate various features like Tamper data, Import-Export metering, Time of day metering, load pattern analysis. The meters are communicable and various data can be gathered through communication Port (Optical Port).
The advancement in Electronics and IT has enabled the utilities in transmitting information over the power lines using Power line carrier communications (PLCC). Other networking options such as low power or high power radio telephone lines, mobile communication (GSM) along with modems for telemetering (Remote Metering) have also been used.
Currently, a mix of the following types of meters may be in use:
With the introduction of 'New Availability based tariff', the Company's aim will now be to develop a low cost fully intelligent smart meter, through which in addition to Automatic meter reading, load and voltage monitoring could also be done remotely. It is proposed that the latest IT technology may be employed by using the required modem and proper communication links for easy metering, billing and payment of remotely scattered retail customers, like communication towers, repeater stations, branches of Banks, railway stations etc.. This streamlined solution will reduce the time and cost associated with billing and payment of customers with large number of sites. All bills will be generated at one place and sent to concerned organization's paying centres. This arrangement will benefit the utility as well as the concerned institutions.
Full digital and PLC meter System architecture
M2M CYBERNETICS PRIVATE LIMITED – Proposed Solution
Solution for electromechanical meters