Automatic meter reading is the technology for automatically collecting consumption, diagnostic, and status data from water meters or energy metering devices (gas, electricity) and transferring that data to a central database for billing, troubleshooting and analysis. This technology mainly saves the utility providers the expense of periodic trips to each physical location to read a meter. Another advantage is that billing can be based on consumption in real time and not on estimates based on past or planned consumption. This timely information along with the analysis can help both utilities and customers better control the use and production of electricity, gas consumption or water consumption. AMR technologies include handheld, mobile and network technologies based on telephony platforms (wired and wireless), radiofrequency (RF), or powerline transmission.
Touch technology
With touch AMR, a meter reader carries a handheld computer or a data collection device with a wand or probe. The device automatically picks up readings from a meter by touching or placing the reading probe near a reading coil included in the touch panel. When a button is pressed, the probe sends an interrogation signal to the touch module to pick up the meter reading. The device software matches the serial number in one of the route database and saves the meter reading for later download to a computer for billing or data collection. Since the meter reader still has to go to the meter site, this is sometimes called AMR "in situ". Another form of contact reader uses a standardized infrared port to transmit data. The protocols are standardized between manufacturers by ANSI C12.18 or IEC 61107.
Brief history
In 1972, Theodore George "Ted" Paraskevakos, while working with Boeing in Huntsville, Alabama, developed a sensor monitoring system that utilized digital transmission for security, fire, and medical alarm systems, as well as meter reading capabilities for all public services. This technology was a spin-off of the automatic telephone line identification system, now known as the caller ID. In 1974, Mr. Paraskevakos was awarded an US patent for this technology. In 1977, it launched Metretek, Inc., which developed and produced the first fully automated and commercially available remote charging and reading system. Since this system was developed before the Internet, Metretek used the IBM Mini-computer series 1. For this approach, Mr. Paraskevakos and Mr. Metretek received multiple patents. The main engine for automating meter reading is not to reduce labor costs, but to obtain data that is difficult to obtain. As an example, many water meters are installed in places that require the utility to schedule an appointment with the owner to gain access to the meter. In many areas, consumers have demanded that their monthly bill be based on an actual reading, rather than (for example) an estimated monthly usage based on only one current reading reading every 12 months. Early AMR systems often consisted of direct access AMR for residential customers and telephone AMR for commercial or industrial customers. What was once a need for data became a daily reading and even hourly meter reading. As a result, AMR sales have declined in the US, while sales of fixed networks have increased. The US Energy Policy Act of 2005 calls on power regulators to consider support for a "time-based schedule to enable the electric consumer to manage the use and cost of energy through technology Advanced measurement and communications ".
Benefits of Advanced Measurement
• Accurate reading of the meter, without further estimation
• Improved Billing
• Accurate measurement classes and classes of measurement
• Improved security and detection of equipment tampering
• Energy management through profile data graphs
• Less financial burden to correct errors
• Less accrued expense
• Transparency of the "reading cost"
• Increased purchasing power through more accurate data - "risk" price
• In cases of shortages, the utility will be able to manage / allocate the offer. Disadvantages of Advanced Measurement
• The utility can remotely shut down users.
• Loss of privacy - usage details reveal information about user activities
• Greater potential for supervision by unauthorized third parties / third parties
• Reduced reliability (more complicated meters, greater possibility of third party interference)
• Increased network security risks or remote access