Automated Meter Reading System
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Automatic meter reading (AMR) technology automatically collects utility meter data and transfers it to utility providers. AMR was first developed in the 1970s and allows near real-time meter readings to replace estimated billing. It provides benefits like more accurate billing and easier detection of tampering or leaks but also risks increased monitoring and reduced privacy. Common AMR methods include touch pads, radio frequency networks, mobile drives, and satellite transmitters.
Automated Meter Reading System
- 2. 1) Introduction 2) History 3) Advance AMR 4) Block Diagram 5) Advantages of AMR 6) Disadvantages of AMR 7) Technologies in AMR CONTENTS
- 3. INTRODUCTION Automatic meter reading, or AMR, is the technology of automatically collecting consumption, diagnostic, and status data from water meter or energy metering devices (gas, electric) and transferring that data to a central database for billing, troubleshooting, and analyzing. This technology mainly saves utility providers the expense of periodic trips to each physical location to read a meter. Another advantage is that billing can be based on near real-time consumption rather than on estimates based on past or predicted consumption.
- 4. HISTORY In 1972, a sensor monitoring system which used digital transmission for security, fire and medical alarm systems as well as meter reading capabilities for all utilities was developed. In 1977, the first fully automated, commercially available remote meter reading and load management system was developed. The primary driver for the automation of meter reading is not to reduce labor costs, but to obtain data that is difficult to obtain.
- 5. Advanced AMR Originally AMR devices just collected meter readings electronically and matched them with accounts. As technology has advanced, additional data could then be captured, stored, and transmitted to the main computer, and often the metering devices could be controlled remotely. This can include events alarms such as tamper, leak detection, low battery, or reverse flow.
- 6. Block Diagram of AMR
- 7. Advantages of AMR Accurate meter reading, no more estimates Improved billing Accurate profile classes and measurement classes, true costs applied Improved security and tamper detection for equipment Less financial burden correcting mistakes Less accrued expenditure Transparency of “cost to read” metering In cases of shortages, utility will be able to manage/allocate supply.
- 8. Disadvantages of AMR Utility can possibly control amount allocated to users. Risk of loss of privacy - details of use reveal information about user activities. Greater potential for monitoring by other/unauthorized third parties. Potentially reduced reliability (more complicated meters, more potential for interference by third parties). Increased security risks from network or remote access
- 9. Technologies in AMR Touch technology With touch-based AMR, a meter reader carries a handheld computer or data collection device with a wand or probe. The device automatically collects the readings from a meter by touching or placing the read probe in close proximity to a reading coil enclosed in the touchpad. The software in the device matches the serial number to one in the route database, and saves the meter reading for later download to a billing or data collection computer.
- 10. AMR Hosting AMR Hosting is a back-office solution which allows a user to track his/her electricity, water, or gas consumption over the Internet. All data is collected in near real-time, and is stored in a database by data acquisition software. The user can view the data via a web application, and can analyze the data using various online analysis tools such as charting load profiles, analyzing tariff components, and verify his/her utility bill. Technologies in AMR
- 11. Radio frequency network RF -based meter reading usually eliminates the need for the meter reader to enter the property or home, or to locate and open an underground meter pit. The utility saves money by increased of reading, has less liability from entering private property, and has fewer missed readings from being unable to access the meter. The technology based on RF is not readily accepted everywhere. Technologies in AMR
- 12. Technologies in AMR Handheld In handheld AMR, a meter reader carries a handheld computer with a built-in or attached receiver/transceiver (radio frequency or touch) to collect meter readings from an AMR capable meter. Handheld computers may also be used to manually enter readings which will not support data which can be accurately read using the meter reading electronically.
- 13. Mobile Mobile or "drive-by" meter reading is where a reading device is installed in a vehicle. The meter reader drives the vehicle while reading device automatically collects the meter readings. It has reading equipment like navigational and mapping features provided by GPS and mapping software. Technologies in AMR
- 14. Technologies in AMR Satellite Satellite transmitters can be installed in the field next to existing meters. The satellite AMR devices communicates with the meter for readings, and then sends those readings over a fixed or mobile satellite network.