Problem:
Implementing AMR/AMI to monitor energy consumption in real-time
Solution:
A power meter manufacturer who works with smaller municipalities across the U.S. wanted to offer utility companies an easy-to-implement solution for AMR/AMI. To do this, the manufacturer designed an XBee 802.15.4 embedded module into its residential power meters. This 2.4 GHz radio module communicates to a ConnectPort X gateway that services 50 to 100 meters in a neighborhood or apartment complex. The ConnectPort X regularly communicates back to central monitoring center at the power company via a cellular connection, giving the power company accurate consumption data in real-time.
Part of Digi’s Drop-in Networking product family, the XBee and ConnectPort work together to allow utility companies to “drop-in” a customized wireless network in a cost-efficient, non-intrusive, and secure manner. This solution offers significant benefits to the utility company and customers:
- Utility companies may monitor energy consumption in real-time
- Significant savings in meter reading manpower, with less room for error in readings
- Timely information—daily vs. monthly
- Ability to remotely turn the meter on/off as residents move in or out
- Ability to pinpoint outages and eliminate service calls—3,500 calls were avoided in one month, saving $35 per call
With Digi’s Drop-in Networking solution, the power meter manufacturer is able to offer utility companies a convenient, cost-effective way to monitor energy consumption in real-time, as well as locate outages and remotely control the meters.
Now you can...
"Drop-in" a reliable AMR/AMI solution to monitor energy consumption in real-time, locate outages and remotely control power meters.
Solution: