How does a smart energy meter achieve remote meter reading?

The implementation of remote meter reading for smart energy meters is mainly based on the Internet of Things and remote communication technology, which is completed through data collection, transmission, processing and other links. The following is a specific introduction:

data acquisition

smart energy meters have built-in sensors that can collect real-time data such as current and voltage, which are the basis for remote meter reading. At the same time, the smart energy meter has a built-in communication module that is responsible for sending the collected data out.

data transmission

smart energy meters transmit the collected data to remote servers or monitoring centers through various methods. The common data transmission methods are as follows:

RS485 meter reading solution: generally used for large and medium-sized engineering buildings, connected to network intelligent meters through 485 bus, collecting equipment connected to 485 bus, and then connected to TCP/IP network cable to directly upload to the meter reading server. This method is more cost-effective in terms of hardware, but on-site construction is more complicated as each meter must be connected to an RS485 communication line.

Power line carrier meter reading scheme: Utilizing existing power lines, analog or digital signals are transmitted at high speed through carrier mode. The carrier meter transmits data to the carrier concentrator, which then uploads the data to the main station meter reading system software through GPRS/CDMA wireless network. This method does not require re setting up the network and is convenient for construction, but it requires clear coverage of the substation area, otherwise it is prone to errors.

NB IoT wireless network meter reading solution: smart energy meters directly upload data to servers through NB IoT wireless communication networks. This method does not require wiring and is suitable for application environments where owners are dispersed and far apart, requiring high real-time data requirements, such as mineral factories, enterprise factories with large workshop distances, standalone villas, apartments, etc.

LoRa meter reading solution: suitable for dispersed installation environments such as commercial areas, factories, industrial parks, etc. The LoRa meter is connected to the apartment WiFi and uploaded to the server, and can also upload data to the cloud server through the LoRa concentrator. Its signal penetration is strong and its transmission anti-interference ability is strong.

GPRS meter reading method: It consists of an electricity meter, a GPRS collector, and a central server. The collector collects real-time electricity consumption data from users, collects the data on the system platform through GPRS network, and issues commands from the system platform to complete the meter reading process.

remote data processing

After receiving the data sent by the electricity meter, the remote server will process and analyze the data, store the read data in the database, and perform corresponding measurement and statistics.

User query and management

Users can query real-time electricity usage, historical data, and billing information through online or mobile apps. Management personnel can monitor the electricity consumption of a large number of meters through remote platforms, conduct load analysis and energy dispatch.