Working principle of remote meter reading for preventing paid electricity meters

The remote meter reading system for prepaid electricity meters works together through intelligent metering devices, communication systems, and backend management systems to achieve automatic collection, transmission, analysis, and prepaid management of electricity data. Its working principle and core process are as follows:

1、 System composition

Smart metering device (meter end)

Function: Real time collection of user electricity consumption data (such as current, voltage, power, electricity consumption, etc.), supporting prepaid logic control (such as automatic power outage due to arrears).

Technical features: Built in communication modules (such as NB IoT, GPRS, LoRa), supporting low-power, wide coverage remote data transmission; Part of the electricity meters have integrated power limiting functions to prevent overloading of electricity.

communication system

Transmission method:

Wireless communication: Upload meter data to the cloud or concentrator through IoT technologies such as NB IoT, GPRS, or LoRa networks.

Wired communication: using RS485 bus or power line carrier (PLC), suitable for centralized deployment scenarios.

Advantages: Wide coverage, high transmission stability, and adaptability to complex rural network environments.

background management system

Function:

Data processing: Verify and store electricity consumption data, generate electricity bills.

User management: supports online recharge, overdue warning, and remote power on/off control.

Abnormal monitoring: Real time analysis of electricity consumption data, triggering alarms when abnormalities (such as power theft or equipment failure) are detected.

Technical features: Adopting encrypted transmission and multiple identity authentication to ensure data security; Support threshold setting to achieve automated management.

2、 Core workflow

Data collection and transmission

The electricity meter collects real-time electricity data through built-in sensors, encrypts it through the communication module, and uploads it to the concentrator or cloud platform through wireless/wired networks.

Example: Rural community electricity meters use LoRa communication, with data uploaded every 15 minutes to ensure real-time performance.

Data Processing and Storage

The backend system verifies the received data (such as integrity checks and outlier filtering), stores it in the database, and provides support for electricity bill settlement and analysis.

Prepaid management

Recharge and Deduction: Users recharge online through mobile apps, web pages, or property terminals, and the system automatically updates the meter balance, deducting fees in real-time based on electricity consumption.

Arrears handling: When the balance is below the threshold, the system sends a text message reminder; After the balance is reset to zero, the electricity meter will automatically shut down, and power will be restored after the user recharges.

Overdraft mechanism: Some electricity meters support a small amount of overdraft to avoid sudden power outages affecting daily life.

Remote control and maintenance

Power on/off operation: Property or system administrators can remotely control the power on/off of the electricity meter through the backend, without the need for on-site operation.

Troubleshooting: The system monitors the status of the electricity meter in real-time, automatically alarms when faults are detected, and supports remote diagnosis and firmware upgrades.

3、 Technological advantages and application value

Improve management efficiency

Automated meter reading replaces manual on-site visits, reducing labor costs; Real time data monitoring reduces manual errors and improves data reliability.

Case: After deploying a prepaid remote meter reading system in a rural community, the meter reading efficiency increased by 90% and labor costs decreased by 60%.

Optimize user experience

Users can check their electricity consumption and balance at any time, and avoid power outages by recharging online; The system supports multi-user hierarchical management (such as tenants and property management) to meet the needs of complex scenarios.

Enhance the security of the power grid

Real time monitoring of electricity usage data, rapid identification of abnormal electricity usage behaviors (such as leakage and short circuits), and reduction of fire risks; The power limiting function protects electrical equipment and extends its service life.

Support smart cities and green energy conservation

System data provides a basis for power grid planning and optimizes power distribution; By combining AI technology, it is possible to predict user electricity demand and promote intelligent energy management.

4、 Typical application scenarios

Rural communities: solving the problem of difficult meter reading for dispersed users and reducing operating costs.

Residential communities: Support linked management of property fees, rent, and electricity bills to improve collection rates.

Industrial Park: Achieve high-capacity power distribution and monitoring to ensure production safety.

Public facilities such as streetlights and water pumps can be remotely controlled to reduce maintenance costs.