How to choose and correctly use an electric meter that transmits readings
These devices are installed in private and commercial facilities to simplify energy management, remote control of power supply and other functions. In some operating modes, the user will be able to reduce operating costs. How to take advantage of these benefits is outlined below. Also, there is information about the correct choice of an electric meter that transmits readings, taking into account the current market offers.
Correct application of modern control and accounting tools helps to save energy resources, time and money
The content of the article
- 1 Electric meter transmitting readings: basic definitions
- 2 Electricity meter device with automatic data transmission
- 3 Varieties of automated devices and electricity metering systems
- 4 Special methods of saving money
- 5 Market brief: prices, models, manufacturers
- 6 Video: the process of remotely obtaining data on consumed electricity
Electric meter transmitting readings: basic definitions
The technique of this category simplifies the transmission of information about the consumed energy resources. After installation and adjustment, electric meters with remote reading of readings independently perform the necessary measurements. Owners of modern equipment do not need to personally record data. In addition to increasing the level of comfort, they have additional features, which are described in the following sections of the article.
Power distribution company can reduce the number of checks
With accurate accounting, opportunities arise for the rational use of resources. Easier to optimize production and business processes. If we summarize the above facts, we can make the correct conclusion about reducing costs, increasing efficiency at all stages of the power supply system.
The functionality of electricity metering devices with remote reading
Individual devices and automated systems automatically perform measurements, process and store the information received.For transfer to destination, typical Internet mechanisms are used. If you choose a method of communication through the networks of mobile operators (GSM), you can provide a quick connection in a convenient place, exclude "binding" to a wired connection. In addition, a modern electricity meter with data transmission is able to provide additional conveniences and opportunities:
- Built-in electronics makes it easy to set up work with multiple tariff plans. Their application will help to use energy resources in a rational way.
- If necessary, you can disconnect the consumer from the power supply remotely.
- Information channels send notifications and messages to users of electricity meters transmitting readings.
- The use of such devices facilitates the creation of complex electronic accounting and control systems, software processing of information, data storage, and the fulfillment of contractual obligations.
Advantages and disadvantages of automatic data transfer by meters
The readings of old models of gauges have to be processed manually
Old technology implies regular personal user actions. Errors in records are not excluded, you have to carry out the calculation yourself. In some cases take readings on time is difficult or impossible.
Automatic transmission of electricity meter readings allows you to successfully solve not only the listed, but also other problems:
- errors associated with the "human factor" are excluded;
- a reliable database will be useful for quick and correct resolution of disputes;
- without loss of time and transportation costs, you can control the readings remotely: at the dacha, at home, while on holiday abroad, in the apartment with tenants.
Data via the Internet, you can receive a cash mobile device online
With appropriate equipment of the meter transmitting readings, remote control of the power supply is permissible. You can turn off the 220 V network if you suspect that the hob, other potentially hazardous equipment. Similarly, the heater / air conditioner is activated to create comfortable conditions in the apartment by a certain time.
The disadvantage is the possibility of disconnecting the debtor's apartment by the supply organization. It should also be noted the following "disadvantages" of an electric meter transmitting readings:
- high cost in comparison with the simplest devices of the old series;
- significant expenses for performing repair operations;
- dependence on the functional state of communication lines;
- the possibility of damage by strong voltage surges.
Electricity meter device with automatic data transmission
Typical Meter Components
The photo shows the economical liquid crystal display (1). To simplify reading of readings in the dark, it is supplemented with a built-in backlight. Nearby are control signaling devices for power supply, electric meter breakdowns. Here, a digital panel (2) is installed for entering data. To prevent unauthorized actions, the body fasteners are sealed in several places (3). In the lower part, terminals (4) are marked, through which the electricity meter is connected to the power supply circuit.
Also, control units with fewer buttons are used to navigate the menu in several directions and confirm the selected operation
Measurement technology
Electric meters transmitting readings are produced in modifications for two- and three-phase alternating current networks. The general principles of measurement are the same in both versions.However, in multiphase technology, special blocks are used to summarize the readings of several channels.
Electrical components that determine power consumption
For the measurement to be correct, the active and reactive components must be taken into account.
Relationship of currents and voltages
If we take a single-phase circuit as an example, we can note the constant current in all sections. However, the voltage varies not only with the magnitude and type of resistance. On the active (1) - the vectors coincide, on the reactive (2 and 3) - deviate. The figure shows the lead / lag in angle of the length of the inductive / capacitive load, respectively.
Note! Modern electricity meters record not only the total power, but also the components (active, reactive).
How does an electric meter with remote reading work?
Schematic diagram of an electronic meter
Simple solutions are used to quickly obtain data:
- voltage dividers,
- shunt current sensors.
In both versions, a signal with a small amplitude appears at the output, so appropriate amplifiers are used. After digitization, multiplication is performed. The filter removes interference, after which the signal is output to the display devices, processed for storage and transmission.
Scheme of a single-phase electric meter transmitting readings
Modern devices use transformers that amplify signals without the use of amplifiers. Once converted to digital form, they are sent to the microcontroller for further processing. It is performed in accordance with the algorithm specified by the specific software of the electricity meter. The initial information is accumulated in the built-in storage device, transmitted by blocks to remote consumers using wireless technologies.
The electronic relay is activated via the microcontroller with control signals. They are energized / disconnected from the power supply. If necessary, the data can be displayed on the electricity meter display. They are stored in memory with a "reference" in time, which simplifies control and analysis. The universal optical port indicated on the schematic diagram is the telemetry output of the meter. It is used to connect transmitting and other peripheral devices. Through it, changes are made to the settings, the basic software is updated.
Protective functions
A typical electric meter transmitting readings is sealed twice. The first level of protection is established by the manufacturer. It prevents opening of the case and access to functional blocks. In case of violation, the owner loses the official guarantees.
The second level prevents the inclusion of additional devices in the power circuit. These seals are installed by the employees of Energonadzor / supply company. In some models, built-in sensors are installed that record the opening of the seals. The corresponding actions are recorded automatically with a time stamp in the built-in memory. They are transmitted wirelessly using the protocol specified in the settings.
Modern electric meters transmitting readings are equipped with a special password access system with distribution by levels:
- The lowest, 4th, allows calibration and some other settings through the optical port.
- The second and third are used by employees of supervisory organizations.
- The first is provided to installers.
- Zero provides access to all functions of the electricity meter with the possibility of any changes in the database.
Varieties of automated devices and electricity metering systems
Remote reading of the electricity meter can be performed using different methods. Specialized blocks are connected to the optical port, corresponding to the parameters of the selected communication method. They are sometimes installed inside the same housing, along with other components of the meter.
Modern electricity meter with radio module
This solution is suitable for short distances. It should be noted that information can be lost in conditions of strong electromagnetic interference. Reinforcement of reinforced concrete products and other metal structures create obstacles to the propagation of waves in the appropriate range.
Diagram of the use of an electricity meter with a SIM card
This figure shows an example with a hub. This unit receives data from several measuring instruments. According to the established rules, they are regularly transmitted to the server. With the use of client software, the user can access the cloud to work with information.
The local communication channel is organized using radio modules. For long-distance transmission, a SIM card is used. It is installed in a standard block of a GSM electricity meter. This solution has good noise immunity.
You can also use the power supply itself for data collection and remote adjustment. A special modem (PLC type) is installed in the meter. It can be used stand-alone or in combination with a hub. In all variants, manufacturers offer specialized client software for utility operators, technical personnel, and users.
To provide transmission of electricity meter readings over relatively short distances, apply:
- Infrared communication lines (IRDA), operating at a distance of several meters of line of sight.
- Wi-Fi standard interface. It connects to the internet without any problems.
- In conditions of particularly strong electromagnetic interference, an Ethernet network with shielded wires is used.
Special methods of saving money
With a light touch, the owner of the "miracle technology" stops paying electricity bills
For the objectivity of the review, it is necessary to note similar models that are presented on the domestic market. With the help of the remote control, the user can turn off the meter completely or put it into "economical" mode with partial consideration of the consumed energy resources. The problem is solved using special programming of the built-in electronics.
Manufacturers assure that externally modified electricity meters transmitting readings are no different from serial counterparts. However, at the same time, they modestly forget about the "traces" in the software, which can reveal a thorough check. In ordinary electricity meters, it is not the readings that are turned off, but the circuit of the common power supply network. Such design changes are easy to identify.
It is clear that such "improvements" to the electricity meters transmitting readings are a violation of contractual obligations. The supplying organization has the right to take measures to identify violations, collect penalties with the application of the norms of the current legislation.
Market brief: prices, models, manufacturers
| Photo | Manufacturer / Model | Base / Maximum current, A | price, rub. | Notes, features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Energomera / CE102M R5 145-J | 5/60 | 1780- 2150 | Built-in battery, non-volatile protected memory, optical port, 4 tariffs. The power consumption of the device is no more than 0.8 W / h. |
 | Incotex / Mercury 201.22 | 5/60 | 2580- 2960 | Pulse type telemetry output, built-in PLC modem for data transmission over the power supply. |
 | Incotex / Mercury 203.2Т LBO | 5/60 | 5600- 6100 | The electricity meter provides metering of active and reactive electricity in the mode of up to 4 tariffs at the same time. Information storage - up to 4 years, event log, PLC modem. |
 | Energomera / CE201-S7 | 5/60 and 10/100 | 5900- 6300 | Multi-tariff microprocessor-based electricity meter. Information transmission: Ethernet, radio channel, PLC, RS-485, optical port. |
 | Incotex / Mercury 234 ARTM-02 | 5/60 | 15800- 16500 | Three-phase electricity meter transmitting readings. Replaceable modules: GSM / GPRS, PLC-II, Ethernet, RS-485. Backup power connection. |
 | Matrix / NP71E.1-10-1 | 5/80 | 6300- 7800 | Up to 6 tariffs, logging of accidents and events. Safety sensors: tamper, magnetic field, differential current. Built-in PLC modem. |
For the objectivity of the assessment, the official technical parameters from the manufacturers and the promotional materials of the sellers must be supplemented with the reviews of the owners.
Electricity meter Energomera / CE102M R5 145-J, transmitting readings, can be installed as standard for visual control checks. It is designed for operation in a wide temperature range: from +45 to + 70 ° C
Winiki, Moscow-Kropotkin: Advantages: Substantial savings are obtained. The main advantage of this electronic device is that it can count electricity in a two-tariff mode. At the same time, its total consumption is shown. Disadvantages: So far I have not noticed any shortcomings.More details on Otzovik: http://otzovik.com/review_1907841.html
For more information about electric meters transmitting readings, use the comments to the article. Here you can share your opinion about different models, your own experience in connecting and operating measuring devices in this category.
Related article:
Which electricity meter is better to put in an apartment. In the publication we will consider the types of devices, the criteria for choosing the right choice, installation and service life requirements, an overview of models and manufacturers.
Video: the process of remotely obtaining data on consumed electricity
Loading... See also:
How to choose LED bulbs for your home: basic criteria 
DIY saving: repairing LED lamps 
Which electricity meter is better to put in an apartment - expert advice 
How to take readings from an electricity meter, what to look for and how to calculate tariff payments 
Cable power table by section for different voltage classes and installation methods 
External retro wiring - design and technical features
