It is a constant challenge to optimize power distribution and transmission operations over vast territories. Power suppliers need to monitor power usage and aggregate the data for analysis power generation, distribution and transmission. Automated meter reading has been an important tool to help power industries monitor obtain usage data more effectively. When monitoring large areas, long range wireless transmission is often employed as the communication media, such as satellite, GPRS, WCDMA, or microwave transmission.
Requirements
A client's automatic meter reading system relied on a current transformer and meter to measure electricity usage. The system was installed in remote locations where maintenance and associated costs were a big concern. The client intented to use long range wireless communication for increased monitoring efficiency.
However, narrow bandwidth and high bandwidth costs made it impossible to use traditional data polling methods over the long range wireless network. The lack of stability in communication was another major concern. The client required that the system be able to monitor its own connection status and reboot itself if the connection fails.
| Project Implementation |
| ioLogik E2212 |
Active Ethernet
I/O with 8 digital inputs, 8 digital outputs, and
4 configurable DIO |
Solution
The meter's pulse output was connected to a digital input on ioLogik E2212. The ioLogik's counter function was used to count and aggregate the meter data, and active messaging was used to provide the central site with the latest update in meter data. The ioLogik's watchdog timer was used to monitor connection status. If communication failed, the ioLogik would trigger an external relay timer that shut the system down for 5 minutes and restarted the system again.
An added benefit for the client was the ioLogik's easily programmed Click&Go logic. With Click&Go logic, programming time was reduced from days to minutes, resulting in faster deployment and lower maintenance costs.
Benefits
- Pro-active reporting of meter count values, ideal for low bandwidth environments
- Watchdog timer to monitor connection failure and reboot the system
- Remote management interface with system configuration update
- Click&Go Logic for reduced setup time
Inside the Unit
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