ETTC'2003 - SEE

BACK
ETCC'2003 European Test and Telemetry Conference
RF communication in a system for remote meter reading
Vojteh Mocnik
Iskraemeco, d.d.
Savska loka 4
4000 Kranj
Slovenia
mocnik@rd.iskraemeco.si
tel: +386-4-2064622
Abstract: A paper provides a partial overview of the utilities response to deregulation and liberalization
process in Europe and worldwide. Deregulation on the energy market accelerates evaluation of a new
measuring and controlling devices as well as some new communication technologies that are applicable
in telemetry systems for remote meter reading and some DA/DSM functions. Special focus has been put
on a systems for automated meter reading and parameterization (AMR) for residential customers
(electricity, gas, water and heat) as well as on a communication techniques that use a radio
communication link in ISM band, both 433MHz and 868MHz band.
Beside description of devices and used communication techniques, applicable on RF based AMR
system, a paper provide also a case study on a test trial that is running on several locations in Slovenia
and that incorporate remote meter reading and parameterizing electricity, water and gas meters. A case
study brings some analyses of suitability to use RF communication network for an AMR system. Some
questions
Designed and used RF technique is using an RF transceiver with the highest speed of 9600bps in
433.82MHz band and is integrated inside electricity meter (as a device in a measuring place at a
customers place) and inside HTU as a MASTER unit (as walk by method of remote meter reading) or
inside local data concentrator (as a method for remote meter reading with fixed RF communication
network). RF communication is running inside RADIAN protocol.
Key words: AMR system, RF communication, RF modem, electricity meter, fixed communication
network, RF hand terminal unit, RADIAN protocol
1. Introduction
The process of global deregulation in the energy (including telecom) market is a logical step
following privatisation and as such will make electricity as far more marketable commodity.
Suppliers will face a more demanding and times fickle customer base than ever before. As
every else on the commodity market, some suppliers will suffer, some will succeed. And those,
the last one, will have the potential to go on to become market leaders in the global energy
industry. And, as the situation can be still more complicated, deregulation is running also on the
telecommunication market. Some utilities (or part of them) see their business chance to become
a telecom operator. As a such, deregulation gives a big push not just for new metering
technologies, but also for the communication, information technologies and organization
solutions.
Manufacturers of energy measurement and controlling devices tend to address many of the
critical areas facing electric, gas and water utilities. As a result of greater public attention,
stronger competition and increasing regulatory demand for greater efficiency, the utilities of all
types face growing pressures to improve operations by reducing costs and enhancing quality of
service. The utilities are, besides other solutions, looking for AMR (Automatic Meter Reading)
systems to achieve these goals. Different communication networks on different communication
media will allow the utilities to communicate with and control their systems as well as to provide
a full range of remote data management capabilities and communication options. They may
also enhance the feasibility of outsourcing various functions to third parties. In addition, as
solely AMR system sometimes just appeals for economic justification, it can provide a platform
for the utilities to offer expanded services, such as providing meter reading services to multiple