The technique of automatic metering of the electrical power consumed by consumers is constantly being improved. An electric power meter with remote reading is one of the latest technical means to fully automate this process. The person responsible for the metering of electrical energy can only record changes in the readings of the control device, being at a control center remote from the facility.
Principle of operation
An electric meter with remote reading is a special design device placed in the lead-in cabinet or on the high-voltage line of the entrance to the house. With its help, it is possible to organize the accounting of data on consumed energy via the Internet. The software installed in advance in the device allows reading and sending the necessary information to the servers of the energy company responsible for supplying electricity to the consumer.
With the help of such devices, it is possible to automatically monitor and correct the accounting process, which significantly affects its effectiveness. The principle of operation of the meter on wires is easiest to understand if you familiarize yourself with the functionality of the electronic components built into it.
You should start with a microcontroller, which performs the following functions:
- processing of credentials;
- bringing the information received to the desired form;
- its output to the LCD display;
- receiving and processing control commands.
In addition, the automated accounting system includes a well-oiled interface and a special converter that presents information in digital form. With such a composition of technical means, the new electricity meters on the poles with remote reading are very effective. With their help, it is possible not only to organize the transfer of data to the electricity supplier, but also to constantly monitor the state of the power grid.
A number of modern models allow you to regulate the level of consumption in a specific sector of a common line. If the permissible value is exceeded, they can automatically stop the metering process by completely disconnecting the meter from the input cable. For these purposes, a special contactor is provided as part of the control equipment, which blocks the supply of energy when the limit is exceeded, or in the absence of data on prepayment.
Application features
When considering the features of remote meters, it is noted that information that is inaccessible to conventional metering devices is provided at the disposal of the energy company. Their use is characterized by advanced functionality that allows you to implement the following features:
- presentation of information in a multi-tariff format;
- remote control of individual consumers (with the possibility of switching them);
- communication with the client through the exchange of notifications.
Added to this is the ability to analyze the information provided to improve the performance of the control equipment.
Advantages and disadvantages
Due to the use of devices of the class under consideration, it is possible to achieve certain advantages, which are manifested in the following:
- all disagreements and disputes between the supplier and the energy consumer are settled without much difficulty;
- the data stored in the electronic memory of the system can always be presented to the user in documentary form with a printout of consumption by days of the week;
- the admissibility of using different payment rates;
- the ability to take readings from devices installed, for example, in a rented apartment.
The accounting principle used avoids unfair rounding in favor of energy supply companies and inadvertent or deliberate deception of the consumer.
When installing such devices, it is allowed to install them in a home management system called "smart home". The use of remote control increases the safety of operation of accounting equipment, since it allows you to do without direct contact with it.
The disadvantages of automatic metering systems include high cost, as well as the need to protect (shield) communication lines from the effects of electromagnetic interference. In addition, when located on street poles, you have to take special measures to protect against atmospheric precipitation.
Varieties of automated devices and electricity metering systems
When considering this issue, it is possible to find out which types of meters are installed on poles and which ones are not, and also to get acquainted with the existing types of devices. One of the options for such devices is an electric meter on a pole with a remote control that allows you to control operating modes, take readings and display them on the built-in display. The range of remote communication is very small and is no more than ten meters.
Another version of this device involves the transmission of information to the dispatching console directly via the power cable (not via the Internet). This method can also be used when installing an electric meter inside an apartment or private house. In some samples of devices for remote readings, the option of "transferring" information over a radio channel operating over considerable distances is provided. If it is required to transmit it over short distances, typical infrared communication lines (IRDA) are used.
Features of installation and connection
The procedure for installing electric meters on a pole with a remote control, for example, is determined by the current standards. When organizing and carrying out these events, the following requirements of the installation instructions are adhered to:
- before installing an electric meter on a street pole, they are first determined with a specific location for it;
- according to the PUE, it is allowed to be located at a certain distance from the ground, in protected areas - at a height of about 0.8-1.7 meters;
- in open, freely accessible places, such meters are installed at a height of 3 meters or more.
The latter installation option is coordinated with the accounting service, which periodically audits such devices.
The disadvantages of the high-rise location of the meter include inconvenient maintenance, possible repair and replacement in the event of a breakdown. To facilitate monitoring the status of the electricity meter in the evening, a separate light source (a spotlight, for example) will be required.
Work on the installation of a street meter is carried out in the following sequence:
- Disconnect the introductory air line, which is allowed to be done only by agreement with the representatives of "Energosbyt".
- They move on to connecting a street electricity meter. A general circuit breaker must be installed in front of it.
- An earthing is arranged to ensure protection of the line and the devices connected to it in an emergency.
- Linear machines are connected to the meter, through which the power supply is wired to the premises of a private house.
Each of the indicated stages is carried out taking into account the recommendations and requirements of the current standards.
Upon completion of the installation work, Energosbyt employees are invited to seal the meter and register it.
Overview of manufacturers and prices for some models
Models of electricity meters with remote reading differ in their circuitry and functionality. These differences are clearly visible when considering samples produced by specific manufacturers of accounting equipment.
The NP523 counter is a multifunctional intelligent device that is part of the AIIS KUE "Matrix". Designed for outdoor installation, in which the device is turned on at the entrance to the house through a circuit breaker. Its cost is from 5 thousand rubles.
Electronic products include columnar Kvant electric meters with a remote control, which are widely used as components of household automated accounting systems. One of the models included in the series - ST2000-10 - allows you to measure not only the active, but also the reactive component of electricity in typical three-phase networks, consumed in both directions. Its cost ranges from 10 to 11 thousand rubles. These devices provide a multi-tariff reading mode.
Another example of such equipment is the NP71E.2-1-5 single-phase SPLIT meter, which costs from 9 thousand rubles. This model is presented in the street version and is hung in the break of the input cable next to the outlet support. The meter is attached directly to the self-supporting insulated wire, which significantly reduces the installation costs of the equipment serving this line.
