RealSens™ datasheet here
Contents
1. N ML AO sn NM TM a a Realsens gt Advanced AN Metering Nr Infrastructure A System CONTENTS 13 17 18 19 20 About RealSens RealSens system architecture RealSens communication technology RealSens system components Attributes of the RealSens system RealSens technical specifications Installing the RealSens system Operation and maintenance of the RealSens system Associated products Certifications CE ISO SABS NRCS etc Safety amp Environmental Precautions ABOUT REALSENSTM RealSens is an Advanced Metering Infrastructure AMI system It is a robust metering communication and control system turning utility distribution infrastructure into smart grids by integration of remote meter data with conventional back office systems via a cloud based database This is achieved through its high tech low cost data acquisition and secure communication capabilities which is based on a bi directional license free ultra low power radio frequency mesh network integrated with GSM Fiber Optic or WI FI networks Meter readings with intervals as frequent as 1 minute normal settings V2 hourly hourly or daily read on demand time of use TOU and active leak monitoring are but a few features of RealSens Add to this the ability to control devices in the field from the comfort of your office as well as accessing your own2. Push button switches Left Comms Right Diag RealSens is certified by the South African National Regulator for Compulsory Standards NRCS 0 MIU Base with PC Board Data Sheet Advanced Metering Infrastructure System RS Repeater specifications RS Gateway specifications The RS Repeater is a battery operated small radio The RS Gateway is essentially a router that connects transceiver the purpose of which is to extend the mesh the RF mesh network to the GPRS GSM network network range e Powered by mains power or solar panel e Robust IP68 sealed housing designed to be e Manages SIM card and PIN code functions attached to a building or strapped to a pole e Automatically maintains connection to the GPRS e Replaceable battery gt 10 years lifespan under normal GSM network operating conditions e Maintains an open connection to the RS Server e 868MHz ISM frequency band e Monitors network status through a heartbeat system Provides diagnostic information by means of an onboard LCD display 868MHz ISM frequency band RS Gateway GSM unit showing RF and GSM antennas Mn w pa po bo tverr l RS Repeater showing fixing lugs for strapping or screwing fasteners RS Gateway GSM unit showing RF and GSM antennas RealSens is certified by the South African National Regulator for Compulsory Standards NRCS 1 RealSens Sync specifications RealSens Sync is the software that provides the walk
3. RealSens Metering Model CM 1 RealSens Metering 6 Model PD AP RealSens Metering Model PD A RealSens Metering Data Sheet Advanced Metering Infrastructure System CERTIFICATIONS RealSens device components are manufactured by ISO 9001 ISO 14000 or ISO 18000 registered companies RealSens devices are assembled in accordance with ISO 9001 ISO 14000 and ISO 18 000 standards RealSens devices emit electromagnetic pulses in the RF licence free frequency of 868MHz in compliance with ETS300 220 FCC part 15 and the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunication Administration CEPT Electronic Communications Committee ECC Regulation document ERC REC 70 03 for short range devices SRD Annex 3 for Local Area Networks Certification documents are available on request RealSens is already certified by the South African National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications NRCS to accurately download water consumption readings from the following types of meters Itron Model Aquadis Sensus Model 220C Elster Kent Model PSM and Elster Kent Model KSM System certification can be procured on demand for a large number of other meter types and sizes RealSens is certified by the South African National Regulator for Compulsory Standards NRCS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRECAUTIONS Number Aspect Activity Product Impact Significance Normal Conditions Significance Abnormal Conditions Servi
4. data on the Internet and you own a true AMI system RealSens was developed to meet the specific demands of water utilities which are generally more onerous than the technological and operational demands of electricity utilities where power and communications are readily available at the meter The demands of water utilities resulted in a specific technology choice and product design to deliver a long life battery operated system independent of an external power supply source incorporating a built in communication system that is low cost yet robust and reliable even in the harshest environmental conditions By meeting these demands RealSens can be classed as a fully multi utility system whether it is water gas electricity or renewables RealSens now offers smart grid capability at lower cost than first generation walk by and drive by technologies RealSens delivers truly intelligent remote metering and control capabilities that can be utilised for infrastructure management load shedding customer services regulatory reporting credit management time of use reports flow logging utility demand management distributed generation and a multitude of infrastructure and business planning functions that older or lesser technologies cannot deliver Under certain circumstances it is necessary to commence a metering automation process with a walk by drive by WBDB system for example such as when meters are not simult
5. pickups as this will ensure that the ongoing meter reading values on the RS MIU and RS Manager are correct All relevant information about the meter data channel MIU radio address GPS co ordinates property description etc should be captured through a job card system in order to ensure that the relevant data is imported into and maintained by RS Manager and RS DB A predetermined list of fields must be captured on the job card system in order for the fixed network to be built This information can later be used for fault finding and troubleshooting A post installation audit must be undertaken within a day to a week after installation timing dependent on the size and consumption of the meter to ensure that the meter readings as reflected in RS Manager correctly tracks with the meter readings on the face of the meter Examples of typical pulse pick up connections to domestic sized water meters RealSens is certified by the South African National Regulator for Compulsory Standards NRCS 15 Electricity F N amp WBDB installation For electricity meters the RS MIU data cable can be connected directly to the meter s output interface Furthermore if it is a programmable meter the meter would need to be re programmed with a meter scheme set up using the meter manufacturer s proprietary software Some meters need modifications done on the electronic board in order for the RS MIU to receive the output pulse Th
6. specifications Designed for reliability simplified low cost installation ultra low power usage and robustness Remote configuration and system operation from friendly user interfaces and cloud based database server Ultra low power and long range wireless technology with significant power advantages over other systems Real time bi directional communication capability allowing for the control of endpoint devices Easy network device setup using GIS technologies that can be carried out remotely RealSens does not restrict the number of endpoints that can be connected within a mesh network Long battery life with local life monitoring gt 10 years normal operation Narrow band RF communications Operates in 868 MHz ISM frequency major worldwide license free frequency The mesh network can accommodate up to 5 repeater hops ETS300 220 FCC part 15 compliance certification ready RF power output 32 mW 15 dBm for individual devices Programmable output power from 0 dBm to 15 dBm 32 mW 5 dBm steps Automatic Frequency Error Correction Sensitivity control can be manually set Adaptive Frequency Hopping Continuous phase 2 level FSK modulation using Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum FHSS techniques Receiver standby algorithms to reduce power consumption Various security algorithms available on request Quality of service management Fast RSSI detection Received Signal Strength I
7. Law amp Regulation Comments Significance Emergency Conditions Risk Operational Rating Procedure Reference Severity Frequency Rating s 0 None required ETS300 220 FCC Compliant ISM part 15 bandwidths below prescribed power output limits 32mW for 868MHz 0 None required European Compliant ISM Conference bandwidths below of Postal and prescribed power Telecommunication output limits Administration 32mW for 868MHz CEPT Electronic Communications Committee ECC Regulation document ERC REC 70 03 for Short range devices SRD Annex 3 for Local Area Network 1 Energy efficient South Africa production processes 1 Energy efficient South Africa amp UK production processes 3 Re use packaging UK materials Obviate the need for foil packagin by switching off RS MIU s and removing batteries from RS Repeaters during transport and storage in order to prevent battery run down due to accidental RF activation 3 End user business UK process 1 Logistics International companies business processes Timely orders and buffer stock to limit air transport RealSens is certified by the South African National Regulator for Compulsory Standards NRCS 2 RealSens vr Contact details OE SOUTH AFRICA UNITED KINGDOM Reonet Pty Ltd Reonet UK Ltd Unit 45 1010 Cambourne Business Park Thembi Place Office Park Cambourne Calderwood Road Cambri
8. U specification The RS MIU is a small battery operated radio transceiver designed to be situated at the meter and accept the pulse input from any AMR compliant meter Its function is to locally track and record the consumption pulses as well as monitor leak and tamper conditions e Monitors up to 4 pulse inputs e Tracks the index readings on a continuous basis e Records and stores up to 720 index readings FIFO data logging for later downloading Data logging takes place at specific times and intervals that are configurable enabling a snapshot look that allows for accurate consumption balancing calculations e Monitors consumption on an hourly basis and flags the presence of a residual leak conditions e Detects cable cut conditions e Provides diagnostic functions by means of 2 pushbuttons and 4 LEDs e Robust attractive low profile IP68 rated water proof enclosure e Replaceable batteries gt 10 yrs lifesoan under normal operating conditions e Withstand 600kg vertically induced load e No data loss when radio network goes down e 868 MHz ISM frequency band Ss Lo 7 HN WN 00000 1AA i o p T s0202030 9 U OO 3 le y RS MIU component schematic diagram RS MIU with top screwed on left and off right showing PC board with RF antenna and diagnostics buttons RS MIU underside showing four channel data cables Activate On Off switch Antenna MIU Radio address Light Emitting Diodes x4 LED s
9. and can be used in above or below ground applications Other variations such as the Touchpad System are also still employed at a smaller scale Drive by systems allow for more rapid meter reading than walk by systems resulting in a more efficient solution for meter reading and billing Utilising a similar meter and transceiver installation set up as with walk by the drive by system incorporates a more powertul vehicle based data collection transceiver Meter reading software normally includes a route management program creating a route for the meter reading vehicle to follow Later versions of WBDB systems can log meter readings at much smaller time intervals e g 2 hourly but is still only transmitted to a handheld receiver when it downloads the data from close proximity The RealSens version of WBDB does not require route planning software because it automatically links the meter GPS co ordinates to a unique radio address which in turn is assigned to the meter interface unit MIU the meter serial number and associated meter property and consumer details Second Generation AMR Second generation intelligent metering technologies make it possible to receive meter readings directly from the meter on an office computer eliminating any walk or drive by This is achieved by installing fixed radio networks or wired communication systems with the ability to upload meter readings at pre programmed intervals to data concentrato
10. and other parameters of the installed meters the correctness of the installation and the compatibility of the signal output facility to be connected to RealSens transceivers The audit process team can also provide independent advice to utility managers regarding the field tested performance of utility meters The utility company or its contractors should first replace and or reinstall all meters and devices that were found to be of inadequate standard quality or compatibility or incorrectly installed RealSens can be installed as either an RF F N mesh system or as an advanced WBDB system Installation procedures for the Meter Interface Units MIUs are exactly the same for the RF F N mesh system and the WBDB system The installation of the RF F N mesh system will be discussed below A comprehensive RealSens User Manual RSUM has been developed for installers operators maintenance staff and data management staff for the effective installation and management of the RealSens system An RSUM is available for all clients who wish to install and manage their own RealSens system The RealSens system is otherwise installed operated and maintained by licensed implementers such as Reonet The licensed implementers can also provide a suite of utility management services and solutions that are underpinned by the RealSens AMR system These services and solutions include 1 Meter data management services 2 Automated we
11. aneously available in a dense and contigious geographical area for connection to a remote metering system For situations like this RealSens is available as a super efficient WBDB system in which the need for complicated and expensive route planning software is not required This WBDB mode of RealSens can easily be transformed into a fixed mesh network system when the density of meters connected to the RealSens system justifies it The capabilities of RealSens make it an automatic choice as a tool for resource demand management Data previously not available to utility managers is now a push of a button away for prompt decision making reporting billing and planning RealSens unlike many other systems actually utilizes the bi directional communication capability in a similar way that SCADA supervisory control and data acquisition systems do This true bi directional communication capability and proven reliability under harsh environmental conditions make RealSens the leader in low cost smart grid solutions also for water utilities RealSens was developed over the past decade by paying careful consideration to customers needs A multi disciplinary team of specialists from the fields of water and power utilities electronics amp radio communications software development data management and business process design responded to these needs and following extensive technology research and field trial
12. b based utility billing 3 Automated web based utility reporting Meter audits Prior to installation of the RealSens system it is necessary to conduct a meter audit the purpose of which is to determine the following e The suitability of the installed meter is it AMR compatible is it of good quality and accuracy is it correctly installed is it serving the correct consumer etc e The communication modules of the meter this determines the type of data connection pulse or data the pulse weight no of outputs units of measure tariff applicable etc e The locality of the meter GPS co ordinates property Surveyor General details accessibility e Meter details size manufacturer model serial number meter reading current transformer sizes if applicable circuit breaker sizes programmable meter meter ownership etc All of the above mentioned data captured during the meter audit phase is imported into the RS Manager system RS MIU installation The RS MIU can be installed indoors outdoors below or above ground inside housings containing the meter or inside meter chambers with a concrete lid The RS MIU can have up to four channels with cables up to three metres long Each channel can connect to meters either by hardwiring into a meter s output terminals or to a pulse pickup inserted or attached When the RS MIU is installed all relevant data pertinent to that installation is captured on th
13. by drive by WBDB meter reading capabilities of the RealSens system RealSens RealSens Sync also assists with the installation and maintenance of the RealSens system e Runs on Windows Mobile 5 or later Provides all WBDB download functionality Establishes secure bi directional communication with nearby MIUs e Reads and validates meter index e Checks strength of radio signal e Checks and corrects pulse weight of meter pulse output e Synchronises MIU with meter reading e Performs system diagnostics e Provides system configuration tools e 868MHz ISM frequency band RS Manager specifications RS Manager is the software that drives the RealSens system It provides the tools for e Setup and configuration of devices on the network e Management of the RealSens system e Diagnostics and utilities e Collection of meter reading data and insertion into the cloud database e Database management Importing and processing WBDB meter reading data from RealSens Sync Weights and sizes Weights and dimensions of RealSens components Component Dimension and weight RS Probe RS Repeater RS Gateway Weight gm 10 430 198 200 Length mm 47 a Width mm a 38 24 Height mm 48 269 99 Diameter mm 5 100 2 Data Sheet Advanced Metering Infrastructure System INSTALLING THE REALSENS SYSTEM With RS Sync field auditors can verify the quality
14. ce Severity Frequency Rating Severity Frequency Rating 1 Electromagnetic Short range Health impact 0 RF Emissions small data packet transmission once daily between ultra low powered 32 mW RF transceivers in 868MHz bandwidth 2 Electromagnetic Short range Interference with 0 RF Emissionst small data packet other RF systems transmission once daily between ultra low powered 32 mW RF transceivers in 868MHz bandwidth 3 Electricity usage Battery powered RF Resource depletion transceiver devices RS MIU and RS Repeater entire manufacturing process 4 Electricity usage Mains powered Resource depletion 1 RS Gateway entire manufacturing process operational use small data packet transmission once daily over existing GSM networks 5 Product disposal Battery replacement Hazardous 3 product substances Health decommissioning of amp environment RF transceiver devices once every 10 years 6 Product disposal Packaging disposal Landfill pollution packaging in plastic bubble wrap and cardboard boxes of RF transceiver devices for transport and storage until installation and commissioning y Fuel Transport of small Fuel consumption 1 consumption light weight RF Resource depletion transmission devices maximum weight per device 200g aggregate weight 450g minimum weight 430g Data Sheet Advanced Metering Infrastructure System
15. dge Lonehill CB23 6DP Johannesburg United Kingdom South Africa Email infoGreonetuk com Tel 27 11 706 4564 Fax 27 11 706 2662 Email info reonet co za
16. e handheld device loaded with the installation software This includes data such as RS MIU unique radio address unique meter number GPS co ordinates and pulse weight Synchronisation of the actual meter reading to the RS MIU occurs at the final stage when the system is configured RealSens is certified by the South African National Regulator for Compulsory Standards NRCS 13 Variable determine on site 132mm dia hole augered ON Jo through concrete asphalt 110mm dia PVC pipe Gr with screw on endcap Steel lid Concrete Asphalt 20mm dia hole drilled and fitted with 15mm dia PVC duct Polystyrene Sand Data Cable threaded through duct 110mm dia PVC sleeve slotted into auger hole Above and below typical below ground meter well installation of an RS MIU inside a sealed 110 diameter PVC pipe with thermal insulation Data Sheet Advanced Metering Infrastructure System RS Repeater installation The RS Repeater is a range extender and an RF mesh network building component RS Repeaters should be installed at high points in the network area so as to offer the best transmission capability for signal coverage RS Repeaters are commonly attached to lamp posts telephone poles and flag poles or affixed to buildings RS Gateway installation The RS Gateway is the device that connects the RF mesh network to the GSM networ
17. e remainder of the installation procedures is essentially the same as for water meters Network building and configuring F N Once the relevant data from the job card fields have been inserted into RS Manager the RS MIU positions are plotted on a Google Earth background With the aid of the Google Earth tool the RF technician employs his knowledge of the site to set up the RF fixed mesh network topology In this scheme the RS Gateway is placed as close as possible to the geographical centre of the installed RS Repeaters and RS MIU s A sufficient number of RS Repeaters must be installed in close enough proximity to MIU s to ensure that adeguate signal strength is maintained between the devices It is important to note that only five repeater hops are available before the signal must enter the RS Gateway A predefined list of fields must be captured on the job card system in order for the fixed network to be built All RS MIUs and RS Repeaters are thereafter ready for configuration on the network A data SIM card supplied by a cellphone provider must be inserted into the RS Gateway and then activated whereafter it is provisioned on an APN network The RF power and sensitivity settings as well as a few other parameters must be set to ensure optimum communication It also includes the synchronisation of the actual meter reading with the RS MIU in order for the meter reading values in RS Base to be the same as those re
18. flected on the face of the meter Operation and maintenance of the RealSens system RealSens is operated differently when used as an RF F N mesh system as opposed to when it is used as a WBDB system The comprehensive RealSens User Manual RSUM describes how RealSens should be installed and operated in the two different modes A short summary is provided below Schematic diagram of the RealSens components in a fixed mesh network configuration showing five repeater hops Data Sheet Advanced Metering Infrastructure System OPERATION AND MAINTENCE OF THE REALSENS SYSTEM Operation and maintenance F N RS Sync software on a handheld mobile computing device or personal digital assistant PDA is used for many operational and maintenance functions Before RS Sync can be used on site for operation and maintenance the latest zone lookup file must be uploaded to the PDA Using the RS Sync software the following should be done daily Check the Collection attempt column for communication failures After six collection attempt failures a forced download on that device must be triggered to confirm if there is a communication error On a weekly basis it is neccassery to conduct a Operation and forced download using RS Sync on all MIUs This maintenance WBDB will download the necessary data records to provide a snapshot of the network communications and will RS Sync software on a PDA is used for many ident
19. ify devices that are not functioning properly at operational and maintenance functions Before RS Sync that moment can be used on site for operation and maintenance the latest zone lookup file must be uploaded to the PDA Using data from the actions described above a maintenance list of work orders can be produced Meter readers use RS Sync loaded onto their PDAs for maintenance teams to investigate and remedy to download meter readings from the MIUs connected communication errors to the meters When in close proximity to the meters and MIUs from 10m to 200m the PDA automatically establishes RF connection and downloads the meter reading data RS Sync needs to be set to Download and the GPS must be ON If certain MIU downloads fail the meter reader can force a retry to reread and download the data records If the MIU fails again a work order needs to be generated for such events and devices to be investigated and remedied When the meter reading route is complete or all MIUs have been downloaded the file with all the data records are imported into RS DB using RS Manager Maintenance procedures for both F N and WBDB regarding the MIUs are the same but F N will also include RS Repeater and RS Gateway repairs RealSens is certified by the South African National Regulator for Compulsory Standards NRCS a ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS RealSens Meter Data Management and Web based Reporting System Model MD AP
20. k in other words the RS Gateway acts as a GSM RF router RS Gateways are connected to a 12V DC 1 5 Amp power supply RS Gateways should always be installed indoors but when it has to be installed outdoors it should be enclosed in a water resistant enclosure with an IP rating of at least 65 Water F N and WBDB installation In order to install a RealSens MIU on a water meter information about the meter is required The meter manufacturer model size and type will dictate the type of pulse pickup to be used with the meter Pulse pickups can either be supplied by the meter manufacturer HRI Mei HRI RDO1 Actaris Cybels or from RealSens The RealSens pulse pickup RealSens Probe is a solid hall effect sensor no moving parts and is available for most mainline meters In some instances a computer and software are required for programming the meter manufacturer s pulse pickups The pulse pickup is connected to the RS MIU in accordance with the applicable manufacturer s connection diagram Placement of the RS MIU must be determined before it is connected so as to limit exposure to vandalism or the accidental damage of cabling and the RS MIU Once the RS MIU is installed its screw on lid needs to be removed and the unit needs to be switched on The RS MIU is now ready to be synchronised with the reading of the meter to which it is connected It is important to note the pulse weight of the different meters or pulse
21. mart listening and identification algorithms RF walk by drive by WBDB system RealSens can also be implemented as a walk by drive by WBDB system In this implementation only the RealSens meter interface units MIUs are required to be installed The WBDB system can later be expanded into a fixed mesh network simply by adding RealSens Repeaters and RealSens Gateway devices The RealSens WBDB implementation does not require route planning software because it automatically links the meter s GPS co ordinates to a unique radio address which in turn is assigned to the MIU the meter serial number and associated meter property and consumer details Meter readings are collected by a handheld portable device running the RealSens Sync software Computer screen image of typical F N topology a9 Data Sheet Advanced Metering Infrastructure System REALSENS SYSTEM COMPONENTS The RealSens RF system connects to meters or end point devices The metering data is transmitted to a cloud based database from where the data is available for back office systems that produce information and drive processes RealSens communicates with most utility meters and devices provided they are equipped with an output interface It is fully compatible with contact closure reed probes electronic or inductive pulse emitters or an industry standard 4 20 mA output The first and very important part of the s
22. ndicator provides signal strength for both directions of data communication at each hop WO 140143606 MIU connected to meter e Fully managed data packet routing algorithms allowing identification of failed segments of backbone etc Frequency switching at various positions on the RF Mesh network to avoid unnecessary waking up of unneeded devices thus ensuring longer battery life e Large number of deployment installation tools such as automatic network configuration based on GIS and live signal strength analysis RealSens is certified by the South African National Regulator for Compulsory Standards NRCS 7 RS Pulse specification The RS Pulse is an ultra low powered electronic switch that replaces less reliable mechanical reed switches RS Pulse makes use of electronic Hall Effect technology e Produces an accurate pulse count output through x Ys i intrinsic hysteresis that eliminates switch bounce e Suitable for connecting to most magnetic pulse meters e More robust less prone to damage during installation and operations e Accuracy not impaired by vibration and Pulse sensor and MIU temperature fluctuations e Sensor housing is equipped with interlocking guide to ensure optimal positioning for accurate pulse pickup 1 Data connector nodes for RS232 output RS Pulse Hall effect pulse pick up sensor Data Sheet Advanced Metering Infrastructure System RS MI
23. nt systems geographic information systems GISs in Google Earth maintenance systems or consumer information systems CISs RealSens is certified by the South African National Regulator for Compulsory Standards NRCS 6 ATTRIBUTES OF THE REALSENS SYSTEM e RealSens is highly suitable for connection to existing metering infrastructure that contains a large variety of meters of different sizes types and ages from different manufacturers e RealSens is proven to withstand the harsh outdoor environmental conditions at water utilities where it has been subjected to rigorous field tests e It offers smart grid capabilities for all utilities at a lower cost than most drive by AMR systems e lt is capable of measuring water gas electricity temperature and any industry standard 4 20mA signal e The four channel RS MIUs increase cost effectiveness mains powered 16 channel MIU is under development This would be a cost effective technology to connect to a large number of electricity meters in close proximity meter box and will be able to stream data for control purposes e The system is entirely driven through user friendly interface applications web based or workstation based linked directly to a cloud based database e RealSens uses the proprietary global utility management protocol GUMP The bi directional communication capability of RealSens allows it amongst other things to e Instruct individuall
24. on automatically or customer services on demand to utility managers for the management planning and control of the distribution infrastructure Smart Grids for water utilities were until recently not a viable proposition from a cost reliability and The term smart grid was initially coined for electricity technology availability point of view RealSens distribution infrastructure It specifically implies the now offers cost effective smart grid capabilities by capability to manage the load profile of the grid to integrating radio and GSM technology and it exploits better manage exception conditions Smart grids the full bi directional communication potential of this also provide powerful and rich information for grid systems architecture A powerful cloud based database expansion planning statutory reporting operational adds the final touches to a highly advanced system The RealSens system architecture is depicted in the figure below Sd i Data f Management System i ao EDMS i Third Party Me Utilit a e Network is i ERP he a Systems i 3 Endpoint Database 4 Customers Revenue Demand side z Planning S interface Management Management Maintenance Operations amp Design Reporting RealSens is certified by the South African National Regulator for Compulsory Standards NRCS 0 REALSENS COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY At present four categories of communication technologies domina
25. rs from where the readings are forwarded to management systems These systems are characterised by one way communication capability making read on demand impossible The communication media used for these systems include power line carrier with mixed success optic fibre radio and GSM data transmission Third Generation AMR to AMI The third generation intelligent metering was born out of recognition of the need for two way communication with utility meters to obtain special reads on demand and to perform limited control functions on utility devices These systems are referred to as Advanced Metering Infrastructure AMI systems The two way communication systems used for AMI systems also include power line frequency modulation optic fibres radio and GSM data transmission although the effective utilization of two way communication for large scale deployments remains a challenge for most system developers Fourth Generation AMI to RealSens Smart Grids transcend meter reading as it has been understood before Smart Grids refer to utility distribution infrastructure that is equipped with meters devices communication infrastructure and 2 NNN Data Sheet Advanced Metering Infrastructure System management systems which render the distribution improvement planning increasing operational grid intelligent This is achieved by providing real efficiencies and it offers a comprehensive suite of time or near real time informati
26. s the system was released The same team is still listening and responding to the customers needs which provides RealSens with its futuristic capabilities RealSens is distributed worldwide by Reonet RealSens is certified by the South African National Regulator for Compulsory Standards NRCS 0 REALSENSTM SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE First Generation AMR The first step towards intelligent metering was driven by the need to improve the numerous shortcomings in the traditional approach to utility meter reading The difficulties associated with access to meters occupational health and safety OHS issues inaccuracies inherent in manual meter reading the need for special reads and the cost associated therewith begged for the development of a more efficient system The first generation intelligent metering technologies were designed to overcome these specific difficulties which led to the development of walk by and drive by systems to supply one reading per meter per month just like the manual reading system Walk by and Drive by WBDB Metering Systems In WBDB systems meter readings are retrieved through a Radio Frequency transceiver usually in the 434 868 or 915 MHz ISM industrial scientific and medical frequency bandwidths which sends metering information wirelessly to a handheld unit while the meter reader walks down the road The RF transceiver at the meter is usually of a sealed for life construction
27. te the AMR AMI smart metering smart grid space The technologies are closely linked to the functionality of the system for example walk by and drive by systems employ short range radio frequency technologies whereas more modern AMR AMI and smart grids are based on integrated radio frequency RF mesh networks long range fixed RF networks or hard wired communication systems RF fixed mesh network RealSens employs the technology of an RF fixed mesh network that connects to pervasive communication systems such as GSM GPRS through the RealSens RF GSM Gateway device Unlike long range star configured fixed networks RF mesh networks employ ultra low power two way transceivers operating on shorter range licence free RF bands within the ranges 433MHz 868MHz or 915MHz also known as the industrial scientific and medical ISM frequency bands RealSens operates in the 868MHz bandwidth It provides all the functionality to operate as an AMI system but at lower cost than long range fixed networks and it overcomes some limitations of the long range star configured fixed radio networks For example integrated RF mesh networks do not require pre licensing or operational licensing It also does not pose any health hazards due to electromagnetic emissions thanks to the ultra low power output The RealSens communication protocols eliminate the risk of data loss Some of the communication protocols include frequency hopping and s
28. work The Gateway unit can wake up the selected MIU and communication path components from which data can be requested on demand The RS Gateway is housed in a rugged outdoors enclosure It requires an external power source which could include solar power and it is optionally equipped with a standby battery that will operate the unit independently in case of mains power failure RealSens Manager RS Manager is a powerful software suite that remotely configures and manages the entire radio mesh network RS Manager continually monitors the RealSens system behaviour and it automatically reports any system problems such as signal strength no reads at scheduled times tampering leaks on consumer properties or any other anomalous behaviour RS Manager automatically manages downloads at preset intervals The RealSens GSM Gateway transfers data to a cloud based database RS DB by establishing a direct connection to the server through an access point name APN via GSM GPRS Once connection is established to our cloud server data is transferred using the RealSens server which will then store each reading in the database This data can be either exported or imported to other systems through various file formats e g Excel CSV ASCII Text or direct database access These systems can be meter data management systems MDMSs billing systems reporting systems geographical views in Google Earth network manageme
29. y selected MIUs to log consumption data at different sample rates e Obtain special reads in real time e Remotely configure and maintain the integrated RF mesh network and remotely synchronise meter readings with the metering database e Close or open circuit breakers or shut and open valves thereby allowing a remote credit control capability either as prepaid or credit meter e Remotely control entire utility networks through closing and opening circuit breakers or isolating valves RealSens MIUs Repeaters and Gateway geographical locations and signal strength can be viewed with Google Earth RealSens provides for leak reporting at consumer meters based on customisable leak thresholds It has an easy secure web based user interface for viewing meter readings and for report creation RealSens Sync can be used for pre installation planning and post installation quality control through field audits or by providing real time meter index comparison capabilities RealSens is as suitable for multi utility sub metering in buildings as it is for remote rural utilities or very large urban utilities RealSens is highly scalable and is well suited to a phased implementation Mover over specific bar to see the value Date RealSens Meter Data Management and Web based Reporting System 09 Data Sheet Advanced Metering Infrastructure System REALSENSTM TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS General system
30. ystem is the meter and its data output capability to which the RealSens transceiver is connected In order to ensure that RealSens is connected to meters and sensors that are of adequate quality and compatibility a field audit process precedes the RealSens installation process To streamline and standardise the quality and effectiveness of the audit process the RealSens team developed productivity and quality management software which also supports system configuration and meter reading synchronisation The RealSens Sync software which was developed as an aid in this process is also used in the WBDB implementation of RealSens to collect meter reading data This software can be installed on most Windows mobile handheld devices RealSens Meter Interface Units RS MIU connect by data cable to the meter output interface Each MIU can accommodate up to four channels allowing four meters to be connected to one MIU RS MIUs are housed in half spherical enclosures that are rugged and waterproof to IP68 standard The RealSens Repeaters RS Repeater operate as range extenders and are designed so that they can be strapped to lampposts or fixed to flat vertical walls The long battery life and rugged construction makes the RS Repeater a maintenance free installation and its small profile renders it unobtrusive The RealSens GSM Gateway RS Gateway acts as a router between the RF mesh network and the GSM net
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