Meter, Meter Reading Instrument (MRI) and Base
Computer Software for Meter Data
Management (MDM)
Vivek Pathak
11/10/2010 2
Technologies have evolved
over a period of time
Conventional meters
• Meters conventionally measured a single quantity
– kWh
– kVArh
– kVAh
• Meters were used for commercial purpose, (record
consumption and bill to consumer)
11/10/2010MDI PSEB 28th January 20094 4
This was the meter in good old days
This was the meter in good old days
The modern meter
has evolved over
time
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They give much more than energy
“readings”
…they churn out a lot of
data
Today’s
meters are
data loggers
Today’s
meters are
data loggers
Each meter can log a lot of
data
Each meter can log a lot of
data
Data is useful, only if it is
purpose oriented
Data is useful, only if it is
purpose oriented
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Yesterday
• Single parameter (kWh)
• Single reading
• Manual reading
– Error prone• Manual computation
• Multiple parameters
• Multiple readings (load
survey)
• Electronic reading
– Less error prone
• Computers aid
computations
Today
Error prone again!
Advantages of electronic meters
• More accurate than electromechanical meters
They are data loggers & log time stamped data
They are data loggers & log time stamped data
They are read electronically & human errors eliminated They are read electronically & human errors eliminated Remote reading is possible (LPR, PSTN, GSM, GPRS)
Remote reading is possible (LPR, PSTN, GSM, GPRS)
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Yesterday, with electro
mechanical meters
Yesterday, with electro
mechanical meters
Manual reading Manual reading
Consumption determined locally Consumption determined locally
Today, with modern
electronic meters
Today, with modern
electronic meters
Read electronically, not from display
Read electronically, not from display
Consumption determined from computer, far away from meter Consumption determined from computer, far away from meter Software (BCS) needed for data extraction
Software (BCS) needed for data extraction
Complicated tariffs Complicated tariffs
This only extracts data from the meter
This only extracts data from the meter
Metering system software
meter has a large
amount of data, not
practical to read using
display, better to read
Electronically
meter has a large
amount of data, not
practical to read using
display, better to read
Electronically
Third party application
software or services are
now needed
Third party application
software or services are
now needed
Software supplied by
meter manufacturers is
not sufficient for
deriving information
from the data
Software supplied by
meter manufacturers is
not sufficient for
deriving information
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Over view of Electronic meter
Engineering plastic enclosure, better aesthetics
LCD display with Backlight
Button for reverse scrolling
Button for display scrolling / scroll lock
Front side sealing arrangement Calibration LED Inductively coupled PPU Optical Port for electronic reading Terminal Block Extended terminal Block (Transparent) Rating plate
Information available in modern
electronic meters
11/10/2010 14 Scrolls automatically Scrolls automatically Displays parameters for consumer viewing Displays parameters for consumer viewing Can be viewed from window when meter is sealed Can be viewed from window when meter is sealed Information is of consumer interest Information is of consumer interest Can be accessed by meter reader Can be accessed by meter reader
To see history data & tamper information To see history data & tamper information
Useful to identify meters that need closer investigation Useful to identify meters that need closer investigation
Display & logged parameters
• Information in electronic meters can be classified as
– Display mode
• Auto display (for quick reference)
• Information shown on the display of electronic meter
Display Parameters
Self diagnostics Self diagnostics
LED Segment check LED Segment check Battery & NVM health Battery & NVM health RTC date & time
RTC date & time
Instantaneous parameters Instantaneous parameters V, I, PF, kW, kVAr etc. V, I, PF, kW, kVAr etc. Power On/Off hours Power On/Off hours Rising demand with elapsed time
Rising demand with elapsed time Tamper information Tamper information Missing potential Missing potential Current reverse Current reverse TOU definition TOU definition TOU wise MDs TOU wise MDs 6 or 12 history data 6 or 12 history data
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Logged Parameters
These are electrical parameters as seen by meter at the time of reading or can be read locally using MRI
These are electrical parameters as seen by meter at the time of reading or can be read locally using MRI
Can cover Voltage, Current, PF, kW, kVAr, kVA etc.
Can cover Voltage, Current, PF, kW, kVAr, kVA etc.
They are interpreted & displayed in They are interpreted & displayed in
• Capacity to log parameters is a key feature of electronic
meters
• Logged parameters can be categorized as
– Instantaneous parameters – Billing information – Load survey – Events or tampers – TransactionsLogged Parameters
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• Capacity to log parameters is a key feature of electronic
meters
• Logged parameters can be categorized as
– Instantaneous parameters– Billing information – Load survey
– Events or tampers – Transactions
These are based on tariff type programmed to meter
These are based on tariff type programmed to meter
These are packets of information on billing parameters like energy, MD etc. for each billing cycle
These are packets of information on billing parameters like energy, MD etc. for each billing cycle
They are also interpreted & displayed in the BCS
They are also interpreted & displayed in the BCS
• Capacity to log parameters is a key feature of electronic
meters
• Logged parameters can be categorized as
– Instantaneous parameters– Billing information – Load survey
– Events or tampers – Transactions
They are periodic interval-wise
information, intervals known as SIP They are periodic interval-wise
information, intervals known as SIP SIP is typically ½ hour for
consumer meters & ¼ hour for boundary meters
SIP is typically ½ hour for
consumer meters & ¼ hour for boundary meters
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• Capacity to log parameters is a key feature of electronic
meters
• Logged parameters can be categorized as
– Instantaneous parameters– Billing information – Load survey
– Events or tampers – Transactions
These are simply illogical electrical events as seen by meter
These are simply illogical electrical events as seen by meter
The correct way is to refer to them as “events” and not “tampers”
The correct way is to refer to them as “events” and not “tampers”
No meter can be called
“tamper proof” meter
No meter can be called
“tamper proof” meter
Logged Parameters
Modern meters have 3 types of tamper related features
Modern meters have 3 types of tamper related features
Tamper proof features Tamper proof features Tamper deterrent features Tamper deterrent features Tamper evident features Tamper evident features
They are never a
conclusive proof that a
consumer has tampered
• Capacity to log parameters is a key feature of electronic
meters
• Logged parameters can be categorized as
– Instantaneous parameters– Billing information – Load survey
– Events or tampers – Transactions
They are interchange of information between meter & MRI
They are interchange of information between meter & MRI
They include change of tariff
programme in meter, definition of kVArh & kVAh, resetting MD,
changing date/time etc.
They include change of tariff
programme in meter, definition of kVArh & kVAh, resetting MD,
changing date/time etc.
PREPARED BY: Kailash Jain
11/10/2010 22
What Is MRI ?
• Hand Held Unit (HHU) for Meter Reading.
– Small, compact DOS or Windows Computer, PDA• Capable to communicate with :
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Uses of MRI
Data collection from Meter
Can read different make meters with Common
MRI (CMRI)
Instantaneous Parameters checked by
install-check S/w
Features Of MRI
• Battery operated Instrument.
• Comprises of :
A Keypad.
LCD Display.
Communication Ports.
Charger Connector.
• Pre – loaded Software
.
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Analogic MRI
45 Key Membrane Keypad
¾ 4-6 MB for data storage ¾ 2 MB for program
storage
¾ 16 line display ( 16 *24 ) ¾ 100% PC Compatibility in a
Rugged Hand Held ¾
¾ Runs MS-DOS and Virtually any PC Program
¾ PC Communications Software at up to 115K bps
¾ Optional second RJ-11 Port through built-in LCD Screen Power/Resume Switch & Status LEDs
RS 232 Port RJ-11 Port Charger Pin
Communication Ports, Optical Cord
& Charger
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MRI - Battery
¾ Environment friendly battery ¾ Line or battery powered
¾ Quick charging
¾ Light weight charger
¾ One can use the MRI even when charger is connected ¾ Battery self discharge rate is low.
¾ With survey reads 200 meters data & without survey reads 400 meters data for 8 MB. (Depends on memory size)
MRI - Software
¾ Before meter reading battery healthy condition can be
checked.
¾ Allows local reading of Electrical parameters and display
of vector diagram
¾ Displays Energy values, used for meter testing on site.
¾ MRI is a computer, programmed as “dumb terminal or
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Menu Visible on MRI Screen
1 SEMS 2 SEMS-CHK 3 L&T 4 PHASOR
5 DUKE 6 BATLEVEL Pressing Option-1
for Secure Meter
0 . Quit
1.Read Meter Data 2.Dump Data 3.Read Energy 4.Calibration 5.Terminal 6.Space 7.Identification No 8.Load survey Days
Electronic Meter Reading Methods
Direct Reading through MRI.
Reading by Low Power Radio.
Reading by GSM/GPRS/PSTN.
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Electronic Meter Reading Methods
•Direct Reading by MRI
Communication Cable
Electronic Meter MRI compatible with
Meter Vendor software
Power Pack unit used when Power is off to power up meter
Meter data is stored in MRI
Meter data is stored in MRI
Meter reader required to read meter at a particular location Meter reader required to read meter at a particular location
Meter Data Downloading
• After Reading the Meter its Data can be
downloaded in respective BCS( Base
Computer Software).
• This data contains all the data like
Instantaneous, Billing, Load Survey, Event
& Transaction data.
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Base Computer Software (BCS)
Meter make
BCS
1. Secure
Smart2k
2. L&T
Vincom
SMART 2000
11/10/2010 36
Overview
¾ Smart 2K Stands for Secure Meters Analysis & Reporting Tool.
¾ SMART 2000 is BCS (Base Computer Software) part of Integrated metering system
• Energy Meter
• BCS ( Base Computer Software) • MRI ( Meter Reading Instrument)
¾ It records energy, electrical parameters, tamper and load survey data. ¾ It collects data from the meters using MRI or with modem & telephone
line (RMR).
¾ These data may be used for analysis and monitoring with the help of Smart 2000 analysis and report tool.
¾ Smart 2000 works on Windows platform. Older version working on DOS was Sems Pack.
¾ Gives logical view of all the meter reading data according
to various parameters like:
• Instantaneous parameter,
• Current energy & bill energy data,
• Time of day energy register data,
• MDs,
• Abnormal electrical condition data
¾ Perform various other operations called transactions on
the meter like Authenticated MD reset, update Date &
Time, Tariff, etc.
¾ Organized storage of meter reading data and consumer
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Features (Contd…)
¾ Exporting the meter data in the industry standard common formats (like ASCII, CSV) so data can be used by other software for billing or otherwise.
¾ Load survey information is displayed graphically whereby user has an option to see multiple parameters on the same graph or on a separate view.
¾ All the information displayed on the screen can be printed and permanent record can be maintained.
¾ Customer can choose what is to be printed. Selection • on category such as Energy, Survey, Transaction, etc
• or on subcategory such as Main energy, Bill energy, TOD energy, history of energy registers etc.
Smart 2000
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Main Menu
Status Bar Left Side Window
Right Hand Side Window Centre Window
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Meter Selection
Reading Date, Consumer Detail and MRD Path of Selected Meter
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Analysis Report
To view the following parameters double click on the selected meter’s MRD file: ¾ Instantaneous Parameter ¾ Energy Values ¾ Load Survey ¾ Events Report ¾ Transaction
We can view Instantaneous Parameter in two different ways ¾ Tabular View
• Date & Time • Frequency • Voltage • Line Current • Active Current • Reactive Current • Power Factor
• Active Power, Apparent Power, Reactive Power
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View - Energy Values
Divided into three category - General, Energy & Demand ¾ General is divided into seven different view
• General, Bill Dates, Flags, Power ON/OFF, Power Factor, TOD PF, Tamper Count.
¾ Energy
• Main energy, TOD energy, Consumption, Mid-Night data, TOD consumption.
¾ Demand
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6 no. History’s cumulative Energy is present
History 1 TOD
Registers-View - Energy Values
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Consumption between two Histories
Max Demand for History 1 with date and time
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Daily Energy values at midnight
View - Energy Values
¾ With Mouse movement on the graph we could see particular IP value ¾ Keep the scaling fixed from page to page
¾ Select the color of your choice ¾ Select the graph of your choice
¾ Convert load survey data into text file
¾ Five different graphs – Demand, Energy, Voltage, Current, Power Factor.
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View – Load Survey
No. of Parameter Depends on meter Clem and
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11/10/2010 64 ¾ Could see the following tamper of your interest:
• R-Ph, Y-Ph, B-Ph missing potential • R-Ph, Y-Ph, B-Ph missing current • Power Failed
¾ See tamper with snapshot & summary details such as tamper count & duration for which meter has remained under tamper
¾ Convert the tamper data into text file
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Convert Wizard
Why Convert Wizard is used
• Converted files of meter data can be opened
in notepad or MS-Excel for further analysis.
• Multiple meters converted files are large in
number which may further be imported in third
party software to get metering information
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Main Menu - Data
Check
parameter which is to be
Converted Data file- Load Survey
Each Half hour 8 no. Parameters are logged
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Converted Data file- Tamper Event
B Phase voltage at occurrence and restoration of event
B phase missing potential is easily seen with time stamped
Converted Data file- Instantaneous
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Converted Data file- Energy
History 1 parameter along with billing date and time , billing energy and billing MD may be found
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Converted Data file- Transaction
System Configuration
¾ Operating Systems: Window 98 , Window 2000, Windows XP ¾ Minimum hardware configuration:
• Celeron 550 MHz / P-III based PC with 64 MB of RAM.
• 20 GB hard disk space for software and for storing meter reading data.
• A color monitor with 1024 X 768 resolution is required.
• CD drive (32X or higher) is required to install the software.
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SMART2K - Benefits
¾ Security
¾ Uses unique security keys to validate meter data for its authenticity.
¾ Create levels of user with different rights.
¾ It has its own database where consumer, metering
information like meter no, CT PT ratio , address and EMF
can be stored.
¾ Used for meter data analysis.
¾ Backward compatibility for all the meters made by SML
¾ Meter reading
¾ Direct meter reading without MRI can be done ¾ Manual / automatic reading at predefined time ¾ Modem sharing possible
SMART2K - Benefits
¾ Export meter data
¾ Select what is to be exported
¾ Field width, Decimal digits, Order in which parameter should appear etc
¾ File format such as text file, spreadsheet file, database file etc
¾ Back up facility of Meter database and Meter data files
¾ On line data monitoring can be done.
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