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Advanced Metering Infrastructure and Automatic Meter Reading

According to the US Department of Energy, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is an integrated system of equipment, communications, and information management systems for utility companies to remotely collect customer water consumption data in real time. AMI uses radio-based technology to read water meters, eliminating the need for manual meter reading.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, AMI has four main components: meters, meter interface unit (MIU), other sensors, and remote control variables.
The meter measures the flow of the customer’s connection, and then the MIU receives a hard-wired signal from the meter, converts this signal into a flow value, stores the flow value, and then wirelessly transmits the data to the information management system. The instrument is usually a mechanical instrument or a solid-state instrument.
These meters are usually used in combination with other types of sensors, including: pressure monitors; temperature sensors; acoustic sensors; and water quality monitors. The data is transmitted to the information management system and sometimes can be incorporated into the SCADA system of the utility.
The remotely controlled valve allows the utility company to close or open the water service at the customer connection through the information management system.
Smart meters communicate readings to utility companies for processing, analysis, and communication with customers for billing, energy feedback, and time-based rates.
Smart meters can also provide remote connection/disconnection, tamper detection, power failure monitoring, voltage monitoring, and two-way power measurement.
Ultrasonic flow meters use ultrasonic technology to measure the velocity of the fluid flowing through the pipeline. The transmission time technology measures the time difference between the signals sent upstream and downstream, and the transmitter processes the signal of the transmitted sound wave frequency reflected from bubbles or particles to determine the flow rate.
According to the EPA, AMI is also a monitoring component because it generates data and alerts that may indicate contamination or tampering of the system. In addition, the data collected through the meter can also be passed to end users or customers, allowing them to have a deeper understanding of water usage. With these data points, utility companies can also improve information about water conservation and show how customers compare with their neighbors in terms of water use.
AMI can provide real-time notifications to utilities to inform customers of connection and meter tampering with return flow, which may indicate accidental or intentional introduction of contaminants into the water distribution system.
The benefits of advanced metering infrastructure include: improved utility operations; improved water conservation; leak detection; and enhanced security and resilience.
The AMI solution is scalable, so utility companies can implement the system in stages according to their budget and needs. AMI fully automates the meter reading, billing, and data collection process, making it a sustainable long-term solution for utilities.
According to the Ministry of Energy Efficiency, the AMI project has gone through several stages: preliminary exploration; feasibility study; procurement and contract negotiation; installation; operation and maintenance; and business process transformation.
Although AMI systems are highly efficient, they are usually expensive, but they are essential to prevent non-revenue water loss and protect water resources.
Automatic meter reading (AMR) technology enables accurate and timely meter reading, which is achieved by installing a radio-based meter module called ERT module on a new or existing water meter. The readings are collected by meter readers using handheld or vehicle-mounted radio equipment or fixed network systems.
The AMR system means that meter readers no longer need to enter the customer’s home, but AMR is quickly being replaced by utilities with AMI, because AMI provides higher system reliability and future operational efficiency. Compared with AMR, AMI allows labor to be reduced due to efficiency, so utility companies can focus their attention elsewhere.


Post time: Sep-13-2021