Smart Metering solution is an advanced metering technology designed for efficient acquisition of the consumption of energy sources such as electricity, gas and water. ZigBee wireless technology is used to implement the advanced metering and demand response programs easily and securely. The ZigBee protocol, ZigBee-Pro protocol, ZigBee Smart Energy profile, based on ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4 RF SoC are very efficient, secured and best 2.4GHz Wireless Solutions.
Best Solution Using ZigBee and GPRS Communication
ZigBee is the name of a standard that specifies the application layer of a wireless personal area network in a small area and a low communication rate. A device communicates with neighboring devices via a wireless link. Each sensor device works as a communication node in the network topology. The network consists of sensor devices that communicate with other devices (Each remote device is built of a commercially available ZigBee module product). As the devices communicate using mesh network wirelessly, no network infrastructure is necessary. A device joins the mesh network by being deployed in the wireless communication range of a neighboring device. This network is a low-cost, low-power, wireless mesh networking standard based on IEEE 802.15 "wireless personal-area networks".
ZigBee data acquisition wireless sensor network has two main functional aspects - measurement and communication. Devices are classified into two types depending on the supported functions. A reduced function device transmits and receives data signals, and a full function device (FFD) interconnects data signals in addition to transmitting and receiving. The consumption (readings) are collected at the coordinator and the data is sent to the base station PC, which is set as a data sink. The data is transmitted from the coordinator using GPRS and saved in the server. A single GPRS posting to the server has the collected information of hundreds of devices in the mesh network. These devices are typically battery operated and consume very less energy. Their long battery life, self healing and self forming mesh network and in-built support for security and smart energy applications, scores high compared to other sensor network protocols. Smart Metering Solution totally uses this wireless based technology and the installation and maintenance becomes easier. This easy solution is applicable to residential, commercial and industrial segments.
Security
• The message attached to the packet (the size of which is determined by the particular mode) ensures that the packet, including the header and payload, has not been modified in anyway during transmission.
• The 'Security Mode' parameter specifies the use of either Residential or Commercial Security mode, as defined in the ZigBee protocol. The 'Network Key' parameter specifies the 16-byte network security key. This key is used to secure the outgoing packets as well as to decrypt the incoming packets when security is used in Residential mode.
• The data posting sent using GPRS communication is encrypted and decrypted so that the data is secured and any data loss is also monitored. If any data is lost, it can be regained from the coordinator again.
Salient Features
• The Smart Metering Solution takes the advantage of ZigBee/ZigBee-Pro (Smart Energy Profile) which offers utilities and energy service providers secure, easy-to-use wireless home area networks (HAN) for gathering and monitoring energy consumption.
• ZigBee is a standard wireless network protocol designed for low data rate control networks. It is layered on top of the IEEE 802.15.4 specification and provides a standard methodology for functions, including mesh network formation, messaging and device discovery.
• Avoids interference with different channel's data and ensures that the network has best channel to operate.
• Mesh robustness increases convenience, overall coverage area, and reliability.
• Ultra Low-Power, Long Battery Life, Nanowatt technology implemented, Efficient radio transmission and power usage. Battery life of 5 to 10 years depending on battery and usage.
• Multiple commodities including electric, gas, water sub-meters data can be integrated in the same network.
• The usage of this solution can be extended to metering systems and the real time consumption information can be viewed through web.
• Low cost wireless design and use compared to other wireless technology or wired solutions.
• Automatic ability for the time and date setting irrespective of the time zone in which the network is set up.
• No data loss because of any sudden power shut down or when the batteries are replaced.
• Indication for a low battery alert and device case tampering alert to provide security for the device.
• Leak detection implemented and tracked using data received.
• Designed for easy upgrade and adaptability.
• Efficiently supports for consumer-only, utility-only or shared networks also.
• Real-time consumption / production information and ease to integrate with existing Billing software systems.
