System for collecting data from metering devices. Automated collection of readings from metering devices

A.S. Zhuchkov, Chief Engineer of OOO NPP ELEKOM.

it Information system, which allows you to remotely read, store and analyze data from metering devices, as well as prepare the documentation necessary for reporting and payments for energy resources.

ASSD includes:

• communication equipment of the facility and the control room;
• data collection server;
• user workstations;
• specialized software.

Transmission and reception of data is carried out using Internet technologies and cellular communication channels. This makes it possible to simplify and reduce the cost of creating ASSD as much as possible, as well as to reduce subsequent operating costs.

The cost of the system depends on the chosen version of its execution.

AT modern conditions the relevance of ASSD is associated with the action federal law No. 261 on energy saving. So, at the legislative level, clear deadlines for the implementation of such measures as one hundred percent installation of metering devices and a reduction in the energy intensity of public institutions by 15% over 5 years are fixed today. These requirements dictate the need to create modern tools for monitoring the volume and quality of energy consumption, as well as the performance of metering devices. Such a tool is ASSD.

ASSD allows:

• , the quality of energy resources and the detection of malfunctions of metering devices;
• generate statistical data in a form suitable for subsequent analysis;
• generate reporting documentation on the volume of energy consumption for supplying organizations.

There are a sufficient number of software products for ASSD on the software market. However, the vast majority of these programs have one or more significant drawbacks:

1. work with a limited list of metering devices and energy resources;
2. there are no options for setting up the software for the tasks of a particular user (tariffs, limits, settings);
3. limited functionality for information analysis: control of emergency situations, formation of schedules;
4. do not receive/transmit data via GSM modems;
5. function only on the manufacturer's server, which makes it difficult to access data.

As a software package for creating ASSD, we recommend our own development - which was created on the basis of many years of experience and is devoid of the above disadvantages. IVK "ELEKOM-INFORM" has been successfully used for more than 10 years and is constantly being improved. This product has a "lifetime" warranty service, which includes, among other things, free updates within the current version, as well as assistance with the operation of ASSD.

More than 20 years of experience, certified services, ISO 9001 quality, authorized service and recommendations from the most respected customers enable ELECOM to offer new solutions for housing and communal services with an optimal price / quality ratio.

Firm ISTA-Rus is a subsidiary of the German concern ISTA, representing on the international market German manufacturers equipment for heat and water metering. The concern was founded in 1906 and today has numerous branches in all European countries, as well as in the leading countries of Asia and America. Ista-Rus has been operating in Russia since 1996.

ISTA is not a modern name. Initially, the company was called differently. In 1994 it was Raab Karcher, then other companies joined the company and others followed, for example, since 1999 - Viterra. In 2004, the name ISTA appeared. ISTA is represented in 26 countries and covers the whole world. It is interesting that the company successfully, unlike its competitors, even operates in the Chinese market, which is famous for producing a huge number of cheap devices, and IST devices are all German-made, so the price initially cannot compete with Chinese, Russian equipment, but is highly reliable. ISTA operates in the US and France, and plans to develop an office in India in the near future. Therefore, ISTA got the opportunity to work all over the world and took a leading position in its market segment since 2009 - this is the supply of equipment for apartment accounting, billing for end users. In Russia, the company is called Ista Rus. In 1995, a branch office of Raab Karcher was opened. In 2004 the name ISTA-RUS was received.

The company offers in Russian Federation high quality German-made heat and water metering devices. All offered equipment is certified by Gosstandart of the Russian Federation. The offer also includes systems for automatic wired and radio readings from metering devices, as well as billing services for calculating energy costs and equipment maintenance. The main advantages of ISTA-Rus are qualified employees with extensive experience. The average work experience is 14 years.

Information on certificates.

Product certification is a system automatic collection data via the radio channel "Simfonic Sensor net". Certificate for the Doprima heat distribution device, another name is simpler - heat distributor, used for vertical heating systems. The product is a mobile control device. This device is used when setting up and putting the symphonic system into operation. The portable switch is the second part of the kit for the mobile setup of the system start. Heat meters. Compact combined heat meter Sensonik 2. Compact, respectively, for apartment metering, the combined one is already used in a general house, in an office, they already have a higher flow rate. Sanitary and epidemic conclusion for flow meters and water meters. per counter cold water Istameter, Domakva cold water meter, which is abbreviated as ET. Turbine water meters.

Equipment.

Areas of activity in Russia:

1. Supply of heat meters, water meters, heat distributors and other energy-saving equipment (shut-off, control, balancing valves, temperature controllers)

2. Calculation of energy consumption in the residential sector, office and shopping centers.

3. Installation of devices, service and warranty service.

Products:

• Water meters ET-Domakva-M- apartment single-jet meters, they differ just in the minimum cost with high quality, assembly made in Germany. Warranty for water meters 4 years. Verification is determined by law. It is common to all metering devices that are sold in Russia. 4 for hot, 6 years for cold water.
• Istameter- these are already multi-jet meters of cold and hot water with installation in a single-pipe EAS connection. These meters are twice the price of single jet meters, but due to their design, they have two advantages. Firstly: they are more accurate with minimal water flows, and at the moment when a single-jet counter could stop and no longer count, then a multi-jet counter will continue to count. And the second point that affects the value is EAS, that is, a one-pipe connection. These counters are mostly common in Europe. Convenient for installation and testing devices.
• Plug-in modules for dispatching. There are M-Bus options, there is a radio, there is a pulse.
• High flow water meters. These are vane counters. Options up to 10 cubes per hour. There are flange and threaded connections. All devices are initially with a pulse output.
• Turbine meters, which allow already up to 150 cubic meters per hour. Flange connection, pulse output initially. But the peculiarity is for the Russian market - these meters are two to three times more expensive than those offered in Russia by other manufacturers, including local ones.
• Heating cost allocators. There is a modification of visual reading, these are cheap options. There are modifications with a built-in radio module for further use in radio systems. Installation is simple, there are fasteners for any type of radiators.
• Optional equipment. Thermostatic valves, shut-off valves. This is what you need when you buy everything in the kit at once. And data acquisition system, wired M-Bus system. Capabilities of the system to combine up to 2000 devices. Any equipment, these are water meters, heat meters, apartment, general house, you can connect equipment from other manufacturers, the most important thing is that it has a pulse output. The hub connects up to 250 devices. And an eight-channel switch, connected after the hub, allows you to expand the system's capabilities to serve 2000 devices. The length of the communication line is 4 km. Ordinary telephone wires, RZh-11 connector cables are used. But the bus itself works according to the M-Bus protocol.
• Symphonic radio system - 3. When the technology grew to the ability to integrate radio modules, it was of course obvious that it was possible to equip devices with these small radio modules and use a radio connection instead of wires. ISTA has come up with a corresponding solution. In this case, it is reading data using a set of mobile radio devices. It works like this. An employee of the company comes to the house, bypasses the entrance and, using mobile kits, reads devices from a distance. The products of heat meters have a common name - Sensonik. The combination sensor is used for general house consumption. Vane and turbine flowmeters, both of ITS production, and of any other companies, the main thing is that there is a brick (primary) exit to them. Vertical and horizontal mounting provided. Ability to connect to M-Bus dispatch and radio too.
• Sensonic 2 compact, it is intended primarily for use in apartment accounting. Indeed, this is a very compact device, easy to use due to its size. At the same time, the display is removed and a 30 cm long wire allows you to take it to a more open place, accessible for reading. Vertical, horizontal mounting, no straight runs required. It can be used in supply and return pipelines, it also works in dispatching systems.

Equipment advantages.

Advantages of using water meters:

• Application of high quality materials
• The presence of modifications not only single-jet, but also multi-jet.
• Possibility to upgrade the system by simply replacing the plug with a module suitable for automatic remote collection
• When installing a dispatching system, you can remotely control the reverse and manipulations.
• Advantages of M-Bus:
• Reading meter readings regardless of the presence of residents.
• Advantages of radio collection:
• This is the same remote collection, but without wires.

Symphonic system.

In fact, the system can also be used to account for water, electricity, gas and heat. Heat is the most expensive part of the cost. Therefore, the government makes an appropriate decision, issues laws that regulate energy saving relations. A methodology for calculating heat consumption has been developed, which has been approved and is already being used. The general principles of charging fees are regulated by government decree 354. The use of heat meters allows you to reduce costs. On the Russian market there are a large number of proposals, both domestic manufacturers and world leaders. But the question remains open: how to collect readings from these devices efficiently, in a timely manner, without errors, without significant financial and labor costs. The Symphonic system has existed in the world since 2006, it appeared in Russia in 2009. The tallest building in the world is the Burj Dubai. In America, this is the Empire Street Building. In these buildings, ISTA devices and symphonic systems are just installed. In Russia, the system is only developing.

The composition of the system: heat distributors, apartment water meters, heat meters, Pulsonic 3 radio unit in order to connect devices from other manufacturers with a pulse output to the system, and in the center of this system there is a radio mnemonic concentrator 3. How is such a possibility organized that with one hub it is possible to collect data from all devices? The fact is that each IST set is bidirectional, it works as a repeater for neighboring devices. And thus, even the most remote device from the hub, located at a distance of 100-150 meters, it will still transmit its data. But not as in other systems, there should be a device for collecting data in direct line of sight, for example, a floor concentrator, but simply through other devices, the same as it is, accounting. Moreover, the system is built automatically, if a device drops out of the network due to the fact that it was broken, then the network will be rebuilt automatically and communication with distant devices will be restored through neighboring devices. What happens next after data collection? Metering devices with a radio module transmitted data to the concentrator. Next, a radio network is used, frequency 868, which does not require either licensing or permission. Then cellular communication is used, any channel is available, it can be a megaphone, mts or any other cellular operator, since ISTA devices have multi-roaming, there is absolutely no need to think about paying for communication services, ISTA takes care of all this. That is, through cellular communication channels, data is transmitted to a server located in Germany, this is done in order, first of all, to implement the concept of complete autonomy and automatic collection, when the client-customer, after pressing the start button for 10 years, forgot about everything, about any issues related with maintenance, network setup, payment for any communication services. And the server located in Germany is incomparable in its reliability with the solutions that are provided in Russia, not to mention the computer that is just at home or as a central data collection server. Here, first of all, the question of reliability, data can be lost. The ISTA data storage server ensures that this does not happen. And then through the Internet you can collect evidence.

System advantages:

• Increased noise immunity and stability of data transmission.
• Fully automatic reading of data from all devices without the participation and presence of people.
• Control of errors in the operation of devices, intervention in the system.
• Extreme ease of installation and programming.
• The minimum cost of the system among analogues.
• The absence of any wires.
• Batteries are designed for 10 years.
• Lack of interfloor concentrators. One hub can serve up to 1000 devices.
• Frequency 868 MHz, free to use the frequency without restriction.

Loading meter readings into the program "1C: Accounting in the management companies of housing and communal services, HOA and ZhSK"

How are meters accounted for?

All counters are stored in the "Counters" directory. Here it is possible to specify the main parameters: service, meter tariff. The counter can be installed both on the building and on the entrance and on the premises.

Method of recording readings: cumulative total, consumption for the calculation period. The bit depth is not more than 15 and the transformation ratio, that is, if there is a consumption of 10, and the coefficient is 2, then in the end it will be 20, not 10. This coefficient is convenient for converting from one unit of measure to another. For example, from cubic meters to gigacalories. After the counters are created, these counters must be assigned to a specific accounting object. Fixing counters is established using the document "meter installation". Here, a building, a personal account, an entrance or a room can act as an object. Next, the meter itself, the date of inclusion and the date of verification are indicated. Then, if the meter is already fixed, then you can indicate the readings of the corresponding metering devices. An object is indicated, which can be a building, an entrance, a specific personal account, a service. And then in the tabular part, metering devices, objects, dates of readings are indicated. If the device takes into account previous readings, then they can be seen in the column “previous daily reading”, it all depends on which method is chosen: cumulative total or consumption for the calculation period.

In order to make accruals, the document “accrual of services on metering devices” is used. Here you can see several columns, depending on which metering devices are fixed. In situations where meter readings are not provided or the meter itself is missing, and charges must be made according to the consumption rate, an additional column appears, because there are no corresponding situations here.

How distribution is made.

Firstly, there are corresponding settings: IPU setting, this applies to those cases when readings are not entered or the meter itself is missing, so that you do not need to create several services, all this can be tracked in one service. Here it is indicated that accruals are made according to the consumption rate, or according to the average value, or accruals are not made. If several metering devices are included in the service, then it is also possible to specify the corresponding parameter. That is, one of the metering devices is disabled, or all metering devices are disabled. The calculation of accruals in the absence of indications can be made according to the average value, according to the consumption rate, or not at all. When choosing the method "Average", a certain period is indicated. As for collective metering devices (general house meters), there are also certain settings here. Whether accruals according to the standard are included in the total individual expense, or only the expense for metering devices, or for metering devices, charges according to the standard and according to the average value.

Variant of distribution of expenses by tariffs. By types of tariff: according to the general tariff or according to tariffs corresponding to the tariff of the collective metering device. In addition, distribution can be made to personal accounts without meters, or with meters, or to all personal accounts. It can be distributed in proportion to the area, the number of premises, the amount of consumption for the service, the number of residents, or equally. In addition, it is possible to use formula number 9. So, according to the amount of total area, formula No. 3 and No. 14, and No. 15 become available. If there is no flow on a common house meter, that is, there is no metering device itself, then in such cases, according to Decree 354, distribution is made according to formula No. 15. The corresponding formula supports the building code. In addition, you can check the box in the service itself to use formula No. 15. In the absence of a collective meter, it is also necessary to indicate in the building itself the total area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe premises, that is, the total area of ​​\u200b\u200ball buildings, the total area of ​​​​all residential and non-residential premises and the area of ​​the premises included in the common property. These areas are entered automatically using the "calculate" button. Further, the total area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe premises and the consumption standard for the building are indicated. The standard is indicated on the "Service Consumption Rates" tab. The corresponding standard is indicated in the directory of the building, after which accruals can be made. Thus, it is possible to make accruals according to the standard both in the absence of a valid meter, in the absence of indications, and also if there is no common house meter, then accruals can be made according to formula No. 15 of Decree 354. In addition, you can make calculations using other formulas.

Morozov Vladimir - [email protected]

Over the past few years, the active introduction of energy metering devices has created a demand for dispatching. It allows you to get away from time-consuming "manual" data collection methods. But is scheduling always effective? Our article will help you figure out which of the common beliefs about remote reading systems are true and which are myths.

Is dispatching necessary for heat supply companies?
Both truth and myth

Three main players operate on the heat supply market: the energy supplier, its consumer and the intermediary represented by the management company (MC). It is logical that control over instrument readings is important, first of all, for a heat supply organization. In the presence of a large number heat meters, as a seller of energy resources, it needs to ensure reliable data collection, timely billing, and in addition, monitor the correct operation of metering devices, preferably online. This would make it possible to issue reliable and timely invoices to subscribers, and, accordingly, avoid scandals and unpleasant litigation. This is the case in most European countries.

Roskill and Hillerod (Denmark)

A task. implement centralized system remote data transmission.

Solution. Supply of 59,000 energy metering devices, including automated transmission of consumption indicators.

Implementation. The cities of Roskill and Hillerod have approved a concept proposed by Kamstrup, a supplier of energy meters. The Automated Data Reading System (AMR) includes a network of heat, water and electricity meters, communication modules and software. The time spent on reading data from the device is approximately 1 min.

Readings from metering devices are transmitted via radio, GSM and PLC. In this regard, there is no need for consumers to write off readings and enter them into energy metering cards. Utilities are also able to communicate more effectively with their customers by charging according to invoices.

In Russia, however, heating network enterprises do not install metering devices. They take them into operation, but the meters are not on the balance sheet of the resource supplying organization. However, the experience of Europe shows that sooner or later our companies - suppliers of energy resources will realize the need for organizing and the advantages of dispatching systems.

Dispatching the city takes? Myth

Today, in our country, mainly management companies are interested in remote collection of energy consumption data. Being an intermediate link between subscribers and the resource supplying organization, they aim to create transparent and respectable relations with both parties. For this, the management company needs reliable commercial accounting in all residential buildings under service.

Myakinino (Russia, Moscow region)

A task. The specialists of NATEK Invest-Energo operating the Myakinino energy center were faced with the task of ensuring the efficiency of the operation of the mini-CHP. The station supplies electricity and heat to the complex of buildings of the government of the Moscow region and its own administrative and office block.

Solution. Installation of metering devices at key stages of production and their integration into a dispatching network.

Implementation. An automatic process control system (APCS) was introduced. It provides access to data from metering devices in real time and allows you to receive all the necessary information on request from the dispatcher console. This approach completely eliminates the possibility of human errors. “At any time, you can take live readings from metering devices and check the balance. Constant monitoring of the operation of the power center equipment allows our specialists to respond in a timely manner to any changes in key indicators, which prevents emergency situations, - said Vladimir Pak, Lead Engineer at NATEK Invest-Energo. - Of course, it would be difficult to do all this manually, without automation and network solutions. Therefore, the possibility of integrating the MULTICAL heat meters used in the enterprise into the LonWorks data acquisition system we chose was very important.”

Therefore, small dispatching systems made by one “owner” for a specific task turn out to be effective. This is either a management company or an industrial enterprise.

Dispatching - a fashionable trend? Truth

In Russia, a situation is common when dispatching is started without having high-quality accounting as such. The innovation does not bring practical benefit, and, in the end, specialists are disappointed in this tool, without understanding its advantages.

If the goal is clear and there is a reliable base in the form of uniform and accurate metering devices, dispatching becomes a convenient and economical solution.

Kogalym (Russia)

A task. In 2009, the management of the Teploservice company, which is engaged in the installation of metering devices, the manufacture and subsequent maintenance of the Automatic block heating point (ABTP), decided to introduce a dispatching system for heating points in the city of Kogalym.

The reasons:

• the desire to improve the quality of service facilities;
• the need to reduce the number of emergencies;
• reduction of staff time for detours.

Implementation. Today, 160 houses are united in the dispatching network in the city. Data collection is carried out via a GSM channel. Initially, domestic heat meters were used. But over time, it was decided to install devices manufactured by Kamstrup, and now 60% of the used metering devices are from this company. The transition from Russian equipment to foreign is not a whim. The fact is that specifications MULTICAL ultrasonic heat meters most closely match the requirements of both management companies and resource providers. “The versatility of the meters makes it possible to widely use various modules, record faults and errors, leaks, etc.,” says Sergey Vecherko, chief engineer at Teploservice. - In addition, the installed equipment provides ample opportunities for communication. Suppose, if we suddenly decide to switch from GSM communication to a radio channel or any other method of data transmission, even reprogramming of metering devices is not required. It is enough to complete the equipment with other data transmission modules.

Dispatching system - is it expensive? Both truth and myth

Purchase of equipment for dispatching and its installation requires investments. Their payback depends on many factors and can take from several months to several years. However, in the future, the system of remote data collection of metering devices makes a profit. In addition to a direct reduction in labor costs for bypassing heat points, the following advantages can be distinguished:

• No errors. Still, the accuracy of the manual method of retrieving energy consumption data leaves much to be desired. While remote systems for collecting meter readings do not fail.
• Ability to remotely control the operation of appliances and heating systems. As a result - prompt elimination of emergency situations.
• Possibility to serve a larger number of objects without expanding the staff.

Dolgoprudny (Russia, Moscow region)

A task. The Teploservis company, which installs and operates metering devices in new buildings in the city, had the task of reducing the labor costs of its employees. This would increase the number of serviced objects.

Solution. Combining the equipment of heat points into a dispatching network with the ability to control the parameters of heat supply for new buildings in the city from a single dispatching point.

Implementation. Management and monitoring of the state of all equipment of heat points, including metering devices, thermal automation, heating and hot water pumps, is carried out from the dispatch center. The received information is displayed in real time on the computer screen. The data is updated every 10 s. In the event of an emergency situation, a notification is sent to mobile phone engineer.

Dispatching made it possible to significantly reduce the operating time of the maintenance personnel due to the fact that there was no need for periodic rounds of heating points. Now specialists go to the place only in case of receiving a signal about problems.

In fact, the labor savings are enormous. After all, as a rule, on the balance sheet of large management companies or housing departments there are several hundred heat points. And the staff of locksmiths is very limited. Of course, daily or even weekly rounds are not possible under these conditions. This means that an emergency situation without remote control will not be detected immediately.

Are dispatch systems multifunctional? Truth

The main goal of the system of remote collection of meter readings is to reduce labor costs and provide objective bills to consumers. However, the data obtained can be widely used to solve a number of technical issues.

Kishinev, Moldova)

A task. The company "Termocom", the main supplier of heat in Chisinau, faced the need to identify leaks in the heat supply networks.

Solution. Comparison of costs recorded by metering devices on the supply and return pipelines online.

Implementation. MULTICAL heat meters with two ultrasonic flow meters are installed at the city's central heating substation and ITP - on the supply and return pipelines. Readings from these devices are transmitted via radio to the central control room and processed by a program that allows monitoring of all heat points. If the flow readings on the supply and “return” differ, then it is clear that there is a leak somewhere in the area. From large nodes, you can go down to smaller ones and find out exactly where the problem arose. If earlier leaks could exist for months, now they are localized and eliminated in an hour.

According to the specialists of the company "Termocom", the results exceeded all the wildest expectations. When the system first started operating, the make-up water flow rate was over 400 t/h. And after commissioning - in summer 50 t/h, in winter - about 100 t/h.

Today, there are still few large-scale accounting and data collection networks in our country. Therefore, while the real prospects are relatively small projects initiated by management companies. The components of success are: a clear definition of the dispatching task and a qualified approach to the choice of equipment, primarily metering devices. Then the system will be efficient, functional and, ultimately, economically viable.

Dispatching of water meters is one of the most good examples application of technology "VAVIOT" in the field of housing and communal services. Features of the VAVIOT technology in terms of range, ease of installation, service life and scalability turned out to be ten steps ahead of existing solutions. "VAVIOT" has become the No. 1 system for remote collection of water meter readings in apartment buildings - there are no competitors.

What problem does VAVIOT solve?

Most apartments have water meters installed. Their main task is to accurately account for the water consumed by residents. However, tenants often forget to take readings, sometimes they give the expense with errors, and some deliberately underestimate it. In addition, there are more than 10 ways to stop the meter or twist its readings, they are used by unscrupulous tenants.

Thus, accurate accounting of consumed water becomes impossible. The management company or tenants pay the shortage out of their own pocket.

Water meters with remote readings

Now imagine that the water meters themselves transmit their readings in real time. There is no need to collect data manually, the readings go directly to the PC. There is simply no room for disinformation.

Solution "VAVIOT"

The principle of operation of "VAVIOT" is similar to the technology of cellular communication, only simpler and more reliable. It provides for the transmission of the readings of each apartment meter to the Internet through the network of base stations "VAVIOT".

Methods for remote transmission of water consumption readings

Our engineers have developed several ways to remotely transmit water consumption readings via the Internet.

Connect the VAVIOT modem to the water meters

If the installed water meters have a pulse output, then the VAVIOT pulse modem is connected to them. An important detail is that one modem is connected to two water meters at once.

After installation and calibration, the modem starts transmitting daily consumption statistics twice a day. The pulse output on water meters is specially designed for automated readings.

The principle of operation is simple - having passed 10 liters of water through itself, the meter sends an impulse. The modem constantly captures the impulses, calculates their sum and receives the water consumption for each hour.

Install a meter with a built-in modem "NEPTUNE 1"

If there are no water meters in the apartment or the installed water meters do not have a pulse output, then NEPTUNE 1 is installed.

This meter, designed by our engineers, already has a built-in modem - very convenient, two devices in one. It measures water consumption in the same way as a conventional water meter, and at the same time transmits readings.

The built-in battery is enough for 10 years of operation. The magnet detection sensor notifies you of an attempt to stop the device. It is installed similarly to a conventional water meter and does not require additional maintenance.

The readings of all apartment and common house metering devices are displayed in the client's personal account.

The ability to compare the balance of water consumption in the house in 15 minutes makes accounting for consumption simple and convenient.

A personal account is available for both management companies and residents from any device connected to the Internet.

The ability to integrate with any corporate systems makes the VAVIOT solution simple and easy to implement in any organization.

Why VAVIOT is ideal for remote collection of water meter readings

The VAVIOT technology is the optimal solution for accounting for resources in housing and communal services. Its advantage is the ability to collect small data packets from an unlimited number of metering devices without any additional equipment. In this case, the devices can be spaced over a large area.

10 km transmission distance

The WAVIOT protocol provides for data transmission over long distances in difficult urban environments. The signal from the modem goes to the nearest base station. At the same time, walls and structures are not a serious obstacle.

10 years of operation from one battery

VAVIOT devices are completely autonomous. Low power consumption of VAVIOT radio modules leads to the fact that the built-in battery is enough for 10 years of operation without its replacement.

10 times cheaper than analogues

"VAVIOT" is autonomous, does not use intermediate equipment and is easy to install. Therefore, solutions for apartment accounting are much cheaper than using GSM networks, ZigBee or M-Bus, which, moreover, have a number of disadvantages.

• Universal: there are counters - we put the "VAVIOT" modem, there are no counters - we put "NEPTUNE 1".
• Quick and easy: no hubs, drives, repeaters or additional hardware.

• Reliable: without the use of mesh-topology and intermediate nodes.
• Convenient: All readings are online, easy to integrate with customer systems.

We have been able to achieve all this thanks to the new energy-efficient data transmission technology.

What does the customer get?

What does the customer get?

The greatest success of the system of remote collection of water meter readings is used by organizations that manage the housing stock: apartment buildings and cottage settlements. And that's why:

• The discrepancy between ODPU and IPU in the house is reduced to zero.
• ODN is reduced several times in a week.
• Balancing takes less than 15 minutes.
• The collection of payments for water supply is increasing from 10% and above.
• Payment gaps of several days are excluded.
• Indications are transferred to 1C and GIS housing and communal services automatically.

What other solutions are available for water dispatching?

Today, several technologies are used that are traditional for building water dispatching systems in apartment buildings and cottage settlements, here they are:

Each water meter is connected to a low-voltage cable. Data from metering devices is transmitted via cable to a hub that serves many metering devices. Data from the hub is transmitted via Ethernet or GSM to the customer's server.

Advantages

• A technically easy-to-implement solution, many companies in Moscow and the regions are engaged in cable laying.
• Implementation can be carried out by employees with low technical qualifications.
• High resistance to interference.

Flaws

• The cost of laying low-current cables in built houses is extremely high due to the process that is difficult to organize.
• Low reliability of the system due to the problem of voltage loss in the wires due to stretching, breaks, short circuits, etc.
• The high cost of operation, since in order to establish the cause of the loss of voltage, it is necessary to carry out a physical examination of the entire network each time.

In the Russian Federation and abroad, there are almost no active projects built on the basis of a low-voltage network, since wired networks quickly fail, and troubleshooting and their operation are too expensive. Low-current system ubiquitous are being replaced by wireless ones.

A GSM modem is connected to the apartment meters, and it transmits readings. The advantage is the widespread use of cellular networks. But the modem requires a permanent connection to the mains, which may not be. In addition, the solution turns out to be expensive - about 30,000 rubles per apartment.

Advantages

• Easy and fast deployment.
• High data transfer rate.
• Wide area of ​​service by the telecom operator.

Flaws

• The high cost of devices - several thousand rubles for one water meter or modem.
• High and unstable monthly fee.
• Short battery life - a few days.
• The transmitter signal is easy to "mute".
• Sensitivity to the level of reception: in the absence of network coverage - the impossibility of work, the signal often does not reach the installation sites of water meters.

A radio modem is connected to each metering device, transmitting readings to a repeater or radio concentrator via a 433 or 868 MHz radio channel using ZigBee, Z-Wave, M-Bus or a similar protocol. Data transmission range - up to 50 meters from the modem to the repeater. Data from the repeater or hub is transmitted via Ethernet or GSM to the customer's server.

Advantages

• The most common technology in the dispatching market. There are many solutions from foreign and domestic manufacturers.
• Low power consumption compared to GSM/GPRS, up to several years of operation on a single battery.
• Relatively easy installation compared to wired systems.

Flaws

• The high cost of the device compared to other solutions - up to several thousand rubles.
• A short transmission distance (up to 50 meters) leads to the need to install additional repeaters, which further increases the cost of the system.
• Low system reliability due to complex mesh architecture and a large number of repeaters. To organize a network, several different types of devices are needed: a receiver, a hub, a router, a repeater - this increases the total cost of the estimate for equipment and installation work.
• High cost of maintenance and support, since each project of a telematics network based on ZigBee, Z-Wave or M-Bus is unique, and only an integrator can service it.
• Low data rate.

Telematic systems based on ZigBee, Z-Wave and M-Bus have gained popularity over the past few years due to the possibility of wireless data transmission. In practice, the complexity of systems leads to high costs of maintenance and service, so more customers are looking at alternative solutions.

Water dispatching system "VAVIOT"

Each of modern solutions there are disadvantages that greatly increase the cost of equipment and make maintenance expensive and troublesome. Ultimately, such systems are used extremely rarely and have not yet received mass distribution.

In order to level the shortcomings of existing technologies, it was necessary to develop a solution without wires, capable of operating for several years without external power, transmitting readings over long distances without intermediate equipment and at the same time inexpensive - VAVIOT did it!

"VAVIOT" is a system for remote collection of water meter readings using an energy-efficient radio communication protocol that allows you to transfer small data packets from millions of devices over long distances for many years.

Advantages

• The minimum cost of devices: modems and water meters with built-in modem.
• Minimum implementation time: you only need to connect a modem or a water meter with a radio module, and the system is ready to work.
• Minimum implementation cost: no external power or intermediate equipment required, simple installation.
• The maximum data transmission range is 10 km within the city limits due to the features of the new communication protocol.
• The high penetrating power of the signal allows you to receive data from basements and rooms where there is no GSM, Ethernet and other communications.
• Autonomy of work over 10 years due to the optimized data transfer protocol and schedule for sending readings.
• Does not require maintenance. Replacing devices at the end of battery life is simple and takes 5-7 minutes.
• Simple scalable system architecture: radio modem → base station → server.

Flaws

• Low data transfer rate compared to other technologies, but at the same time quite sufficient for transferring water meter readings at specified intervals.
• Less distribution of this technology due to novelty. Network coverage is not available in all cities, but is solved by installing a long-range base station that covers entire neighborhoods and even small cities.

Let's compare specific numbers

Compare the characteristics of various dispatching systems and make sure that VAVIOT has no competitors.

A simple example is an apartment building

"VAVIOT" uses a simple "star" topology: the signal goes directly to the base station, without repeaters, switches, hubs and drives. This has a positive effect on the reliability and cost of the entire system, because a minimum of equipment is used and troublesome installation is not required. And we also produce all the devices ourselves - prices from the manufacturer. As a result, the cost of the system is several times lower. traditional solutions for apartment buildings. Check out this simple calculation.

The widespread installation of metering devices is today one of the priority areas for reforming housing and communal services. However, after the installation of the heat meter, it is necessary to ensure the possibility of prompt and regular taking of readings from it. In cases where it is necessary to collect data from 10-15 metering devices, there are usually no difficulties. But already now, most specialists are faced with an increase in the number of serviced devices, which requires the organization of automatic collection of readings. In addition, the dispatching system becomes a great help in monitoring heat supply networks. The choice of the optimal technology for collecting and transmitting data will be discussed below.

Today in Russia the practice of manual data collection from metering devices prevails. Thermal companies maintain a staff of controllers and inspectors (and sometimes dozens of people) who go around the facilities and record meter readings. Then the obtained data must be entered into the database. This is done again manually by the operators of the settlement centers. This approach has a number of obvious disadvantages.

Firstly, regular rounds of all objects equipped with metering devices require a lot of time.

Second, the manual collection and entry of data implies the possibility of errors.

Thirdly, for various reasons, access to metering devices for visual control may be limited. Finally, and many experts rightly consider this to be the main disadvantage of manual collection, it does not allow real-time monitoring of the state of heating systems.

The introduction of automatic reading systems creates conditions for optimizing the cost of maintaining heat networks. In addition, being combined into a single network, metering devices allow you to receive data on heat consumption and coolant parameters in different sections of the network at the same time.

This helps the thermal company eliminate imbalances in its operation and optimize hydraulics. Tracking "anomalous" changes in instrument readings, it is possible to quickly identify emergency sections of the network in which deviations occur. Instead of verbal and occasional reports by crawlers, the dispatcher gets the opportunity to monitor the status of his network section on the monitor screen. But for this it is necessary that the counters "get in touch" at least every day, even better if they are constantly online.

Automatic collection of data from metering devices facilitates the work of not only heating network specialists, but also organizations serving heat points, as well as management companies of residential and commercial real estate. Such solutions are widely used in Europe, they are also used in our country. For example, in the city of Dolgoprudny near Moscow, Kamstrup metering devices, thermal automatics and pumping equipment of several ITPs and TsTPs are connected to a remote monitoring and reading system. “Maintenance of heat points that are not equipped with dispatching systems requires regular rounds.

It turned out to be more profitable for our company to organize remote data collection than to keep a whole staff of crawlers. Now one specialist sees all the necessary parameters on the computer monitor and, if necessary, can quickly make changes to the operation of the heating network, for example, adjust the temperature of the coolant. For tenants, it is important that their requests are processed quickly. In addition, the absence of leaks and overheating saves heat, which means it reduces heating costs,” explains Vladimir Litvishkov, director of Teploperspektiva, a company servicing heating points.

The main condition necessary for the implementation of network solutions is the ability to include metering devices in the dispatching system, as well as a guarantee of their reliability and uninterrupted operation. Without this, any data collection scheme will be non-functional. It is best if the meter allows, if necessary (for example, when expanding or upgrading the network), the transition to any of the methods used today for transmitting information.

Modern calculators with a modular architecture, such as MULTICAL® 601, allow this to be done. As Kirill Klyushin, a technical specialist at Kamstrup, the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of system solutions in energy accounting, notes, “computers allow upgrading the dispatching system without additional reprogramming. The meters are simply equipped with another data transmission module, for example, for communication using the most modern LON protocol or radio channel.”

The choice is appropriate

The choice of technology for collecting and transmitting data depends on the tasks that it has to solve. Let's try to understand the variety of methods used today in Russia to combine metering devices into a network.

For residential buildings with individual heat metering, the ideal solution today is the communication technology using the M-Bus protocol. In this case, a two-wire cable is used to switch devices, similar to a telephone cable, the connection is made in parallel. The advantages of the solution are the low cost of its implementation and the independent power supply of the network controller. Up to 250 metering devices can be connected to one hub (M-Bus Master). The disadvantages include the limitation on the total length of the bus, the low speed caused by the fact that the counters are interrogated sequentially, as well as limitations on the data standard.

A similar scheme was implemented when organizing a heat supply system for a new residential building on the street. Tchaikovsky in Yaroslavl. According to Igor Rachkov, a specialist of the Krois company, which carried out the adjustment of the metering system in the building, “today there is no technology that would be more convenient and cheaper for apartment metering than M-Bus.” Data from 61 metering devices installed in apartments and shops located on the ground floor of the building are sent to the dispatcher's computer at a specified interval. In accordance with the indications, the payment for heating is easily distributed among the owners of the premises.

In facilities with complex technical infrastructure, the flexible LonWorks network platform, created in 1988 by Echelon, is increasingly being used. This solution is based on a universal high-speed bus that allows you to control a variety of engineering systems.

Its undoubted advantages are the speed of data transfer, the absence of serious (for local use) restrictions on the length of the network, as well as the ability to use it for various purposes - from remote control of electric motors to automation of security systems. In essence, the platform has been designed for use in so-called smart buildings. It allows the dispatcher to constantly keep abreast of the heat supply system.

Of course, setting up a LonWorks network will cost significantly more, and it requires specially trained personnel to maintain it. However, since several services can operate the network at once, this option seems to be optimal for large shopping or office complexes, as well as large enterprises. A similar solution was used in the resource accounting system of the Federation Tower in the Moscow City business center. 82 heat meters and 41 electricity meters in the apartments of the building with total area more than 9 thousand m2, transmit data to the control panel every minute.

The use of high-frequency radio communication for remote reading of readings from metering devices is becoming increasingly popular in Europe. Thus, the heat meter MULTICAL® 601 involves the use of a built-in wireless router, which ensures its operation as part of single network. In Russia, this technology has not yet received distribution. Among the main reasons, one can single out the nature of the development. If Europe is dominated by a dense private low-rise construction, then in our cities mainly multi-apartment residential buildings are being built, which explains the lower density of metering stations.

In addition, the abundance of high-rise reinforced concrete buildings reduces the range of transmitters by about 2-2.5 times. However, the development of the suburbs of large cities with cottage settlements, the transfer of small low-rise residential settlements to district heating from local combined sources, for example, mini-CHPs, can make radio data collection relevant for our country as well.

Also, for remote reading of instrument readings, modem communication channels or local cable networks. The limitations associated with these two methods are obvious: in the first case, you need to connect to a telephone line, in the second, you are dependent on possible failures and accidents in the local provider's network, which, unfortunately, is not uncommon in our country today.

In addition, in some cases (for example, for a detached household), it is advisable to use data transmission using a GSM channel. But this is rather an exception, because. network solutions imply a high density of subscriber concentration.

Solutions for thermal companies

Of course, the creation of an extensive automatic dispatching system is not an easy task, requiring certain costs and time. It should be noted that today there are original and cost-effective solutions to optimize the process of manual data collection and significantly reduce the impact of the human factor.

Thus, data collection over a radio channel can be organized at a lower cost, without building a network. For example, with the MULTITERM® WorkAbout handheld terminal, which is part of the radio system developed by Kamstrup. The terminal allows you to automatically interrogate up to several thousand metering devices. One inspector replacing dozens of controllers can simply go around the desired area by car - a great solution for a thermal company. Heat meters in this case are equipped with a radio module that provides the possibility of remote interrogation. Communication takes place on an unlicensed frequency of about 4.3 MHz, the same frequency used in car alarm systems. Low power signals, which the terminal exchanges with the heat meter, do not pose a danger to humans and the environment. Moreover, the contact can be carried out at a distance of up to 500 meters.

An interesting option for collecting readings was found by one of the thermal companies in Denmark. In the country's third largest city, Odense, world-famous thanks to G.Kh. Andersen, meter readings are being taken by... scavengers. Radio terminals are installed on garbage trucks. Going round their area every day, scavengers at the same time collect data on the consumption of thermal energy, which they transmit at the end of the shift to the control room.

Thus, data is obtained from more than 20 thousand objects. Simple and elegant - just like in the works of the great storyteller.

Another low-cost way to optimize the reading process is also provided by the design of the MULTICAL® 601 heat meter already mentioned above. This is the possibility of quickly reading archives using an optical head, for example, connected to a laptop. By the way, there are universal solutions. For example, the MULTITERM® Pro handheld terminal, with which you can take data not only by radio, but also through the optical connector, as well as enter them manually. Such a multifunctional device, which combines various data collection tools, allows you to upgrade your accounting system for a long time without experiencing any inconvenience.

Summing up, it can be noted that network solutions and remote data collection technologies solve several problems at once.

Firstly, their use allows you to optimize the cost of maintaining heating networks.

Secondly, it makes it possible to monitor their work in all areas.

Finally, when choosing the optimal method of data transmission, the dispatching system is convenient and reduces the costs of the service organization. And the modern equipment produced today will help to overcome any technical barriers to progress in public utilities.

Press service Kamstrup