| |
| Remote Meter Reading |
Today's modern energy markets progressively rely more on interval data to meet the meter data requirements to support:
|
Innovative rate offerings
Demand response programs
Load settlement
Load Research
Enhanced customer service
|
Utility departments and meter data collection agencies responsible for this type of meter data collection and processing are experiencing that their legacy dialing and processing system is unable to scale reliably to the ever-increasing volumes. Moreover, the current technology employed in their legacy system is "out-of-synch" with corporate IT standards and no longer meets security standards mandated by government agencies.
EnergyICT knows the significance of having a remote meter reading system that can manage the volumes of data required by today's markets in an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective way. More importantly, EnergyICT can provide a secure modern platform that serves as the foundation for all meter data collection, processing, and distribution. With EnergyICT's advanced technology, you can reduce your operating costs, increase the volume of meters and data, reduce your hardware, and simplify IT requirements and support.
|
EnergyICT's Solution
EIServer, EnergyICT's energy data management system, is at the center of the solution. EIServer is a high-performance meter data warehouse that includes the operational and analytic functionality required by large-scale meter data collection and management processes. Adding EnergyICT's ComServerJ Module to EIServer provides the added functionality to simultaneously communicate with large numbers of meters via PSTN, GSM, Paknet or other modern communication mediums quickly to meet meter data collection schedules. EIServer with ComServerJ is platform independent and uses an Oracle database operating in standard or RAC configuration, which results in a system that provides high-performance, reliability, security and is fully IT supportable.
EIServer with ComServerJ Capabilities Include:
Automatic dialing and re-scheduling for either inbound or outbound communications
Built in protocol analyzer for meter communication trouble shooting
Automated validation and data editing functions
Automated knowledge-based estimation methods and procedures
Integration with existing market systems using standard XML imports and exports
Virtual meters for complex meter data aggregation
Searching and fault reporting
Built in web interface and web-client functions
Exception and analytic reporting, both standard and custom
Multi-utility capable
Multiple users and user groups
EIWeb real time and IP data collection interface
API to allow users to develop and integrate specialized in-house system enhancements
Optional components to support additional needs for Load Settlement, Complex Billing, Load Research, Real-time Balancing and Control and Residential AMR.
Protocols
EIServer's open architecture and use of modern programming tools in the development of meter communication protocols accelerates the process of implementing new or modified protocols. If necessary, protocols can be developed by the data collector or meter vendor using the same development tools as EnergyICT's engineers. This ensures that new meters or special devices can be connected to the system quickly.
Efficiency, Scalability, and Performance
Efficiency, scalability, and performance are engineered directly into EIServer. The system is built on one solid Oracle platform, allowing IT staff to focus on that single system rather than spending time tracking down and fixing problems of many smaller systems.
EIServer has been customer-tested to process and manage over 4,000,000 channels of interval meter data in short time periods. In addition to interval meter data, EIServer also manages and processes millions of meter readings from cumulative register meters or more advanced AMI systems, resulting in a comprehensive single platform for meter data operations.
Added-value services can be quickly configured and made operational. For example, the EIServer system can be configured to automatically post data to the Web as soon as it is available in the system, allowing the data collector to provide data to consumers without any delays or additional effort.
Benefits
Data collection in today's marketplace requires a system that ensures timely and accurate data; is flexible enough to advance with changing markets and new technologies; and is extremely cost-efficient. EIServer with ComServerJ has been proven throughout the world to meet these criteria. EIServer can reliably support your existing business and ensure efficient operations, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
|
| |
RTU+® Server
The Intelligent Remote Terminal Unit
|
The RTU+® Server data concentrator is a revolutionary new embedded server, offering advanced features perfectly adapted for Energy Management applications |
 |
The device splits expensive communication over multiple endpoints and supports data collection from 1000 channels (via M-bus and Modbus), limited only by the upgradable internal hard drive capacity. In addition, the RTU+® Server serves as Master Concentrator in an RF network, with multiple endpoints acting as slaves. |
|
High Performance
The device features a high performance customized and tuned Linux running as operating system, with an embedded Java Virtual Machine and a robust SQL database. The RTU+® Server features fully configurable monitoring capability using its embedded plug-and-play configured software which cooperates with EnergyICT®’s advanced EIServer® energy management system.
Special functionalities have been implemented to turn Linux and the database into "maintenance free" distributed systems, thereby enhancing the user-friendliness of the device. Commissioning of new meters and aggregation of virtual meters is made possible by the embedded data collection software, similar to EnergyICT's ComServerJ, which polls electricity, gas and water meters using its extended meter protocol library.
The RTU+® Server can update its software and transfer data to EIServer® using the EIWebp push protocol, via its Ethernet and USB ports, or via an optional communication interface. A built-in Web Server is used to access the embedded software and to configure the device.
Modular and Expandable Design
The RTU+® Server offers unprecedented upstream and downstream flexibility. The unit is built around a core feature set that can be expanded with additional modules to add more advanced functions. Because EnergyICT® has an in-house R&D and engineering department, the RTU+® Server can be built exactly according to those features you need, including additional I/O cards, safety devices, and communication cards.
Standard interfaces include:
- For upstream communication:
Double Ethernet (10/100 Base-T) connection
Double USB 2.0 interface
- For downstream communication:
4 isolated digital inputs
4 isolated digital outputs
1 isolated RS485 interface
Optional interfaces include:
There are 3 extension slots available for adding today's and tomorrow's interfaces.
- For upstream communication, the RTU+® Server functionality can be expanded with:
GSM/GPRS modem
- For downstream communication, the RTU+® Server functionality can be expanded with:
RF modem
M-Bus interface
RS232 interface
More interfaces are currently under development. Contact EnergyICT® for more information.
|
RTU+ V6-Energy Management/DR
|
The RTU+® V6 is a high-tech remote terminal unit/data logger designed to collect, store, process and transmit data from 32 different metering devices.
Multiple technologies are available for the collection as well as for the transmission of the data. The flexibility and easily customised design of this device allows the customer to select the options that best suit his needs.
In addition to the flexible technologies, the RTU+® V6 can store up to 50 days of 15-minute interval data, which it time stamps as it is collected. All set-up and configuration can be done using the device's internal web server and a standard browser. Basic reports are packaged with the device, and can be generated anytime, anywhere using a browser. Its flexibility and ease of use make the RTU+® V6 the ultimate solution for even the most demanding data logging or remote terminal unit application.
|
|
|
High-tech remote terminal unit
32 I/O channels
Ethernet, GSM/GPRS, RS485 or RS232, PSTN and ModBus communication
Digital and 4...20 mA analog in- and outputs
Additional PLC, RF ZigBee, Fiber, M-Bus and RS485/232 inputs
Integrated webserver
Modular and expandable design
The RTU+®V6 is built around a core feature set that meets the requirements of most customers. Optional expansion modules that provide more advanced monitoring or control functions are available and are easily plugged in. Additionally, customers with special monitoring requirements can rely on EnergyICT®'s in-house R&D and Engineering Department to design new modules that will meet their unique requirements, including additional I/O cards and communication cards. From PSTN connectivity to real-time meter reading via GPRS - whatever your application needs.
Communication without limits
The standard integration of the RTU+®V6 with TCP/IP networks allows customers to send their consumption data worldwide with virtually no cost. Companies can compare energy data from different facilities in real-time, wherever they are located, using simple web-based tools. The RTU+®V6 can be equipped with:
Traditional PSTN modems for dial-in connectivity
GSM/GPRS modems for wireless dial-in communication
RS232 or RS485 connectors for connectivity to other devices
ModBus communication modules, enabling the RTU+®V6 to function as a gateway to the Internet for your third-party ModBus devices.
Complete data collection
The RTU+® V6 can be connected with up to 32 different metering devices, in many different ways. Standard digital and analog signals can be processed, but the RTU+®V6 can also be equipped with PLC, RF ZigBee, Fiber, M-Bus and RS485/232 technologies - whatever the metering device requires. Output of digital and analog signals is also available.
Concentrator
RTU+® V6s can be used as a concentrator for up to 32 endpoints. Residential meters talk to endpoints, which relay the consumption data using wireless communication technology to the RTU+® V6. The RTU+® V6 collects the data and transmits it over a large distance using several technologies. Using the RTU+® V6 as a concentrator is a cost effective way to support remote residential metering without being tied to one vendor's technology. EnergyICT offers the EpIO, an endpoint that works seamlessly with the RTU+® V6s, but other vendor's endpoints can also be used.
|
WebRTU® Z2
Next Generation Data Concentrator
|
The advanced data concentrator WebRTU® Z2 is developed for collecting, storing and transmitting the data of your energy consumption and process parameters.
|
 |
Easy installation, gateway functionality and protocol conversion make the WebRTU® Z2 stand out from the competition. This off-the-shelf product is built around a core feature set and is the perfect solution for remote data collection from isolated endpoints. |
|
Energy Management Applications
For the major commercial and industrial end users, the WebRTU® Z2 possesses an incorporated Web server that provides the user with a special website on which end users can consult the energy data through a simple Web browser - no proprietary software is needed. With the powerful reporting tools of the WebRTU® Z2, a real-time display of your energy use becomes possible. End users can also consult and visualize their data in graphics through Microsoft Excel using a simple Web query.
The integration of the WebRTU® Z2 with multiple communication networks allows the user to send the gathered consumption data worldwide. In other words, companies can perform benchmarking and compare the data from their different sites, wherever they are located, in real-time and group them.
The WebRTU® Z2 is perfect for small and medium enterprises that want to actively start managing their energy consumption.
Gateway functionality for remote communication
The WebRTU® Z2 solves the problem of isolated or non-standard metering devices that are not web enabled. The WebRTU® Z2 gateway functionality enables remote communication on devices that communicate over a serial interface (RS232 or RS485). The gateway works in TCP/IP to Serial Mode or in Modem Pass Through Mode. In both modes the ComServerJ, with a library of over 70 protocols, can control the communication parameters of the serial port.
Variety of communication possibilities
The device comes in a robust ABS box resisting easily to any industrial environment and features:
Standard
Ethernet connection for upstream communication.
Serial communication interfaces RS232, RS485 or current loop and an M-bus master interface.
2 digital inputs and 2 digital outputs.
Optional
Fiber input module for communication with EnergyICT®'s ExIO in an explosive environment.
RF modem for communication with EpIO's (EnergyICT®'s endpoint devices) or a PSTN modem for dial-in connectivity.
GSM/GPRS modem for wireless remote meter reading.
|
EpIO
Last Mile Endpoint
|
EnergyICT®'s EpIO serves as the last point in the meter reading chain, just before the meter itself. The unit collects, stores and transmits your energy consumption data and process parameters.
Each EpIO provides a range of IO's at the meter end: from status input, output to serial and wireless interfaces in order to collect energy consumption data and offer new services. EpIO's are manufactured as universal models for all energy meters and are built into a robust ABS box resistant to any environment. |
 |
The EpIO is available in two types:
EpIO Basic Version: with 2 digital inputs, 2 digital outputs and an RF module.
EpIO Full Version: with 2 digital inputs, 2 digital outputs, an RS485 and M-bus interface, an RF module, a real-time clock and more memory capacity for data storage.
Both EpIO versions can be used for temperature monitoring, and the EpIO Basic Version for humidity monitoring as well. |
|
EpIO RF network communication
Ideally, multiple EpIO's are used in combination with a master data concentrator (a WebRTU® Z2 or RTU+® Server). The network between the data concentrator and the EpIO's uses Radio Frequency and is self-forming and self-healing, with the data concentrator serving as central master and the EpIO's acting as slaves.
The master concentrator is responsible for collecting the data from a number of endpoints and for transmitting all data over longer distances to a central software platform over IP.
The network is self-forming because after installation, each device auto-configures itself and detects if any possible devices are in the vicinity, thereby creating a network capable of expanding itself without any manual intervention. Each EpIO sends its consumption data (channel status, pulse counts...) over RF directly or indirectly to the master data concentrator. The master concentrator can drive the EpIO to turn certain loads on or off via the EpIO's digital outputs.
For the US market, the EpIO uses frequency hopping to improve RF immunity towards external interference. Every EpIO and data concentrator part of a single network follows the same frequency-hopping pattern.
Indirect communication is possible as well thanks to the dual role of the EpIO: it can send its own data to the master concentrator but can also act as a repeater for the data of a neighboring EpIO simultaneously. Moreover, the network is self-healing due to automatic repair when one device fails (due to disconnection, fire, etc...): a remote EpIO simply detects another EpIO in its vicinity to send its data to. This mesh networking capability ensures that larger physical areas can be adequately covered without amplifiers or extra concentrators.
Energy Management Applications
For multi-site companies and retailers, concentrating and transmitting energy consumption data from dispersed meters has always been a challenging problem. To meet this challenge, the easy-to-install EpIO's collect energy consumption data from multiple meters at every site over M-bus/RS485, after which the data is transmitted over RF to one master concentrator where all data is concentrated and forwarded to a central data warehouse. This solution not only saves on cabling costs but also on installation and communication costs -- no extra cables are required to link the meters with the master concentrator; and the communication costs are split over multiple endpoints. In conclusion, the EpIO offers a cost-effective high-quality solution for groups of dispersed meters.
|
ExIO Galvanic Barrier
|
The ExIO module provides safe and reliable transmission of pulses coming from an energy meter to a data logger in demanding or even dangerous environments.
This equipment can be used with gas meters in Zone 0 applications, with water meters in sewer applications, and in other harsh environments. The ExIO module provides ATEX protection for the transmission of the pulses and is most effective when used in combination with the WebRTU® Z2. But even with other data loggers, the ExIO is the best solution for safe and reliable communication with these meters. Why? The ExIO requires no ground (cfr. a zener barrier), needs no external battery (cfr. galvanic isolation) and provides a high quality optical isolation.
The key to this innovative yet simple solution is the low power operation of the ExIO module, which operates on an internal battery with a lifetime of more than ten years. This unique technology uses an extremely low power micro controller on the ExIO Encoder to detect the pulses coming from the gas or water meter and to convert them into a very short light signal - less than 1 millisecond. The light signal is then sent via fiber to the ExIO Decoder, where it is re transformed to pulses and transmitted to the data logger.
|
 |
Encoder/Decoder for digital to optical
pulse conversion
Spark free transmission
Ex-certified
Low Power
Conversion of 2 digital inputs
Battery with 10 year lifetime
|
|
EIMeter
|
Energy management starts with measuring energy consumption accurately.
high-performance LV/HV submeter
easy to install
automatic CT rotation correction
intelligent LED indication
EIMeter, EnergyICT®'s solution for measuring and monitoring electrical parameters, is a high-performance LV/HV meter that is perfect for the non-revenue sub-metering market.
EIMeter is a precision instrument that can monitor and measure electrical values for single, two and three-phase LV/HV electrical networks. It communicates using the modbus protocol over RS485 to support multiple measured parameters. The universal and accurate EIMeter is simple to install and has on board commissioning with intelligent LED indication and automatic CT rotation correction. Additionally, the device has various pre-wired CT options such as flexible Rogowski Coils for large loads greater than 1000A, split-core CTs for medium loads between 50 and 1000A, and special high-accuracy split-core CTs for existing CT secondary monitoring. All the CTs are internally shunted for intrinsically safe operation on energized conductors.
EIMeter is an excellent choice when you need to collect multiple electrical parameters accurately.
|
Manual Meter Reading in EIServer®
|
As advanced communications technologies become more affordable, more applications can justify using those technologies to read meters remotely.
Sometimes old meters are replaced; sometimes devices such as EnergyICT®'s multi-channel data logger that supports multiple communications technologies are used to provide remote meter reading capabilities. For some applications, though, manual meter reading may be an appropriate, cost-effective solution. But collecting data using pencil and paper and then keying those values into a system so that the data can be analyzed is time-consuming and error-prone. Combining EnergyICT®'s handheld meter reading device with EIServer®'s data management capabilities will reduce errors and ensure more timely and accurate data.
|
|
|
Mobile reading device for manual input of meter registers
Local data validation
Perfectly integrated in EIServer®
Rugged Casing
Data encryption
Handheld device
EnergyICT®'s handheld meter reading device comes in a rugged case that is waterproof, crushproof and nearly unbreakable. Its ergonomic design makes it light to handle and allows easy access to the device. The combination of ruggedness and ease of use make it perfect for the most demanding applications. The handheld software is intuitive and user-friendly. Meter readings can be entered in a few seconds, and the last reading captured for the meter is displayed so that the meter reader can use it for a reasonability check. The software also provides a simple overview of the meters that are on the route. The device stores all entered data until it is synchronized with EIServer®. |
EIServer EMS
|
|
It's virtually impossible to manage energy consumption and control costs without powerful tools that both manage the data you need and support the analytic activities necessary to turn that data into information. |
 |
Energy Management System
Advanced aggregation tool
Powerful reporting engine
Exception management
Web client |
|
|
EIServer® EMS, EnergyICT®'s energy management system, was designed to provide an energy manager with the toolset he or she requires. EIServer® EMS is supported by a large-scale Oracle database and built with a JAVA business logic layer, both renowned for their reliability and high performance. EIServer® EMS is more than just a data warehouse for consumption data, though. The advanced aggregation tool and powerful reporting engine provide a suite of tools to help an energy manager make sense of the data. The reporting engine allows him to construct and generate reports that show exactly what he needs quickly and efficiently. Still, even the most intuitive and straightforward reports need to be reviewed to ensure that everything is running smoothly.
To help in the review process, EIServer® EMS provides automatic alarms called EISpectors that can analyze the outcome of a report and notify someone when a condition is met or a threshold is reached. This notification can be done via e-mail, creating a file creation, printing a document, or other means, reducing the human effort necessary to review the reports. And EIServer® EMS includes a web client, enabling users to view reports using just a browser. Users of the system no longer have to install additional software just to see reports |
EIServer Module EMS+
|
The EMS+ module takes EIServer® EMS one step further, and gives an energy manager even more tools to monitor, analyze and manage energy consumption.
Determining whether the energy consumption of a specific site falls within the predicted consumption pattern is not a simple task. It isn't enough to know just the type of site - other variables such as surface, number of visitors and sales or production figures can have a major impact on the energy consumption pattern. |
 |
- Extra energy management tools
- Forecasting
- Project tracking
- Benchmarking
|
|
|
EMS+ Benchmarking uses multiple variables to allow for easier comparison between multiple sites and an enhanced capability to identify usage outside the predicted pattern.
EMS+ Forecasting links historical energy consumption to external variables such as weather, sales, production levels using neural net technology. Having a detailed and accurate forecast of tomorrow's usage allows an energy manager to procure energy on a day-ahead market at the best possible price, manage energy consuming processes to lessen consumption when it's necessary, and avoid situations where processes must be shut down or energy must be purchased at premium prices. This powerful feature is indispensable for any company that takes energy management seriously.
Project Tracking gives energy managers the tools to ensure that projects intended to save energy actually do save energy. This module uses the energy consumption data associated with a project to do a statistical analysis that shows whether the project met its expected savings goal. The results are displayed in clear and intuitive reports. |
EIServer Billing Module
|
|
For large customers, creating billing determinants and generating invoice data can be a complicated process. EIServer® EMS provides an optional Billing module that uses the stored consumption data and additional contract, account, and pricing functionality to create billing determinants and invoices. |
 |
- Complex billing module
- Easy price structure set-up
- Pre-billing
- Bill verification
|
|
|
| Even the most complex contracts and complicated price structures can be implemented. This additional functionality enables applications such as pre-billing and bill verification. Often a company will have another system to generate invoices and handle the associated accounting processes. This system may not be able to deal with complex contracts or pricing, however. Pre-billing in EIServer® does the computations required by the complex contracts and pricing structures, and passes the billing information to the external invoicing system. The EIServer® Billing Module supports bill verification by comparing the received invoices from energy suppliers with bills based on the actual energy consumption as stored in EIServer® EMS. |
|
EIServer ComServerJ Module
The ComServerJ module takes remote meter data collection to the next level.
This EIServer® EDM add-on module is vendor independent, is fully integrated with EIServer® EDM and can deal with over 70 different meter protocols that are used worldwide. Open and flexible architecture allows easy adding of newly developed protocols and keeps the collection software up to date. Unlimited data collection and optimal use of communication hardware were key principles during development. As a consequence, the ComServerJ application is only restricted by hardware limitations and communication hardware is applied optimally by dividing and grouping the devices in pools.
One of our customers illustrates the power of the application by using ComServerJ to collect 150,000 30-minute load profiles each day, in approximately nine hours. But with ComServerJ, the sky is the limit.
|
|
