meter reading over the powerlines

GOTWW · Mar 15, 2004

I have heard that there is technology (in the USA) that allows the remote reading of meters, via, data over powerline. Is this technology compatible with substation level distribution feeders? Will it work through pad mount transformers?

GOTWW · Mar 15, 2004

Is TWACS it, or is there others. Is there application software to tie this into GIS?

busbar · Mar 15, 2004

Search on AMR/automated meter reading.

GOTWW · Mar 15, 2004

Those site seem to be oriented towards telephone line, proximity RF, or IP meter reading. I have to deal with remote sites with no infrastructure to support these, much less mobile meter readers with wands (the RF can be an issue in some instances also). The TWACS suggest to be a form of modulation near 60Hz, such as to propagate anywhere the normal 60Hz would, This is appartemtly taking the utilities by storm. Anybody have any good/bad things to input to the "TWACS" or simular technology?

twosockets · Mar 15, 2004

GOTWW,

You should also check out the Turtle system by a company called Hunt Technologies. Their WEB site is:

http://www.turtletech.com/AboutUs.aspx

As the name implies, this ultra narrow band power line carrier system sends meter readings and other information very s l o w l y.

A new version called TS2 has two way communication technology. The original system is one way; from a transmitter located in the meter, or the meter site, to a receiver, usually mounted in a substation.

Greg May
Two Sockets - Two Meters, Inc.
WEB:

http://www.socket-two-me.com