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Everyone is talking about “smart metering”. But what exactly is this buzzword all about? And why would this technology be pretty much useless without frequency-stable clocks and reliable power sources?
By “smart metering”, we are talking about a technology that monitors and analyzes energy consumption in residential and commercial facilities in real time. “Smart meters” – the “intelligent meters” for electricity, gas, or water – offer significant benefits to both utilities and end customers.
What does “smart metering” mean for me as a private individual in my apartment or house?
As a private individual, you have an overview of your current energy consumption at all times and can access your consumption data in real time. This enables you to make informed decisions on how to optimize your consumption and reduce your bills. Additionally, there is no need for an energy supplier employee to read the meters every year, as smart meters transmit the data automatically.
And as a utility company, what impact does this technology have there?
Smart meter technology offers numerous benefits to utility companies. In addition to the cost savings from eliminating the need for staff to read meters, smart meters allow utilities to be notified immediately of outages and other problems.
With real-time data on electricity, water, and gas consumption permanently available to utilities, they can better predict and plan the demand for this energy for the coming months or even years based on real-time data. This enables more efficient resource planning and allocation, leading to a reduction in overcapacity and better alignment with actual demand. Additionally, by using this data, utilities can also take preventive maintenance measures to avoid outages and increase the reliability of supply.
But how exactly does real-time monitoring and analysis of energy consumption actually work?
The transmission of consumer data works as follows:
1. Data Collection: Smart meters continuously collect real-time data on energy consumption, including electricity, gas, or water. Real-time recording helps consumers monitor and optimize their energy consumption. Smart meters are equipped with sensors that can detect anomalies in energy consumption. In the event of unusual consumption patterns, automatic notifications are sent to the consumer and the energy supplier.
2. Storage and Processing: The recorded data is stored and processed in the smart meter, enabling precise measurement and analysis of consumption.
3. Transmission of the Data: The data is transmitted to the energy supplier via various communication methods. The existing electricity grid can be used to transmit the data (Power Line Communication (PLC)). Smart meters can also transmit data via wireless networks such as Wi-Fi, IoT technologies and 5G networks for fast and reliable data transmission. Smart meters enable two-way communication between the energy supplier and the consumer. This means that the energy supplier not only receives data but can also send information such as price adjustments or service notifications to the consumer.
Reliable frequency components and stable power sources – the be-all and end-all of this technology
To reliably ensure continuous data transmission between the consumer and the energy supplier through the smart meters, the smart meters must be equipped with equally reliable components. It can be said that reliable frequency components and stable power sources are the be-all and end-all of this new technology!
From the RTC circuit to the communication interface: Versatile Crystals and Oscillators
With their stable frequency, crystals and oscillators ensure reliable synchronization and efficient data processing between the intelligent meters, the internal functional units, and the communication networks involved. Frequency control products from Jauch require minimal space in product development, are extremely reliable, and offer a wide range of options for reducing system performance. Frequency products that can be designed in are temperature-compensated oscillators, WA crystals and clock crystals for RTC applications:
– KHz Clock Generator for the RTC Circuit: A 32.768 kHz quartz “sleep clock” is usually used to keep track of the time and date. This clock is in operation when the rest of the system is switched off and operates at 32.768 kHz to save power.
– Crystals or Oscillators for the Communication Interfaces: Different requirements in terms of frequency and stability depend on the selected data transmission radio technology.
– Clock Generator for Microcontrollers: Either a quartz resonator or an oscillator is usually used for the central control unit. The frequency is specified by the microcontroller manufacturer.
Long-life Lithium Batteries: The perfect solution for smart meters
To ensure continuous transmission of the energy data consumed, the smart meters require a stable power source. Only then can the permanent data backup and transmission of smart electricity, gas, or water meters be guaranteed. Long-life lithium batteries from Jauch are predestined for this task: they supply high pulse currents and remain constant for many years. With a service life of over ten years, they are ideal for long-term use. They also function reliably in extreme temperatures and reduce maintenance costs, as it is not necessary to replace the battery after a short period of use. For smart gas meters, Jauch recommends parallel-connected ER batteries with SPC1520.
In conclusion, smart metering is the future of energy supply – and not just because it helps us to monitor and optimize energy consumption. However, without reliable frequency components and stable power sources, we would be pretty much screwed. Imagine if your smart meter suddenly stopped working because the battery gave up the ghost – it would be like a marathon runner losing his shoes in the middle of a race!
Smart metering is not only a technological innovation but also a decisive step towards a sustainable and efficient energy future. With the right combination of reliable frequency components and long-lasting power sources, we can ensure that this technology will have its full impact and accompany us on the way to a smarter energy supply.
