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Automatic
Meter Reading (AMR) is a system that provides Meter readings
automatically. It provides remote collection of data from
utility meters in peoples homes using a number of different
communication technologies. AMR was first realised in the
mid 80’s when a number of water and gas companies began
implementing AMR on water and gas meters in customers homes.
AMR
systems consist of three primary components:
Meter
Interface module (MIM): also known as Meter Transmission Units,
connected to the meter, with a power supply, sensors, controlling
electronics and some form of communication interface which
can transmit data from the unit to a central location.
Communications
system: which is used to transmit the data from the MIM using
telephony, radio frequency, power-line or satellite communications
technology.
Central
system equipment: generally consists of modems, receivers,
controllers and a host computer (or Network Control computer).
This equipment collects the information sent from the MIM’s
and enables the company to monitor all meters automatically.
The
remote MIM devices require batteries to provide power and
due to the nature of these devices, the batteries used need
to deliver long life through low self-discharge rates under
wide temperature ranges. They also need to have enough capacity
to handle the unique demands of high current pulse AMR devices.
The majority of AMR equipment utilises lithium chloride batteries
due to their long life, high energy density and extended operational
temperature range.
We
currently supply Lithium batteries from a number of manufacturers
including Sonnenschein, Saft and Tadiran.
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