Solutions
Advanced meter reading and smart grid solutions
AmbiPower solutions bring products together around a utility problem — reading meters, and bringing the field into operations. Each explains the problem, the parts involved, and how they fit.
What are smart metering and smart grid solutions?
A solution brings AmbiPower products together to address a specific utility problem. Advanced Meter Reading (AMR → AMI) moves a utility from manual meter reading, through automated reading, toward two-way Advanced Metering Infrastructure — so meter data arrives without a site visit. Smart grid instruments the distribution network with field devices such as the RTU, DESU and RST Reset Unit, so equipment reports its status and measurements back to a SCADA system in operations.
FAQ
Questions about our solutions
What is the difference between AMR and AMI?
Automated Meter Reading (AMR) collects meter data without a manual visit. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) adds two-way communication between the utility and the meter. AmbiPower’s products support a staged path from manual reading, through AMR, toward AMI.
Do I have to replace my meters to adopt automated reading?
Not necessarily. The Retrofit Module is designed to read meters already in the field, and the UDR App reads existing single-phase and three-phase meters over the optical port — so automated or mobile reading can often be added without replacing the meter.
Which AmbiPower products support automated meter reading?
The Retrofit Module reads meters over a cellular link from the meter, and the UDR App reads meters over the optical port from a mobile device. A utility can use either or both depending on the site.
How does a utility move from AMR to AMI?
AMR automates reading without a visit; AMI adds two-way communication between the utility and the meter. AmbiPower’s products support a staged path — starting with automated or mobile reading and building toward two-way infrastructure — rather than a single wholesale replacement.
Can automated reading work where mobile coverage is patchy?
Yes. The UDR App stores readings on the device and uploads them when a connection is available, so a constant data connection at the meter is not required.
What is a smart grid, and how do AmbiPower products fit?
A smart grid instruments the distribution network so field equipment can report status and measurements back to operations. AmbiPower provides field devices for this — the RTU, DESU and RST Device — which bring data back to a SCADA system.
How do the RTU and DESU connect to a SCADA system?
Both collect data from field devices and forward it to a SCADA server over a LAN or a cellular connection. The RTU interfaces with digital and analog devices; DESU concentrates data from a range of field buses.
Which AmbiPower products are used for smart grid?
The RTU connects digital and analog field devices to SCADA, DESU concentrates and forwards field data over LAN or cellular, and the RST Reset Unit monitors and remotely resets rack and RTU equipment.
Do smart grid devices work over cellular as well as LAN?
Yes. Both the RTU and DESU forward field data to a SCADA server over either a LAN or a cellular connection, depending on what the site allows.
What does the RST Reset Unit do in a smart grid deployment?
It monitors the ambient temperature of an IT-rack and lets you reset the power of the rack or RTU remotely over SMS or LAN, with SMS and e-mail alerts — reducing site visits for resets.
Further reading
Smart metering, explained
Which solution is right for you?
We will help you map products to your utility’s needs.