iMeter

iMeter is Aqualogy's smart metering solution, designed for the meters of major consumers (commercial, industrial, etc.) and those in geographically isolated locations. The iMeter device registers information and is connected directly to the water meter to transmit consumption data and any alarms detected to the application server via the GPRS network, without the need for repeaters or gateways.

iMeter is easily installed and configured in any meter or flow meter with pulse outputs. The device takes readings in accordance with the programmed frequency and sends them to the system once a day or as often as the customer wants.

Aqualogy provides the systems and data communications on a service basis (annual fee per meter). The data is collected, managed and protected using dedicated servers. Accordingly, the customer does not need to invest in IT systems or locally install applications. Aqualogy provides customers with a private and exclusive portal with service information (meters, consumptions, alarms, etc.).

iMeter Contact

The main characteristics of the Aqualogy iMeter solution are:

Approximate size: 94 mm x 94 mm x 57 mm.
70 cm of cable, incorporated as standard to facilitate installation.
Operating temperature from -20 to 70ºC.
Total protection against water and dust (IP68). Suitable for exterior installation and in wet and floodable environments thanks to its resin finish.
Solution based on a microprocessor that minimises energy consumption.
Duration of the battery in accordance with the frequency of reading and data transmission. Examples:
- 96 readings/day and daily transmission > 5 years
- 24 readings/day and weekly transmission > 10 years
Remote configuration management (data transmission and reading frequency).

Information obtained:

Calculation in real time of the water flow volume.
Maximum and minimum flows.
Information about the battery level in each connection, enabling the activation of preventive maintenance.
Real-time identification and warnings about the configured alarm conditions:
- Manipulation (sabotage)
- Leak (continued use with reduced consumption)
- Anomalous use (over the predefined threshold)
Data logging: storage of data in the internal memory until transmission is possible

Maximum safety and security:

Physical: the electronic components and e-SIM card are encapsulated in resin, guaranteeing maximum protection against all types of meteorological conditions.
IT infrastructure: application servers and databases located in a secure and controlled environment.
Communications: e-SIM cards soldered to the printed circuit board and use of a private network.
Fraud: its specific local configuration prevents fraud.

BRISTOL WATER (Bristol – United Kingdom)

In December 2012, Bristol Water commenced with a smart metering project to smart meter all the monthly read customer meters. Aqualogy iMeter was chosen as preferred solution for 750 of the top commercial customers.

“ … As a smart metering solution for the Bristol Water top 1000 commercial customers, the iMeter gives excellent value for both Bristol Water and the respective customer. The logger enables Bristol Water to improve decision making on the operation of the Network as it provides greater information on key customers.”

Frank van der Kleij – Deputy Director of Network - Bristol Water plc

AGUAS ANDINAS (Gran Santiago - Chile)

"The company’s main aspiration in reading management is the continuous improvement of efficiency in the registration of consumptions, regarding both collection timeliness and veracity and knowledge of our customers’ demands.

The technology of the ‘iMeter’ solution and its operation have enabled us to make great progress in this management and, accordingly, optimise the billing process for customers with this equipment, including major consumers, and determine the measuring equipment best suited to the needs of each customer."

Orlando Ledesma - Head of Aguas Andina Reading Management

PALYJA (Jakarta - Indonesia)

Since January 2013, the Indonesian water company Palyja has installed 110 iMeters in the nation’s capital, Jakarta, with daily connection. The aim of the installation of the devices is to facilitate the control of key accounts, prevent fraud and ensure revenue through billing.

SCOTTISH WATER (Elster and HLB - United Kingdom)

Since January 2014, Scottish Water, along with Elster, has installed 2,000 iMeters for detached houses within the framework of an ambitious project called ‘Smart City’, led by Home Log Book (Etive Technologies). This project aims to integrate consumption data (water, electricity and gas) with socioeconomic information (number of people per residence/sociocultural profile/tax payment).

The connection of the iMeters is daily and the information obtained is transmitted to the HLB database.

WESSEX WATER (United Kingdom)

Since June 2014, Wessex Water has installed 2,200 iMeters with weekly connection to quantify the effects of installing meters in the homes of customers in an area where only 40% of the population have their supply measured.

Accordingly, meters equipped with iMeter were installed in supplies that had been measured and in supplies that had not with the aim of analysing the management of demand and the customer satisfaction indicators, which are key factors in the negotiation of fees with Ofwat (the industry regulator in England and Wales).