EFR GmbH

Smart Metering with sophisticated data chain

- EasyMeter, EFR and BTC will exhibit a complete smart metering process from meter to data processing for business solution at Metering Europe from 4-6 October 2011 in Amsterdam (Hall 1, Stand B 80)

Short version:

Future-oriented, sophisticated and dynamic portrays the smart metering design to be presented by meter supplier EasyMeter (Bielefeld), data communication specialist EFR (Munich) and IT solutions and integration expert BTC Business Technology Consulting AG (Oldenburg) at Metering Europe (4-6 October 2011 in Amsterdam, Hall 1, Stand B 80). Investment is secured by, among other advantages, the modular hardware system: the robust EasyMeter Q3B, Q3C or Q3D can be combined with a variety of communication solutions. EasyMeter’s Dutch sales partner and measurement engineering specialist Brinck, based in Zeewolde, also representing the stand will demonstrate the first pilot project which will soon be implemented. The EFR Smart Grid Hub is an IP-based communication device for internal and external data connections. The hub's integrated, individually addressable long-wave receiver is available in every configuration – with Ethernet, GPRS or Powerline module – to provide a fast, economical and reliable outgoing channel that allows spontaneous tariff changes or reprogramming of tariff programmes stored in the meter. Even without a comprehensive rollout, all relevant customers can be reached in this way. BTC Advanced Meter Management (BTC AMM), an expandable IT solution, forms the mass-data-capable, process-oriented data hub between the field level and business applications such as SAP IS-U. BTC AMM ensures the configuration, control and monitoring of smart meters as well as the collection, preparation and providing measurement data. Architecture, modularity and configuration allow for tailored smart metering solutions and easy integration in the client's system environment.

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Long version:

Future-oriented, sophisticated and dynamic: these terms describes the smart metering design to be presented by meter supplier EasyMeter, data communication specialist EFR and IT solutions and integration expert BTC Business Technology Consulting (Oldenburg) at Metering Europe (4-6 October 2011 in Amsterdam, Hall 1, Stand B 80). The process includes all steps from measurement collection to providing prepared measurement data for invoicing, visualisation and analysis purposes, or for market partners, and has proven durability, modularity and adaptability to future developments.

Robust meters
The electronic power meters by Bielefeld-based EasyMeter include a robust meter unit that can be combined with various communication solutions, thereby offering a secured investment. The provider selected equally durable hardware: in a voluntary test by the VDE, the meters held up for more than 1,000 hours at the maximum operating temperature of 50°C and 110% of nominal voltage. The meters are even immune to temperature swings, resisting 500 changes from -40 and +85°C (at 10 s intervals) and continuing to show the required precision. These robust meters are available as smart meters with basic functions (model Q3D), dual-tariff meter (Q3B) and an eight-tariff meter with optical control switch (Q3C). Zeewolde-based measurement engineering specialist Brinck already offers smart meter solutions for the Q3C meter in the Netherlands; the first pilot project is on the verge of implementation.

Multifaceted communication hub
Flexibility for these smart meter solutions is ensured by the Smart Grid Hub which is provided by Munich-based EFR. This IP-based communication device with an integrated, individually addressable long-wave receiver uses broadcasting to connect to a rapid, economical and reliable outgoing channel. The resulting ability for spontaneous tariff switching or reprogramming the meter's stored tariff programmes opens up new possibilities for time- or load-dependent rates. Various additional channels for internal and external communication, such as Ethernet, Powerline communication and GPRS, allows bidirectional communication and transfer of usage data (measured loads). The Smart Grid Hub thus facilitates retrospective fitting to existing infrastructure thus ensures investment security. The existing long-wave infrastructure offers the market a fully functional bridging technology for immediate, wide-range customer acquisition.

Process-oriented measurement data processing
BTC Advanced Meter Management (BTC AMM) from Oldenburg-based BTC Business Technology Consulting serves as an innovative and expandable IT solution for the data hub between field level and business applications such as SAP IS-U within the smart metering processes. BTC AMM ensures the configuration, control and monitoring of smart meters as well as the collection, storage and providing processed measurement data. High-performance time series management ensures rapid, intelligent processing of the enormous volume of accumulated data. With its modular system construction, consistent process orientation and capacity to process mass data, as well as a comprehensive data security design, the product complies fully with legal requirements and allows fully customised smart metering solutions through client-specific configurations and a wide range of additional modules. Its modern IT architecture and use of standards allows for easy embedding in the client's existing system environment (invoicing systems, end-user portals, etc.).

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Further information / Press and public relations:

EFR European Funk-Rundsteuerung
Ulrike Rössner
Postfach 200553 - 80005 Munich - Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)89 1254-4671
www.efr.de

Press’n’Relations II
Ralf Dunker
Guntherstraße 19 - 80639 Munich, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)89 17999275
www.press-n-relations.de