Bismiallah Hir Nir
The digital meter will measure electricity consumption similar to electricity meter but capable of converting power usage into digital signals conveyable to computer servers where usage and cost can be viewable in graphic format.
Normally an alternating current meter is used in every house/office to note power consumption of users, a person has to visit the site manually to note down data where power is consumed. However, to make this system more efficient and cost-effective, use of computerized digital meters would be very effective and accurate way of demonstrating power consumption.
As there are great disparities in measuring power consumption using analogue electric meters, the proposal of using digital meter will be much useful and accurate. The digital meter will have a light sensor and a light emitting component. The power consumption rate will be converted into digital signals which are then processed to indicate information in visual forms indicating different figures as cost of consumption, watts used and time durations.
Digital meter is electronically connected with a computer via LAN (Local Area Network) directly at powerhouse, hence meter person to check meter manually is not required.
Digital Meter can be connected with the computer server via network technologies using IT standards, appropriate software, and superfast computers. It is very useful for enterprises for integrated information to be processed to and fro in engineering operations, accounting & management, and maintenance.
Ethernet, TCP/IP connectivity via PLCs and DCSs (distributed control system) so that all information processes will be conveyed via LAN / WAN in client server setting. Project manager would be able to view all the signals generated by the digital meter in form of charts and diagrams about usage of electricity and cost information. Digital meter will convey message in the form of graphics display and table of cost of consumption.
Different fieldbus can be used. Profibus is device network technology most effective for open network standard. Foundation fieldbus uses physical layer, data link and application layers i.e. 1, 2, and 7. Layers 2 & 7 are bundled to form a communication stack. In Profibus PA-process automation sensors and actuators both have one common bus line and connected at same bus. In Profibus DP-Factory Automation introduces high speed and cost effective way for communication b/w automation control systems. At the device leve I/O is distributed.
A coaxial cable is very useful and consists of a central conducting wire which is insulated and separated from outer conducting cylinder. The cables do not produce external electric or magnetic fields. Manager can easily view graphic display of signals in one window and accounting date in second window. Object linking and Embedding (OLE) and Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) both can combine data streams i.e. production totals from the users and unit cost (from accounting) in one spreadsheet. Using LAN or WAN technologies, Internet or Intranet browser can access data and control systems to make it viewable.
These fieldbus devices link intelligent instruments with control devices and process signals and send it over the networks. The transmission is of high speed because of smaller information packets. However, transmission in large information packets is more secure.
Use of digital meters will be very cost-effective, accurate and efficient way of recording power consumption and calculation of cost. It will elevate all manually noting and calculation, saving time and money and reducing discrepancies in recording.
Works Cited
- Digital Signal Transmission. Web.
- Guide to Networking and Internetworking Terms, P. Simoneau, American Research Group, 1994.
- US Patent 6448753 – Digital meter for measuring alternating current. US Patent Issues 2002.