Smart metering with LoRaWan
Why we think that Helium and LoRaWAN network can play a big role in Europe in the coming years? Helium LoRaWAN can play a significant role in smart metering by providing a robust and efficient communication infrastructure. This very positively contributes to the EU DIRECTIVE 2018/2002 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT:
The directive approved in 2018 by the European Union is focused on energy savings:
- According to article 9C – “Remote Reading requirements”: All (water, gas) meters must be remotely readable by the end of 2026.
- Reading must be done at least monthly (ANNEX VII a).
- Consumption reports must be available for individuals.
How do current meter readings look like in Europe now?
1. Old fashioned meters – offline reading
2. Connected with radio (walk-by needed)
3. Connected with Automated Meter Readers (i.e. WM-bus)
4. Connected via LoRaWAN – Low Range Wide Area Network
5. Private networks
Why does LoRaWAN stand out for this kind of solution?
- No need to walk by the meters – 1 manpower tracks 1 small city in month! Going around, looking for reception, trying to collect data to his notebook – this means a waste of resources.
- Coverage effectivity – one gateway can cover up to 5km in the urban areas.
- Energy efficient sensors – batteries can last up to 10 years with regular data transmission.
- Stability – radio frequency network which when correctly installed, can serve its purpose well.
- Penetration – signal can penetrate through materials such as glass, walls, concrete and even underwater.
- Security – compared to other transmission types like mobile radio, WLAN or wired, it does not offer any disadvantages in terms of security.
Why is Helium network the right choice for all the meters in Europe?
- It is a LoRaWAN network.
- No need to build infrastructure – it is already built and keeps growing. 500K hotspots in Europe are running on the “The People’s Network”.
- Cost effective data transfers – 24bytes of data credit costs $0.000010
– If 1000 devices would transmit 1 information per day year, cost would be 3.65 USD
– one data credit can transfer double the size of Sigfox network - Data collection – dashboards with Data visualization from sensors for everybody and with access from everywhere.
- Roaming free – Any existing service or provider can start using Helium network by roaming their existing solutions.
Considering all the pros and cons, we think LoRaWAN Helium Network is up to the challenge by the European Union really well.
It will save time and money for building new infrastructure and remote monitoring will be much more cost-effective (no need to walk by).
How Heliotics Can help?
We partnered up with companies which are doing water meters and heat cost allocators installations. Our cooperation allows us to to provide services such as:
- Coverage creation and maintenance
- LoRaWAN sensors/meters deliveries (already partnerships)
- Custom LoRaWAN sensors
- Energy portal and sensor onboarding
- Training and after-sale service
Our solution can be adjusted for all kinds of meters and sensors in the apartments or buildings:
- gas meters
- water meters
- electricity meters
- leakage detection
Our services are available in all European countries, so if you are interested in knowing more about these solutions, contact us via mail at info@heliotics.com