Water System and Solution Overview Smart Water … of a button from the central control panel...

Commercially Confidential

POWERCOM Building A Ramat Hakovesh, Israel 44930 Tel: +972 9 7907900

E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.powercom.co.il

Smart Steps to Smart Water Networks…

Water System and Solution Overview

Smart Water Metering/Advanced Metering

Infrastructure

PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL This document and the information therein, are the exclusive property of POWERCOM Ltd. and shall not be disclosed, in whole or in part, to any third party or utilized for any purpose other than the express purpose for which it has been provided.

All contents of this document are Copyright © 2012 POWERCOM Ltd. All rights reserved.




Table of Contents

1.0 About POWERCOM Ltd. ........................................................................................... 3

2.0 System Overview ...................................................................................................... 4

3.0 Technical Scope ...................................................................................................... 13

Table of Figures

FIGURE 1 - SYSTEM CONCEPT ..................................................................................................... 5

FIGURE 2 – ROOT ANALYSIS ....................................................................................................... 6

FIGURE 3 – CUSTOMER USER INTERFACE ...................................................................................... 9

FIGURE 4 – CONSUMPTION COMPARISON GRAPH ........................................................................... 9

FIGURE 5 – SELECTING CUSTOMER PARAMETERS .......................................................................... 12

FIGURE 6 – GENERATE STS TOKEN ............................................................................................ 12

FIGURE 7 – OUTSTANDING ALERTS ............................................................................................ 20

FIGURE 9 – CONSUMPTION PROFILES ......................................................................................... 21




1.0 About POWERCOM Ltd.

POWERCOM Ltd. (“POWERCOM” or “the Company”) is positioned as a world-class

technology leader in the fixed network, remote and control metering system industry. The

Company is engaged in developing, manufacturing and marketing a complete smart grid

solution for electricity, water and gas utilities with a range of superior benefits provided by its

unique and patented technology.

The Company’s Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) portfolio is an end-to-end solution that

comprises of a data management system housed at utilities data centers; smart meters,

concentrators, and repeaters; as well as in-home displays. The system utilizes all available

open protocol communication such as PLC, RF, GPRS, and Ethernet. As the developer of

the entire solution, POWERCOM’s key advantage includes is its flexibility and timely

response to any specific customer request and cost control that enables the utilties to

minimize the cost of upgrading the water system into the most advanced smart water grid

platform.

POWERCOM has received extensive recognition for its exceptional communication

performance, having achieved 99%+ real-time communications reliability. The breakthrough

was achieved by developing RF and PLC based bi-directional communications layer,

enabling readings and control of any end-point in seconds.

Founded in 2006 by the former “Flextronics Design” team, POWERCOM’s corporate

headquarters are based in Israel with subsidiary companies, regional headquarters and local

offices in India, Hong Kong, Portugal and South Africa.

1.1 Leading Customers

POWERCOM solutions are used throughout the enterprise sector, as well as in

governmental and other public sector organizations. POWERCOM has proven its superior

technology through installations with utilities across the globe through a series of very

successful installations with leading utilities in more than 12 countries within different

environments and installations. The data from these installations show that the investment

payback period for the utility is very short (in some cases a few months).




2.0 System Overview

Worldwide recognition has developed for the real need to "smartly" manage the water

network; from the pumping of wells to the customers’ house. This is a "network" that can

monitor events in real-time, control every part of the water network while immediately and

automatically alerting the system operators. Powercom increases intelligence throughout

the network and performs all the requirements of a "Smart Water Network" AMI solution.

The solution remotely monitors and controls the flow, and pressure throughout the water

network. Based on a fixed network 2-way unlicensed RF communication system (with 99%+

reliability), the system is an “end-to-end” platform which incorporates state-of-the-art smart

water meters, an array of sensors and valves, user friendly central software system, and in-

home displays, all in a flexible, interoperable open platform which can be connected to third

party suppliers.

The system also supports pre-payment functionality including integration with STS payment

authentication, and charging of the smart meters through an integrated smart card reader or

transfer of credit via the communications.

This system will provide a range of functionality such as: efficient handling of remote meter

readings, reduction in non-revenue water (identification and location of water loss & pipe

burst within the hour), customer access to consumption data, as well as water forecasting to

enable the shifting of some pumping operations to lower electricity tariff periods.




Figure 1 - System Concept




2.1 System Advantages

2.1.1 Automatic Detection and Alerts of Pipe Bursts and Leakage (within the hour)

With POWERCOM’s fixed monitoring network, utilities receive information within the hour on

leakage as well as exceptional events such as bursts in the pipes or failure of other

additional units. The network administrator can receive information on losses in each sector

by cubic meter and the financial impact can be calculated in order to receive an accurate

assessment of the feasibility to perform routine maintenance or invest in replacing

infrastructure.

Alert notifications (including information on the location of the event - area/neighborhood/

dwelling) are automatically programmed into the system to send an SMS or email to the

system operators providing real time notification of losses for rapid response.

The system architecture allows synchronised hourly readings from ALL the water meters at

the same point in time thus enabling detection of leaks or water pipe bursts at a higher

degree of accuracy.

By installing a master water meter at the entrance of the network and at various junctions, all

the water meters under the corresponding heirarchy report total consumption in order for the

system to continuously monitor, calculate and report any un-normative profiles.

Figure 2 – Root Analysis

In addition, by calculating the water loss, the distributor may be able to pay the supplier only

for the real consumption. This data is essential to determine the losses in the water grid,

which can extend up to 70% depending on the infrastructure.




2.1.2 Water Theft Reduction

The smart meters identify, report, as well as protect against tamper attempts such as

reversing the direction of the meter, using a magnet, etc. In such events an automated

SMS/Email is sent to the nominated system operator for rapid response.

2.1.3 Control & Monitor Essential Elements in the Water Network

Thanks to the two-way control system, the system operator can remotely control with a

click of a button from the central control panel software, or automated through a

configured process: flow, pumps, pressure controllers, and valves across the water

network.

Each meter can include a control valve that can be remotely controlled and allows the

disconnection to the water flow to a specific customer in real time.

Powercom’s system allows the configuration of the water pumping and storage regime. For

example, the timing of some pumping from water wells or other water supplies around the

town can be shifted to lower electricity tariff periods. The amount of pumping is determined

according to a forecast model that can define the consumption for each area, or the entire

town. Electricity consumption of pumps is monitored every hour enabling the auditing of

electricity charges. This in itself can save local authorities tens of thousands of dollars a

month.

The possibility exists for interfacing between the supervision and control systems and the

area pressure system, while receiving data on incoming and outgoing pressure. The

system can incorporate electronic water pressure control devices that dynamically

analyses actual demand and automatically reduces pressure if necessary. Integrating

hardware, software and hydraulics the solution is able to decrease leakage by up to 50%

in municipal water supply systems.

2.1.4 Reliable and Low Cost Communication

A major advantage of the proposed solution is the unique two-way radio frequency (RF) communication technology developed by POWERCOM. It has the ability to transmit and receive data between any smart water meter and the control room in a matter of seconds. POWERCOM’s RF protocol enables communication to long distances at 100% success.




Using POWERCOM’s RF communication has the following benefits:

• Allows communication over unlicensed RF networks hence a reduction in costs.

• Remotely upgrade firmware - the smart meter software can be upgraded via the central office software.

• Each Powercom concentrator (aggregator) can communicate with up to 10,000 meters.

• The system is plug & play – simply plug in the meter, and confirm communication with a hand-held device.

2.1.5 Interoperability

The POWERCOM solution is a based on a flexible standards based architecture utilizing

open protocols enabling interoperability with 3rd. party meters and sensors and integration

with ERP and billing software. POWERCOM solutions are based on open APIs allowing

developers access to modify the solutions according to their needs.

2.1.6 Customer Engagement & Satisfaction

The customer has access to bills and real-time consumption data (in a variety of time

intervals) via the internet portal that is part of the MDM software. Each consumer is issued

with a security protected username and password. The system has the ability to provide

automatic email/SMS notifications to the user, triggered when user specified events occur

such as pipe bursts, or when certain consumtion threshholds are reached.

With the addition of low-cost In Home Devices (smart pad, RF dongle for PCs, TV Unit) that

the company has developed, the consumers can receive real-time complete consumption

information (including historical data). The TV unit also has the capability to allow the

customers to enter their pre-payment tokens.




Figure 3 – Customer User Interface

Figure 4 – Consumption Comparison Graph




2.1.7 Accurate and Long Life

The electronic water meter includes only one axis and without a cog. This avoids friction

that affects accuracy and lifetime.

Within POWERCOM’s smart water meters is a sophisticated algorythm protocol that enables low-energy consumption. The smart register batteries are able to achieve a useable life expectancy of over 10 years with communications every hour.

2.1.8 Retrofitting of Existing Metal Meter Bodies into Smart Meters

Powercom provides a smart register to suit existing mechanical meters. This eliminates the

need for replacing the entire meter when migrating to a smart metering system. By installing

the smart register, existing meters are upgraded to perform remote readings and control.

This is a significant financial saving for local water authorities.

2.1.9 Multi-Utility

When coupled with a POWERCOM smart electricity meter, the signal from the smart water

meter can be carried along POWERCOM’s PLC network. The solution can also integrate

and manage electricity, water and gas metering in a single system. This facilitates data

aggregation in order to provide a Single Point-Multi Utility Metering & Billing solution.

3. Pre-Payment Solution Overview

POWERCOM prepayment system is an excellent platform for utilities who wish to implement

a pre-payment solution based on a "Smart Grid" platform. POWERCOM is the only

company that has engineered a system to significantly improve pre-paid systems.

The POWERCOM prepayment solution is the most secure in the world as it uses the STS

prepayment token system. The POWERCOM system benefits by having hourly consumption

readings from the meters as well as the balance of cubic meters stored in the prepayment




meter. With every increase in the cubic meters balance within the system, the system will

automatically verify with the billing and vending system whether that increase is backed up

by a legal transaction.

The system can provide the operator with basic Point of Sale with invoicing and CRM

features. This vending transaction solution avoids the cost to the utility of the extra payment

for the vending payments process. Some utilities pay in the range of 4-6% for all payment

made in the prepayment system. Alternatively PowerCom can integrate the STS code

generator module into the vending software platform.

POWERCOM also enables the operator to remotely monitor and control essential elements

such as the ability to:

• remotely credit a meter

• remotely switch between credit and pre-payment;

• send immediate online tariff changes

• provide emergency credit

• designate different parameters to different classes of customers

• trickle flow or load limiting when credit runs out; and

• user friendly pre-notification of disconnections - as the account balance approaches

zero, the billing system initiates a message to the customer and sends it via an

outgoing voice or text message, an email, or a website.




Figure 5 – Selecting Customer Parameters

Figure 6 – Generate STS Token




3. Technical Scope

This section describes the technical scope of the PowerCom Smart Water Metering System

based on the most advanced AMI/Smart Grid platform. One of POWERCOM’s key

advantages in being the in-house software and hardware developer of the whole system is

its flexibility and timely response to any specific customer request.

3.1. Smart Water Meter

POWERCOM supplies various meters sizes (0.5 inch to 20 inch in diameter) and various

output pulses for use use in urban, suburban and rural environments. The Smart Water

Meters communicate by two-way RF to the repeaters according to a star network

methodology. With 6 inputs the meters can be used as a tranceiver to read and transmit

pulses from other existing water meters.

The meter keeps the customer contract details and enables operation according to this

profile. All meters are Multi-Tariff (TOU and step tariff) and can include a remote shut-off

valve. The operators can configure the meters remotely to switch between credit and

prepayment, as well as performs additional tasks such as enabling the system operators to

offer emergency credit to the customers.

Smart Water Meter Specifications Frequency Range 860Mhz – 920Mhz ISM

Bandwidth 40Khz

Max Power Transmission 20dBm (lower power optional)

RF Sensitivity -121dBm

Data Rate 76.8 kbps

Modulation Option of: FSK, GFSK, OOK, or 2FSK

Transmission Distance Up to 2Klm (line of sight)

Automatic Alerts Leakage, magnetic interference, backflow

tampering, low battery, unauthorized

command, fault detected during

automatic self-testing.

Display 7 digit Primary read, 4 digit Secondary

read

alarm status (on/off), reading total,

reading for each tariff (with pressing of

scroll button)




Battery Lifetime Longer than 10 years

Power Source Battery

Environmental Protection IP68

Operating Temp. -40°c to +85°c

Operating Humidity 5 to 95% non-condensing relative

humidity

Disconnection of Meter From remote command by the control

center software.

Data Logging Intervals Programmable from 30 seconds to 1 day

Remote Configuration of All Parameters All parameters can be remotely

configured by control center software

Product Identification Numeric and bar-coded - module type

and serial number

Data integrity Verified in every message

Clock Synchronization End unit clock synchronization every

transmission.

Clock Drift Clock synchronization of ~0.1 sec per

month

Multi-Tariff TOU, or step-tariff incl. holidays,

weekends, and several tariffs

programmable per day.

Incremental Usage Count Protection Usage count cannot be modified, and is

not resettable. Non-volatile flash

memory stores information indefinitely.

In the event of no power, the reading

total is securely stored.

Automatic Self-Testing Automatic self-test once a day. Any

malfunctions are detected and generates

an alarm to the central office system.

Testing includes exceptional monthly

deviation calculation.

Remote Firmware Update While updating the firmware the

consumption counting continues

without interruption.

Meter Memory Stores last 30 days with interval of 1

hour (remotely configurable up to 5

minute intervals)

Certifications In process




3.1 Repeater

With its long-range wireless communication capabtility, the POWERCOM RF repeater paves a

smooth 2-way data path extending the signal range between the meter end-points and the

concentrator. The Repeaters have two RF channels – one for communicating to the Smart Water

Meters, and othe other to communicate with the Concentrator. They operate acording to a

mesh network methodology.

The repeaters are located in an elevated location, usually affixed to the top of an existing pole.

They consume ultra-low-power and are powered by either direct current or integrated with an

alternative energy source such as PV panel, together with rechargeable back-up batteries.

Repeater Specifications Frequency Range 240Mhz – 930Mhz (2 bands)

Bandwidth 40Khz

Max Power Transmission Up to 20dbM

Transmission Distance Up to 2Klm line of sight

Environmental Protection IP68

Unit Life Time Up to 20 years

Readings Backlog Storage 30 days


Operating Humidity 5 to 95% noncondensing relative humidity

Number of Smart Meters Capable of

Communicating With

1,000

Sensitivity -121dBm

Backup Battery Capacity 5 days

Modulation Option of: FSK, GFSK, OOK, or 2FSK

Frequency Deviation 100 kHz

Bit Rate (Net) 76.8 kbps

Storage 0.5Mb non-volatile memory

Frequency Stability (Including Initial Stability,

Temperature and Aging)

<20 ppm

Product Identification Numeric and bar

code serial number

Power Source 120-240V AC, auto-ranging.

Or solar power configuration

Power consumption: 5 Watts typical

Data Integrity Verified in every message




3.2 Concentrator

The Concentrator is a Data Collection Concentrator (DCU) that acts as a smart gateway

between the Repeaters/Meters and the Central Office Software (MDM – Meter Data

Management). It offers full system flexibility as it is based on a standard PC computer with

additional communications and built in redundancy.

The unit is responsible for data acquisition, processing, storing, and recording data from the

Meters/Repeaters and the remote control server. The Concentrator also features automatic

detection of meters and repeaters, on demand reading, meter supervision, tampering

notification, etc. It continually checks the network quality and the meter functionality. The

Concentrator firmware supports remote upgrade and performs manual and automatic tasks,

predefined in the central software. The Concentrator supports Multi-Utility metering end

points as water, gas, heat, and electricity.

The concentrators are engineered in a flexible platform that allows communication with

Repeaters and Smart Meters or devices from different manufacturers.




Concentrator Specifications Communication with the Repeaters/Meters RF 240Mhz – 930Mhz (2 bands)

Communication with the Central Office

Software (MDM – Meter Data management)

GPRS or LAN, with built in redundancy.

Optional Communications Supported Serial, USB, LAN-TCP/IP, PLC, and IR, IPv6 over

fiber optic, WiMax

Maximum geographic footprint that a single

Concentrator can support (under typical

operating conditions, based on broadcast range

or signal strength)

Up to 2 KM

Maximum number of “layers” of repeaters that

can be reasonably supported

5

Communications network topology Dynamic. Within seconds reconfiguration occurs,

and this frequency can be customized. The

meters communicate to another concentrator

automatically if the topology is changed.

Protocol Conversion Between Up-Stream &

Down-Stream (pre-processing or consolidating

data or translating between protocols)

Open protocol

Virtual Access Control Incl. password, permission levels security logging

of access to the concentrator.

Backup and Storage Up to 2 hours operating duration on backup

battery. Storage 3 months – 1 year (according to

readings interval)

Expected Life Time 20 years

Readings Backlog Storage Three months of all meter readings in 15-minute

intervals.


Number of Smart Meters Capable of

Communicating With

>50,000

Clock Synchronization Mechanism for server to distribute clock

synchronization to all network units including

all end meters. Accuracy in micro seconds.

Data Compression DES

Lightning Protections EMP Protector (50 Ohm;300W)

Product Identification Numeric and bar code serial number




3.3 Meter Data Management System (MDM)

3.3.1 Overview

POWERCOM’s Meter Data Management System (MDM) software offers full capabilities to

any utility for managing, controlling, monitoring and interfacing to smart metering/smart grid

applications. It is a multi-channel, multi-protocol, multi-lingual, multi-utility system with robust

database centers, and state of the art telecommunication network interfaces, which enables

high data rate collection for large scale smart meter deployments.

The system brings a solution to the overall supply chain, supporting collection and control of

data from various sources, generation of reports, analytics, import and export of data, and

performance of regular operations of the system. It also allows the consumer to view usage

data through an internet portal.

The central system is an internet/intranet based application that allows secure control from

any computer with internet access. Reports and values may be exported in many formats

and graphic displays. It provides measurement results according to various levels - individual

customers; substations; grouped areas; etc.

The system offers the following core functionalities:

1. Automatic Data Collection: Storing, validating and archiving all meter data,

the system is scalable to handle mass volumes of subscribers.

2. Automation of Tasks: Creating automatic task lists, and automatic alert

notifications. A basic billing module is also included.

3. Remote Meter Management: The system allows the operator to manage

any parameter within the smart end points, including application of complex

tariff structure, setting maximum demand, etc.

4. Smart Grid Management – Enabling forecasting, load management and customer portal remote access. Assist with identification of outages and generate load profiles.

5. Administration of Server Database: Used for system validation, reporting,

control and archiving.




POWERCOM’s MDM provides the data in order for utilities to forecast consumption, and

effectively plan infrastructure upgrades. Planned maintenance can be forecasted based on

the historical and modelled usage data.

A native 32-bit application provides all current Windows operational and connectivity options

and decreases the learning curve.

3.3.2. Flexible and Scalable Open Architecture

The system imports interval data, waveforms, PQ events and more, from multiple utility

devices (electricity, water and gas) and 3rd party meter vendors. Data is synchronized

with industry-standard SQL Server and Oracle databases allowing data exchange

through API with other information systems such as:

• GPS and GIS • SCADA/DMS feeding

• CRM and Billing • Power and energy balancing

• Operations (Work Order Management System)

• ISO/RTO

• ERP Software – (i.e. SAP, Priority) • Customer information systems (CIS)

3.3.3. Exception Management and Workflow

The system automatically and continually measures the network for un-normative

consumption behavior (relating to individual meters, and meter groups). Fully customizable

algorithm alert notifications are programmed into the system to send an automatic

SMS/Fax/Email to the selected users. All forms of message delivery are set according to the

level of urgency. This management assists with near real time identification of (with the

location of the event - MAP/GPS oriented device): water loss and pipe bursts; tampering

attempts (nine different types); theft detection; low meter battery; etc.




The network administrators receive additional information detailing the structure of the

communication network, technical data, system component faults, statistical data, and the

status of faults handling in order to manage the water network intelligently.

Figure 7 – Outstanding Alerts

3.3.4 Advanced Billing

An essential task of the MDM is automatic provision of measurement results to a 3rd party

billing software thereby accelerating the issuing of invoices and reducing the collection

period. Monthly billing calculations are transferred to the billing software one hour after the

end of the month, ready for sending bills on the 1st day of the month. Error free information

accuracy is assured by data validation and verification modules.

3.3.5. Permission Levels

The system allows secure access via the Web to all users with defined levels of permission.

It is designed with full authorization control of functional objects and users.




Figure 8 – System Administrator Log-In

Figure 8 – Consumption Profiles

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