Automated Electricity Meter Reading Using Powerline Carrier Communication

Abstract

Asssutomation is introduced into various fields, to reduce human labor, time and energy consumption. AMR is the modern Power measuring device .It is being used in measuring electricity, gas, water consumption in many fields. Since, this method has a lot of advantages over the existing system such as real time measuring and monitoring, theft free, digital data analysis with better user interface. The current to and the Voltage across the load is continuously measured using a CT-PT circuit. The analog voltage and current readings are provided to the PIC (Programmable Interface Controller) microcontroller. A PIC microcontroller is used as a master   to initiate data transfer as well as to do the calculation of bill amount. Powerline carrier communication (PLCC) is a data transfer technique which uses the AC load line for this purpose. PLCC reduces the cost of implementation and is an apt technique for vast number of customers. This technique is more reliable, fast and safe compared to all other automation method available till date. The system can be interfaced with a PC using RS 232 serial communication port through a MAX232. Using this type of metering provides an ideal solution for commonly incident problems such as power quality maintenance, detection of power failure or phase failure. It also provides a timely billing as well as even a multi tariff system of billing can be implemented with a minimum modification.