Abstract
The advent of wireless sensor networks (WSN) has opened up an array of applications. Due to the ad-hoc nature of WSN and the small size of wireless nodes, multiple system configurations are possible. In order to collect data from WSN, some systems utilize static nodes with a network setup that consists of multiple relays to facilitate the dissemination of data to a gateway. Other WSN architectures consist of a mixture of static and mobile nodes. Mobile nodes are able to collect data from the WSN when in close proximity to a static node. Such nodes are referred to as data mules. Data mules presents multiple advantages including the improvement of the network life as communication usually takes place via a single hop. In order to collect smart meter data, we propose the usage of mini-bus taxis carrying a data collector node as an alternative to traditional GSM models where data collected is directly uploaded from a data concentrator to a server. Using the vast network of mini-bus taxis in South Africa, data collection in areas lacking GSM network will be possible. This paper will attempt to present all the relevant parameters required for such data collection scheme to be successful.
Highlights
According to Statistics South Africa, 26% of municipal revenue in the last quarter of 2017 came from the sale of electricity [1]
advance metering infrastructures (AMI) is an extension of the early Automated Meter Reading (AMR) systems which were only able to communicate in a single direction
In order to collect relevant data from smart electricity meters, we propose the architecture in Sensors 2018, of 23 connect to a free Wi-Fi network such as the TshWi-Fi (Tshwane Free Wi-Fi) or a Wi-Fi installed at the taxi rank.toOnce the adata mulemodule is connected, it willdata upload the data to the a webserver the data be used connect
Summary
According to Statistics South Africa, 26% of municipal revenue in the last quarter of 2017 came from the sale of electricity [1]. This constitute the second largest source of revenue for municipalities. The large amount of data collected can be analysed and used as an input to a larger system that is able to predict the consumption trend and energy demand. This system is called a smart grid. End user devices are generally classified as electricity meters, fluid meters (gas and water meter) and thermal meters [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
