Electronic Meter Research Articles

Erratum

This erratum corrects an error in the article, “Comparing Low‐Flow Accuracy of Mechanical and Electronic Meters,” by McKenna L. Sumrak, Michael C. Johnson, and Steven L. Barfuss, in the June 2016 issue of Journal AWWA (Vol. 108 No. 6, p. E327). The error was found in Table 3 for the value for the nutating disc meter type in the 1–8 column. Comparative performance of new 5/8‐in. ¾‐in. meters Flow Ratea gpm Meter Type 1/16 1/8 ¼ 1 2 15 EMb 1 (0.52) 1 (0.84) 1 (0.55) 1 (0.81) 1 (0.45) 3 (0.55) ND 3 (32.22) 5 (22.5) 5 (5.10) 2 (1.15) 3 (0.52) 2 (0.46) OP 4 (52.27) 3 (11.72) 4 (2.43) 3 (1.51) 5 (1.29) 1 (0.27) MJ 5 (86.64) 4 (21.98) 3 (1.23) 4 (1.98) 4 (1.21) 4 (0.90) SJ 2 (7.41) 2 (2.30) 2 (0.93) 5 (3.32) 2 (0.47) 5 (1.67) Source: Utah Water Research Laboratory EM—electronic meter, MJ—multi‐jet, ND—nutating disc, OP—oscillating piston, SJ—single jet Numbers indicate meter ranking from 1 to 5 (1 being the most accurate and 5 being the least accurate) with average difference of flow registered from 100% (in parentheses). Ranking is based on difference in percentage. See Figure 1 for sample data calculation. Ultrasonic and electromagnetic meters are combined and referred to as EM.

A generation-attraction model for renewable energy flows in Italy: A complex network approach

In recent years, in Italy, the trend of the electricity demand and the need to connect a large number of renewable energy power generators to the power-grid, developed a novel type of energy transmission/distribution infrastructure. The Italian Transmission System Operator (TSO) and the Distribution System Operator (DSO), worked on a new infrastructural model, based on electronic meters and information technology. In pursuing this objective it is crucial importance to understand how even more larger shares of renewable energy can be fully integrated, providing a constant and reliable energy background over space and time. This is particularly true for intermittent sources as photovoltaic installations due to the fine-grained distribution of them across the Country. In this work we use an over-simplified model to characterize the Italian power grid as a graph whose nodes are Italian municipalities and the edges cross the administrative boundaries between a selected municipality and its first neighbours, following a Delaunay triangulation. Our aim is to describe the power flow as a diffusion process over a network, and using open data on the solar irradiation at the ground level, we estimate the production of photovoltaic energy in each node. An attraction index was also defined using demographic data, in accordance with average per capita energy consumption data. The available energy on each node was calculated by finding the stationary state of a generation-attraction model.

Inter- and intra-cow variability and the effect of teat-end shape on average milk flow rate, milk harvested in the first two minutes, and seconds below 2.2 lb per minute

Data from electronic milk meters that measure milking characteristics such as average flow rate (AFR), amount of milk harvested in the first 2 minutes (2MIN), and seconds below 2.2 lb (1 kg) per minute flow rate (LOW) have been used as indicators of milking efficiency among cows. While these milking characteristics are valuable metrics to optimize efficiency of dairy production systems, the variability in them has not been rigorously investigated. The primary objective of this study was to describe the variability of the milking characteristics AFR (lb/min), 2MIN (lb), and LOW (sec.), both within and between cows. Our secondary objective was to investigate the influence of the explanatory variables milk yield, stage of lactation (DIM), parity, milking time, farm, manual control mode, and teat-end shape on the aforementioned milking characteristics.

IOT based Energy Meter Monitoring using ARM Cortex M4 with Android Application

Internet of Things (IOT) aims at interfacing different gadgets to the internet web – encouraging human-machine and machine-machine connections offering superior security, console and effectiveness. The concept of IOT is utilized in this model, remote monitoring of energy meter which is intended to overcome the issues in existing Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system. It spares tremendous human work. A controller integrated with electronic energy meter assist in distant correspondence from the developed android application. This application enables monitoring of bill generation at consumer premises without human intervention and also in visualizing live data consumption and sight energy expended points of interest on daily/monthly basis. In addition, it gives authority to power organizations to seize lenient customers who have extraordinary dues for remote disconnection of the power supply. So IOT based remote AMR framework is more viable methodology than tradition of billing framework. General Terms Central office

Design of Intelligent Electronic Meters Based on GPRS

The essay first sets forth a general design scheme about software and hardware circuits of intelligent electronic meters based on GPRS, then separately designs energy measurement chips, GPRS communication modules, power units and a flow chart of partial main programs in the systematic design scheme.

Erros em Medidores Eletrônicos de Energia Elétrica, Considerando-se Geração Distribuída

Com o objetivo de avaliar a adequação dos medidores bidirecionais nos sistemas de Geração Distribuída (GD), este trabalho apresenta a análise de erros de medição de energia elétrica, envolvendo vários fabricantes e modelos de medidores eletrônicos bidirecionais monofásicos, bifásicos e trifásicos, considerando-se cenários de fluxos bidirecionais de energia em baixa tensão, os quais refletem a qualidade de energia de diversas plantas com instalações de GD fotovoltaica e eólica. Os ensaios foram realizados por meio de uma montagem experimental específica, envolvendo um sistema automatizado de operação, com equipamentos de elevada exatidão, considerados como padrão de medição. Realizando-se três repetições, os testes determinaram os erros de medição de energia ativa e reativa para cada modelo de medidor ensaiado. Desenvolvido para a concessionária Elektro Eletricidade e Serviços S.A., os resultados foram agregados em um aplicativo para análise e avaliação de medidores de energia elétrica instalados em pontos de conexão de microgeração distribuída. Paralelamente, com o intuito de estudar as consequências do sistema, instalações de GD implantadas na área de concessão da Elektro são apresentadas de forma sumária nesse trabalho.

Technical note: Comparison of 4 electronic handheld meters for diagnosing hyperketonemia in dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate 4 handheld ketone meters for use in on-farm β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) monitoring of hyperketonemia in transition dairy cows. Blood samples taken from 250 Holstein cows between 262d pregnant and 15d in milk were evaluated on 4 different handheld ketone meters: Precision Xtra (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL), TaiDoc (Pharmadoc, Lüdersdorf, Germany), Nova Max (Nova Biomedical, Billerica, MA), and Nova Vet (Nova Biomedical). Samples were screened using the Precision Xtra and tested on the remaining 3 m if the sample BHB concentration fell into predetermined ranges. A total of 89 samples were used for analysis. Performance of each meter was compared with the average of 2 plasma BHB concentrations both determined by a gold standard spectrophotometric Randox assay performed at 2 independent laboratories. Agreement between the 2 laboratories was very strong (Pearson correlation=0.998). All meters had Pearson correlation coefficients greater than 0.95. The Precision Xtra and TaiDoc meters were 100.0% sensitive and 73.5% specific at a BHB concentration cut point of 1.2mmol/L. The Nova Vet and Nova Max meters had sensitivities of 94.9 and 74.4% and specificities of 91.8 and 100.0%, respectively, at the same cut point. Agreement between the gold standard and the handheld meter was the best for the Nova Vet meter when evaluated using a Bland Altman graph with a mean BHB difference of 0.08mmol/L. Trends in bias were noted with the Precision Xtra and Nova Max meters resulting in increasing average discrepancy between the gold standard and the meter for both at higher plasma BHB concentrations and mean BHB differences of -0.34 and 0.26mmol/L, respectively. The coefficient of variation was <10% for the Precision Xtra, TaiDoc, and Nova Vet meters, and <15% for the Nova Max meter. We conclude that the TaiDoc and Nova Vet meters, similar to the already validated Precision Xtra meter, are acceptable for use in on-farm testing for monitoring and treatment of hyperketonemia.

Providing Cost Save by Using Electronic Meters in Residental Areas

In our country, the demand for electrical energy, which is a development indicator, is increasing day by day. Due to the limited energy resources to meet this growing demand for energy it is not only able to meet the increasing production. Therefore, the current system of electricity generation, transmission and distribution used more efficiently that is electrical energy saving has become very important today. F or energy saving, advanced clock application and use of electronic meter such administrative precaution and the correction of power factor such technical precaution. The most important administrative precaution to reduce the use of energy at the most consumed period and hours is to apply a higher price rate at these hours. Thus, by shifting the cosumption at these hours to other suitable hours, a balanced energy consumption may be obtained. The measurement and billing of electric energy used within the day at different times are done by means of electronic meters. In this study, it explained how to achieve saving through the use of electronic meter and suggestions were made.

Comparing Low‐Flow Accuracy of Mechanical and Electronic Meters

Previous studies have identified water meter inaccuracy at low flows in mechanical metering technologies; however, little has been done to measure the inaccuracy of electronic metering technologies at low flows. This study confirms previous studies on mechanical meter accuracy and includes electronic meter accuracy data from results of testing conducted at the Utah Water Research Laboratory. By comparing the new technologies to the commonly used mechanical metering technologies over a wide range of flows, this analysis is intended as a guide to assist meter users in choosing the meter type to accommodate their needs.

Preventive Maintenance for Advanced Metering Infrastructure Against Malware Propagation

Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) deployment has been widely promoted in recent years to improve the accuracy of billing information as well as to facilitate implementation of demand response. Information integrity and availability of the devices is crucial to the billing information that should reflect accurately on how much the household energy is consumed. The IP-based smart metering devices may exist with unknown vulnerabilities that can introduce backdoors to enable worm propagation across AMI network. The infected devices can be attack agents that would largely disable the metering functionalities or manipulate control variables of each meter. This paper proposes an optimal frequency of on-site investigation and the number of monitoring verification to investigate potential anomalies of malware footprinting by applying the decision process framework of Markovian. The proposed method determines the best inspection strategies based on the observation from the existing anomaly detectors deployed in the network. The considerations include malware propagation characteristics, accuracy of anomaly detectors, and investigation and diagnosis costs. Four scenarios are simulated using the proposed method, demonstrating the effectiveness of investigation on potentially infected electronic meters within an AMI network.

Using Relative Humidity Indicator Paper to Measure Seed and Commodity Moisture Contents

Core Ideas Low seed and commodity moisture contents are critical for safe storage. Equipment for measuring moisture content is often unavailable in rural locations. Commodity moisture content and equilibrium relative humidity are uniquely related. Relative humidity can be measured easily using electronic meters or indicator paper. Commodity moisture content can be conveniently measured using such indicator strips. Declines of seed viability in storage and losses of stored commodities due to fungal spoilage and insect pests are promoted by high moisture content. However, measuring seed or grain moisture content in the field can be difficult, particularly in rural locations in developing countries. Because seed/commodity moisture content is uniquely related to equilibrium relative humidity at a given temperature, moisture content can be estimated by measuring the relative humidity of a sample enclosed in a sealed container. Relative humidity can be measured using electronic meters, or even more inexpensively using indicator paper that changes color in response to relative humidity. We describe this method and provide a spreadsheet to convert relative humidity to moisture content for many common seeds and commodities. This simple method can be used in the field for quickly estimating seed or commodity moisture content to determine whether further drying is needed or is suitable for storage, milling or other uses.

Assessment of halitosis using the organoleptic method and volatile sulfur compounds monitoring

Introduction: Halitosis can be tested using two main methods, organoleptic and assessment of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), using an electronic meter like Halimeter. Therefore, the present study was conducted to measure the oral malodor of volunteers by means of the organoleptic method and VSCs monitoring and to evaluate the diagnostic value of the Halimeter in the diagnosis of halitosis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted to compare the two diagnostic aids for halitosis. The study population included 110 volunteers, all males, between the ages of 18 and 45 years selected from academic staff, students, and patients of college. Evaluation and comparison of two main methods for halitosis were done, namely, organoleptic and Halimeter. Specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and disease prevalence were calculated for the sulfide monitor test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the diagnostic values of Halimeter to differentiate individuals with and without halitosis. Results: The correlation coefficient between VSC grading and organoleptic score (Kendall's tau-b) was −0.1090, which was not significant (P = 0.2170). Sensitivity and specificity of sulfide monitor grades for detecting individuals with and without halitosis were 20.75% and 66.67%, respectively. The PPV for the Halimeter was 36.67%, and the NPV was 47.50%. A total of 48.18% of all subjects were accurately identified and differentiated. The area under the ROC curve was 0.5790 (95% confidence interval: 0.4600-0.6980). Conclusion: In the present study, the Halimeter was not found to have a good correlation with the organoleptic method. However, due to the diverse influencing factors, proof of halitosis should always be obtained with two different methods.

Measurement of Cuffless Blood Pressure by Using a Magnetoplethysmogram Pulsimeter

A wearable wrist magnetoplethysmogram (MPG) pulsimeter was developed for blood pressure (BP) monitoring using a magnetic field-sensing semiconductor Hall device. The pulsimeter contains a permanent magnet attached to silicon housing at the centre of a radial artery. BP and pulse rate were measured without using a cuff, utilizing an MPG pulsimeter consisting of a small and portable apparatus containing the measurement system with hardware and software for transforming the measured radial artery pulse waves into voltage signals. To acquire precise BP, the signals generated by the MPG pulsimeter were simultaneously compared with systole and diastole areas in the radial artery pulse wave. The pulse wave data for three clinical participants (normal BP, hypotension, and hypertension) were analysed. Analysis of pulse waves measured during testing of the arterial pulsimeter was conducted using two BP equations. The BP values calculated from these equations for the radial artery pulse wave data acquired during a 5-s-long window by using the MPG pulsimeter were compared to the BP values measured using electronic or liquid mercury BP meters. Our results are likely to be useful for developing a biomedical signal storage device for mobile U-healthcare applications.

709 気管支喘息患者用電子ピークフローメーターの試作開発(機械力学・計測制御VIII)

709 気管支喘息患者用電子ピークフローメーターの試作開発(機械力学・計測制御VIII)

Effects of Hyperketonemia within the First Six Weeks of Lactation on Milk Production and Reproductive Performance

Hyperketonemia is a common disease in early lactating dairy cows and diagnosed by measurement of blood β- hydroxybutyric acid. The objectives of our study were to describe the occurrence of hyperketonemia within the first six weeks of lactation and to evaluate the effects of hyperketonemia on milk production (1st test day milk yield and 100 DIM milk yield), reproductive performance (time to first service, first service conception risk, and time to pregnancy within 200 DIM) and early lactation culling risk. A total of 655 Holstein dairy cows from 6 commercial dairy farms in Germany were enrolled between 1 and 4 DIM. Cows were tested twice weekly using an electronic handheld meter for β-hydroxybutyric acid for an examination period of 42 days resulting in 12 test results per cow. Hyperketonemia was defined as a β- hydroxybutyric acid concentration ≥ 1.2 mmol/l. The onset of hyperketonemia was described as early onset (first hyperketonemia event within the first 2 weeks postpartum) and late onset (first hyperketonemia event in week 3 to 6 postpartum). Prevalence and incidence of hyperketonemia were assessed based on the 12 examinations. Cumulative incidence of hyperketonemia was 48% and 72% for primiparous and multiparous cows, respectively. Mean prevalence was 17.5%. Early onset ketotic cows had a higher 1st test day milk yield (+3.0 kg/d, P<0.001) and 100 DIM milk production (+301.6 kg; P<0.001) compared to non-ketotic cows. There was no effect of late onset of ketosis on milk production. There were no effects of hyperketonemia on reproductive performance and culling risk, irrespective of onset of ketosis.

DF2755A, a novel non-competitive allosteric inhibitor of CXCR1/2, reduces inflammatory and post-operative pain

The activation of CXCR1/2 has been implicated in the genesis of inflammatory and postoperative pain. Here, we investigated a novel orally acting allosteric inhibitor of CXCR1/2 (DF2755A) and evaluated its antinociceptive effect in several models of inflammatory and post-operatory pain. DF2755A was tested in vitro for efficacy in the chemotaxis assay, selectivity and toxicity. In vivo, C57Bl/6 mice were treated orally with DF2755A and the following experiments were performed: pharmacokinetic profile; inflammatory hyperalgesia models using electronic pressure meter test; neutrophil migration assay assessed by myeloperoxidase assay. DF2755A selectively inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis induced by CXCR1/2 ligands without effect on CXCL8 binding to neutrophils. A single mutation of the allosteric site at CXCR1 abrogated the inhibitory effect of DF2755A on CXCL8-induced chemotaxis. DF2755A given orally was well absorbed (88.2%), and it was able to reduce, in a dose (3–30mg/kg)-dependent manner, inflammatory hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan, LPS and CXCL1/KC as well as neutrophil recruitment and IL-1β production. In addition, DF2755A was able to reduce post-incisional nociception. Therapeutic treatment with DF2755A reduced CFA-induced inflammatory hyperalgesia even when injected intrathecally. The present results indicate that DF2755A is a novel selective allosteric inhibitor of CXCR1/2 with a favorable oral pharmacokinetic profile. Furthermore, the results might suggest that DF2755A might be a candidate of a novel therapeutic option to control inflammatory and post-operative pain.

DEVELOPMENT OF A REMOTE ACCESSIBLE ELECTRICAL POWER MEASURING SYSTEM FOR DOMESTIC CUSTOMER

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is a power utility company in Malaysia that performs three main thrust in the electricity sector. One of which is the distribution sector. The distribution sector involves other activity associated with the customer. Many initiatives have been introduced by TNB to satisfy all its customers. This research introduces a method of reading electric meter without sending meter readers to the premises of the customers. This method was introduced to large power customers (LPC) to ensure total consumption recorded is accurate. Since 2005, remote metering reading project has been using global packet radio service (GPRS) technology as a medium of communication. However, GPRS communication system at that time has not been widely used. Use of electronic meters is introduced to LPC because this meter can provide current information about electricity consumption. A total of 45,000 users of LPC involved in the installation of electronic meters and global system for mobile communication (GSM) modem in which this system can determine the amount of electric current consumption compared to manual meter reading is applied. In this project, the XBee radio module is used to send data to a GSM modem. From GSM modem, users can get the total electricity consumption through the SMS (short message service) system in their mobile phones. This project aim is to facilitate the customers so that they do not have to waste time going to the Kedai Tenaga (electricity payment counter) to find out the amount of energy consumed during the period. TNB can also collect the metering details without sending personnel to produce monthly bills.

Застосування інформаційної технології морфологічного аналізу артеріальних осцилограм для порівняльного аналізу стану судин лівої та правої верхніх кінцівок

&lt;p&gt;РЕЗЮМЕ. При проведенні морфологічного аналізу осцилограм правого і лівого плеча асиметрію стану периферійного кровообігу зареєстровано у кожного із 31 обстежених. Ступінь проявів асиметрій був різним. Вона залежала від оцінюваного критерію та індивідуальних особливостей обстеженого. Найменшу асиметрію реєстрували при вивченні тривалості висхідної частин пульсації (у 25 %), найбільшою – низхідної (у 44 % обстежених). За іншими критеріями різниця була меншою. Проте у 2 осіб було зареєстровано значні відхилення досліджуваних параметрів від норми. Вони підлягають терміновому поглибленому обстеженню.&lt;/p&gt;Ключові слова: артеріальна осцилограма, електронні вимірювачі артеріального тиску, морфологічний аналіз артеріальних осцилограм.

Determination of Calcium and Magnesium Content Following the Natural Brine Adding in Some Dairy Products

Our study aimed to determine and quantify the calcium and magnesium addition given by natural brine used in the processing of two dairy products. The research has been made on brine samples (natural and conventional) and commercially processed dairy (telemea and cheese) in the south-west Oriental Carpathian Mountains. We determined the calcium and magnesium content of the studied milk by two comparative methods (Perkin Elmer ICP device and complexometeric method) together with other basic physical and chemical parameters: dry matter/humidity (steamer drying method), fat (butirometric method), sodium chloride (Mohr method) and pH (with an electronic pH meter). We also investigated the preferences of two consumer groups through tastings, for salted/unsalted cheese and cheese salted with natural/conventional brine. Data analysis revealed that calcium as well as magnesium content are significantly higher in Cheese (p=0.008) and natural brine (p=0.009) added in Telemea (p=0.10). In the consumer preferences, results have shown a predominance for salted Cheese (90.3%), followed by Cheese prepared in natural brine (69.2%). We concluded that, natural, mineral rich brine resulted to be mostly relevant and can increase the biological and sensory qualities of dairy products for a lower processing price.

ERP-PCS Connection in the Cosmetics Industry: Opportunities to Increase Energy Efficiency

This paper emphasizes the prolific effects of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation in a large cosmetics company by means of increased technological discipline, and reduced consumption of materials, packaging and energy, while establishing an efficient organization of production, in direct terms of productive staff and capacity utilization. The authors also present in this article their own plans for a promising Enterprise Resource Planning Process Control Systems (ERP-PCS) connection. PCS systems log valuable information on technology and business processes (utilization of raw materials, wrappings, accomplished production, etc.), founded on data monitoring of the production automation equipment: electronic flow meters, electronic scales, sensors and transducers, digital countdown and supplementary specific devices. This connection, together with ERP systems' dedicated modules, could determine real time data retrieval on materials, packaging, energy consumption and outputs, thus providing valuable information to the company managers for resourceful decision making processes.