Cambridge, UK – Cyan Holdings plc, the integrated system and software design company that delivers mesh based flexible wireless solutions for utility metering and lighting control, has announced the launch of a CyLec® retrofit module designed to provide smart metering functionality for static meters.
The growing demand for energy, as well as the non-technical losses experienced by utilities in emerging countries, is leaving electricity grids under supplied. Utilities are evaluating smart meters as a way of managing demand, reading meters efficiently and collecting revenue.
The CyLec® retrofit module is designed to support utilities that want to roll-out a smart metering programme into its installed base quickly and cost effectively.
The module is in a small self-contained box (75mm x 50mm x 50mm) that connects to an installed meter via a cable to an existing communications interface on the meter. It includes Cyan’s standard communications module and provides enables upgrade of ‘dumb’ meters to Cyan’s CyLec® communication platform enabling walk-by Automated Meter Reading (AMR), a point-to-point solution that reads the meters collectively using Meter Reading Instrument (MRI).
With the addition of Data Concentrator Units (DCU) the wireless solution can be migrated to full Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology. The data from each meter is collated on the DCU and sent to the CyLec® server that interfaces with a Meter Data Management System. The AMI solution provides informative data to the utility such as meter readings and tamper event logs.
The module supports sub GHz frequencies and is optimised for range and data communications. Cyan’s dedicated electricity metering solution enables meters to be deployed in urban and rural areas as previously proven in many trials in India.
“This new module allows utilities to get useful and actionable information from their existing infrastructure,” said John Cronin, Cyan’s Executive Chairman. “This is a great solution for utilities in emerging countries looking to quickly and cost effectively roll-out a smart meter solution to maximise return from existing assets.”