Automatic GAS meter reading system
GAS Converter
GAS Converter is an automated solution for remotely collecting readings from gas meters via their standard connection interface. Periodic transmission of measurement data over LoRaWAN enables remote gas consumption monitoring, helps identify unusual consumption patterns and reduces the risk of undetected leaks and financial losses.
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Compatible with honeywell elster metronica Gas meters - NFC activation and Bluetooth configuration
- LoRaWAN data transmission with offline storage
- Non-volatile FIFO storage for 200 data packets
How the system works
Configuration
The device is configured via Bluetooth using a mobile application.
Installation
The device connects to the gas meter through its dedicated connector.
Data collection
The device periodically reads the gas meter and stores the collected data in its internal memory.
Data transmission
The device transmits measurement data to the monitoring platform over a LoRaWAN network at a configurable interval.
System components:
A mobile application used to configure the device and adjust its operating parameters.
A gas meter reading device that connects to a compatible gas meter and transmits measurement data over LoRaWAN.
Mobile application
The application is supported on devices with the Android 9.0 operating system and later versions. After installing the application, you gain access to the device and can configure and use the data from the smartphone screen.
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Functional requirements for the mobile application:
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Functional requirements for the mobile application:
- It must be possible to change the device parameters — local configuration via Bluetooth using the mobile application.
GAS Converter device
The GAS Converter is designed to connect to the standard interface of gas meters manufactured by Honeywell Elster Metronica.
The device automatically collects gas meter readings, stores measurement data and transmits the accumulated information over a LoRaWAN network. The device is battery-powered.
The GAS Converter is supplied in an inactive state known as Hibernation mode, intended for storage and transportation. Before the device can be put into operation, Hibernation Mode must be disabled. The device is activated via NFC. Once activated, it can be configured via Bluetooth using the mobile application.
The device's external connector is connected to a compatible mating connector on the gas meter.
The device automatically collects gas meter readings, stores measurement data and transmits the accumulated information over a LoRaWAN network. The device is battery-powered.
The GAS Converter is supplied in an inactive state known as Hibernation mode, intended for storage and transportation. Before the device can be put into operation, Hibernation Mode must be disabled. The device is activated via NFC. Once activated, it can be configured via Bluetooth using the mobile application.
The device's external connector is connected to a compatible mating connector on the gas meter.
The device supports the following configurable measurement packet generation intervals - 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours.
Measurement packets are generated at exactly 00 minutes and 00 seconds of the scheduled hour.
The generation hour is selected according to the following rule:
The period is 1 hour - в 00:00, 01:00, 02:00, … 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00, 23:00
The period is 3 hours - в 00:00, 03:00, 06:00, 09:00, 12:00, 15:00, 18:00, 21:00
The period is 6 hours - в 00:00, 06:00, 12:00, 18:00 hours
The period is 12 hours - в 00:00, 12:00 hours
The period is 24 hours - в 00:00 hours
Measurement packets are generated at exactly 00 minutes and 00 seconds of the scheduled hour.
The generation hour is selected according to the following rule:
The period is 1 hour - в 00:00, 01:00, 02:00, … 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00, 23:00
The period is 3 hours - в 00:00, 03:00, 06:00, 09:00, 12:00, 15:00, 18:00, 21:00
The period is 6 hours - в 00:00, 06:00, 12:00, 18:00 hours
The period is 12 hours - в 00:00, 12:00 hours
The period is 24 hours - в 00:00 hours
The device supports two configuration methods.
1. Local Configuration
Configuration parameters can be modified locally via Bluetooth using the mobile application.
2. Remote Configuration
Configuration parameters can be modified remotely by sending a downlink message from the monitoring platform using the akYtec communication protocol.
Both methods provide access to all configurable device parameters.
1. Local Configuration
Configuration parameters can be modified locally via Bluetooth using the mobile application.
2. Remote Configuration
Configuration parameters can be modified remotely by sending a downlink message from the monitoring platform using the akYtec communication protocol.
Both methods provide access to all configurable device parameters.
The device includes an internal non-volatile memory buffer organized according to the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) principle. When new measurement packets are generated, they are added to the transmission queue.
After successful transmission, a packet is removed from the queue only when an acknowledgment confirming successful delivery has been received.
The buffer must hold at least 200 measurement packets.
After successful transmission, a packet is removed from the queue only when an acknowledgment confirming successful delivery has been received.
The buffer must hold at least 200 measurement packets.
The data transmission interval is configurable independently of the measurement packet generation interval.
The following transmission intervals are supported: – 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours
The transmission interval does not have to match the packet generation interval.
Example: If measurement packets are generated once per hour and the transmission interval is set to 24 hours, the device accumulates 24 measurement packets and transmits them together once every 24 hours.
The following transmission intervals are supported: – 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours
The transmission interval does not have to match the packet generation interval.
Example: If measurement packets are generated once per hour and the transmission interval is set to 24 hours, the device accumulates 24 measurement packets and transmits them together once every 24 hours.
Benefits of the automatic Gas meter reading system
The GAS Converter system enables businesses and utility providers to automate gas meter reading without requiring regular on-site visits. Automatic data collection reduces operating costs, eliminates common errors associated with manual meter reading and provides timely information about gas consumption.
The device can be integrated into existing metering infrastructure and supports autonomous battery-powered operation. Accurate and consistent measurement data improve transparency in resource accounting and help build customer confidence.
The device can be integrated into existing metering infrastructure and supports autonomous battery-powered operation. Accurate and consistent measurement data improve transparency in resource accounting and help build customer confidence.
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Automated meter reading and monitoringThe system eliminates the need for manual meter reading. Consumption data are collected automatically according to a configurable schedule.- Key Benefit: saves staff time, minimizes human error and reduces data entry mistakes, inaccuracies and reporting delays.
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Consumption monitoring and loss preventionRegular data transmission helps identify unusual consumption patterns, potential gas leaks, equipment malfunctions and possible tampering.- Key Benefit: reduces the risk of financial losses and resource waste through earlier identification of abnormal conditions.
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Reduced operating costsBattery-powered operation, remote data transmission and fewer on-site visits help reduce operating and maintenance expenses.- Key Benefit: lower costs for maintenance, personnel and emergency service visits, with improved return on investment through more efficient operations.
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Remote equipment access and monitoringThe system enables remote monitoring of gas meters installed at geographically dispersed or difficult-to-access locations. This reduces the need for routine site visits to collect readings.- Key Benefit: Lower maintenance costs, particularly for organizations managing large numbers of distributed metering points.
Project scope and completed work:
- Development of the device's electronic circuit schematic.
- Printed circuit board (PCB) design and layout.
- Manufacturing of device prototypes.
- Development of embedded firmware.
- Development of device configuration software.
- Production of a batch of more than 100 devices.
Do you have an idea?
Write to us, and we’ll discuss your project.
Write to us, and we’ll discuss your project.