Landis+Gyr delivers efficiency and flexibility to Mannheim power plant

Grosskraftwerk Mannhein (GKM) selected Landis+Gyr’s automatic meter reading system for its submetering. This investment fulfilled the utility’s requirement for an industrial AMR system which acquires and stores data from all on-site devices. This resulted in improved efficiency in all metering and data processes.

Current status
The Converge AMR system, installed back in 2005, continues to operate efficiently, fulfilling exactly what GKM requires and creating yet another satisfied Landis+Gyr customer.

Customer benefits
GKM is highly satisfied with the automatic meter reading system as all metering data is now stored centrally, with a wide range of data processing and display options available.

The system is accessible over LAN via a web application. This provides fast and simultaneous use of the AMR system by multiple departments such as the plant operators or system administrators. For display of the meter data and respective status the system generates reports which can be distributed via email.

For GKM two default report templates were customised to correspond with reports from the previous automatic meter reading system. In addition, a completely new report was created for the daily energy balance, this includes summaries of load profiles and efficiency calculations.

Furthermore, Landis+Gyr is providing wide support and maintenance services for its customers. GKM particularly appreciates the quick response from the helpdesk. Questions of any kind regarding the system are analysed and rectified quickly and competently via remote connection.

Automated end-to-end process
Landis+Gyr solution delivers flexibility and efficiency through out the entire process - from metering to billing.

The validation feature guarantees that acquired metering values are automatically verified on a daily basis, and replaced by substitute values if necessary.

In the case of load profiles, manual entry of substitute values is possible at any time. Storage of historical values – including corresponding timestamps ensure the ability to trace previos verification checks performed.

In parallel to data evaluation in the AMR system, data is also exported to the billing system in a text format predefined by GKM. In addition to automatic data export, a given time range can also be manually selected and exported.

Open protocols
The metering data is read into the system using the protocols supported by the recording devices. For FAF devices, which communicate using SCTM, it was simply a matter of parameterisation. The DIN19244 protocol necessary for ZIS90 devices and the IEC870 protocol supported by the ZFA device were specially implemented for GKM. This delivers added value to the customer, who can now centrally acquire and evaluate all meters located at the power plant.

Interoperable System
The 250 meters located at the facility communicate with the central system through various remote terminal units including:

• FAF from Landis+Gyr
• ZIS90 from Dr. Neuhaus
• ZFA10 from SAE IT-Systems
• ZMD meters from Landis+Gyr

These devices are connected to the AMR system via a direct serial connection.

The individual quarter-hourly values from the recording devices are acquired continuously and are available for processing within one minute. Spontaneous events are also evaluated. This feature guarantees reliable monitoring of energy production.

Scalable architecture
The flexible software architecture delivers continuous scalability in the number of recording devices. Continuous development of new communication protocols gives the customer the opportunity to easily replace or add new equipment to the system.