Metert Testing

How to Improve ROI by Testing the Accuracy of an AMI Meter?
How to Improve ROI by Testing the Accuracy of an AMI Meter? 150 150 Probewell
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Nowadays, electric utilities expect AMI electrical grids and MDMS solution to provide advanced data analytics so they can make informed data-driven decisions to achieve operational efficiency (hardware and services).

Mariana Napoli | Sales and Marketing Director | Probewell Lab Inc.
Mariana Napoli
Sales & Marketing Director
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Customers often distrust new technologies and are reluctant to adopt them. It is up to the utilities to reassure their customers as part of their onboarding process and a good way to do this is to keep them informed by making the process as transparent as possible.

When it comes to AMI efficiency, the key factor is the accuracy of the meters, thus the reliability of the data they aggregate.

When deploying or maintaining an AMI grid, some discrepancies may be noticed in the data after the initial transition. For instance, the data collected from a mechanical meter may differ from the data collected from a digital meter, which is often more accurate, naturally prompting clients to question their bill.

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AMI – Advanced Metering Infrastructure
MDMS – Meter Data Management Systems

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Verifying the accuracy of the meter

 

The WT Series wireless tester help building a better customer’s experience, by allowing sharing of traceable test reports as part of the onboarding process and facilitate the adoption of the AMI technology and finally, improve your ROI without affecting your bottom line.

Our meter tester enables a wide range of testing options. It allows the operator to assess the electric meter on site and in real time, checking the accuracy of the meter’s reading and performance. The typical accuracy is ± 0.02%, to ensure fair billing.

It is possible to perform a Quick Test, using the Probewell Connect application to quickly assess the accuracy of each meter and keep a traceable report of the meters accuracy readings, before and after the transition (as found and as left reporting). The Quick Test runs a series of sub-tests (for each of the loads: HL, PF and LL and it calculates the weight average), in a single operation.

The test results are securely stored within the unit and includes the meter ID, time-stamped and geolocation data for traceability purpose. The test reports can be shared by e-mail, right from the operator’s mobile to the customer and the utility’s customer service department for a follow-up.

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Advantages:

· Quick and easy setup
· Customizable configuration
· Task automation
· Validation of test results at a glance
· Undeniable traceability
· Shareable findings, (export report as CSV or PDF)
· Lower operating costs thanks to optimized processes.

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Available test:

  • Quick Test
  • Full Test
  • Custom Test
  • Line Monitor
  • Demand Test

 

  • Creep Test
  • KYZ Test
  • Manual / Tracking
  • 4 Quad Test VARh
  • 4 Quad Test Wh
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Transformer rated installations.

 

If it’s a CT rated installation, the Probewell ST-3/XT3 site tester is another great way to improve your ROI during a site visit., Perform a complete quality assessment of an installation, including the CT/PT ratio, the burden and the admittance test. Within minutes, a CT/PT instrument-rated installation can be accurately tested by a field worker.

Get immediate confirmation, that the installations are optimal to achieve hardware and service operational efficiency by using the Probewell WT Series meter tester or XT Series site testers as part of your AMI deployment field tools.

  • Achieve hardware and service operational efficiency
  • Build a better customer’s experience,
  • Share traceable test reports as part of the onboarding process
  • Improve your ROI without affecting your bottom line.
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Advantages:

  • Full RMS and line cycle measurement of both secondary and primary currents and voltages
  • Compatible input voltage from 100 to 480 VAC
  • Plug & “Play”
  • Uncompromised accuracy
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Available test:

  • Power Quality test
    • Real time waveform analysis
    • Voltage and Current phase angle
    • Total Harmonic Distortion analysis
  • CT/PT ratio and phase shift
  • Burden test
  • Admittance

To know more about our solutions, get in touch!
sales@probewell.com

Click here to see the MT-1/WT3  full technical specifications

Click here to see the ST-3/XT3  full technical specifications

Why Monitoring the Accuracy of Power Flows in Net Metering is More Important Than Ever?
Why Monitoring the Accuracy of Power Flows in Net Metering is More Important Than Ever? 150 150 Probewell
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Net metering:
Fostering a fair exchange between utility companies and their customers.

Mariana Napoli | Sales and Marketing Director | Probewell Lab Inc.
Mariana Napoli
Sales & Marketing Director
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The US federal government requires utility companies to purchase surplus energy from independent producers.  Over 40 states have laws in place to ensure credit is given for this excess consumer generation. State regulatory agencies review the rates utilities charge retail consumers to ensure they are reasonable under their ratemaking jurisdiction.

 

Some utility companies still perceive Net Metering policies as lost revenue opportunities, but in most cases, Net Metering allows utilities to better manage their peak electricity load as well as reduce the strain on the distribution system.

[vc_empty_space][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-quote-left”]According to the Statista.com  site   , statistics collected between 2010 and 2019, show that the number of customers turning to alternative energy sources and purchasing power generation equipment such a wind turbine and photovoltaic systems, rose from 155,921 to 2,438,193* representing a 156.3% increase per year.[/vc_message][vc_empty_space]

Measure the power they export back to the grid

Probewell | WT Series | Meter testing | MT-1/WT3

In some case, consumers will produce more electrical power than they consume during peak generating conditions. Net Metering allows these customers to measure the power they export back to the grid, to save on their future electrical bills and benefit the environment by generating renewable energy.

 

Bills based on actual meter readings will reflect the difference between the value of the electricity injected into the grid and the value of the electricity  customers   consumed from the grid.

 

In order to determine how much power is fed back and to ensure a fair exchange between the utility companies and the customers, an accurate meter reading of both the forward and reverse power flow is critical.

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This requires a solution that fits seamlessly into the daily workflow.

 

To prevent this, a simple routine maintenance schedule should be implemented that includes a reverse power flow test. This requires a fast and easy-to-use testing solution that fits seamlessly into the daily workflow.

 

Probewell | WT Series | MT-1/WT3 | How does it work?Probewell offers the WT series wireless meter testers that can quickly detect drifting of forward or reverse power flow accuracy in both Wh and VARh measurement modes as part of their standard

 

operation. No need to change any of the socket connections between tests, just select Reverse Flow Test in the Probewell Connect app. on a mobile device and get live results immediately.

 

Regularly testing their meter population as part of their quality assurance program is a good practice for utility companies . Probewell WT series wireless meter testers are well suited to the task: they are portable, easy to use, compatible with multiple meter forms and offer a wide range of tests that are key to maintaining a healthy power grid and keeping customers happy. Simply put, testing is just good overall business practice.

 

Main features of the MT-1/WT3 wireless meter tester

COMPATIBLE METERS
Single-phase:  1S, 2S, 3S*, 4S, 12S(N) and 25S
Three-phase:  6S, 8S, 9S, 12S, 14S, 15S, 16S, 36S, 46S, 96S and Fitzall™ meters
Class:   10, 20, 100, 200, 320**

COMPATIBLE DEVICES
Smart phone, tablet and PC
Operating systems:  IOS®, Android®, Windows®

TEST SOCKET
Input voltage:  100 – 600VAC
Line frequency:  58 – 62Hz
Power consumption:  75 VA (maximum)
Circuit breakers:  2 x 1 A (press-to-reset mechanism)

CURRENT SYNTHESIZERS
Adjustable current:  0.25 to 50A
Phase angle (Wh):  Unity and 60° lag
Phase angle (VARh):  90° and 30° lag

INTERNAL 3-PHASE WATTHOUR STANDARD
Typical accuracy:  ±0.02%
Guaranteed accuracy:  ±0.05%

Click here to see the full technical specifications

 

Other advantages of using the ultralight WT series wireless meter testers

Manage risk

  • Quickly setup the  testing   device and speed-up the assessment process without ever compromising safety.

Minimize human error

  • Minimize the time spent doing clerical work and other redundant back-office tasks by automating the report process.

Best practices

  • Work “ahead of the game” to save time and money in the long run. Adopt the MT-1/WT3 as a standard tool for quality assurance.

Probewell Connect

  • The advanced, yet simple solution literally at your fingertips. Create reliable reports in CSV or PDF format and share your findings via email.

 

Want to know more about our wireless meter tester? Get in touch!

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