From analogue to smart meter in one quick conversion

Deer Technology says its LimpetReader cost-effectively converts analogue electricity meters to smart meters simply and quickly.

The LimpetReader is attached to the faceplate using optical adhesive or tape. If desired, a meter can still be read manually without disturbing the LimpetReader.

Deer Technology has designed the unit to be compact so that it fits within a meter cabinet. A key element of the opto-electronic device’s design is multiple micro-cameras that capture date- and time-stamped images of the meter’s register. These are sent automatically to Deer Technology’s secure servers using GSM technology over any of the UK’s mobile phone networks. Once on the server, the individual images are stitched together with image processing software to create a single, distortion-free register image. This is converted to a numerical value for the electricity consumption.

Customer benefits include accurate billing based on real-time data not estimates, the ability to choose read frequencies, and better visibility of data that can help cut consumption, save costs and reduce carbon footprint. If different areas of a site have separate meters, energy usage can easily be allocated to relevant cost centres. Similarly, building owners can use LimpetReaders for sub-metering and billing tenants.