G4 gas meter with data transmission module
WT G4S is WaterTech’s class G4 smart gas meter for residential users. Featuring hybrid technology, the G4S combines a membrane meter with a top-quality electronic device for storage and communication with a SAC control center.
Its performance fully complies with MID guidelines and ARERA resolutions.
Due to the inherent hazardousness of gas, marketing and distribution networks are subject to stringent regulations under the control of the Regulatory Authority for Energy Networks and Environment (ARERA). Each meter must therefore have construction and metering characteristics established by law, including the G4 gas meter. By this acronym, we refer to the lowest existing flow rate on the market and talk about a meter that is mainly used for residential users.
WaterTech’s G4 WT G4S gas meters, in addition to absolute measurement accuracy, are made with high quality construction devices and materials such that they offer accuracy and reliability over time.Benefits that for utilities translate into a guarantee of greater safety and a return on investment. These are, among others, the reasons why we have been chosen as suppliers for gas meters by major companies in the industry, such as, for example, Italgas.
Not only that, even in a highly regulated environment, WaterTech has been able to innovate. Great attention has been given to the communication module of our G4 gas meter with the adoption of novel design solutions that ensure the timely operation of information storage and data transmission.
The advantages of smart gas metering
The deployment of smart metering systems in the gas sector has been strongly promoted by ARERA. In fact, since 2008, for transparency of services and sustainability of energy consumption, the regulator has launched an initiative to replace mechanical meters with smart gas meters.
The architecture of smart metering systems can be of two types:
- Point-to-point type, which uses the switched telephone network, such as GSM and NB-IoT;
- Point-Multi Point type, a system that uses 169 MHz radio frequency to communicate with concentrators (gateways), which, in turn, connect with the utility’s SAC.
When implementing a gas smart metering system, great attention should be given to the issue of integrability, that is, the possibility that such a smart metering network can also support and exchange data with other energy services such as electricity and water. A synergy that WaterTech has always included as an important goal in the design of its smart meters (whether water or gas). In fact, the range of communication modules we offer includes the adoption of all the main existing network technologies, so as to facilitate multi-utilities in the process of integrating the services offered.
G4 gas meter performance
The WT G4S model features construction solutions and a choice of materials to ensure continuity of measurement over time.
As with all other WaterTech products, the materials chosen to make G4 gas meters are of the highest quality and the structural details are designed to resist wear and tear over time and withstand mechanical stress. For example, the SIM card holder is of excellent quality and designed to prevent oxidation of the contacts and thus loss of connection to the network. At the same time, the SIM holder is designed so that it is not affected by vibrations created by the passage of gas through the measuring membranes. As a result, the SIM remains firmly anchored to the G4 gas meter in its holder and remains connected at all times, ensuring maximum connectivity.
⋅ NETWORKS COMPATIBLE WITH WATERTECH’S G4 GAS METER
Gas meters can be equipped with communication modules based on all popular transmission technologies for smart metering networks: NB-IoT, 169 MHz and GSM.
WaterTech, both in water and gas, has always believed that it is not possible to define a priori a technology or transmission protocol that is better in absolute terms and to be preferred in every condition. Different situations, networks, territories and types of users may require different technological solutions. Precisely for this reason, we adopt a broad and comprehensive portfolio of communication modules, so that we can cover all systems used in Italy and all possible needs of distributors. Continuously keeping a keen eye on technological convergences between water and gas networks, in order to foster ever greater integration between networked services.
Thanks to this integration, it is possible to design efficient and profitable networks in the management of multiservice projects, also meeting the convergence desired by ARERA itself.
⋅ GAS METER CHARACTERISTICS G4G4
- Excellent stability and long-term reliability
- Dual circuit and dual battery power supply
- Can be equipped with all transmission systems available on the market
- Integrated digital temperature sensor
- Firmware upgrade capability that can be done remotely
- Metrology unit battery life of more than 16 years
- Communication battery with a lifetime of more than 15 years in the NB-IoT version
- Installation in ATEX Zone 2 area
- Optical interface for configuration
- IP65 degree of protection
