Page 235 - Water Loss Control

208 Cha pte r T h i r tee n

variation of consumption throughout the day, week, season, or year. Meter readings can
be gathered and transmitted at short intervals via the fixed communication network.
Alternatively, some systems use data-logging AMR devices at the customer endpoint.
The data-logging equipment continuously gathers and stores meter readings at the
meter reading device. A customer consumption profile is then transferred to the central
data collection location on a periodic or as-requested basis. Variations in fixed network
or data-logging AMR systems give water utilities a variety of choices to consider in
finding the specific type of AMR network that will provide the granular customer con-
sumption that they desire.
Fixed network AMR requires investment in the construction of the fixed communi-
cation network, in addition to the installation of user endpoint devices, software, and
other standard components of the AMR system. The cost of a fixed communication
network is variable, depending upon the nature of the service area: urban versus rural,
hilly terrain versus flat, customer density, and other factors that affect the communica-
tion system requirements. The network typically requires a number of antennae or col-
lector units (see Figs. 13.8 and 13.9) spatially distributed in a manner that allows AMR
signals to be collected and forwarded to a central computer. The fixed communication
network in any given service area must be independently evaluated, designed, con-
structed, and tested to ensure that it meets the service level requirements of the utility

FIGURE 13.8 AMR fi xed network collector antenna. (Source: Itron, Inc.)