Intelligent data acquisition: B&R Automation PCs in use for smart metering in Vienna since 2005
Automation PCs from B&R have been handling data acquisition and communication in the smart metering network for "Fernwärme Wien (district heating in Vienna)" since 2005. The hardware-specific PC drivers for meter communication are developed in-house, which required a reliable partner with clear product communication in the event of changes.
Initial situation of the project
"Everyone is talking about smart metering, we at Fernwärme Wien have already been doing it for years," says Ehrenreich now, proud of what has already been achieved. The initial situation was different: The project started back in 1997 with the goal of implementing intelligent remote meter reading via M-Bus. The standard PCs used in an initial test phase were not suitable for this. It was important to have a system built for the future: Due to the high demand for remote meter reading systems, around 50 automation PCs are added every year.
Reasons for the project
The advantages of remote reading are obvious: Customers do not need to have unpopular appointments in their homes and their privacy is not disturbed. B&R has been known for its control technology since the late 1980s and is a reliable manufacturer of systems and components that are very well suited for operation in adverse environmental conditions. The decision to use B&R industrial PCs under Linux was made after a successful test phase.
Challenges faced in the project
The PCs have to operate continually for years in uncontrolled environments, often with high temperature and humidity and also have to withstand light water ingress now and again. Not easy conditions. B&R's industrial PCs have proven their worth to this day: A robust design with small dimensions and no moving parts ensures reliable continuous operation in harsh operating environments. In addition, B&R was found to be a partner who maintains clear product communication when changes are made, which is important for the in-house development of the PC drivers.
Efficient smart metering solutions in Vienna: Over 50,000 remotely readable meters in use
There are currently just over 50,000 remotely readable meters installed in Vienna. As the interface for thermal energy consumption data acquisition, they use the M-Bus standard defined in EN 13757. The heat values are recorded by the individual meters every 15 minutes and collected at the local district heating station. From there, they are recorded by the central IT system. These values are used to calculate the amount that must be paid at the end of a billing period. Constant plausibility checks ensure that unrealistic values are detected immediately. Burst pipes could be uncovered even before those affected were aware of them, for example. The data concentrator in the smart metering system monitors the meters and also ensures secure data transmission to the control center.
Artistic energy generation: The Hundertwasser waste incineration plant in Vienna
The waste incineration plant in Vienna designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser is not only a popular photo motif for tourists, it is a work of art that also contributes to the supply of energy. In 2022, 360,000 tons of waste were incinerated at the plant. Biomass and gas are added to the waste. This mix, which is used to provide heat to a portion of the millions of residents in Vienna, has a heat output of 6,200 GWh or around 36 percent of the total demand for heat. 17 generation plants feed hot water into the district heating network, which is more than 1,150 kilometers long.
