Citation
(2007), "Sentec's new metering technology attracts worldwide interest", Sensor Review, Vol. 27 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2007.08727bab.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Sentec's new metering technology attracts worldwide interest
Sentec's new metering technology attracts worldwide interest
Following the launch of its new, low cost, solid state gas metering technology, developer Sentec has been approached by manufacturers representing 80 percent of the European and North American markets, interested in reaching licensing deals. Utilities, meter manufacturers and industry watchers all expressed great interest in this novel gas measurement technology and the excellent potential it creates for building fully integrated, affordable residential smart meters.
The innovative technology, known as Lattice, uses an entirely new measurement principle that eliminates the need for moving parts and enables “smart” functionality, yet will cost no more than a traditional mechanical meter. Its potential to add value for customers and give utilities companies a competitive edge is revolutionary – for example, it could “learn” patterns of consumption, and alert customers to problems indicated by a change in the pattern, such as boiler malfunction.
“Lattice technology enables a low cost meter that is highly flexible,” explains Tom Fryers, Commercial Director of Sentec. “Companies can build highly sophisticated meters that offer cost-saving services such as remote meter reading and switching between pre-payment and credit arrangements. As a Lattice meter already has a microprocessor, the extra cost of these sophistications is minimal. Lattice also makes detecting and dealing with meter tampering much simpler, providing direct alerts and evidence back to the supplier.”
“With increasing international focus on CO2 emissions and security of gas supplies, and the resulting need to influence customer behaviour to reduce gas consumption, we believe Lattice has arrived at a very opportune time for the industry,” says Tom Fryers. “Sentec's solid-state metering technologies now cover all three major utilities and Lattice will make a highly valuable contribution to our rapidly growing licensing business.”
Sentec's web site: www.sentec.co.uk–click on “Products.”