How to choose between carrier wave prepaid meter and 485 prepaid meter?
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1、 Comparison of Technical Characteristics
communication model
Carrier wave prepaid meter: Data is transmitted through power line carrier technology, without the need for additional wiring, and communication can be achieved using existing power lines. Its communication distance can reach prepaid meter, and one concentrator can read over a thousand electricity prepaid meters, making it suitable for decentralized layout scenarios.
485 electric prepaid meter: using RS-485 serial communication, a dedicated communication line (such as twisted pair) needs to be laid. The communication distance is affected by the quality of the line, but the data transmission stability is higher and the anti-interference ability is stronger.
Functional scalability
Carrier wave prepaid meter: supports remote control, data collection, storage, and analysis, can monitor the status of electrical equipment in real time, and upload data to the cloud for big data analysis, suitable for intelligent management needs.
485 electric prepaid meter: mainly focused on data collection and transmission, although it can be remotely controlled through upgrades, its functional scalability is relatively limited, and it focuses more on basic electricity data management.
anti-interference ability
Carrier wave prepaid meter: High frequency signal transmission is susceptible to power line noise interference, especially in complex power grid environments (such as industrial areas), which may affect data accuracy.
485 electric prepaid meter: using differential signal transmission, it has strong anti-static and high-voltage attack resistance capabilities, and can maintain stable measurement accuracy even in high temperature, high humidity or electromagnetic interference environments.
2、 Cost and construction difficulty
Initial investment
Carrier wave electricity prepaid meter: The equipment unit price is relatively high, but there is no need to lay dedicated communication lines, the construction period is short, and it is suitable for scenarios where electricity prepaid meters are scattered and wiring costs are high (such as rural areas and old residential areas renovation).
485 electric prepaid meter: The equipment unit price is relatively low, but RS-485 lines need to be laid, and the construction period is long. It is suitable for scenarios where electric prepaid meters are centralized and wiring is convenient (such as new residential areas and factories).
Maintenance cost
Carrier wave prepaid meter: The maintenance cost is relatively low, and troubleshooting can be achieved through remote monitoring, but the aging of power lines may affect communication stability.
485 electric prepaid meter: There is less demand for line maintenance, but line faults require on-site troubleshooting, and maintenance costs depend on the quality of the line.
3、 Typical application scenarios
Applicable scenarios of carrier wave prepaid meters
Distributed layout: In areas where electricity prepaid meters are widely distributed, such as rural areas, shopping malls, and schools, carrier technology can avoid high wiring costs.
Intelligent management requirements: scenarios that require real-time monitoring of the status of electrical equipment, peak and valley electricity statistics, or line loss rate calculation (such as smart agriculture greenhouses).
Temporary electricity management: In temporary electricity scenarios such as construction sites, exhibitions, etc., carrier prepaid meters can be quickly deployed without the need for long-term wiring.
Applicable scenarios of 485 electric prepaid meter
Centralized layout: In areas where electricity prepaid meters are concentrated, such as residential properties, rental rooms, hotel apartments, etc., RS-485 lines can efficiently cover all electricity prepaid meters.
High stability requirements: In scenarios that require high data accuracy, such as industrial manufacturing and public facilities, the anti-interference ability of 485 prepaid meters can ensure measurement accuracy.
Prepaid management requirements: It is necessary to support scenarios such as mobile phone or computer recharge and automatic power outage for overdue payments. The 485 prepaid meter can be upgraded to achieve prepaid functionality.
