Background
XX Thermal Power Company previously provided HVAC services using a steam-to-water heat exchange model. In recent years, to meet the growing demand for heating, the company has transitioned to a safer and more efficient water-to-water heat exchange model. At the same time, the billing method for commercial users and public institutions has shifted from area-based charging to heat-based charging.
User Needs
With changes in heating mediums and billing methods, the thermal company required upgrades to on-site metering instruments and control equipment. The original vortex flowmeters used for steam metering needed to be replaced with advanced and precise liquid ultrasonic flowmeters to detect and measure water loss in real-time, enabling accurate loss calculation. Additionally, heat-based billing required the adoption of a prepaid model, where users pay first and consume later.
Solutions
Our dual-path ultrasonic flowmeter is specifically designed for high-temperature water heating scenarios. It is suitable for primary network water temperatures of up to 100°C, with the dual-path ultrasonic flowmeter (ABDT-LCT-DW series) capable of withstanding temperatures as high as 150°C. The meter features a wide turndown ratio (1:100) and high accuracy (flow accuracy of ±1.0%), perfectly meeting on-site requirements.
The advanced ABDT-FC6000W flow totalized is applied on-site, offering high precision and supporting the integration of flow, temperature, and pressure data from supply and return water. This enables precise monitoring of water loss, effectively reducing measurement inaccuracies caused by water loss or theft.
Additionally, our independently developed ABDT-IC intelligent prepaid metering control system (patent number: ZL2014 1 0391109.2) fully meets the requirement for prepaid consumption. The system offers multiple deduction modes and alarm functions, significantly reducing the workload for customers while greatly improving management efficiency.
Customer Benefits
The adoption of dual-path ultrasonic flowmeters enables accurate metering of user consumption, while the flow and heat calculator effectively addresses the challenges of measuring water loss and theft. The intelligent prepaid metering control system, with its robust performance and comprehensive functionality, fully satisfies customer needs. This integrated product solution provides customers with efficient and precise metering and management capabilities.
Product Application
The system connects an IC card controller to a flow (heat) calculator via serial communication, transferring data from the calculator—such as instantaneous flow, cumulative flow, pressure, temperature, density, power-off time, and configuration parameters—to the controller. After recharging the IC card using the management software, the user simply taps the card against the IC card reader to complete the recharge process. The recharge amount is automatically uploaded to the controller. The internal microprocessor (CPU) performs real-time calculations, comparisons, and logical judgments on the data from the calculator and IC card.
When the IC card balance approaches or falls below the preset alarm value, the controller’s buzzer emits an alarm signal, and the remote meter reading software displays the alarm on the web interface while sending a notification to the designated responsible person’s mobile phone. If the controller’s remaining balance falls below the valve-closing threshold, the controller issues a signal to close the valve and sends another notification to the designated mobile phone. Based on requirements, the system can adjust the degree of valve closure, achieving automated prepaid management.
