As water resources become increasingly scarce around the world, smart water cost management becomes increasingly important. Reasonable control of water costs can help companies improve production efficiency and reduce production costs, while also helping to achieve environmental protection goals. Intelligent water cost management can help companies find water leaks, excessive use, etc., reduce waste, and increase water resource utilization efficiency by automatically detecting water flow and monitoring water quality and temperature. In the current environment, actively promoting intelligent water cost management has become an inevitable trend in industry development.

1. Transit-time Technology. One of the most reliable and time-tested measurement principles is Transit-time flow measurement. A typical transit-time ultrasonic flowmeter system utilizes one pair of transducers that function as both the ultrasonic transmitter as well as the receiver. We will explore Transit-time flow measurement in greater detail in the next section.
2. Ultrasonic Doppler Technology. In Doppler-style flowmeters, two ultrasonic transducers are employed in the system. One transmits a continuous ultrasonic wave into the flow. The other transducer receives the ultrasonic wave scattered from suspending particles (or targets). The received wave has a frequency shift compared with the transmitted one. This shift is the so-called Doppler frequency shift, which is directly proportional to the flow velocity. Therefore, by detecting the Doppler frequency, we can derive the flow velocity. The flow rate of the pipe liquid is obtained by computing the product of the velocity and the cross-section area of the pipe.
3. Cross-Correlation Measurement Technology. The Cross-Correlation principle provides accurate and reliable flow measurement. A turbulent flow has a cascade structure of eddies. Along the flow, the characteristics of those structures do not change much within a certain distance, called the Correlation Length. It is by tracking particles along this length, that Cross-Correlation measurement is achieved.
4. Acoustic Doppler Velocity Profiling Technology. Three acoustic transducers are installed as shown in the left figure. The center one is usually a narrow-beam transducer. It transmits a burst of sound pulses with a certain Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF). The other two are large-angle transducers. They receive the ultrasonic wave scattered from suspending particles (or targets) of the water column notified by both the transmitting and receiving sound beams. By using a pulse-to-pulse algorithm, we can obtain the Doppler frequency shift in two directions, from which a 2D velocity profile can be formed.

Through constant monitoring of water quality parameters such as pH levels, turbidity, and contaminants, smart water technology facilitates the early detection of water quality issues.

1. Enhanced meter reading efficiency.
2. Improved leak detection.
3. Customer engagement.
4. Better system management.
5. Non-revenue water reduction.

Early leak detection can prevent costly repairs such as structural damage, the formation of mold, and the degradation of construction components on your property.

Leak detection aids in water conservation and supports sustainability efforts by preserving valuable natural resources.

Leak detection helps avoid water authorities caused by water leaks that go unnoticed and result in excessive water usage

Powermax smart water management system monitors water quality, increases efficiency, prevents leaks, and encourages responsible water use using sensors, data, and analytics.

Ultrasonic water meters use sound waves to measure the flow of water. They work by sending ultrasonic signals consecutively through a measuring tube, with and against the flow of water. The meter then measures the time difference between the measurements in the forward and reverse directions to determine the velocity of the water.

As the smart water meter market continues to grow, more and more companies have joined this competitive field. Nowadays, as a supplier, how to ensure that consumers make the right choice has become an important issue in the industry.

1.understand measurement and historical accumulation. A good supplier should have natural measurement qualities and know how to measure the quality and data of water meters to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the product. Historical accumulation is also an essential characteristic of a good smart water meter supplier. It means that the supplier has rich manufacturing experience and technology accumulation, which is the guarantee for smart water meter production.

2. work closely with water authorities to understand their needs. A good smart water meter supplier should understand the needs of the water department, have an in-depth understanding of their business processes and working models, and provide them with reliable products and technical support.

3. invest heavily in research and development and have self-research capabilities. Today’s market is unpredictable, and investing in R&D is the guarantee of investing in the future and success. Only by investing a lot of energy and time in scientific research and possessing independent research and development capabilities can we continue to gain a foothold in market competition, continue to innovate, and maintain our leading position.

4. it has a modern management system and high-quality after-sales service. A good smart water meter supplier must have a modern management system to further improve production efficiency and management effectiveness. At the same time, we should actively respond to customers’ service needs and provide fast and timely after-sales service.

Based on the above points, a good smart water meter supplier must have its own advantages and characteristics, be able to truly meet customer needs, and win the trust of customers through professional technology and services. Therefore, when choosing suppliers, consumers should pay attention to choosing suppliers with strength, quality, and service, and make careful choices with an attitude of being responsible for the market and customers. This is not only responsible for the company itself but also responsible for the company itself. It is a boost to the entire industry and market.

The development process of smart water meters can be summarized as the following stages:

1. Data Collection

Early smart water meters were mainly based on data collection technology. This type of water meter can more accurately record users’ water usage and provide users with fairness and efficiency in water pricing. At the same time, this kind of water meter can also detect water leakage in pipelines, which can greatly reduce the waste of water resources.

2. Intelligent Support

On the basis of the first stage, smart water meters have been gradually improved in terms of functions, including automatic billing, early warning reminders, automated maintenance, and other functions. At the same time, smart water meters also support remote intelligent control, which provides efficient and convenient pipeline maintenance services for operation and maintenance personnel, and also improves the effective management of water resources for society.

3. Big data application

Since smart water meters can generate various reports and analyses after monthly data upload, in the third stage, smart water meters are also closely integrated with big data technology. The results of data analysis can provide effective support in water use planning and arrangement. As a result, smart water meters are also widely used in water resources assessment, extension, and protection.

With the increasing maturity of Internet of Things technology, the development of smart water meters has entered a new stage. Smart water meters combined with the Internet of Things can monitor, manage, and operate water resources in real time. Smart water meters can collect water meter data in real-time through sensors and transmit the data to the cloud server, thereby generating data with analytical value and enabling remote control and monitoring.

The development of smart water meters also benefits from the advancement of smart hardware technology. At present, in addition to digital display and remote control functions, smart water meters have also greatly increased intelligent features, such as AI intelligence analysis, adaptive learning, and self-development capabilities. This improves the accuracy and efficiency of smart water meters.

With the gradual popularization of smart water meters, water resources management in many cities is developing in a more intelligent direction. Taking China as an example, water supply companies in many cities have begun to use smart water meters to manage water resources, such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing and other large cities. Smart water meters have been widely used in China and have become an important means of water resource management in Chinese cities.

Ordinary ultrasonic transducers will suffer from scaling, but the Powermax ultrasonic water meter use a polymer material transducer coated with a special process, which is not prone to scaling during the life of the meter and has minimal impact on measurement accuracy.

Most ultrasonic water meters are designed to have a battery life of about 10 years. This long battery life is one of the significant advantages of ultrasonic water meters over mechanical meters.

Factors Affecting Battery Life:

• Transmission Frequency: How often the meter transmits data affects battery consumption. More frequent transmissions use more power.
• Data Logging Frequency: The interval at which the meter records usage data can impact battery life. Frequent logging consumes more battery power.
• Environmental Conditions: Extreme temperatures can affect battery performance. Ultrasonic meters are usually designed to operate in a wide range of temperatures, but very cold or hot conditions might reduce battery life.
• Communication Technology: The type of communication module (e.g., RF, LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, 4G) can influence battery consumption. Some technologies are more power-efficient than others.
• Firmware and Power Management: Efficient firmware and power management strategies can extend battery life. Some meters enter a low-power sleep mode when not actively measuring or transmitting data.

Ultrasonic water meters are known for their high accuracy and reliability compared to traditional mechanical water meters. The accuracy of ultrasonic water meters is influenced by various factors, including the quality of the meter, installation conditions, and the flow rate of the water. Here are some key points regarding their accuracy:

1. Measurement Accuracy:
   • In summary, ultrasonic water meters are highly accurate, with typical accuracy levels within ±1% to ±2% under normal conditions. Their advanced technology, lack of moving parts, and resistance to environmental factors contribute to their reliability and long-term accuracy.
2. Performance Over Time:
   • Unlike mechanical meters, ultrasonic water meters have no moving parts, which reduces wear and tear and maintains their accuracy over a longer period.
   • They are less prone to issues like clogging, scaling, or wear, which can affect the accuracy of mechanical meters.
3. Environmental Factors:
   • Ultrasonic meters are generally less affected by environmental factors such as temperature changes, pressure variations, and water quality.
   • They can accurately measure water flow in various conditions, including potable water, wastewater, and industrial fluids.
4. Installation Sensitivity:
   • Proper installation is crucial for maintaining the accuracy of ultrasonic water meters. Factors such as the alignment of the transducers, pipe diameter, and absence of air bubbles or particulate matter in the water can affect accuracy.
   • Manufacturers provide guidelines to ensure optimal installation and performance.

1. Wired Transmission:
   • RS485/Modbus: A widely used wired communication protocol that allows for long-distance data transmission and is suitable for industrial applications.
   • M-Bus: A European standard for remote reading of meters, commonly used in utility metering applications.
2. Wireless Transmission:
   • Radio Frequency (RF): RF communication is commonly used for remote meter reading without the need for physical connections. It is suitable for urban areas where wired connections may be impractical.
   • LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network): A low-power, long-range wireless protocol ideal for connecting devices over large areas. It is suitable for smart city applications.
   • NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things): A cellular-based communication technology designed for IoT applications. It offers good coverage and is suitable for areas with existing cellular infrastructure.
   • 4G Module: The ultrasonic water meter is equipped with a 4G LTE communication module. This module allows the meter to connect to the cellular network. The meter collects water usage data and other relevant parameters via the 4G LTE network to a central server or cloud-based platform. The transmitted data can be accessed and monitored remotely by utility providers or users through web-based dashboards or mobile applications. This enables real-time monitoring, data analysis, and management. Data transmission over 4G networks is typically secured using encryption protocols to ensure that the data is protected from unauthorized access.

Using a double-layer sealing process, the electronic components and batteries are first encapsulated with soft gel, and then a mechanical seal is added to the case to completely isolate water molecules in the air, ensuring long-term normal use under harsh working conditions.

Using a double-layer sealing process, the electronic components and batteries are first encapsulated with soft gel, and then a mechanical seal is added to the case to completely isolate water molecules in the air, ensuring long-term normal use under harsh working conditions.

The one-piece stainless steel meter case can better protect the internal electronic components and will not deform under harsh environments. In addition, it can set our ultrasonic water meters apart visually.

Accumulated flow, instantaneous flow, flow direction, water temperature, communication status, the date, software version, the remaining power, and alarm information.

Upgrading to smart water meters or an advanced metering infrastructure is no small investment. Making the change has implications that can last decades, and therefore what must be considered are the benefits and the positive return on investments.

There are many factors to consider from meter efficiency to accuracy and labor savings compared to the current status of the infrastructure. As much as these upgrades will benefit the utilities with better operational management of water usage, it will also significantly improve the lives of the customers and the employees.

We would like to focus on these 3 main advantages of upgrading to an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) to help you understand the impact of implementing a new system.

1.Improved operational control
2.Improved customer support
3.Sustainability

Here are many reasons for needing smart water meters. Here are some of the key reasons:

Smart water meters offer an accurate way of measuring water usage and because of their advanced technology, they can easily be integrated into smart cities, homes, and eco-friendly businesses, as they offer remote monitoring and operation.
Smart water meters can remove the burden of manual readings and monitoring, thus allowing for real-time updates which can result in water savings, cost savings, increased revenue, and customer satisfaction.
By using data from smart water meters, municipalities or utility companies can track how much water is used in each household and can optimize delivery. In addition, smart water meters can be consolidated with other utility bills, simplifying bill payment processes.
Many homeowners have silent leaks they don’t even notice or think are too inconsequential to deal with. But a simple toilet leak can waste up to 27 tons of water every month if it goes unnoticed. Smart water meter users can pinpoint leaks immediately because their meters can provide them with up-to-the-minute data. This can save them significant costs on their water bills.

The Residential Application Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Market Share

• The demand for smart water meters in the residential segment is increasing as they can accurately and timely measure water consumption, allowing consumers to monitor and manage their water consumption effectively. Consumers can identify areas to reduce consumption and change their habits to save water by monitoring their consumption.
• Smart water meter technology has revolutionized the way water is billed. Traditional water meters bill customers based on estimated usage, which can lead to inaccurate billing and disputes. Smart water meters provide accurate readings, so homeowners only pay for their water, leading to fairer and more efficient billing practices.
• Smart water meters also solve another problem: charging all households in an apartment the same bill. This practice is unfair because some residents conserve water while others pay less attention. With separate meters, each family is billed separately based on usage.
• Moreover, in most countries, residential water consumption is increasing due to improvements in water infrastructure. With the increasing urbanization trend, residential consumption represents a great opportunity for the future growth of smart water meters. According to the UN-HABITAT, urbanization will increase to 89 percent by 2050. Across all major world regions, urbanization is projected to be rising in 2050.
• Additionally, several governments and authorities promote using smart water meters in their water conservation and sustainability efforts. In some regions, there are government regulations mandating the installation of smart water meters in new homes or renovations, further driving market growth.

There is a large LCD on the Powermax ultrasonic water meter surface, which can display 9-digit and other functions.

1. Normal function parameter display: You can check the all of normal function parameters in this model.
2. The parameter query: You can query any parameter in this functional mode.
3. The water meter calibration model：You can calibrate parameters regularly.

As a trend, ultrasonic water meters mainly benefit from their advantages in technology, performance, application and future development. Here are a few key reasons why ultrasonic water meters are a trend:
1.High-precision measurement: Ultrasonic water meters adopt ultrasonic time difference measurement technology, which can maintain high-precision measurement throughout the entire life cycle and is not affected by time. Compared with traditional mechanical water meters, its measurement accuracy is higher and its reliability is better.

2.High sensitivity and wide range ratio: the ultrasonic water meter can detect small changes in flow rate and has an extremely wide range ratio, which means it can adapt to different flow rates, and can accurately measure flow rates from tiny to large.

3.Adapt to a multi-water environment: The ultrasonic water meter is not subject to the medium of gravel, weeds, and other impurities, chemicals, or magnetic material interference, and can adapt to a variety of water conditions, which is particularly important.

4.No moving parts, no mechanical parts and blockages. The ultrasonic water meter is simple in structure, easy to maintain, and has a long service life, which reduces the maintenance cost and frequency.

5.Intelligent and informatization: The intelligent functions of the ultrasonic water meter (e.g. automatic meter reading, real-time monitoring, arrears alarm, etc.) can be seamlessly connected with the smart water system, which improves the efficient management of water resources in a smart city.

6.Government support and market demand: The government encourages the development of smart water meters, and promotes the policy of “one meter per household” and the tiered water bill form.

7.Environmental protection and energy saving: The use of ultrasonic water meters helps to measure water consumption more accurately, thus promoting the conservation and rational use of water resources, in line with the current global trend of energy-saving emission reduction and sustainable development.