The Evolution of Water Meters: A Journey from 1850 to 2024

Water meters have been essential in measuring and monitoring water usage since their creation in the mid-19th century. The idea of such device was patented in 1851 by the German engineer and industrialist Carl Wilhelm Siemens, by demand of London’s water companies.

The evolution of water meter technology can be categorized into three distinct stages:

Initially, there was the era of conventional mechanical water meters. These devices employed basic mechanical mechanisms to show the total water usage. However, they were plagued by issues such as low accuracy, susceptibility to external interference, and a limited lifespan. Consequently, they fell short in meeting the demands of modern information management systems.
Subsequently, a transitional phase emerged wherein intelligent mechanical water meters coexisted with traditional ones. Beginning around 2003, advancements in sensor, communication, and radio frequency technologies gave rise to intelligent meters capable of functions like data collection, transmission, prepaid water allocation, and network valve control. Despite these upgrades, these meters still rely on mechanical components for the core metering process, thereby offering performance levels similar to that of conventional models.
Today, the digital ultrasonic water meters with shutoff valves stand at the forefront of technological development. These meters employ sound waves to measure water flow, boasting unmatched precision and reliability. Additionally, they are environmentally friendly as they lack moving parts that can deteriorate over time.

In spring of 2022, one of the leading companies in the global metering equipment market, ADD Grup from Moldova, completed laboratory tests and started mass production of smart water meters, called ADDRA. These unique meters were successfully certified by MID (measuring instrument approval), LoraWAN (advanced IoT technology), and recently by WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) that secures their portable water safety.

IoT Technologies

The advent of IoT technologies has transformed the way water consumption is monitored and managed, thanks to the implementation of smart water meters. Cloud computing also plays a vital role in IoT technologies for water meters, providing secure storage for vast amounts of consumption data for trend analysis and predictive maintenance.

The ADDRA Ultrasonic water meter is built on a communication platform that supports multiple communication technologies. In specific cases, when LoRaWAN network is not yet available or has some areas without proper coverage, LoRaWAN can be combined together with short-range Wireless M-Bus, which will allow utility to read meters by walk-by/drive by means using special reading handheld reading devices. Both LoRaWAN and Wireless M-Bus communication channels will work simultaneously.

Except, ADDRA has recently passed the Radio Performance tests that have in summary identified its advanced communication features:

The transmission configuration displays a balanced approach with a focus on a low-power operating channel, suited for IoT applications.
The configuration maintains the optimal directionality for maximum EIRP, indicating consistency in transmission design.
A well-optimized transmission system is aimed at achieving a balance between coverage and power efficiency
The high-output settings allow for broad coverage areas.
The DL-Frequency channel specifications suggest a robust communication design focused on effective reception capabilities. The TIS indicates strong sensitivity, enabling the system to successfully receive even weak signals.

In summary, the system demonstrates the ability to maintain reliable communication in potentially challenging environments.

Key advantages of ADDRA devices

ADDRA possesses some unique properties, which are not available with any other metering devices:

Integrated shut-off valve

Using ultrasonic technology, this advanced system accurately tracks water usage, leading to precise billing and effective resource management. The inclusion of a shut-off valve allows users to remotely manage water access, making it a valuable tool for property owners looking to monitor and regulate water usage efficiently.

Automatic leak detection

With its state-of-the-art technology, pinpoint accuracy and sensitivity of 1 liter per hour, ADDRA swiftly identifies even the smallest leaks and takes immediate action by stopping the water flow, preventing costly damage and waste.

Smartphone-to-meter

What sets this ultrasonic water meter apart is its innovative smartphone-to-meter feature, which enables users to easily access and manage their water consumption data directly from their smartphones.

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