Design of a wireless ARM-based automatic meter reading and control system

This paper implements a wireless ARM-based automatic meter reading and control system (WAMRCS) for distribution automation. The WAMRCS is designed based on a 32-bit ARM microprocessor to deal with power data processing and relay control. In order to provide a cost-effective, wireless, always-connected, two-way data link between utility company and WAMRCS, the WAMRCS sends information of utility usage, power quality and outage alarm to utility company via GPRS network. Compared with analog utility meter reading by manpower, WAMRCS is more accurate, reliable, cost-effective, quick and free from man-made errors. It can provide extra capabilities such as distribution automation, load management and time-of-use rate.