Advantages of 2 Pole Latching Relay in Smart Meter
Smart meters initially possess metering, storage, display, and communication functions. These functions require corresponding structural components. Current transformers, voltage dividers, and metering chips comprise the metering portion; an LCD or LED and LCD driver chip form the display portion; components such as E²PROM store power information; and modules such as RS485, carrier, infrared, Wi-Fi, GPRS, and LoRaWAN serve as the communication portion. Furthermore, the meter features relays for local or remote on/off control (using energy-efficient latching relays). Smart meters also have a timekeeping function, requiring their own clock chip, typically with an error of no more than 0.5 seconds per day. All of these functional components are controlled and coordinated by the CPU.
Relays are components in smart prepaid energy meters. Their lifespan reflects, to a certain extent, the lifespan of the meter, and their performance is crucial to the operation of smart prepaid energy meters. However, there are numerous relay manufacturers both domestically and internationally, with significant differences in production scale and quality, leading to widely varying performance parameters. Therefore, energy meter manufacturers require a comprehensive set of testing equipment when selecting and inspecting relays to ensure meter quality. Furthermore, China has strengthened sample testing of relay performance parameters within smart energy meters, requiring appropriate testing equipment to verify the quality of meters from different manufacturers. Internationally, relays are generally required to comply with TUV certification and relevant standards of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62055-31UC2UC3.
The advantages of dual-pole relays in smart meters primarily lie in energy savings, long life, low maintenance, space optimization, and improved safety. They utilize magnetic latching technology to achieve energy-free on/off control, significantly reducing meter operating energy consumption and improving product reliability and durability. Furthermore, they can independently control the on/off of two current paths via remote commands, enabling dual metering and dual control, thus enhancing the functionality and application value of smart meters.
Specific advantages are as follows:
Energy Savings and Consumption Reduction:
Magnetic latching relays consume energy only when switching and consume no power at other times. Compared to traditional relays, they can save over 90% of energy and reduce the meter's operating power consumption.
Long Life and Low Maintenance:
The magnetic latching design reduces mechanical wear, extends product life, and reduces the frequency and cost of equipment replacement and maintenance.
Space Optimization:
Dual-circuit latching relays are typically more compact, occupying less PCB space, and facilitating high-density, miniaturized designs for smart meters.
Improved Safety:
The risk of continuous power flow is eliminated, significantly reducing the fire hazard caused by excessive temperature rise and improving meter operation safety. Dual Metering and Dual Control:
The dual-circuit design allows the meter to simultaneously record and control two independent current circuits. This is typically used to measure and control two different loads, enabling refined power management in industrial, commercial, or building management applications.
Remote Control:
Relays can be switched on and off via remote commands, facilitating remote monitoring and management. This is key to enabling remote power-off and power-off functions in smart meters.
IVY Metering Co., Ltd. has been specializing in split-type metering solutions since 1994. We offer factory-installed single-, two-, and three-phase meter relays, including latching relays and motor relays, as well as internal current transformers and external split-type current transformers. Shunts and bridge copper strips are also available. If you require these meter accessories or components, please visit www.ivy-metering.com
