Who pays for power to power "smart meters"?

[Jeff7]

A device we have here at work that probably has a similar complexity and processing power to a smart meter uses a maximum of 125mW (including LCD display). So I would say it's easily possible to be more efficient than the 2W mechanical.

That's what I'm thinking as well. I'm just going by what bits I know, but a high-end PIC chip could run up to an absolute max of 1.08W, assuming it's putting out maximum power on all its output pins, and at maximum processor usage. However, just when executing code, it looks like the current draw maxes out at 700uA@3.6V.
And something like an Xbee module, with a quoted range of 1 mile, line of sight (much less than that, in my experience), would use up to 700mW when transmitting, and it's only going to do that for a very short burst, just to send out a few packets of information.

So yeah, I guess factor in losses from converting from high voltage AC to low voltage DC, and 3W might be possible.
Of course, there are microcontrollers out there with much lower power consumption, depending on required outputs and computing capacity. I also don't know what their communication requirements are like. If wireless, what kind of range is needed?

 

[Demon-Xanth]

I just checked mine (I'm at home today). It's one of these:

http://www.landisgyr.com/na/en/pub/...ducts=products.ProductDetails&ID=232&catID=32

It lists 3W on the actual unit. The pdf only gives voltage burden (which isn't the same thing, if I understand correctly).

3W@10 cents/kWH=about 22 cents/mo for the meter.

Edit:
the "voltage burden" lists 1.8W max, which is more likely the actual load from the meter. Meaning, it's more efficient than mechanical.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

consumer pays for everything in the end, no exceptions

 

[BoomerD]

Tanstaafl

 

[MrPickins]

3W@10 cents/kWH=about 22 cents/mo for the meter.

Edit:
the "voltage burden" lists 1.8W max, which is more likely the actual load from the meter. Meaning, it's more efficient than mechanical.

I wasn't worried about the cost. I was just interested in the topic.

So, it seems that both mechanical and solid-state meters sip a similar amount of power.

 

[Rubycon]

Core loss.

Who do you think pays for that?

Those things on the poles that look like water heaters? They are called pole pigs by tradespeople. They step down the distribution voltage to voltage you use in your home.

Everyone pays for core losses. It's factored into your bill.

Even if you turn off your main CB and the little disk in the meter is perfectly still you will still receive a bill for something. It's the minimum fee to cover expenses outside of actual energy use.

 

[0roo0roo]

i has a kill-a-watt
that is all.

 

[fleabag]

Core loss.

Who do you think pays for that?

Those things on the poles that look like water heaters? They are called pole pigs by tradespeople. They step down the distribution voltage to voltage you use in your home.

Everyone pays for core losses. It's factored into your bill.

Even if you turn off your main CB and the little disk in the meter is perfectly still you will still receive a bill for something. It's the minimum fee to cover expenses outside of actual energy use.

Why not call it a step-down transformer like any normal person would call it? I have never heard of the term "pole pigs" nor any other erroneous words used to describe a step-down transformer.

 

[Rubycon]

Why not call it a step-down transformer like any normal person would call it? I have never heard of the term "pole pigs" nor any other erroneous words used to describe a step-down transformer.

If you actually read the post I explained who calls them that. If you talk to people in the trade you know the trade terms.

If you say step down transformer to someone in the trade as if you're in the trade (like the garage) then you get laughed at.

It's not an erroneous use whatsoever.

Wait, why am I bothering with this?

Oh I forgot to check - my keyboard is not at sidewall pressure.

Actually it does not have a sidewall - it has a bulkhead! 😛

 

[grrl]

If you say step down transformer to someone in the trade as if you're in the trade (like the garage) then you get laughed at.

I used to say step down transformer and I never got laughed at. Maybe they were just being nice to a lowly Series 1 holder.