Call for innovation: a portable wireless device that can communicate with Enel’s Smart Meters via RF Communication

Enel is looking for an innovative portable device (including both hardware and software) that can be carried by field technicians in order to communicate with the device for reading/programming activities at a distance from the smart meter. This device must be portable, small and lightweight so that it can be carried in the technician’s pocket or else in a small bag, with a rechargeable battery and an external RF antenna that can be dismantled, for carrying it or for when it needs to be changed, and with the possibility to interface with a smartphone for meter management activities. The connection is made using the 169 MHz radiofrequency channel Wireless M-Bus which is already available in some types of Smart Meter, encapsulating the Meters and More protocol that is necessary for exchanging information.

THE SOLUTION MUST HAVE

1. MAIN TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1.1. Reliability in terms of expected lifetime and failure rate that must consider all the conditions described in this document.

1.2. Portable with a maximum weight of 500g. In terms of dimensions, the device must be easily hand held and will need to be placed stable on a flat surface.

1.3. Internal memory: storage area for at least 1000 messages and log, with rolling functionality plus a storage area for errors and diagnosis.

1.4. End point: the device must communicate with an Android device such as a smartphone (e.g., Samsung Note8, Samsung Galaxy S22: more specifications will be defined during the testing activities).

1.5. Terminals and interfaces:

• USB Type-C for charging.

• Bluetooth 5.0 or higher, with a range of 20 meters without obstacles.

• Signaling LEDs or Display for power, current operational status, and Bluetooth status (or other types of wireless).

• Powered by a rechargeable battery for at least 12 hours of activity.

• SMA (Subminiature version A) male connector for a removable external RF 169MHZ antenna.

1.6. TRL >5: The device could also be a prototype at the date of the proposal and during the testing phase.

2. FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

2.1. Meter programming and reading via Wireless M-Bus

The device must be able to communicate by Meters and More via Wireless M-Bus with a specific meter. The device’s Bluetooth connection will be restricted to the use of the smartphone application designed for reading the meter’s instant parameters.

2.2. Sniffer mode

The device must monitor the RF channel to detect and store all the messages that pass between Smart Meters and the LV Concentrator, identifying the ones that are specific to the wM-Bus protocol.

2.3. Test mode

A functionality that enables the field technician to evaluate whether the RF channel is in good working order. This means that the device must be able to:

- Send a specific message over the RF channel to simulate a LV concentrator and see the Smart Meter’s reaction;

- Send a specific message over the RF channel to simulate a Smart Meter and evaluate the LV concentrator’s reaction.

Expires on February 26, 2025

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