Advancing Smart Meter Technology with NB-IoT
In 2019, Pietro Fiorentini’s smart gas meters played a key role in an innovative pilot project in Lisbon, Portugal. Led by GGND (Galp Gás Natural Distribuição), the country’s leading gas distribution system operator, the project aimed to:
- Evaluate the performance of smart meters in a real-world environment.
- Test the viability of NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) technology for gas metering applications.
- Assess the economic and technical benefits of remote gas meter monitoring.
This pilot project marks a significant step toward the digital transformation of gas distribution networks in Portugal.
Why NB-IoT for Smart Gas Metering?
The project adopted NB-IoT technology for data transmission due to its:
- Extended coverage and long-range connectivity, even in challenging locations such as building basements.
- Low power consumption, ensuring a long battery life that aligns with the lifespan of the smart meters.
Key Partners Driving the Project
The success of the pilot was made possible through collaboration between:
- NOS Comunicações – Portugal’s leading telecommunications operator, which provided NB-IoT connectivity.
- Terranova Software – A subsidiary of Pietro Fiorentini Group, responsible for the meter data management software system.
Performance Testing and Results
To analyze smart meter efficiency, GGND conducted multiple tests, evaluating five key performance indicators:
- Battery Consumption – Measured under different usage conditions.
- Communication Success Rate – Ensuring reliable data transmission.
- Intrusion Tests – Testing tamper resistance and security features.
- Shut-off Valve Tests – Verifying automatic shut-off functionality.
- Data Security Measures – Ensuring safe and encrypted communication.
The smart meters were grouped into 10 test categories, with transmission frequencies ranging from once per week to 16 times per day.
Smart Meters Demonstrate Superior Performance
The NB-IoT communication system delivered excellent results, confirming the reliability and efficiency of Pietro Fiorentini’s smart meters. Notably, the intrusion tests showcased the meters’ advanced security capabilities, allowing the shut-off valve to activate automatically if no communication is detected for a specified period—a crucial anti-tampering feature.
GGND believes that further testing will refine NB-IoT performance, ensuring even greater reliability in future large-scale deployments.
A Game-Changer for the Gas Distribution Industry
“We are very pleased,” stated Luigi Vigone, Business Development and Smart Projects Portfolio Leader at Pietro Fiorentini, “to have participated in this pilot project as the chosen smart meter manufacturer. This initiative will undoubtedly open new opportunities for our company to develop and enhance one of the most revolutionary technologies in the telecommunications sector.”
The Future of Smart Gas Metering in Portugal
With the success of this pilot project, the integration of NB-IoT technology into gas distribution networks paves the way for:
- Greater operational efficiency through real-time data monitoring.
- Improved gas network security with anti-tampering protections.
- Long-term cost savings via remote meter management.
Pietro Fiorentini’s smart meters are at the forefront of digital transformation, reinforcing its position as a leader in smart gas metering solutions.
