Panasonic Powering Digitisation in Utilities

Panasonic is helping to revolutionise the measurement of gas in the smart meter era, from the deployment of devices in the field that can collect and analyse data in real-time, to network management and billing. Through Panasonic’s service platform, that can gather data from a network of gas meters, utility customers can use data insights to make better-informed decisions.

At the heart of its platform is the next generation of gas meters, called NexMeter, manufactured for leading Italian public utilities company, Hera Group. Hera Group has invested in not only a new piece of technology, but a revolutionary concept that has transformed utilities through data, in a typically conservative and cautious industry.

Featuring sensors that monitor connectivity, battery status, pressure and leak status, and valve status, the NexMeter enables gas utilities to monitor key information from its gas infrastructure network. This increases predictive maintenance capabilities, with data enabling utilities to instantly spot anomalies in gas pressure and flow rates – and to detect potential leaks.

The NexMeter also features ultrasonic technology. Panasonic, using its unique knowledge of earthquake activity in the seismic hotspots of Japan and Italy, has designed the meter to enable utility providers to intercept any earthquake shock in real time and suspend the gas supply by closing the valve. This increases public safety by vastly reducing the risk of accidents.

Panasonic’s ultrasound technology also allows utility providers to measure a gas’ composition and calorific value. In the future, this will enable gas to be measured by the energy it delivers, instead of its volume. This has the potential to revolutionise how gas is delivered and financed.