Comparison between IC card and IoT energy meters

The comparison between the IC card energy meter and the IoT energy meter is as follows:

1. Working principle

IC card energy meter: IC card is used as the data transmission medium for electric energy value, and functional modules such as load control part are added to the meter. The user inserts the IC card into the meter, and the meter reads the data in the card to realize the electricity reading and settlement.

IoT energy meter: Through wireless communication technologies such as GPRS, NB-IoT, Wi-Fi, etc., the meter is connected to the remote server or management platform to realize real-time data transmission and remote control.

2. Functional characteristics

IC card energy meter

Advantages: No manual meter reading is required, and historical electricity purchase data can be saved for easy query; it reflects the commodity attributes of electricity, and electricity is purchased first and then used, which can avoid arrears and late payment fees; it can solve the charging problems of scattered, temporary electricity users and customers in arrears.

Disadvantages: It is inconvenient to pay, and you need to pay at the self-service payment point or the business hall of the power supply bureau. After paying online, you need to go to the self-service payment point to insert the card and recharge.

IoT energy meter

Advantages: Online recharge and payment are available. Users can log in to the system through mobile phones or computers, check electricity consumption and electricity charges at any time and pay them; it has remote meter reading function, which can upload electricity consumption data to the management platform in real time; it has remote control function, which can remotely open and close the switch, and can also remotely set the meter parameters; the data statistics function is powerful, and managers can view electricity consumption data at any time, which is convenient for data analysis and management decision-making; some Internet of Things electricity meters also have fault reporting function, which can automatically detect line problems and notify managers.

Disadvantages: There are certain requirements for the network environment. If the network signal is poor or unstable, it may affect data transmission and function use; the equipment cost is relatively high, and a certain network construction and maintenance cost is required.

Comparison between IC card energy meters and IoT energy meters_1.webp

3. Applicable scenarios

IC card energy meter: suitable for places with low requirements for intelligent management, poor network environment or limited budget, such as some old communities, rural areas in remote areas, etc.

IoT energy meter: Suitable for places with high requirements for electricity management, real-time monitoring and remote control, such as commercial buildings, apartments, industrial parks and other rental buildings, as well as enterprises and schools with high requirements for refined power management.

Comparison between IC card energy meters and IoT energy meters_2.webp

Wuxi Zhongyi Smart Technology Co., Ltd. focuses on the development and manufacturing of smart water meters, energy meters, gas meters, covering more than 90 countries around the world. If you are interested in smart energy meters, please contact Zhongyi Smart!