Advanced metering infrastructure system workshops set for Dallas
Contact: Allen Berthold, 979-845-2028, [email protected]
DALLAS – A free advanced metering infrastructure system training for water utilities is set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 24 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 17360 Coit Road in Dallas.
Dr. Allen Berthold, Texas Water Resources Institute research scientist in College Station, said the training is open to municipal employees interested in learning more about various aspects of advanced metering infrastructure, or AMI, system technology. The technology uses water meters to wirelessly transmit hourly household water usage information to water utilities and then, potentially, to water users through a customer website.
The water institute, Texas A&M Engineering and Johnson Controls Inc. are sponsoring the workshop with the water institute and Johnson Controls presenting.
The institute is part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University.
“Efficient household water use is crucial to meeting Texas’ future water demands,” Berthold said. “AMI system technology can help water utilities be more efficient by detecting and managing leaks and encouraging water conservation by residents.”
Craig Hannah, engineering manager for Johnson Controls’ municipal utility solutions team in Amarillo, said training topics include AMI system components, transmitting options, network schematics, mobile automatic meter reading versus fixed-base AMI, line-of-sight communications, comparisons of AMI systems for water-only utilities, health and privacy concerns, installing AMI, a case study and lessons learned.
“Participating in this training is a great opportunity to not only learn about various topics related to AMI systems, but also to network with other utilities and gain some insight into their key considerations and lessons they have learned thus far,” Berthold said.
Berthold will also present information on a current AMI technology research project of AgriLife Research, AgriLife Extension, Texas Water Resources Institute and Texas A&M Engineering.
“This project aims to measure changes in water consumption as a result of making hourly water use available to residents,” he said.
Participants should preregister for the event at http://nrt.tamu.edu/ami by June 16, and lunch will be provided to those who preregister by that date. Seating is limited to 45 people.
The institute and Johnson Controls are presenting a series of these workshops around the state, organizers said. Additional workshops are scheduled for June 25 in San Angelo, July 16 in Beaumont and July 17 in Conroe.
For more information on upcoming workshops contact Berthold at 979-845-2028, [email protected].
