SAV installs world’s first 2-way OMS LPWAN Burst Mode heat metering network

SAV Systems Ltd, a UK leader in heat network metering, partnered with Kamstrup to develop a two-way wireless metering solution for PAYG (pay-as-you-go) heat network installations. The two companies worked closely together with Metropolitan, a provider of low-carbon heating, hot water, and cooling networks for new residential developments across the UK. Metropolitan designs, installs, owns, and operates community heat hubs and network infrastructure. They partner with SAV Systems on the heating solutions.

UK heat delivered via networks is projected to rise from ~12.9 TWh (2020) towards ~95 TWh by 2050. (Source: GOV.UK) Heat networks are an important part of the UK government’s plan to reduce carbon emissions and cut energy consumption. The networks can provide low-emission heating from a variety of sources, making them an attractive alternative to technologies such as gas boilers, and an obvious solution for lowering the nation’s climate impact.

How does pay-as-you-go work?

Under a PAYG scheme, consumers pay in advance, enjoying access to heat as long as they have sufficient credit. If they don’t, the billing company can turn off the heat by remotely operating a valve in the consumer’s HIU (heat interface unit) until the consumer has topped up the account again.  

PAYG is common in the UK and has proved to be an efficient way of reducing utility debt and consumer energy usage. In fact, learnings from several PAYG schemes show that consumers can save up to 20% more energy than credit billed users because they are more engaged with their heat usage. 

SAV working with their customer Metropolitan already offer a wired M-Bus 2-way valve control solution, that provides metering and thermal disconnect over a wired M-Bus network. However, wired solutions are not well suited for low-density homes such as detached or semi-detached houses, cottages, and bungalows.

“For heat networks to become serious in the UK, we need to offer a solution for low-density homes,” says Douglas Norton. “When it comes to metering low density networks, a key part of the solution is the billing and monitoring of these schemes. Wired M-Bus has been the preference for a long time in the UK, but the problem is that you cannot run a cable between every single low-density home. We needed a wireless solution to be able to do the connect/disconnect control.”

The available open wireless M-Bus solutions did not offer 2-way communication to control the valve, and its TCO was not acceptable either for the network with its limited range.

A key consideration was avoiding the risk of having to replace all communication modules or meters due to technology phase-outs, as the hardware is expected to last 15–20 years. This risk is particularly high with telecom-based technologies like 4G or NB-IoT if the network operator decides to retire the technology within that lifespan. On top of this, the upcoming UK HNTAS regulation further increased requirements by mandating 30-minute data from each customer installation.

All in all, the SAV – Metropolitan project required:

• A wireless dedicated network solution  
• 2-way communication to open/close the valves with max 15 min latency & close to 100% uptime
• 30-minute data from all meters with a minimum of 100% SLA on data collection
• Low TCO by covering 100-1,000 metering points pr. data collector/concentrator
• Open communication protocol
• Plug & play installation
• One software platform to manage both wired and wireless solutions  

The first OMS LPWAN wireless two-way metering solution developed by Kamstrup, has been installed in the UK. According to Douglas Norton, Product & Technical Manager at SAV systems, the solution is providing reliable performance – and was very easy to install.
 

Highlighted results of the project:

• Plug‑and‑play installation: The MULTICAL® 603S is easy to install and connects via the concentrator to READy without complex router/port setups.  
• Coverage and resilience: OMS LPWAN Burst Mode offers 4–5 times better coverage than the legacy wireless M‑Bus enabling data collection from thousands of meters per concentrator. Designed to deliver effectively PAYG availability very close to 100%.
• Supplier flexibility: Open protocol solution preserves data ownership and the right to change vendor (billing, metering, software).
• UK regulatory readiness: Supports 30‑minute consumption data to align with the preliminary HNTAS regulations.
• Competitive TCO: Fewer concentrators, simplified installation and one software platform to manage, collect data and connect/disconnect valves from the SAV office.

Douglas Norton praises the development process behind the SAV solution.

“Kamstrup have definitely engaged with us very well,” he remarks. “They listened to what we needed, for example, the consumer bypass, which they would never have included in the design if they weren't working with the UK market (with Pay-As-You-Go solutions). We've had weekly meetings with them on updates and progress. Our cooperation on this project has been brilliant.”

Douglas Norton is confident that the SAV solution will evolve to be suitable for metering retrofits on high-density homes such as apartment blocks.

“We’re at the start of the journey in the UK for low density,” he says. “But we also have a lot of old building stock that needs to be converted, and running a cable is not possible. We’ve got schemes where they don’t want to use a proprietary system anymore, or it’s failing and needs to be upgraded.”

In short, SAV have combined the OMS specification and Kamstrup products into a solution that looks set to contribute to the continued growth of heat networks in the UK, ensures open standards and freedom of choice, and gives SAV a leg up on the competition. Little wonder that Douglas Norton is a happy man.

“Looking back, it’s been a long and good journey,” he concludes with a smile.