Kamstrup’s NB-IoT smart water technology

Introduction to NB-IoT

NB-IoT (narrowband IoT) is a communication technology specifically designed for the Internet of Things (IoT). It's a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technology standard developed to enable a wide range of IoT devices and services focusing on low power consumption, wide area coverage, high connection density, low data rates, and cost efficiency.

Are you interested in learning more about NB-IoT and how it stands out from other communication technologies? In the following, we will take a look at NB-IoT and its most significant characteristics as a communication technology compared to others.

What is NB-IoT?

NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) is a low-power, wide-area network technology ideal for IoT applications. It operates within existing mobile networks, ensuring broad coverage and high data performance without needing to manage network infrastructure. It is scalable for growing needs and relies on trusted network partners, making it suitable for extensive IoT deployments.

How does NB-IoT work?

In today’s connected world, network technologies like 4G and 5G have revolutionized how we communicate and access information. While 4G brought us faster internet speeds enabling real-time communication, 5G took it a step further with even higher speeds, lower latency, and the capacity to connect a vast number of devices.

As part of 5G standards, NB-IoT is well suited for the mMTC vision (see above), as it offers a specialised IoT solution, which, instead of focusing on high-speed data transfer, is designed for:

Use cases requiring low data rates.
Reliable coverage in challenging environments.
Extended battery life.

In general, the longevity of NB-IoT is especially worth highlighting. Throughout its extended lifecycle, this technology will continue to meet industry requirements while ensuring long-term ROI. This also earned NB-IoT an official recognition by the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) as a key component of 5G standards.

Through its integration with existing cellular infrastructure and adaptability to complement the growing IoT landscape, NB-IoT bridges the gap between early technologies and modern innovation in cellular communication. This ensures reliable and extensive coverage, particularly in urban and indoor environments.

In comparison, other communication technologies are typically better suited for other environments. For example, wireless M-Bus is highly efficient for utility metering applications in short range, while linkIQ® offers more flexibility in industrial settings.

Features of NB-IoT

Low power consumption: daily transmissions for up to 16 years
Wide area coverage: extensive coverage in challenging locations
High reliability: dependable connectivity in areas with poor signal penetration
Security: LTE security protocols including mutual authentication and end-to-end encryption
Low cost: cheaper operational costs compared to traditional cellular technologies

Which Kamstrup product features NB-IoT technology?

NB-IoT integration provides lots of beneficial features for metering solutions across various industries for residential as well as commercial purposes. For this reason, Kamstrup offers NB-IoT-integrated meters for both water, heating, cooling, and electricity, such as:

flowIQ® 2200/3200: Advanced, ultrasonic water meter with acoustic leak detection.
MULTICAL® 403: Compact, versatile heat meter for both heating and cooling systems.
OMNIA® e-meter: Flexible electricity meter providing insights for better grid management.

Benefits of NB-IoT technology

Mass deployments
Diverse application areas
Improved energy efficiency and sustainability
Reliable coverage for long distances
Interoperability and standardization
Suitable for expansion of existing meter park
Deep indoor coverage
No unforeseen costs

Limitations of NB-IoT technology

Higher cost compared to wM-Bus or linkIQ® at high volume
With infrastructure provided by tele providers, Kamstrup cannot expand the network.
Higher latency than other technologies making it less suitable for real-time applications.
Being designed for low data transfer rates, this can restrict the type of applications it supports.

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Tønder Water Utility, Denmark

Through remotely read water meters featuring an integrated NB-IoT module, Tønder Water Utility used Kamstrup's analysis tool District Analyser to optimise their leak detection in challenging locations. Results included a yearly decrease in time spent on locating leaks of 48 days adding up to savings of more than €13,000 per year.

Söderhamn Nära, Sweden

With NB-IoT-integrated flowIQ® 2200 smart water meters from Kamstrup featuring acoustic leak detection, Söderhamn Nära managed to improve their leak detection significantly. Results included water loss reduced from 31% to 25% and savings of €45,700 per year.

Göteborg Energi, Sweden

By installing more than 125,000 OMNIA® electricity meters, the city of Gothenburg has managed to future-proof its electricity grid by switching to NB-IoT devices and cellular networks. Key highlights include best-in-class project management, readiness for upcoming legislation, and improved customer relationships.