Trio develops innovative digital water meter for the German market with encrypted LoRaWAN
Kamstrup, GELSENWASSER AG and PHYSEC GmbH have joined forces to develop a digital water meter with LoRaWAN communication technology.
On December 22, 2020, a contract was signed by Kamstrup, Danish provider of system solutions for intelligent energy and water metering, GELSENWASSER AG, one of Germany’s largest water utilities, and PHYSEC GmbH, a specialist for innovative security and connectivity concepts. In 2021, the companies will jointly launch an electronic water meter with LoRa TLS communication module on the German market. PHYSEC has already developed the LoRa TLS communication technology together with Gelsenwasser.
Testing the communication module thoroughly
The LoRaWAN communication technology is being tested in practice in the city of Gelsenkirchen and is expected to cover around 400 meters by the end of 2020. So far, communication in this test environment is done via an external box mounted on the digital water meter, which is manufactured by eBZ, a Gelsenwasser associated company. In the future, this box will be replaced by a TLS-over-LoRaWAN communication module integrated into the water meter. LoRaWAN is a Low Power Wide Area Network specification for wireless battery-powered systems in a regional, national or even global network. LoRaWAN targets the most important requirements of Internet of Things (IoT), such as bidirectional communication, localization and mobility of services.
The IoTree security middleware provided by PHYSEC applies the TLS protocol over the LoRaWAN radio protocol to ensure state-of-the-art end-to-end security at the highest security level and compliant with BSI specifications. The systems currently available on the market operate on the basis of the specified security mechanisms of the LoRAWAN protocol, which do not meet these requirements. The patented solution enables secure communication in the Internet of Things for operators of critical infrastructures, utilities and water providers.
The very first digital meters will be deployed in 2022
The first electronic water meters with TLS-over-LoRaWAN communication technology will be available next year (2021). Gelsenwasser plans to deploy 25,000 units by early 2022
About PHYSEC
With its product IoTree, PHYSEC provides a mature IoT platform with a special focus on the security of cyber-physical applications. In differentiation to existing platforms, IoTree offers all components from the security of the end device (manipulation detection) over the secure radio communication (LPWAN) up to the application. The platform has open interfaces that forward data to value-added services. The LoRaWAN technology module enables device manufacturers to securely digitize products, and utilities are supported from network setup to roll-out. The innovative security and connectivity concepts enable the implementation of digital business models with the highest IT security as well as ease of use at the same time, contributing to the digital autonomy of users. PHYSEC has received numerous awards for its products and business model.
About Gelsenwasser
All life comes from water — that’s how Gelsenwasser came into being! Founded in 1887 in the Ruhr area to supply the coal and steel industry and the people of the region with water, we are now one of Germany’s largest water utilities. Resource conservation is very important to us. Our logo has shown this orientation for over 40 years: The blue river in a green landscape stands for sustainable, responsible resource management — this applies to all business areas. Infrastructure and utilities are our focus areas: from water and sewage to energy (gas, electricity, wind, PV, heat) and digital. We also share our know-how with our partners as services or in joint projects. Always with a view to the specific needs on site in order to achieve viable, cost-effective solutions. This also includes the partnership with Kamstrup and Physec — for innovative, safe and responsible digitalization in drinking water supply.
About Kamstrup
Kamstrup is one of the world’s leading providers of system solutions for smart energy and water metering. Our solutions are used by utilities and property managers around the world, providing reliable and cost-effective metering. By understanding the customers’ challenges upfront, we can help optimize business processes and inspire smarter as well as more responsible solutions. The portfolio includes consumption meters, remote reading systems, hosting and service, as well as analytics and smart grid applications. All products are manufactured in Denmark and meet the highest environmental and quality certifications.
Mannheim/Bochum/Gelsenkirchen, December 23, 2020
