Client

Rahul Meters is a well-established manufacturer specializing in analog water meters. As the market shifted towards smart metering, Rahul Meters sought to innovate and remain competitive by integrating advanced technologies into their existing products. 

Problem Statement

The primary challenge faced by Rahul Meters was the need to modernize their traditional analog water meters to meet the growing demand for smart, connected devices. The company required a solution that would integrate seamlessly into their existing meters without significantly increasing costs or compromising battery life. 

Solution

TechShlok developed a comprehensive solution by integrating LoRa technology into the existing water meters. The team designed a custom PCB that included LoRa communication capabilities, enabling the meters to send data wirelessly once a day while ensuring long battery life. Advanced power management techniques and component selection were employed to achieve over 10 years of battery operation.

 

Approach

The implementation process involved several critical steps: 
  • Initial Prototyping: Techshlok developed 50 prototype units with the integrated LoRa technology. These units underwent extensive testing to validate battery life, signal range, and overall performance.

 

  • Design Optimization: Based on testing feedback, the PCB design was refined to overcome supply chain challenges and reduce costs. Adjustments were made to component choices without compromising the functionality or longevity of the product. 
  • Mass Production: After successful validation, TechShlok moved forward with the production of 1,000 units. These were specifically tailored for deployment in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, to address the regional need for smart water management. 
  • Customization and Fitting: The PCBs were carefully designed to fit within the existing water meter enclosures, ensuring seamless integration and minimal adjustments to the meter’s physical design.
Result
TechShlok’s solution empowered Rahul Meters to upgrade their analog water meters into advanced smart devices. This case study demonstrates the potential of integrating LoRa technology in water metering, highlighting how innovation and adaptability can drive success in the rapidly evolving smart meter market. 

Business Value
The implementation of TechShlok’s solution led to significant results for Rahul Meters: 
  • Extended Battery Life: The new smart meters successfully achieved a 10+ year battery life, sending data once a day, which significantly reduced maintenance costs.
  • Market Readiness: The cost-effective design allowed Rahul Meters to enter the smart meter market with a competitive edge, meeting industry standards.
  • Successful Deployment: Over 1,000 units were deployed in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, marking a major step forward in modernizing the city’s water management infrastructure.   

A future-proof, intuitive design with excellent engineering.