Shete Advance Technologies Private Limited (SAT) is a start-up established at the Foundation for MakeitHappen Center for Invention, Innovation, and Incubation of Marathwada Mitra Mandal in Aurangabad earlier raised a fresh fund of USD 2.5 million from Filtrum LLP in Pune. This investment is, in fact, great proof that the company has been focusing on innovative solutions and the development of smart meters.
A Sustainable Future
SAT is particularly concerned with creating state-of-the-art smart meter systems. Their flagship product here is the SAT-Smart Prepaid Energy Meter, which has the potential to change the way people consume power. As the world goes green in a bid to conserve natural resources and ensure effective use of resources, smart meters are instrumental in energy management.
Role of FMCIII
The FMCIII was founded in 2018 and partners with the industry with Tata Technologies Limited and the Science and Technology Park, SPPU. Its mission is to drive the development of sustainable, replicable, and disruptive industries. For instance, SAT is one of the start-ups that has benefited from the basic facilities such as laboratories, offices, and even 3D printers from the center. Furthermore, it involves personalized coaching and training from professionals in their respective fields.
Smart Meter National Program (SMNP)
SAT’s investment envisages funds from Filtrum LLP to complement the Smart Meter National Program (SMNP). The scheme envisages the installation of smart meters in India to improve energy consumption patterns, minimize wastage, and facilitate better demand management. SAT’s innovative solutions can be seen as playing a direct role in facilitating this national endeavor.
Challenges Faced by the Smart Meter Industry
Smart meters acquire precise usage information, which sparks privacy issues regarding users and their data. Some of the utilities and regions employ different communication standards in smart meters. System integration and scalability are still a problem because of achieving perfect interoperability between systems. The installation of smart meters across the country comes with numerous costs such as installation, infrastructure costs, and costs of maintenance. This means that these expenses should be well balanced against their long-term returns.
It is crucial to inform the consumers and dispel their fears (e.g. about radiofrequency impact on health) for the smart meters to be adopted. With more devices connected to the grid, congestion management becomes a big challenge. This problem can be worsened by smart meters if they are not well incorporated. Smart meter installation involves integration with the existing infrastructure, other meters, systems, and legal requirements.
It is also important to maintain consistency of the measures taken over time. Calibration and maintenance must be carried out frequently to avoid such mistakes. Smart meters can detect energy theft (e.g., tampering or bypassing meters), but it is difficult to design efficient algorithms and processes. Smart meters have been manufactured and disposed of in a way that has effects on the environment. It is essential to understand that regulatory policies, standards, and approvals differ from country to country. Regulation coordination to support smart meter deployment is still an issue.
Culture of Innovation
The Executive President of Marathwada Mitra Mandal Bhausaheb Jadhav also stressed the importance of research, high standard of science and technological campus, and entrepreneurship. The FMCIII has been identified as central to the development of innovation, invention, and entrepreneurial culture among students.
Conclusion
SAT Private Limited’s success story represents the key idea of effective cooperation, constant search for new solutions, and meaningful business initiatives. As Smart meters continue to integrate into our society and everyday use SAT has made these contributions to more efficient and environmentally friendly energy systems.
