Impact assessment of automated meter reading systems on diary cows

This work presents the findings concerning the possible effects of power line carrier based automated meter reading (AMR) systems throughout an electric power distribution system with respect to transient stray voltages at animal contact areas. The findings suggest that power line carrier based AMR technologies do not create a transient voltage with enough amplitude to increase the level of concern at animal contact points as compared to the 50 or 60Hz background voltage at a given location. To determine the level of impact, the authors developed accurate power system models that allow for simulation and analysis of stray voltages and currents under just about any type of utility, farm, or grounding. Laboratory testing, and field measurement data, were used to verify the accuracy of the models, and animal testing was conducted to define the threshold of sensitivity of dairy cows to the power line carrier based AMR communication signals in the cow contact area. The unique computer models and dynamic simulations provided an efficient way to understand how different electrical parameters impacts the creation of stray currents and potentials at a point of interest during normal utility load conditions (steady-state) as well as under transient voltage levels.