Introduction: CompugasRFTM is a wireless energy allocation system, utilizing advanced non-licensed, spread spectrum radio technology to transmit energy usage data from individual apartment furnaces to a central receiver and data collector. This economical system enables the automated billing of natural gas energy usage in thousands of apartments across the United States. System Description: Each CompugasRFTM installation consists of a number of self-contained Compugas Energy Sentinel furnace interfaces integrated with Inovonics® PMT transmitters. An Energy Sentinel/PMT transmitter is installed at each furnace; data repeaters are positioned across the property to overcome RF transmission distance limitations; and a central data receiver and data collector are installed, usually in the rental office. These compact units are designed expressly for natural gas allocation in master-metered apartment and condominium properties, accurately monitoring both standing pilot and electronic ignition furnaces. A single CompugasRF data collector monitors 2000 apartments’ HVAC systems and collects all usage data round-the-clock. Every 24 hours this usage information is automatically retrieved by the Compugas central billing facility via telephone modem. Individual resident usage information is processed daily by Compugas central computers, and when combined with data from the local gas utility company regarding total meter usage, individual resident gas billings are automatically generated by Compugas monthly. Resident bills are mailed directly to the tenants. And, the individual consumption and billing information is condensed into a concise management report for use by property personnel. Principle of measurement: In apartments with gas-fired HVAC units, fuel used for heat is accurately determined by mathematical calculation of the gas solenoid valve open time, factored by the manufacturer’s BTU consumption rating for the furnace unit and the heating value of purchased gas. This method utilizes measurements as reliable and accurate as an AC-powered wall clock.   Explanation of shared usage: In addition to measured furnace usage, each resident is customarily charged for a proportionate share of the gas used for other purposes, such as domestic water heating and gas cooking. The aggregate of all gas consumed for furnace heat during any given month is subtracted from the total amount of the utility company billing. The difference, shared usage, is then allocated on the basis of the proportional relationship between the individual and total square footage of all apartments, and other factored-in variables including fireplaces, gas dryers, or other gas loads, resulting in an equitable shared cost apportionment. Fairness of energy allocation: CompugasRFTM achieves furnace consumption measurement accuracy comparable with customary gas meters. And, residents actually benefit from the cost advantages of shared usage allocation. In total, reduced shared allocation costs result from the following:     • Bulk, commercial gas rates are preserved     • Utility company individual service fees are often double       CompugasRF billing fees     • Utility companies generally require substantial service deposits;       CompugasRF requires none     • Individual gas meter installation costs are typically two to three       times the CompugasRF installation investment Because overall costs to residents are substantially reduced with CompugasRF, they are more readily accepted, and provide a competitive edge for the property. Allocation of shared usage is inherently more fair than heat-paid rent. With heat-paid rent, shared costs are estimated by property management at rent determination time and then built into rent structures for the coming year. In contrast, CompugasRF computes the actual shared usage each month and then allocates that usage to each apartment on the basis of multiple variables. Residents therefore pay for actual, rather than estimated, shared usage, eliminating the guesswork associated with anticipating costs.
	GRH ELECTRONICS, INC. - 4520 SOUTH 36TH STREET - OMAHA, NE 68107 - 402.734.4900 - TOLL FREE 800.228.3400