Reliable heat readings and full system insight without replacing existing meters
ACRIOS converters digitalise heat meter readings. Reliably, efficiently, and without the need to replace existing technology.
District heating operators face increasing pressure for more accurate billing, more frequent readings, and better performance management of their networks. Manual readings are both time-consuming and costly. With ACRIOS converters, you can keep your existing meters, connect them to the network, and receive remote readings at intervals as short as 15 minutes, without meter replacement and without complex installation. As the result you get faster billing, improved consumption control, and data to optimise heat delivery.
Challenges for heating utilities
Our solution
ACRIOS converters digitalise readings from existing meters.
We connect any device with M-Bus or wM-Bus communication. The converters collect data and transmit it via NB-IoT or LoRaWAN directly to the utility’s central system.
Reading intervals can be as short as 15 minutes, providing continuous data suitable for two-component billing and system performance control.
Wireless converters run on batteries lasting up to 10 years and require no external power, ideal for heat exchange stations or meters located in shafts.
Deployment is quick and simple, with no meter replacement, no interference with existing technology, and no vendor lock-in.
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What you gain
More accurate billing and fewer overpayments thanks to continuous data
Automatic readings every 15 minutes, no on-site visits required
Instant overview of consumption and data for heat delivery optimisation
Retrofit of existing meters, no replacement, no vendor lock-in
Secure transmission and OTA updates, CRA/RED ready
Fast ROI through time and operational cost savings
Technologies such as LoRaWAN or NB-IoT can be complex to implement. That’s why we offer consultations. We help assess the suitability of each approach, define technical requirements, and clarify what to expect from your suppliers. With hands-on experience, we know what truly works in practice.
Smart solution for district heating
ACR-CV M-Bus
- Wired M-Bus, battery-powered (no external power supply)
- Data transmission via NB-IoT / LoRaWAN
- Supports 1:1 connection as well as multiple meters per unit
- Fast installation, suitable for both small and large deployments
ACR-CV wM-Bus
- wM-Bus (OMS and proprietary), including Sensus BUP / Sontex Radian
- Wall or manhole installation, IP67, battery life >10 years
- Reading range approx. 40 m, limited by radio coverage
- Data transmission via NB-IoT, no electrical inspection required
How to get started
Within one week – we’ll deliver a pre-configured unit with a SIM card and setup ready for use. The goal is to quickly verify functionality without requiring integration on your side.
If the test succeeds, we proceed with the integration process, addressing your connectivity setup, system integration, and specific configuration, which will be applied to delivered devices.
Devices are typically delivered with your configuration and SIM cards, ready for quick installation.
Trusted by
“Together with Co.Met, we equipped all district heating exchange stations in Saarbrücken with ACRIOS converters for wired M-Bus, enabling remote readings of heat meters at 15-minute intervals. It was a pure retrofit of existing M-Bus meters — no replacement and no intervention in the station’s technology, so deployment was fast and operationally seamless. The utility now benefits from interval data for more accurate billing and continuous consumption monitoring, while costly manual readings have been eliminated.”
Digitalise your heat meter readings with ACRIOS
Reduce operating costs, speed up billing, and gain full insight into your consumption and network performance. With ACRIOS retrofit converters, you can connect existing M-Bus meters to the network and obtain reliable readings, with no meter replacement, no complex installation, and no vendor lock-in.
Frequently asked question
Yes. ACRIOS converters can connect to any M-Bus meters (e.g. heat meters). Meter replacement is not required.
Typically every 15 minutes (depending on configuration). The converter reads the value and immediately sends it to your system via NB-IoT or LoRaWAN.
No. The converter reads and transmits data. If the connection is temporarily unavailable, the next reading occurs as soon as communication is restored.
No – this is a retrofit solution. You can keep your existing M-Bus meters.
No. The units are battery-powered with long battery life (depending on reading interval).
NB-IoT or LoRaWAN, depending on local conditions and preferences.
We supply hardware with full documentation and technical support. Data flows directly from the converter to your system – not through our servers or cloud.
It depends on topology: for exchange stations, typically one converter per station; for apartment buildings, the wM-Bus variant is used – usually one unit per 4–5 floors.
Usually just a few minutes per station or meter. We deliver pre-configured units.
Yes, we can supply active connectivity, or you can use your own SIM cards.
Yes. We offer pilot installations with pre-configured units.
Blog
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Everything you need to know, documented. ACRIOS wiki.
Give me a tool that works. Not a manual.
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Battery-powered vs wired: What really costs more?
Next-gen meter readings, no replacements needed
Understanding TCO: More than just hardware
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M-Bus, wM-Bus, and RS-485: A technology guide
LoRaWAN vs. NB-IoT: Which technology is right for you?
Tell us what you need. We’ll find the best solution together.
