Smart meters for power grid: Challenges, issues, advantages and status
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss various features and technologies that can be integrated with a smart meter and discuss various issues and challenges involved in design, deployment, utilization, and maintenance of the smart meter infrastructure.
Abstract: Smart meter is an advanced energy meter that measures consumption of electrical energy providing additional information compared to a conventional energy meter. Integration of smart meters into electricity grid involves implementation of a variety of techniques and software, depending on the features that the situation demands. Design of a smart meter depends on the requirements of the utility company as well as the customer. This paper discusses various features and technologies that can be integrated with a smart meter. In fact, deployment of smart meters needs proper selection and implementation of a communication network satisfying the security standards of smart grid communication. This paper outlines various issues and challenges involved in design, deployment, utilization, and maintenance of the smart meter infrastructure. In addition, several applications and advantages of smart meter, in the view of future electricity market are discussed in detail. This paper explains the importance of introducing smart meters in developing countries. In addition, the status of smart metering in various countries is also illustrated.
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a comprehensive literature review of AC and DC microgrid (MG) systems in connection with distributed generation (DG) units using renewable energy sources (RESs), energy storage systems (ESS) and loads.
Abstract: This paper presents the latest comprehensive literature review of AC and DC microgrid (MG) systems in connection with distributed generation (DG) units using renewable energy sources (RESs), energy storage systems (ESS) and loads. A survey on the alternative DG units' configurations in the low voltage AC (LVAC) and DC (LVDC) distribution networks with several applications of microgrid systems in the viewpoint of the current and the future consumer equipments energy market is extensively discussed. Based on the economical, technical and environmental benefits of the renewable energy related DG units, a thorough comparison between the two types of microgrid systems is provided. The paper also investigates the feasibility, control and energy management strategies of the two microgrid systems relying on the most current research works. Finally, the generalized relay tripping currents are derived and the protection strategies in microgrid systems are addressed in detail. From this literature survey, it can be revealed that the AC and DC microgrid systems with multiconverter devices are intrinsically potential for the future energy systems to achieve reliability, efficiency and quality power supply.
1,004 citations
01 Jan 2012
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that existing security approaches are either inapplicable, not viable, insufficiently scalable, incom- patible, or simply inadequate to address the challenges posed by highly complex environments such as the smart grid.
Abstract: It is often appealing to assume that existing solutions can be directly applied to emerging engineering do- mains. Unfortunately, careful investigation of the unique chal- lenges presented by new domains exposes its idiosyncrasies, thus often requiring new approaches and solutions. In this paper, we argue that the Bsmart( grid, replacing its incredibly successful and reliable predecessor, poses a series of new se- curity challenges, among others, that require novel approaches to the field of cyber security. We will call this new field cyber- physical security. The tight coupling between information and communication technologies and physical systems introduces new security concerns, requiring a rethinking of the commonly used objectives and methods. Existing security approaches are either inapplicable, not viable, insufficiently scalable, incom- patible, or simply inadequate to address the challenges posed by highly complex environments such as the smart grid. A con- certed effort by the entire industry, the research community, and the policy makers is required to achieve the vision of a secure smart grid infrastructure.
776 citations
TL;DR: An overview on the potential of applying game theory for addressing relevant and timely open problems in three emerging areas that pertain to the smart grid: microgrid systems, demand-side management, and communications is provided.
Abstract: The future smart grid is envisioned as a large scale cyberphysical system encompassing advanced power, communications, control, and computing technologies. To accommodate these technologies, it will have to build on solid mathematical tools that can ensure an efficient and robust operation of such heterogeneous and large-scale cyberphysical systems. In this context, this article is an overview on the potential of applying game theory for addressing relevant and timely open problems in three emerging areas that pertain to the smart grid: microgrid systems, demand-side management, and communications. In each area, the state-of-the-art contributions are gathered and a systematic treatment, using game theory, of some of the most relevant problems for future power systems is provided. Future opportunities for adopting game-theoretic methodologies in the transition from legacy systems toward smart and intelligent grids are also discussed. In a nutshell, this article provides a comprehensive account of the application of game theory in smart grid systems tailored to the interdisciplinary characteristics of these systems that integrate components from power systems, networking, communications, and control.
751 citations
TL;DR: This paper presents an overview of power management strategies for a hybrid ac/dc microgrid system, which includes different system structures, different operation modes, a thorough study of various power management and control schemes in both steady state and transient conditions, and examples of powermanagement and control strategies.
Abstract: Today, conventional power systems are evolving to modern smart grids, where interconnected microgrids may dominate the distribution system with high penetration of renewable energy and energy storage systems. The hybrid ac/dc systems with dc and ac sources/loads are considered to be the most possible future distribution or even transmission structures. For such hybrid ac/dc microgrids, power management strategies are one of the most critical operation aspects. This paper presents an overview of power management strategies for a hybrid ac/dc microgrid system, which includes different system structures (ac-coupled, dc-coupled, and ac–dc-coupled hybrid microgrids), different operation modes, a thorough study of various power management and control schemes in both steady state and transient conditions, and examples of power management and control strategies. Finally, discussion and recommendations of power management strategies for the further research are presented.
707 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a comprehensive study on Smart Grid and the role of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) in SG, which is not a single technology; rather it is a combination of different areas of engineering, communication and management.
487 citations
Cites background from "Smart meters for power grid: Challe..."
...process which requires careful consideration of the following key factors [7]:...
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References
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TL;DR: This paper introduces smart home interfaces and device definitions to allow interoperability among ZigBee devices produced by various manufacturers of electrical equipment, meters, and smart energy enabling products.
Abstract: Wireless personal area network and wireless sensor networks are rapidly gaining popularity, and the IEEE 802.15 Wireless Personal Area Working Group has defined no less than different standards so as to cater to the requirements of different applications. The ubiquitous home network has gained widespread attentions due to its seamless integration into everyday life. This innovative system transparently unifies various home appliances, smart sensors and energy technologies. The smart energy market requires two types of ZigBee networks for device control and energy management. Today, organizations use IEEE 802.15.4 and ZigBee to effectively deliver solutions for a variety of areas including consumer electronic device control, energy management and efficiency, home and commercial building automation as well as industrial plant management. We present the design of a multi-sensing, heating and airconditioning system and actuation application - the home users: a sensor network-based smart light control system for smart home and energy control production. This paper designs smart home device descriptions and standard practices for demand response and load management "Smart Energy" applications needed in a smart energy based residential or light commercial environment. The control application domains included in this initial version are sensing device control, pricing and demand response and load control applications. This paper introduces smart home interfaces and device definitions to allow interoperability among ZigBee devices produced by various manufacturers of electrical equipment, meters, and smart energy enabling products. We introduced the proposed home energy control systems design that provides intelligent services for users and we demonstrate its implementation using a real testbad.
658 citations
"Smart meters for power grid: Challe..." refers background in this paper
...Zigbee [19] network is another important and potential communication network for transfer of data and control signals....
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TL;DR: The paper treats cyber security issues, and it highlights access points in a substation, and information security domain modeling is treated.
Abstract: The introduction of “smart grid” solutions imposes that cyber security and power system communication systems must be dealt with extensively. These parts together are essential for proper electricity transmission, where the information infrastructure is critical. The development of communication capabilities, moving power control systems from “islands of automation” to totally integrated computer environments, have opened up new possibilities and vulnerabilities. Since several power control systems have been procured with “openness” requirements, cyber security threats become evident. For refurbishment of a SCADA/EMS system, a separation of the operational and administrative computer systems must be obtained. The paper treats cyber security issues, and it highlights access points in a substation. Also, information security domain modeling is treated. Cyber security issues are important for “smart grid” solutions. Broadband communications open up for smart meters, and the increasing use of wind power requires a “smart grid system”.
444 citations
"Smart meters for power grid: Challe..." refers background in this paper
...Though customer gateways are intelligent and are easily compatible with other devices, they are prone to physical as well as cyber security risks [29] , [29]....
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20 Jul 2008
TL;DR: Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is becoming of increasing interest to many stakeholders, including utilities, regulators, energy markets, and a society concerned about conserving energy and responding to global warming.
Abstract: Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is becoming of increasing interest to many stakeholders, including utilities, regulators, energy markets, and a society concerned about conserving energy and responding to global warming. AMI technologies, rapidly overtaking the earlier Automated Meter Reading (AMR) technologies, are being developed by many vendors, with portions being developed by metering manufacturers, communications providers, and back-office Meter Data Management (MDM) IT vendors. In this flurry of excitement, very little effort has yet been focused on the cyber security of AMI systems. The comment usually is "Oh yes, we will encrypt everything - that will make everything secure." That comment indicates unawareness of possible security threats of AMI - a technology that will reach into a large majority of residences and virtually all commercial and industrial customers. What if, for instance, remote connect/disconnect were included as one AMI capability - a function of great interest to many utilities as it avoids truck rolls. What if a smart kid hacker in his basement cracked the security of his AMI system, and sent out 5 million disconnect commands to all customer meters on the AMI system...?
303 citations
01 Aug 2010
TL;DR: A HEMS that can provide easy-to-access information on home energy consumption in real time, intelligent planning for controlling appliances, and optimization of power consumption at home is proposed.
Abstract: This paper describes a home energy management system (HEMS) based on power line communication. Smart metering and power line communication can provide detailed information of energy consumption patterns and intelligent controlling to appliances at home. We propose a HEMS that can provide easy-to-access information on home energy consumption in real time, intelligent planning for controlling appliances, and optimization of power consumption at home. The HEMS consists of three modules: an advanced power control planning engine, a device control module, and a power resource management server. Our prototype system reduces the cost of power consumption by about 10%.
255 citations
"Smart meters for power grid: Challe..." refers methods in this paper
...…is PLC, which uses the existing electricity grid, cellular/pager network, mesh network, combination of licensed and unlicensed radio, wireless modem, existing internet connection, power line communication [11], RS-232/485, Wi- Fi, WiMAX, and Ethernet with protocol to upload data using IEC DNP [12]....
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TL;DR: The main drivers of change include insufficient central generation capacity planned to meet the growing demand coupled with the increasing costs of traditional supply-side options, increased concerns about global climate change associated with conventional means of power generation, demand for higher power quality in the digital age as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Electric utilities in the United States and globally are heavily investing to upgrade their antiquated delivery, pricing, and service networks including investments in the following areas: -- smart grid, which generally includes improvements upward of the meters all the way to the transmission network and beyond -- smart metering, sometimes called advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), which usually includes control and monitoring of devices and appliances inside customer premises -- smart pricing including real-time pricing (RTP) or, more broadly, time-variable pricing, sometimes including differentiated pricing -- smart devices and in-home energy management systems such as programmable controllable thermostats (PCTs) capable of making intelligent decisions based on smart prices -- peak load curtailment, demand-side management (DSM), and demand response (DR) -- distributed generation, which allows customers to be net buyers or sellers of electricity at different times and with different tariffs, for example, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which can be charged under differentiated prices during off-peak hours. The main drivers of change include: -- insufficient central generation capacity planned to meet the growing demand coupled with the increasing costs of traditional supply-side options -- rising price of primary fuels including oil, natural gas, and coal -- increased concerns about global climate change associated with conventional means of power generation -- demand for higher power quality in the digital age.
232 citations
"Smart meters for power grid: Challe..." refers background in this paper
...Smart meters can limit the maximum electricity consumption, and can terminate or re-connect electricity supply to any customer remotely [1], [2]....
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...In the USA, utility companies receive incentives for selling more electricity, which might not drive them to encourage their customers to conserve energy [1]....
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...In addition to time of use tariff and real-time pricing schemes [1], introduction of pre-paid smart card system [41] will allow utility companies to impose a reasonable tariff for the benefit of consumers....
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...In North America, penetration rate of smart meters was about 6% in the year 2008 and is expected to reach 89% by 2012 [1]....
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