Electricity meter

Abstract: An energy management and building automation system including a local area network or home automation data bus such as the CEBus. Each load is connected to the bus via a control module which may contain a circuit breaker to disconnect the load from the mains upon command or upon occurrence of a power outage. Current monitoring control modules measure load current and power monitor modules monitor power consumed by selected loads, both modules transmitting bus messages indicating load status and status changes. A first microcomputer preferably is external to the customer premises, adjacent the electric utility power meter. A second microcomputer preferably is inside the customer premises. The two microcomputers communicate with each other and with the various modules via the network/data bus. The first microcomputer communicates with the utility company via any appropriate communications link. The second microcomputer serves, in part, as an input/output terminal for the system, allowing the customer to set parameters and query the system as to power usage, displaying reports requested by the customer and messages transmitted by the utility company and by either microcomputer. The first microcomputer acts as a master controller and/or network server, communicating with the world outside the premises, as a communications gateway between voice, video and data services, and being the primary data collector and operator of load control modules; the second microcomputer provides certain backup functions. The utility company can access selected utilization data and control at least some loads via messages to the first microcomputer.

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.

Abstract: Smart meters have been deployed in many countries across the world since early 2000s. The smart meter as a key element for the smart grid is expected to provide economic, social, and environmental benefits for multiple stakeholders. There has been much debate over the real values of smart meters. One of the key factors that will determine the success of smart meters is smart meter data analytics, which deals with data acquisition, transmission, processing, and interpretation that bring benefits to all stakeholders. This paper presents a comprehensive survey of smart electricity meters and their utilization focusing on key aspects of the metering process, different stakeholder interests, and the technologies used to satisfy stakeholder interests. Furthermore, the paper highlights challenges as well as opportunities arising due to the advent of big data and the increasing popularity of cloud environments.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product provides for power line communications (PLC) over electric power lines includes a device mountable near an electrical distribution transformer (DT) to provide a high speed interface and communicates with one or multiple access devices, which provide low speed interfaces for analog signals or digital signals over RS 232, RS 485, optical, wireless and Ethernet. The device transmits data to/from these access devices over the electric lines to other repeaters over one or more wires of an electrical line or over multiple lines, and serves to strengthen and improve signal quality. Upon detecting a wire or line is having problems carrying data, the data is sent over other wires, and upon power line failures, wireless backup to mobile/GSM and WiMax networks is utilized. The device permits utilities and others to read electric meters, monitor the power quality of the distribution grid and detect power losses/failures/outages, and permits telecom service providers and others to provide a communications link to cell phone towers, WiFi Access Points and enable broadband Internet and telephony in rural, remote or sparely populated areas.

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.