An evaluation of two-way communication means for advanced metering in Flanders (Belgium)

Abstract

Advanced meters for electricity and gas require two-way communication to upload commands to, and download measuring data from the meters. With a specific emphasis on the means for two-way communication, this research starts from an analysis ofthe amount ofdata to be transmitted and its real time requirements, and it evaluates different communication means for smart metering for suitability, penetration rate, exploitation costs, flexibility and dependability -focused on Flanders' case.

Application benefits of Distribution Automation and AMI systems convergence methodology for distribution power restoration analysis

“…Due to the current advancements in communication routing techniques with AMI slowly being migrated to Internet Protocol (IP) based communications [34][35][36][37], it is possible to send messages within a few milli-seconds of time over Wide Area Network (WAN) based communications without significant delay, which is already proven across many other smart grid applications [38]. Advanced Smart meters in AMI supporting IP differentiated services [39,40] like Quality of Service (QoS), Priority tagging and Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) and communication router's at AMI's Network Management System (NMS) & DA controller network interfaces supporting advanced routing techniques [41] like Virtual LAN (VLAN), Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP v3), IP Multicast, etc., definitely promise DA-AMI systems to integrate seamlessly and work together in a synchronized manner as per the stated requirements.…”

Network coding in Smart Grids

“…On the one hand, commercial functionalities, including smart metering, involve periodic information exchanges between multiple terminals and a single base station with a typical resolution of 15 minutes [1].…”

“…As emphasized in [1], this evolution involves two main visions. On the one hand, the goal is to enable advanced metering to collect measurements from individual meters at a base station, which in turn sends general information, such as pricing and tariffs, directly to the consumers and their devices.…”

“…They can be broadly classified in three categories, namely power line communication (PLC), cable communication (copper or optical fiber), and wireless communication (ad-hoc, mesh and cellular architectures). Since cable communication involves the development of a dedicated infrastructure with high capital costs, PLC and wireless communications are considered by many utility companies to be the most promising alternatives [1]. Nevertheless, practical issues pertaining to these technologies are currently delaying the large-scale deployment of smart meters in distribution systems.…”

Closed loop price signal based market operation within Microgrids

“…Supply or demand curves for individual sources or sinks for both active and reactive power can be derived by the MGCC from the recorded responses of the sources or sinks to the price signals. This can be facilitated by the use of an advanced smart meter that allows two way communication [7]. The MC sets the P set g according to the price agreed by the MGCC at the nominal system frequency.…”