Abstract
High penetration of variable and non-programmable distributed generation has brought new challenges to the power system operation and is highlighting the need of a smarter grid. One of the key requirements in this regard is developing and deploying smart metering systems in distribution networks. In this paper we present the actual situation in the Italian distribution networks and we discuss the opportunities and challenges of applying new metering systems and introducing a flexible, multi-utility, multi-service metering architecture. Some off-the-shelf or prototype smart meters, selected to be tested in an ongoing European project, named FLEXMETER, are presented.
Highlights
Emerging paradigms for operation, control and management of power systems, especially in distribution grids, are relying more on communication networks and advanced metering systems [1]
The FLEXMETER project aims to develop and implement a flexible metering architecture based on a distributed software infrastructure that exploits publish/subscribe [22] and request/response communication models to access information from the smart meters
As one of the applications planned in FLEXMETER addresses the customer awareness, Smart Info, developed by Enel in July 2011, will be used as a Plug & Play device which establishes a direct connection between the meter and the customer allowing them direct access to information recorded by the electronic meter
Summary
Emerging paradigms for operation, control and management of power systems, especially in distribution grids, are relying more on communication networks and advanced metering systems [1]. Smart meters are electronic measurement devices which can be used by the utilities to obtain information for billing purposes and for monitoring, controlling and operating their electric systems remotely [2]. The new metering systems must go much further to satisfy more objectives like providing detailed consumption information, enabling energy consumption scheduling, realtime electricity pricing and market efficiency improvement, better network management and maintenance, advanced outage management and CO2 emissions and pollutants reduction. In this regard, several projects co-funded by the European Commission (EC) have been carried out proposing and deploying different system architectures for more exploitation of smart meters. We will firstly discuss the applications and challenges of advanced metering systems in electricity distribution networks, and we will introduce FLEXMETER as a system which would overcome the challenges and meet the requirements of the emerging smart grids
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