Evaluation of a LoRa Mesh Network for Smart Metering in Rural Locations

Anup Marahatta,Anup Thapa,Ashish Shrestha,Yaju Rajbhandari,Ajay Singh,Francisco Gonzalez-Longatt,Petr Korba,Seokjoo Shin

doi:10.3390/electronics10060751

Abstract

Accompanying the advancement on the Internet of Things (IoT), the concept of remote monitoring and control using IoT devices is becoming popular. Digital smart meters hold many advantages over traditional analog meters, and smart metering is one of application of IoT technology. It supports the conventional power system in adopting modern concepts like smart grids, block-chains, automation, etc. due to their remote load monitoring and control capabilities. However, in many applications, the traditional analog meters still are preferred over digital smart meters due to the high deployment and operating costs, and the unreliability of the smart meters. The primary reasons behind these issues are a lack of a reliable and affordable communication system, which can be addressed by the deployment of a dedicated network formed with a Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) platform like wireless radio standards (i.e., LoRa devices). This paper discusses LoRa technology and its implementation to solve the problems associated with smart metering, especially considering the rural energy system. A simulation-based study has been done to analyse the LoRa technology’s applicability in different architecture for smart metering purposes and to identify a cost-effective and reliable way to implement smart metering, especially in a rural microgrid (MG).

Highlights

The traditional electro-mechanical energy meters have to be read manually by visiting the individual meters, which require separate time and labour to collect data from each consumer
To enable the concept of the smart grid in rural microgrids there is a need for a robust communication system between the grid and the consumer, for which the smart energy meters are essential on the consumer side
This study focuses on smart metering and communication modes, where conventional communication systems are not accessible

Summary

Introduction

The traditional electro-mechanical energy meters have to be read manually by visiting the individual meters, which require separate time and labour to collect data from each consumer. Accompanying the advancement of digital technologies, digital energy meters are taking over the traditional electro-mechanical ones and provide significant advantages over traditional meters. They enable remote, real-time monitoring, for example, and assist in more accurate reading than in traditional meters [1]. According to the European Smart Meters Industry Group (ESMIG), the modern digital meters should have remote metering, bidirectional communication, support of advanced tariff and billing applications, and remote energy supply control [2]. To enable the concept of the smart grid in rural microgrids there is a need for a robust communication system between the grid and the consumer, for which the smart energy meters are essential on the consumer side

Methods

Results

Conclusion