Smart meters for enhancing protection and monitoring functions in emerging distribution systems

Abstract

Emerging distribution systems are experiencing large proliferation of smart meters. However, many groups have expressed reluctance in implementing the idea of smart meters. Health hazard due to exposure to radio waves, fire risk, security and privacy of customer information are some of the concerns raised by the consumers. Another important concern is the increased expenses of the utility providers with limited benefits resulting from detailed cost-benefit-analysis. Existing applications of smart meters have not been able to justify the importance of it in some situations. As evidenced in many articles, world-wide roll-out projects and the implementations of smart meters have been hindered with obstacles many times. Therefore, this sluggish progress and growing negative concerns originate the requirement of enhancement of new applications of smart meters in areas such as protection and monitoring of emerging distribution system. Protection and monitoring of distribution systems are two major aspects that any distribution provider is always concerned of and interested to explore smart approaches for management of it. This paper is proposing some potential applications in protection and monitoring of distribution system by the means of smart meters. The underneath expectation is that it will facilitate the required justifications in order to promote the future smart metering projects.