Smart Metering in Electric Power Distribution

System

Karan Gandhi and Hari Om Bansal
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department
Birla Institute of Technology and Science
Pilani, India


AbstractElectric Energy is a vital resource in everyday
life and a backbone to the industry. Being limited its proper
use and measurement is very important. Restructuring of
power system, penetration of distributed generation and power
theft are going to be the key challenges in the near future. The
operational information will be crucial for the functioning of
the power distribution networks. One of the information
sources is going to be the Advanced Metering Infrastructure
(AMI). Smart meter is an advanced energy meter that
measures electrical energy consumption and provides
additional information as compared to a conventional energy
meter. It aims to improve the reliability, quality and security of
supply. Integration of AMI into electricity grid needs
implementation of a variety of techniques, controls and
software, depending on the required features. This paper
discusses the need of smart meters, their working, benefits and
challenges in implementing them. The paper also presents few
case studies and cost benefit analysis done earlier.
KeywordsElectric Energy, Power Theft, Smart Meter,
Power Distribution System, Advanced Metering Infrastructure
I. Introduction
The development of human society depends on the
proper and wise utilization of all resources whether natural
resource or a man-made resource. Electricity can be
categorized as a manmade resource but its production
depends on the availability of natural resources like coal,
water, wind and gas etc. Per capita consumption of
electricity is directly proportional to the economic growth of
the country. Electricity is first Generated (G) then
Transmitted (T) over long distances and finally Distributed
(D) to consumers. In this process of GTD energy losses take
place. Energy loss is defined as the difference between
energy generated and billed on consumers on consumption
[1-2]. There are three types of losses, namely Technical,
Administrative and Theft incorporated with transmission
and distribution of electricity [3-7].
Technical losses are those losses which occur due to
properties of materials used in transmission and distribution
system. For example, energy dissipated due to resistance of
conductor used in supply lines. It also includes Dielectric
losses, Induction and radiation losses. These losses can be
reduced by substituting materials involved in supply with
materials having desired properties.
Administrative losses are those losses which are given
by unknown connections and missing meters in the system.
The third kind of loss is illegal use of electricity which is
done in several ways like tampering with meters to make it
record lower consumption reading, tapping (hooking) on LT
lines and arranging false readings by bribing meter readers
etc. According to a survey in most of the developing
countries including India also, 32% of produced electricity
is wasted as losses; approximately 47-48% of this loss is
due to electricity theft. This problem of theft can be
addressed to a certain extent by installing smart metering
system. The gap between peak demand and the available
power is big, if time-wise consumption readings and thus
variable tariff is imposed to encourage consumers to use
their appliances during off peak hours then this gap many
minimized without establishing any new power plants as
depicted in Fig. 1. This needs improvement in the current
metering system. Distributed Generation is becoming
popular nowadays. DG is defined as an electric power
generation source connected directly to the distribution
network or on the customer side. As penetration of DG is
increasing its grid interconnection is going to be a
challenging task. Utilities may impose different tariff for
this. Metering of this is further going to be tough with the
current meters [8]. This paper speaks about evolution of
smart meter, its various components & working, few case
studies, benefits and challenges in its implementation.

Fig.1. Saving in demand peak after implementation of
Smart Metering System
II. Evolution of Smart Meters
Being a limited and very important resource the
metering of electricity consumption is essential. Generally
people dont care for the consumption of electricity in their
day to day processes and are concerned about it when they
get their electricity bills or in case of power shortage.
Measuring of electricity consumption was started with
Electromechanical Induction meter which operates by
counting the revolutions of a metal disc rotating at a speed
proportional to the power. The number of revolutions is
proportional to the energy usage. Later in 1990s Electronic
meter was introduced which use LED or LCD displays and
can also transmit readings to remote places but they could
use only one sided communication. This process is also
referred as Automated Meter Reading. Further to improve
the communication between utility and costumers and for
time wise billing first generation of Smart meter was
introduced in 2005.
Smart meters are the new generation devices which are
used by utilities for electronic measurement and to remotely
communicate information for billing customers and
operating their electric systems. These meters can take the
reading and send the information to the control office
repeatedly in small time intervals. Control office can
monitor the meters because a two-way communication is
used in smart metering system which is commonly known
as AMI. AMI is capable of detecting power outages and
monitoring voltage profiles [9-10].
Being two way communications, the consumers will
have the information about their daily electricity
consumption along with its cost and thus they will try to
minimize it by its sensible utilization. This will also help in
protecting our valuable Mother Nature and environment.
III. Components of Smart Metering System
The main components inside smart meter are [11-13]:
A. Advanced Measuring Device: It consists of the following
A small transformer that steps down the voltage to
10V ac
A microprocessor core, a real-time clock, flash
memory, and an LCD driver
A low power dual operational amplifier and a
medium power amplifier IC
Around 1 GHz SOC with a microcontroller and some
bytes of flash memory
Time differentiated registers, Connect/disconnect
switch and LCD/LED display
In home display: It is a device which details the usage
of data in a graphical and user friendly manner.
B. Communication Network Management:
Electricity meter communicates with LDCs using the
low voltage power supply cables between the meters and
the transformers which come under Local Area Networks
(LANs) and it is used for short distance communication.
Communications between LDCs and the Central System
Controller may be provided virtually by any standard Wide
Area Network (WAN) medium, including PSTN telephone
lines, GSM, X-25 packet switched radio and microwave
links [11-13].
C. Meter Data Management (MDM): It should be able to
collect at least following information.
Meter registrations: serial numbers, meter types,
location and programmed data.
Local Data Concentrators (LDCs): location, serial
numbers and programmed functions.
Meter data extraction: Customer details, Customer
transaction records, Peak demand and load curve
Tariff structures and prices, Invoice generation,
maintenance and Payment transaction records
Error logs and message texts, System activity and
maintenance logs.
System administration records.
The architecture of the smart meter is shown on Fig. 2.












IV. Working of Smart Metering System
Smart meters operate on two-way communication
process and should have a memory segment. Two way
communication is done through Radio Frequency (RF)
mesh networking or PLC [14-15], allowing the creation of
LAN and WAN. DLC can be used as WAN for meter
reading, tariff & programming updates and for load control.
PLC can be used as Home Area network (HAN) for home
automation and short range communication. Such mesh
networks allowed the AMI to have a data collector hub that
would then transmit the collected data via GSM, broadband
or another means from an end user to the utility office. This
customer data was then transacted automatically into
customer billing. The AMI capable meters also includes a
HAN, such as Zigbee.
The most suitable way of communication is through RF.
The typical memory footprint to support RF LAN/WAN is
around 256 KB whereas Zigbee is around 128 KB of
embedded flash memory. These requirements will rise
significantly in near future [10, 12, 14]. If same mesh
network is also used to provide firmware updates for smart
meters then MCUs should have dual banks of flash memory.
This dual bank architecture allows the meter to run
continuously. The block diagram of smart meter working is
shown in Fig. 3 [16].
Data
concentrators
Central
System
Control
Center
Meter and
Communication
Hub
Asset
Management
Billing
Home
Automation
Multi
utility
Hand Held
Devices
Fig.2. Architecture of Smart Meters


The working of some of the blocks is det
A. Power Source
A two line connection is provided to e
comprising neutral line and load line. There
in which a meter can work, one of which is m
For supplying power to the system a rect
which can be a combination of four diod
figure 2. The rectified signal is then transm
and AC/DC through a MOSFET circuit. Th
PWM is primary side regulation along with
of HV Start-up, Input Line Monitoring,
Blanking, Light Load Efficiency, Low Powe
B. Metrology
The current flowing in the load line is
through a resistance in order to measure read
and cost efficient reading system, analog sig
converted to digital signal. For this purp
Digital Converter (ADC) is used. Samples
of the analog signals at discrete instances o
converted to numeric values using ADC. Th
types of ADC, some of them are: Successive
Fig.3. Block Diagram of Smart Meter
ailed below.
every consumer
e are many ways
mentioned here.
tifier is needed,
es as shown in
mitted to PWM
he main work of
special features
Leading Edge
r and Soft Start.
allowed to pass
ding. For proper
gnal needs to be
pose Analog to
or snap shots
of time and then
here are various
e Approximation
(SAR), Flash (Parallel) and
Slope), Voltage to Frequency
- ADC is generally us
the disadvantages of other sy
be combined with DSP funct
chip. This has very low reso
rate. By using over-sampling
noise shaping and digital filt
increased. The processed s
MCU for utility or other end
[17].
C. Application Processor
An application processo
home appliances and automa
A8 microprocessor with on
systems Linux, Android or w
function is to connect
automation.
V. RF Exposure i
One major threat in imp
system is its radiations. Th

d Half Flash, Integrating (Dual
y and Sigma Delta (-).
se because it overcomes most of
ystems. In this system ADC can
tions on one mixed signal VLSI
olution at a very high sampling
g techniques in conjunction with
tering, the effective resolution is
signal is then transferred to a
d customer calibration purposes
or is required to interface with
ation. It can be an ARM cortex
ne of the following operating
windows embedded CE. Its main
vending machines, building
in Smart Metering System
plementation of smart metering
his system generally uses RF
radiations for wireless communications. RF radiation causes
two types of effects, thermal and non-thermal. Out of these
two, thermal effects are injurious to human health [18].
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an
organization which keeps a check on RF radiation
producing devices which are harmful for environment and
human health. According to FCC Smart meter comes under
the low power, unlicensed criteria as the radiations are very
less and not a serious issue to health. FCC has imposed a
limit on Maximum Permissible Error (MPE). MPE values
are measured by taking an average of RF exposure on
different parts of body as all the parts are at different
distance from the meter and thus power is different at
various parts. RF exposure to a person at 3 to10 feet away
from a continuously operating smart meter is 125 to 1250
times less as compared to a person talking on a cell phone.
The measurements have shown that RF exposure behind
meter sockets is lesser as compared to in front of the
sockets. Apart from this, the location of the meter, distance
from the transmitter, shielding by meter enclosures,
attenuation of building materials, direction of RF emissions
and limited duty cycles (The percentage of time a RF device
is in operation is called the duty cycle) also decreases RF
exposure and thus in short RF exposure due to smart meters
is not significantly harmful to health [19-23].
VI. Case Studies
In Southern California a retail store was selected as a
part of an energy management initiative that involves
equipping the store with smart meter. Usually the owner
was much tensed about increasing electricity bill. With
smart meter she was able to monitor her electricity usage
and to reduce the bill. At the end of the year it was found
that the store consumed about 1562 kWh lower than the
previous year and a lot of money around $185 was saved.
The deployment cost of smart meters in California per
connection is around $193.7. Expected Maintenance cost of
these meters is $4 per year. Therefore, they will make a
significant amount of profit in coming years. Apart from
this, 844lbs CO
2
emissions were also reduced which further
save the environment [24-25].
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
required Californias large investor owned utilities (IOUs )
to file AMI applications and required a demonstration that
AMI systems could produce net customer benefits. Initially,
it was found that AMI was not cost-effective for its
customers, but AMI technological improvements in 2005
and 2006 led to the SmartConnect application in 2007,
which forecasted a very slim margin of lifetime net benefits
on a present value basis. Table I shows the nominal costs
and benefits of SmartConnect Program [26]
Table I. Nominal Costs and Benefits (in millions) of Smart Meter
Deployment Program in California

Deployment
2007-2012
Post deployment
2013-2032
Total
Benefits $437.6 $6999.7 $7437.3
Costs $1633.5 $1582.1 $3215.6
Net Benefits -$1195.5 $5417.6 $4221.7
Similarly, In Victoria state things went wrong in the
deployment of smart meters. The lessons that it has taught,
have led to a turnaround of affairs and the state is currently
looked upon as an example of the benefits that can be
gained from smart meters [27].
India is a price sensitive market and if consumers are told
that using electrical equipment during non-peak hours will
cost less, they will shift their usage accordingly. This will
help the consumers in reducing their bills and the
distribution companies in managing the rush therefore
preventing grid collapses. According to World banks
energy specialist, in developing countries like India the cost
of deployment of smart meters can go high because of
geographical structure but the benefits will still be huge
because they will minimize the energy theft. The Indian
government and other utilities are taking various initiatives
towards implanting smart meters, few of them are:
In January, WBSEDCL, an Indian utility looking to
modernize its aging infrastructure, selected
Landis+Gyr, a multinational corporation, to deliver
1.5 million smart meters, believed to be the single
largest electric meter order in India. The project is
expected to be over by 2013.
Ami Tech (India) Pvt. Ltd. is designing a 3-phase
smart energy meter to cater to the needs of Indian
smart grid requirements.
Itron inaugurated its first Smart Metering Lab and
Knowledge Center in Noida at Itron India. The centre
showcases and demonstrates its smart metering and
AMI solutions. It will benefit local utilities,
government officials and other groups by sharing
insights and knowledge.
VII. Benefits of Smart Metering System
Smart metering has many advantages like it collects
time-wise consumption readings, can control the amount of
power given to a particular house and can be used to lower
the losses due to theft. The various merits of smart meter
over traditional meters are listed below
A comparison of various types of meters is also made
and presented in Table II.
A. From Consumers point of view
The system provides rapid access to all customer
transaction and payment records which allow with
quick and efficient solution of customer.
Day to day bill is available and thus effective load
management by using appliances at off peak hours
which will also result in lesser bill.
No unscheduled power cuts and instead of complete
black out some electricity can be provided to every
customer which can be used for running some
important appliances as in case of inverters. This will
minimize use of inverters, their charging burden and
battery problems.
Any tampering with meter is immediately reported to
central control. It will reduce theft so tariff rates will
go down
Due to remote reading, no need for site visits and
hence increases customers privacy [28-29].
Provides easy pre-payment facility.
LCD display can be programmed to display various
facilities including amount of credit left on pre-
payment system [30].
B. From Electrical Companies point of view
Provides power consumption profile data from
individual and groups of meters to facilitate energy
management, load research and tariff development.
Provides a low voltage network monitoring system to
allow supply outages to be quickly identified resulting
in better reliability and improved service levels [31].
Provides a sophisticated energy loss detection system
to identify losses to individual LV feeder level [31].
The individual meter reading can be channeled
directly up to the local substation and then to the
customer headquarters using a PSTN/GSM or radio.
This eliminates need for site visit to read the meter
and reduces the human labor [28-29].
Any tampering of system is immediately reported to
central control system. This will reduce losses [32].
Provides a mechanism for the implementation of
Demand-Side Management initiatives involving
multi-rate tariffs and load control. This improves
energy efficiency and reduces emissions.
Billing will be fast and easy with the help of
automated software controlled billing system.
For reasons of credit control, load management, or
load shedding, the meter can be set to disconnect at a
pre-set load or total energy usage and this will prevent
grid failure by overload [31].
TABLE II. Comparison of Smart Meter with Traditional Meters
Property Electro-
Mechanical
Meter
Digital Meter Smart Meter
Accuracy low High Very high
Theft detection low Possible at node
level
Possible at
network level
Communication Manual
reading
One way
communication
Two way
communication
Control No limited full
Consumer
Participation
nil Less high
Time Wise
Reading
no After a fix
interval
according to
requirement
Day to day
billing info
Not possible Not possible Possible
C. From the point of view of environment and government
As the peak requirement decreases, requirement of
new power plants also reduces leading to decreased
greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy efficiency is improved because proper
detection of energy loss.
Automated reading system reduces field trips and
vehicle emissions.
Efficiency of inverters is very low and replacement of
their batteries causes environmental pollution. As
smart metering system can help in providing a
substitute to inverters and thus it saves energy and
environment.
VIII. Challenges in Implementation of AMI
Geographical area of India is very large with vast
climatic condition which creates difficulty in wireless
communication as impedance matching has to be
applied at various places [33-34]
Slow decision making & Implementation
Change of mindset and awareness of common public
as well as utilities
Dedicated prioritized Data communication channel for
Utility Operations by NSP.
Regulatory frame-work which rewards for un-
interrupted quality services.
The first phase is to replace traditional meters with
smart meters but location of meters inside the house
creates difficulty in proper implementation
Difficult to establish Home/Local area
Communication through concrete walls.
Being various utility providers, varying
expectations/requirements from utility to utility.
No systematic planned approach for implementation
of smart metering system.
Lesser technical work force For mass deployment
Control commands & other data formats should be
interoperable with AMI infrastructure.
Initially a large investment is required. Benefit would
accrue only after successful implementation.
Higher Cost of the smart meters
Management of Terabytes of data collected in small
interval of time and maintaining privacy of this data.
Acceptance of variable tariff to Low end consumer.
IX. Conclusions
This paper reviews numerous key aspects of smart
metering. Several challenges, requirements and issues in
design, development, and maintenance of the smart meter
systems are discussed. Smart metering is a good technology
which monitors electricity pilferage and power losses. This
technique makes the user better informed and careful about
consumption, billing and power outages etc. This
technology will allow variable tariff implementation which
enables the customer to use appliances during off peak load
hours. This will increase people participation in saving
energy and environment thus the increasing electricity
demand issue may be addressed to a certain extent without
actually establishing new power plants. The implementation
of smart metering technique requires improvement in the
current metering infrastructure. Focus should be on
developing better control strategies, sensors and other
components to minimize the cost. A mass awareness
program should be conducted to literate people about energy
issues and encourage them for proper metering of
electricity.
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