What Is a Smart Meter?

Smart meters are one of the basic equipment for data collection in smart grids (especially smart distribution networks). They are responsible for the collection, measurement, and transmission of raw electrical energy data. They are the basis for information integration, analysis, optimization, and information display. In addition to the traditional electricity meter's basic electricity consumption measurement function, in order to adapt to the use of smart grids and new energy sources, it also has two-way multi-rate metering functions, user-end control functions, and two-way data communication with multiple data transmission modes Functions, intelligent functions such as anti-theft function. ^[1]

The concept of a smart meter appeared as early as the 1990s. When the static meter first appeared in 1993, its price was

Smart meters are advanced metering devices that collect, analyze, and manage electrical energy information data based on modern communication technology, computer technology, and measurement technology. The basic principle of smart meters is: relying on A / D

Intelligent watt-hour meters can be roughly divided into two categories: electromechanical integrated and fully electronic. ^[3]

(1) Reliability

The accuracy does not change for a long time, no need for wheel calibration, no installation and transportation effects. ^[4]

(1) Settlement and accounting

The intelligent electric meter can realize accurate and real-time cost settlement information processing, which simplifies the complicated process of past account processing. Ring in the electricity market

(1) Benefits of energy users

Smart meters can provide users with more accurate and timely accounting information; use accurate power records to enable users to better participate in the electricity market and benefit from flexible power demand; feedback on user energy consumption information, and Energy automation systems; enhance personal and equipment safety through better power quality and fault management. ^[1]

(2) Revenue of power companies

The intelligent metering system based on smart meters can provide simple and efficient solutions for commercial applications such as metering, settlement, user service, status estimation, fault management, and power quality. Benefit from power quality, power flow and fault monitoring and load management in distribution networks. Through this system, problems can be discovered and solved in a timely manner, the efficiency of power outage management and user service can be improved, the damage of low-voltage distribution transformers caused by temporary overloads can be avoided, and energy consumption data can be provided for systems such as EMS. ^[1]

(3) Revenue from the electricity market

The adoption of controlled distributed energy will provide new retail products for the power market, increasing the flexibility of rapid market price changes, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the power market and the reliability of functional applications. As a result of improving the ability to respond to price spikes and reducing extremely high price spikes, the market risk of power suppliers is reduced. Data mining technology based on databases such as smart metering data and user data can help electric power retailers better understand customer needs and provide more targeted products. Improved load predictability has further reduced retailers' costs and risks. ^[1]

(4) Social and environmental benefits

Smart metering systems have the potential to improve energy efficiency for energy suppliers and end users. Timely and accurate feedback of energy consumption data will enable users, home automation systems and suppliers to respond quickly and focus on the most efficient measures. In addition to direct energy saving effects, the access to a large number of small and controllable energy sources has also promoted the promotion of efficient power generation methods such as renewable energy and combined heat and power. ^[1]

(5) Benefits of water, steam and heat applications

Smart meters can provide power supply for water, steam, heat and other meter communication, and share remote communication channels to reduce communication costs. Collecting measurement data of various energy forms also helps to analyze and improve the overall energy efficiency. ^[1]