Most smart meters deployed around the world today are only used to collect electricity bill data-in other words, they are remotely controlled cash registers. But smart meters can also help utility companies detect nested outages, predict which transformers are about to fail, monitor power quality to identify unexpected grid balance issues, and more. In fact, today we see these types of systems being opened bit by bit. However, as the first wave of AMI deployment progresses and is subject to regulatory scrutiny, we can expect another wave of smart meter data management (MDM) to rise as utility companies strive to get the final benefits from their investments.
This evolving MDM market was the focus, if utility companies can put it into use, the tens of millions of smart meters currently deployed globally constitute the largest single source of distribution network data.
There is a list of items where a well-managed smart meter can be used, broken down by category: outage ID and recovery in terms of reliability and protection/preventive maintenance, voltage/reactive power optimization, and protection voltage reduction (CVR) Supports voltage sag/swell monitoring on the power quality side, as well as connection model verification, line loss reduction targets, asset management and capacity modeling in the service and planning function list.
MDM can also support business cases for precision smart grid projects, such as temporary additional sensors on transformers or feeders, and meter data indicates that these sensors are about to fail. In fact, using smart meter data to prove the comparative value of the dazzling smart grid investment options is one way that smart meters can help oneself pay, if it is a roundabout way.
At the same time, state utility regulators across the country require utilities to demonstrate the benefits of their smart meter investments to customers. Simply measuring the impact of smart meters on grid operations and customer billing requires some complex data management. Applying data to improve ongoing operations and link customers to efficiency or demand response plans is another level of complexity.
Where utility companies in the Chicago area have agreed to a state law requiring them to provide specific benefits from smart grid plans or face penalties. Achieving a 50% reduction in power outages, a 90% reduction in estimated bills, and a $30 million reduction in uncollectible bills by 45% may require a comprehensive meter data management project itself.
At the same time, we have seen the emergence of a large number of partners, connecting smart meter data with the wider world of smart grid systems.
Post time: Sep-01-2021