Energy-Efficient Information and Communication System for Smart Meter

Abstract

The objective of this work is to develop an electricity Smart Meter, allowing the bi-directional energy flow in the Low Voltage (LV) grid. The developed prototype can be deployed in a Photovoltaic (PV) micro-production installation, being able to cooperate with the Distribution System Operator (DSO) regarding remote readings and dynamic voltage control procedures, while keeping the prosumer informed about the active power, as well as odd or faulty situations (e.g., no production). To accomplish the result proposed with functionalities that are useful in the distributed energy grid, this paper offers a device that is standard compliant by using DLMS, providing specific technical information to the DSO. Additionally, it has two low power wireless communication technologies: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), for short range local readings and configuration by the prosumer or maintenance teams; and Sigfox, a long range low power technology, which has a permanent storage and facilitates consultation of past and current records. The latter can be accessed by an Android application from a remote location.