umar_ijaz_amr_report - compile_1 - Copy_hed_up

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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION:............................................................................................................ 5
WHAT IS ENERGY METER & ENERGY METERING?.................................................. 6
AUTOMATIC METER READING (AMR) ........................................................................ 6
ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE (AMI) .................................................... 6
SMART METER.............................................................................................................. 6
BACKGROUND OF ENERGY METERS........................................................................ 7
ELECTROMECHANICAL METERS ............................................................................... 7
Working of Electro-Mechanical Meters ........................................................................ 7
Drawbacks of Electromechanical Meters..................................................................... 9
STATIC METERING ..................................................................................................... 10
WHY STATIC METER? ................................................................................................ 10
Consumer Billing:....................................................................................................... 10
Revenue Protection: .................................................................................................. 10
Consumer Complaints: .............................................................................................. 10
Accurate Meter Reading: ........................................................................................... 11
Power Losses: ........................................................................................................... 11
Secure: ...................................................................................................................... 11
TECHNICAL PROBLEMS WITH ELECTROMECHANICAL METERS .......................... 9
Moving Disk: ................................................................................................................ 9
Losses: ........................................................................................................................ 9
Manual adjustment: ..................................................................................................... 9
Cost: ............................................................................................................................ 9
TYPES OF STATIC METER ......................................................................................... 11
Analog Electronic Energy Meters:.............................................................................. 11
Digital Electronic Energy Meters:............................................................................... 11
Working of Static Meter ............................................................................................. 11
COMPONENTS OF A STATIC METER........................................................................ 12
CT:............................................................................................................................. 12
PT:............................................................................................................................. 12
Microprocessor: ......................................................................................................... 12

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LCD: .......................................................................................................................... 13
LEDs:......................................................................................................................... 13
ADC:.......................................................................................................................... 13
DSP: .......................................................................................................................... 13
Battery: ...................................................................................................................... 13
Super Capacitor:........................................................................................................ 13
ISSUES WITH CONVENTIONAL METERING ............................................................. 14
Conclusion:................................................................................................................ 16
SOLUTION: .................................................................................................................. 16
Smart meters: ............................................................................................................ 16
Automatic Meter Reading (AMR): .............................................................................. 17
Brief History: .............................................................................................................. 18
Why We Need It?....................................................................................................... 18
Utilities: .................................................................................................................. 18
Retail Providers:..................................................................................................... 19
Consumers:............................................................................................................ 19
AMI (Advance Metering Infrastructure):-................................................................... 19
What is the difference between AMR and AMI?........................................................ 21
Issues regarding AMI:................................................................................................. 22
Interoperability: .......................................................................................................... 22
Economics:................................................................................................................ 23
Security:..................................................................................................................... 23
COMPONENTS OF AMR/AMI:..................................................................................... 23
Communications Infrastructure:-................................................................................ 23
Meter:- ....................................................................................................................... 23
Handheld Unit:........................................................................................................... 25
Data Concentrator Unit (DCU):.................................................................................. 25
Features:.................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Meter Data Collection (MDC):.................................................................................... 25
User Interface Application: ..................................................................................... 26
Database Management System:............................................................................ 26
Communicator:....................................................................................................... 26
Meter Data Management (MDM): .............................................................................. 26

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SMART METER:-.......................................................................................................... 27
Basic Components of Smart Meter:-.......................................................................... 28
TECHNOLOGIES USED IN AMR:................................................................................ 28
Infrared Technology:- ................................................................................................. 28
RF technology: ............................................................................................................ 29
The RF Based Amr System ....................................................................................... 29
Licensed or Unlicensed ............................................................................................. 31
Communication Type................................................................................................. 31
One-way................................................................................................................. 31
Two-way................................................................................................................. 31
System Type.............................................................................................................. 31
Mobile Pedestrian System ..................................................................................... 31
Mobile Vehicle System........................................................................................... 32
Fixed Networks ...................................................................................................... 32
Advantages:............................................................................................................... 32
Disadvantages:.......................................................................................................... 32
Mesh Networking......................................................................................................... 33
Scope ........................................................................................................................ 33
Advantages of Mesh topology ................................................................................... 34
Disadvantages of Mesh topology............................................................................... 34
ZIG BEE:....................................................................................................................... 34
Device Types............................................................................................................. 35
Operating Modes ....................................................................................................... 35
Data Transfer............................................................................................................. 36
Characteristics Features of Zig Bee Technology: ...................................................... 36
Uses of Zig Bee Technology:....................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Summary ..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Advantages................................................................................................................ 38
Disadvantages........................................................................................................... 38
Power Line Carrier (PLC) Technology....................................................................... 38
Why it is needed?........................................................................................................ 39
What is PLC?............................................................................................................... 39
PLC in meter reading .................................................................................................. 39

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Components of PLC.......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Coupling Capacitor: ..................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Line Trap Unit: ............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Transmitters and Receivers:........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Hybrids and Filters:...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Line Tuner: .................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Master Oscillators and Amplifiers: ............................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Protection and earthing of coupling equipment:............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Technologies being used in PLC............................................................................... 42
G3:............................................................................................................................. 42
Working:................................................................................................................. 43
G3 PLC Alliance:.................................................................................................... 43
Advantage:................................................................................................................... 44
Prime: ........................................................................................................................ 44
Advantages: ........................................................................................................... 45
Power Line Carrier (PLC) Technology....................................................................... 45
Advantages:............................................................................................................... 45
Disadvantages:.......................................................................................................... 46
GSM/GPRS:.................................................................................................................. 46
Working: .................................................................................................................... 46
Overview of GSM based AMR system:...................................................................... 48
Technical Specifications: ........................................................................................... 49
DLMS / COSEM for AMR:............................................................................................ 50
DLMS User Authority (UA):........................................................................................ 50
Working: .................................................................................................................... 50
Salient Features:........................................................................................................ 51
Why We Need It?....................................................................................................... 51
Advantages:............................................................................................................... 51
Disadvantages:.......................................................................................................... 51
Comparison between technologies used in AMI:..................................................... 52
World-wide projects on AMI:...................................................................................... 52
South Korea............................................................................................................... 52
Analysis of MarketandMarkets................................................................................... 53

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AMI projects initiated by CG ...................................................................................... 53
Deployment of AMI in North America......................................................................... 54
Deployment of AMI in Nigeria and West Africa.......................................................... 54
LOCAL AMR PROJECTS ............................................................................................ 54
Projects initiated by USAID........................................................................................ 54
Project initiated by info-tech....................................................................................... 55
Telenor Pakistan........................................................................................................ 55
ABSTRACT:
This report provides information about energy metering, what drawbacks in the old
technologies led to the new ones such as AMI different technologies that are employed
such as GSM/GPRS, Zig-bee etc. and what is the future of energy metering. At last this
report provides information on the ongoing projects based on AMR/AMI in Pakistan.

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INTRODUCTION:
WHAT IS ENERGY METER & ENERGY METERING?
The energy meter is a measuring device, which is used to record Electrical Energy
consumed over a specified period of time.
Previously, electro-mechanical meters were used, they had a rotating disk, now they are
replaced by static energy meters, which are more accurate and they are more secure.
Energy metering is the process of measuring the amount of electric energy consumed
by a residence, business, or an electrically powered device. Electricity meters are
typically calibrated in billing units, the most common being the kilowatt hour.
The consumer is charged by electricity bill on the basis of readings of energy meter
according to the tariff defined by the regulatory authority of the country. In Pakistan tariff
is defined by NEPRA (National Electric Power Regulatory Authority) and tariff rates are
different for peak hours and off – peak hours as well as for residential, commercial and
industrial consumers.
Metering is based on the product of two electrical entities, current I and voltage V;
power is the product of these two entities, V and I. Energy is calculated integrating over
time (that is adding together time after time) the V*I products.
AUTOMATIC METER READING (AMR)
Automatic meter reading, or AMR, automatically collects consumption, diagnostic, and
status data from energy meters and transfer that data to a central station for billing,
troubleshooting, and analysis. Different type of technologies can be used to transfer
data from energy meter to utility i.e. RF technology, ZigBee technology, GSM/GPRS
technology and PLC.
ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE (AMI)
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is the totality of systems and networks for
measuring, collecting, storing, analyzing, and using energy usage data. It is an
architecture for automated, two-way communication between a smart utility meter with
an IP address and a utility company. The goal of an AMI is to provide utility companies
with real-time data about power consumption and allow customers to make informed
choices about energy usage based on the price at the time of use.
SMART METER
A smart meter is usually an electronic device that records consumption of electric
energy in intervals of an hour or less and communicates that information at least daily
back to the utility for monitoring and billing. Smart meters enable two-way
communication between the meter and the central system. Unlike home energy
monitors, smart meters can gather data for remote reporting. Such an advanced

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metering infrastructure (AMI) differs from traditional automatic meter reading (AMR) in
that it enables two-way communications with the meter.
BACKGROUND OF ENERGY METERS
The first specimen of the AC kilowatt-hour meter produced on the basis of Hungarian
Ottó Bláthy's patent and named after him was presented by the Ganz Works at the
Frankfurt Fair in the autumn of 1889, and the first induction kilowatt-hour meter was
already marketed by the factory at the end of the same year. These were the first
alternating-current watt-hour meters, known by the name of Bláthy-meters. The AC
kilowatt hour meters used at present operate on the same principle as Bláthy's original
invention. Also around 1889, Elihu Thomson of the American General Electric company
developed a recording watt meter (watt-hour meter) based on an ironless commutator
motor. This meter overcame the disadvantages of the electrochemical type and could
operate on either alternating or direct current.
In 1894 Oliver Shallenberger of the Westinghouse Electric Corporation applied the
induction principle previously used only in AC ampere-hour meters to produce a watt-
hour meter of the modern electromechanical form, using an induction disk whose
rotational speed was made proportional to the power in the circuit. The Bláthy meter
was similar to Shallenberger and Thomson meter in that they are two-phase motor
meter. Although the induction meter would only work on alternating current, it eliminated
the delicate and troublesome commutator of the Thomson design. Shallenberger fell ill
and was unable to refine his initial large and heavy design, although he did also develop
a poly-phase version.
ELECTROMECHANICAL METERS
The most common type of electricity meter is the electromechanical induction watt-hour
meter.
Working of Electro-Mechanical Meters
The electromechanical induction meter operates by counting the revolutions of a non-
magnetic, but electrically conductive, metal disc which is made to rotate at a speed
proportional to the power passing through the meter. The number of revolutions is thus
proportional to the energy usage. The voltage coil consumes a small and relatively
constant amount of power, typically around 2 watts which is not registered on the meter.
The current coil similarly consumes a small amount of power in proportion to the square
of the current flowing through it, typically up to a couple of watts at full load, which is
registered on the meter.
The disc is acted upon by two sets of coils, which form, in effect, a two phase induction
motor. One coil is connected in such a way that it produces a magnetic flux in proportion
to the voltage and the other produces a magnetic flux in proportion to the current. The

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field of the voltage coil is delayed by 90 degrees, due to the coil's inductive nature, and
calibrated using a lag coil. This produces eddy currents in the disc and the effect is such
that a force is exerted on the disc in proportion to the product of the instantaneous
current, voltage and phase angle (power factor) between them. A permanent magnet
exerts an opposing force proportional to the speed of rotation of the disc. The
equilibrium between these two opposing forces results in the disc rotating at a speed
proportional to the power or rate of energy usage. The disc drives a register mechanism
which counts revolutions, much like the odometer in a car, in order to render a
measurement of the total energy used.
Three-phase electromechanical induction meter, metering 100 A 240/415 V supply.
Horizontal aluminum rotor disc is visible in center of meter
The disc is supported by a spindle which has a worm gear which drives the register.
The register is a series of dials which record the amount of energy used. The dials may
be of the cyclometer type, an odometer-like display that is easy to read where for each
dial a single digit is shown through a window in the face of the meter, or of the pointer
type where a pointer indicates each digit. With the dial pointer type, adjacent pointers
generally rotate in opposite directions due to the gearing mechanism.
The amount of energy represented by one revolution of the disc is denoted by the
symbol Kh which is given in units of watt-hours per revolution. The value 7.2 is
commonly seen. Using the value of Kh one can determine their power consumption at
any given time by timing the disc with a stopwatch.
𝑃 =
(3600∗𝐾ℎ)
𝑡
.
Where:
t = time in seconds taken by the disc to complete one revolution,
P = power in watts.
For example, if Kh = 7.2 as above, and one revolution took place in 14.4 seconds, the
power is 1800 watts. This method can be used to determine the power consumption of
household devices by switching them on one by one.

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Drawbacks of Electromechanical Meters
 The moving parts present in electromechanical meters are prone to wear and
tear over time.
 Electromechanical meters require manual readings. In other words meter reader
have to go and take the reading manually to issue the bill. Because of the man
power requirement, there is always an additional cost to the bill apart from
energy consumed.
 This meter can be tampered easily.
 Power theft is also a major problem in electromechanical meters.
TECHNICAL PROBLEMS WITH ELECTROMECHANICAL
METERS
Moving Disk:
Electromechanical meters contain a moving aluminum disk inside a magnetic field .This
disk is connected with rotating digits on the meter which count the units of electricity
being consumed .As there are mechanical parts in this meter they got wear and tear by
the time which effect speed of rotation of the disk, environmental factors also take part
in this aspect (dust etc.).
Losses:
The power utilized in working of the meter is not accounted in the units consumed
.These can be up to 2kwh.
Manual adjustment:
It is easy to manually adjust the speed of rotating disk which surely affects the units
consumed and hence billing.
Cost:
The mechanical parts used in the meter causes its cost to become high as compared to
static meter.

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STATIC METERING
Electronic meters display the energy used on an LCD or LED
display, and some can also transmit readings to remote
places. In addition to measuring energy used, electronic
meters can also record other parameters of the load and
supply such as instantaneous and maximum rate of usage
demands, voltages, power factor and reactive power used
etc. They can also support time-of-day billing, for example,
recording the amount of energy used during on-peak and off-
peak hours.
The world static meter is given to this type of meter because
there are no moving parts in it like in conventional
electromechanical meter.
WHY STATIC METER?
Consumer Billing:
Accurate billing is required to satisfy both consumer and utility end.
Revenue Protection:
To protect the revenue of utility for better and efficient working of the utility .This also
helps the utility to benefit consumer.
Consumer Complaints:
To overcome consumer complaints against billing procedure.

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Accurate Meter Reading:
One of the greatest advantages is that accurate reading of meter is insured with static
meters.
Power Losses:
Minute losses associated with the working of electromechanical meters are now also
accounted for in billing.
Secure:
Now meter reading is secure and no one can change it in order to reduce his/her bill.
TYPES OF STATIC METER
These are of accurate, high procession and reliable types of measuring instruments as
compared to conventional mechanical meters. It consumes less power and starts
measuring instantaneously when connected to load. These meters might be analog or
digital. In analog meters, power is converted to proportional frequency or pulse rate and
it is integrated by counters placed inside it. In digital electric meter power is directly
measured by high end processor. The power is integrated by logic circuits to get the
energy and also for testing and calibration purpose. It is then converted to frequency or
pulse rate.
Analog Electronic Energy Meters:
In analog type meters, voltage and current values of each phase are obtained by
voltage divider and current transformers respectively which are directly connected to the
load.
Digital Electronic Energy Meters:
Digital signal processor or high performance microprocessors are used in digital electric
meters. Similar to the analog meters, voltage and current transducers are connected to
a high resolution ADC. Once it converts analog signals to digital samples, voltage and
current samples are multiplied and integrated by digital circuits to measure the energy
consumed.
Working of Static Meter
Electronic Energy Meter is based on Digital Micro Technology (DMT) and uses no
moving parts. So the EEM is known as “Static Energy Meter” In EEM the accurate
functioning is controlled by a specially designed IC called ASIC (Application Specified

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Integrated Circuit). ASIC is constructed only for specific applications using Embedded
System Technology. Similar ASIC are now used in Washing Machines, Air
Conditioners, Automobiles, Digital Camera etc.
In addition to ASIC, analogue circuits, Voltage transformer, Current transformer etc. are
also present in EEM to “Sample” current and voltage. The ‘Input Data’ (Voltage) is
compared with a programmed “Reference Data’ (Voltage) and finally a ‘Voltage Rate’
will be given to the output. This output is then converted into ‘Digital Data’ by the AD
Converters (Analogue- Digital converter) present in the ASIC.
The Digital Data is then converted into an “Average Value”. Average Value / Mean
Value is the measuring unit of power. The output of ASIC is available as “Pulses”
indicated by the LED (Light Emitting Diode) placed on the front panel of EEM. These
pulses are equal to Average Kilo Watt Hour (kWh / unit). Different ASIC with various
kWh are used in different makes of EEMs. But usually 800 to 3600 pulses / kWh
generating ASIC s are used in EEMs. The output of ASIC is sufficient to drive a Stepper
Motor to give display through the rotation of digits embossed wheels. The output pulses
are indicated through LED. The ASIC are manufactured by Analogue Device Company.
COMPONENTS OF A STATIC METER
CT:
CT are the current transformers used to step down the current to minute values for the
functioning of internal circuitry of the meter. These are also used as current sensors to
sense the input current to its primary because it is essential component in the
calculation of units of electricity consumed.
PT:
PT are the potential transformers used to step down the voltage to minute values for the
functioning of internal circuitry of the meter. These are also used to sense the input
voltage to its primary because it is essential component in the calculation of units of
electricity consumed.
Microprocessor:
A microprocessor is placed inside the meter to calculate the units consumed by
multiplying the sensed voltages and currents and then stores them inside a memory unit
placed inside it. Microprocessor also calculates phase angle between voltage and
current, so that it also measures and indicates reactive power. It is programmed in such
a way that it calculates energy according to the tariff and other parameters like power
factor, maximum demand, etc. and stores all these values in a nonvolatile memory
EEPROM.

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It contains real time clock (RTC) for calculating time for power integration, maximum
demand calculations and also date and time stamps for particular parameters.
Furthermore it interacts with liquid crystal display (LCD), communication devices and
other meter outputs. Battery is provided for RTC and other significant peripherals for
backup power.
LCD:
An LCD is available to display the units of electricity consumed and various other
factors including power factor etc.
LEDs:
Various LEDs are available for the indication of phases and connection faults etc.
ADC:
Analog to digital converters are available for the conversion of analog currents and
voltages into digital signals for their processing in microprocessor.
DSP:
A digital signal processor is available for the processing of digitalized signals in the
microprocessor.
Battery:
A battery is available to display various quantities on the LCD screen in case of load
shading and for proper working of the microprocessors and memory unit for the security
of data.
Super Capacitor:
A super capacitor is introduced to overcome the load on the battery and for the
functioning of the circuitry for about 15 days in case the battery is dead to protect the
useful data.

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Figure 1 Static Meter
ISSUES WITH CONVENTIONAL METERING
One of the major issues with the conventional metering is the loss of meter reading due
to human interruption. That’s why smart metering is becoming popular to benefit both
user and utility and to protect and secure revenue collection.
 In conventional metering meter readings are taken with the help a meter
reader who go and read the meter at the end of each month from door to
door. These readings are often faulty and causes huge problems in billing
procedure.

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 This system often is a threat to revenue of the utility. The revenue
collection procedure is unsecure due to faulty readings and is
unsatisfactory both for user and utility.
 The user gradually start to distrust the utility due to faulty readings and
often complaints.
 Consumer often complaints against the bill. Quoting that the bill is higher
than consumption.
 Meter readers are bribed by the people to make amendments in the
readings to reduce bill. Which is a direct threat to utility’s revenue. This
also affects other people who have to pay greater than their consumption.
 A large number of people are required to accomplish the meter reading
process and a large amount of money to handle their payments.

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 This process is time consuming, billing process is often not completed at
end of the month. This effect both user and utility. User’s often finds it
easy to pay bill by the start of the month rather than end.
 Data or information is often lost in conventional metering because it is
not easy to gather data from various regions accurately within a specified
time.
 Human interference at various points in the process makes the process
slow and faulty.
 The process is laborious and time consuming taking into account that
large no. of people are required and a lot of office work.
 Using this process we are not getting any benefit of our efforts of smart
meter installation because with our attempts we have corrected the
readings of units of electricity consumed but still the process to gather this
information makes it faulty .So there is a need to make efforts to correct
this process for the benefit of both user and utility.
Conclusion:
Major cause of failure of conventional metering is human interference .So, need
is to take such measures which can reduce human interference in this process
.This will be beneficial for both user and utility and will help to secure utility’s
revenue. Technology can serve as a remedy to this problem.
SOLUTION:
Smart meters:
Technology can serve as a solution to the problems of conventional metering. Various
techniques have been designed to overcome the problem. The basic theme of these
techniques is to gather readings information without human interference and to make
the process time efficient and making the system economical.
The term Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) has been introduced which is a process in
which meter readings are automatically received at the other end.
Automatic Meter Reading system (AMR) continuously monitors the energy meter and
sends data on request of service provider through SMS. It saves huge human labor.
The data received from an energy meter has been stored in database server which was
located at electricity Board station through SMS gate way for further processing by
energy provider.
Automatic meter reading system helps the customer and energy service provider to
access the accurate and updated data from the energy meter. AMR System can send
energy consumption in hourly, monthly or on request. This data is sent to central system

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for billing and troubleshooting. These data are stored into the database server for
processing and recording. This technology mitigates labor cost, collection time, energy
theft, avoids late payment. Adding to this it increases data security, improved customer
service, reduced revenue losses. This system provides freedom to electricity companies
to take action against lenient customers who have outstanding dues, otherwise
companies can disconnect the power of customer .Companies can re-connect the
power after deposition of dues. This system is not only sending the data but also it does
provide power disconnect/connect feature, power cut feature and tempering alert
feature. All these advantages give this product an edge over other pragmatically
prevailing devices. So GSM AMR system is more efficient apropos base convention
billing system.
AUTOMATIC METER READING (AMR):
The primary purpose for the automation of meter reading is not to reduce labor
costs, but to obtain data that is difficult to obtain.
It is the technology of automatically collecting consumption by energy metering devices
and transferring that data to a central database for billing. It can also be used for
troubleshooting and analyzing by gathering diagnostic and status data also. This timely
information coupled with analysis can help both utility providers and customers’ better
control the use and production of electric energy, gas usage, or water consumption.

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Brief History:
In 1972 Mr. Paraskevakos developed a sensor monitoring system which used digital
transmission for meter reading capabilities for all utilities. This technology was a spin-off of the
automatic telephone line identification system, now known as Caller ID. In 1977, he launched
Metretek, Inc. Since this system was developed pre-Internet, Metretek utilized the IBM series 1
mini-computer.
Early AMR systems often consisted of walk-by and drive-by AMR for residential customers,
and telephone-based AMR for commercial or industrial customers. What was once a need for
monthly data became a need for daily and even hourly readings of the meters. Consequently,
the sales of drive-by and telephone AMR dropped.
Figure 2 the First Commercially Available Remote Meter Reading and Load Management System - Metretek, Inc. (1978)
Why We Need It?
Advanced metering systems can provide benefits for utilities, retail providers and customers.
Let us discuss the benefits it provides to them individually.
Utilities:
The benefits of advanced metering systems for the utility are:
 Accurate meter reading, no more estimates.
 True costs applied.
 Improved security and tamper detection for equipment.
 Energy management through profile data graphs.
 In cases of shortages, utility will be able to manage/allocate supply.

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Retail Providers:
The benefits of advanced metering systems for the retail providers are:
 Able them to offer new innovative products.
 With the meter data being readily available, more flexible billing cycles would be
available to their customers.
Consumers:
The benefits of advanced metering systems for the consumers are:
 Improved billing.
 Tracking of usage.
 Flag potential high consumption before customer gets a high bill.
AMI (ADVANCE METERING INFRASTRUCTURE):-
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) are systems that measure, collect, and analyse energy
usage, and interconnect with metering (two way communication) devices such as electricity
meters, gas meters, heat meters, and water meters, either on request or on a plan.
This infrastructure includes home network systems, including communicating thermostats and
other in-home controls, smart meters, communication networks from the meters to local data
concentrators, back-haul communications networks to corporate data centres, meter data
management systems (MDMS) and, finally, data integration into existing and new software
application platforms. Additionally, AMI provides a very “intelligent” step toward modernizing
the entire power system.
An AMI system mainly comprises of following blocks or components:
 Smart Meters
 Communication Infrastructure
 Home area network (In House Displays/Customer interface Unit)
 Meter Data Management System (MDMs)
 Operational Gateways

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AMI Interface
DER
Home Area
Network
Load
Control
Devices
Smart
Meter
DER
Local Area
Network
Load
Control
Devices
Smart
Meter
Distribution
Mgmt.
System
MDMS
DMS
Gateway
AMI Head
End
Communications
Operations
Customer
Service
Consumer Portal layer
Metering layer
Communication layer

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AMR AND AMI?
AMR is the small part or subset of the big infrastructure namely AMI. AMR just
include the metering, but AMI includes all the required infrastructure including
DCU, MDC, and MDMS etc.
Department Benefit by Department Benefit by
AMR AMI
Billing Metering Billing Metering Dispatch
Demand
Mgmt.
Customer
Service
Key
Account
s
Asset
Mgmt.
Operation
Engineerin
g
Planning

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ISSUES REGARDING AMI:
This new technology namely AMI seems too good to be true. But like any other thing in this
world, AMI has its own set of problems and issues which needs to be addressed. Some are
given below.
Interoperability:
The patchwork of proprietary and single purpose systems result in systems that cannot
interoperate across vendor products, or must be manually patched together, leading to one-of-
a-kind, unreliable, and expensive systems. Vendors might not be motivated to maintain these
systems, thus leading to greater maintenance and upgrading expenses over time. Utilities
could be “locked” into the one vendor supporting the proprietary technologies, thus might not
be able to take advantage of less expensive and/or more capable products from other vendors
over time.
Systems should be based on open standards, but that’s not being done practically. SGG
(smart grid gateway) can solve this problem. It can convert various messages from products of
different vendors to one universal language that can be understood by the system and thus
solving this problem of interoperability.
MDM
SGG
MDM MDM MDM
METER 1 METER 2 METER 3

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Economics:
If the system components are not interoperable, then there would be a kind of monopoly of a
vendor i.e. there would be only one vendor in the whole market, thus desired levels of cost
reductions from a competitive marketplace will just not happen. The resulting systems would
inevitably incur the higher costs of proprietary systems that do not yield the benefits of a
mature, competitive and open market place.
Security:
The system should be secured and data transmitting from meters to central station should be
encrypted thus making it difficult to hack into the system and altering the data.
COMPONENTS OF AMR/AMI:
Communications Infrastructure:-
The AMI communications infrastructure maintenances continuous communication between the
utility, the consumer and the manageable electrical load. It must employ open bi-directional
communication standards, yet be highly secure. It has the potential to also serve as the
foundation for a multitude of modern grid functions beyond AMI. Various architectures can be
employed, with one of the most common being local concentrators that collect data from
groups of meters and transmit that data to a central server via a backhaul channel. Various
media can be considered to provide part or all of this architecture:
 Power Line Carrier (PLC)
 Broadband over power lines (BPL)
 Copper or optical fiber
 Wireless (Radio frequency), either centralized or a distributed mesh
 Internet
 Combinations of the above
Future inclusion of smart grid applications and potential consumer services should be
considered when determining communication bandwidth requirements.
Meter:-
Electronic meters display the energy used on an LCD or LED display, and some can also
transmit readings to remote places. In addition to measuring energy used, electronic meters
can also record other parameters of the load and supply such as instantaneous and maximum
rate of usage demands, voltages, power factor and reactive power used etc. They can also
support time-of-day billing, for example, recording the amount of energy used during on-peak
and off-peak hours. Meter factor of static meter is impulse per second.

P a g e | 24
SPI/
UART
SPI/
UART
UART
UART
An ordinary digital meter only calculate the reading in unit that usually Kilowatt per Hour. Then
extra blocks can be added with respect to respective meter reading technique.
Suppose if we want to implement RF (Radio Frequency) technique, then an extra RF emitter is
introduced into the same electric meter. Meter using in touch technology have infrared sensor
in it. Those static meter which are used in GSM technique usually have GSM modem in it. In
the same way GPRS technique must have a GPRS Modem in it. The basic function of a meter
is same which is to calculate electricity consumption in Kilowatt /hour. The only difference
between different meters like RF meter, Infrared meter, GSM meter and GPRS meter is due to
different reading techniques.
Block Diagram of GSM based Energy Meter is given below.
LCD Controller
ADC
RTCNVM Hardware Security
Segment LCD
Display
Meterology AFE
Meterology
Sensor
Battery
RF
PLC
General Packet
Radio Service
Figure 3 Block Diagram of Energy Meter with different metering blocks

P a g e | 25
Figure 5 Block Diagram of GSM Based Energy Meter
Handheld Unit:
In handheld AMR, a meter reader carries a handheld computer with a built-in or attached
receiver/transceiver (radio frequency or touch) to collect meter readings from an AMR capable
meter. This is sometimes referred to as "walk-by" meter reading since the meter reader walks
by the locations where meters are installed as they go through their meter reading route.
Data Concentrator Unit (DCU):
The Data Concentrator Unit is a gateway for communication of data between the Meter
Interface Unit and the substation. The Data Concentrator Unit requests information from the
Meter Interface Unit on a scheduled basis and stores the data, which can be accessed by the
Substation server.
Features:
 Maintain time sync with meters and DCC.
 Detect Device failures and logs the same.
 Two way communications facilitating monitoring, control and administration.
 Monitor and report theft and tampering from meters.
 Specially designed secured algorithms to detect and validate various UTILITY defined
tamper conditions, supply and service violations, power outages etc.
Meter Data Collection (MDC):
Meter Data Collection Server is a system in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) used to
obtain data from the meters and store it into the database. Meter Data Collection (MDC)
Server shall have following:
Regulated Power Supply
Energy Meter
µ
C
GSM Modem
LCD Driver
Circuit
LCD Display

P a g e | 26
 User Interface Application.
 Database Management System (DBMS).
 Communicator.
User Interface Application:
It is responsible for providing a graphical interface to the user to view the data received from
the communicator; send meter configuration and other relevant data to the meters. The user
interface application shall provide a mechanism for meter management functions.
Database Management System:
The Database Management System (DBMS) is a central repository for all metering data collected
through communicator. The host software shall have capabilities to store and report all metering
data in a DBMS.
Communicator:
It is responsible for handling all communications between meters and MDC and sending data
into database for the user interface application. It has different modes of communication which
depends on the choice of the user.
Meter Data Management (MDM):
Meter data management (MDM) refers to a key component in the Smart Grid. An MDM system
performs long term data storage and management for the vast quantities of data delivered by
smart metering systems. This data consists primarily of usage data and events that are
imported from Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) or Automatic meter reading (AMR)
systems.
An MDM system will typically import the data from various MDCs, then validate, cleanse and
process it before making it available for billing and analysis.
An MDMS system provide application programming interfaces (APIs) between the MDM
system and the multiple destinations that rely on meter data. So, that the person at the utility
end can observe/use the data. This is the first step to ensure that consistent processes get
applied to the data. An advanced MDM may provide facility for remote connect/disconnect of
meters, power status verificationpower restoration verification and on demand read of remote
meters.
Key feature for MDM to work is that the meter should have GSM/GPRS technology to send or
receive data to or from a central station.

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SMART METER:-
Conventional electromechanical meters served as the
utility cash register for most of its history. At residential
level these meter only calculated energy consumed
over a specific time e.g. kilowatt per hour (Kw/hour)
typically a month. Smart meters are programmable
equipment that perform many more functions including
most or all of the following:
 Time-based pricing
 Consumption data for consumer and utility
 Net metering
 Loss of power (and restoration) notification
 Remote turn on / turn off operations
 Load limiting for “bad pay” or demand response
purposes
 Energy prepayment
 Power quality monitoring
 Tamper and energy theft detection
 Communications with other intelligent devices in the home
Smart meter have immense number of feature. Smart meter is connected to Head-End System
and HAN (Home Area Network) at same time. Since it’s a two way communication, vender can
control the meter directly from his office. They can retrieve meter data via GPRS and then
send it to MDMs for further processing. They can stop the meter operation as well. They also
can estimate the power losses from smart meter. Vender can also detect theft from meter data
by comparing the data to transformer meter data. If the meter data differs from transformer
meter data then someone is obviously stealing electricity from the lines.
In the same way the consumer can also access some of the limited function of smart meter.
Since meter is also connected to Home Area Network, it has its data in specific IP address. So
consumer can simply access the meter through his electronic device such as laptop or other
Internet enabled device. Vendor allows consumer to some specific functions only. For example
consumer can change load limit from his meter. He can note the meter reading for sake of
convenience. Thus he can calculate consumption data

P a g e | 28
Basic Components of Smart Meter:-
 Transformer
 Microprocessor
 Amplifier
 Microcontroller
TECHNOLOGIES USED IN AMR:
INFRARED TECHNOLOGY:-
This technology is also refer as touch technology of
automatic meter reading. In touch based metering
technology a meter reader carries a handheld
computer or data collection device with a pointer or
probe. This HHU (Hand Held Unit) automatically
collects the readings from a meter by touching or placing the read
probe in close proximity to a reading coil enclosed in the touchpad.
There is an infrared Sensor in both of the devices i.e. in meter and
hand held device. Data is transferred through infrared ray from meter
to HHU.
When a button is pressed, the probe sends an interrogate signal to
the infrared module to collect the meter reading. The software in the
hand held unit matches the serial number to one in the route
database, and saves the meter reading for later download to a billing Figure 4 Hand Held Unit

P a g e | 29
or data collection computer then this data is managed in MDM. Since the meter reader still has
to go to the site of the meter, this is sometimes referred to as “on-site” AMR.
RF TECHNOLOGY:
RF based Automatic meter reading, or AMR, is the technology of automatically collecting data
from energy meter and transferring that data to a central database for billing and/or analyzing,
using radio frequency as means of communication. It can take many forms. The more common
ones are Handheld, Mobile, and Fixed network. There are both two-way RF systems and one-
way RF systems in use that use both licensed and unlicensed RF bands.
RF based meter reading usually eliminates the need for the meter reader to enter the property
or home, or to locate and open an underground meter pit. The utility saves money by
increased speed of reading, has lower liability from entering private property, and has less
chance of missing reads because of being locked out from meter access.
The RF Based Amr System
The Radio Frequency based Automatic Metering System consists of a Transmitter Unit and a
Receiver Unit. This technology operates at either 433 MHz (Long Range) or 2.4 GHz (Short
Range). The Transmitter Unit reads the data from the energy meter and transmits it to the
receiver which then sends it to the servers or to a computer for further processing. The
receiver unit can be either a hand-held device or a DCU. The meter reader collect data from
each meter and store it in his device. He then takes his device to the DCU or directly to the
MDMS for billing and further processing. As opposed to this, the data can be collected by the
DCU. This saves labor and time as well since a DCU can gather data from all the meters in its
vicinity and then send it to the MDMS for billing. There are a number of options as to how the
data is sent forward from the DCU. One option is to use the GSM Modules which send data
directly to the servers. This method where we use both RF and GSM together is the most cost
effective since fewer number of GSM Modules have to be used and man power is also saved.

P a g e | 30
A number of factors must be considered when evaluating an RF based AMR system. These
include:
 Licensed or unlicensed frequency spectrum
 One-way or two-way communications
 Mobile or fixed network systems
RF METERS
(SINGLE PHASE, 3
PHASE, HT etc.)
DCU
MDC
MDMS
HAND HELD UNIT
(HHU) GSM
MODULE

P a g e | 31
Licensed or Unlicensed
All wireless AMR systems use radio frequencies that are controlled and assigned by the local
telecommunication authority. Some systems operate in licensed bands, and some use license-
free bands. Frequencies below 1000 MHz, especially the 400 MHz band, are attractive for
AMR due to the longer communication range compared to higher frequencies.
Generally speaking licensed systems operate over longer distances, but require the user to
secure and pay for a license every year. Typical unlicensed systems operate in the Industrial
Scientific, Medical (ISM) bands, with 902-928 MHz being the most popular. Many systems
communicate using a modulation technique known as a spread spectrum that allows multiple
users to occupy the same channels without interference.
Communication Type
One-way
One-way systems, as its name implies communicate normally in one direction only. Typical
AMR systems that use one-way have the remote metered device transmit information from the
meter location to a central receiver. In some cases, one-way systems might have a "wake-up"
that alerts the remote devices to turn on and begin transmitting, in other cases, the end units
transmit all the time.
The cost of a one-way transmission system is normally lower than that of a full two-way
system. One-way systems are ideal for applications that require only basic information to be
communicated. The frequency of how often a one-way system can be read is dependent on
the receiving system. Some fixed network one-way systems can deliver information from
remote devices every 15 minutes.
Two-way
Two-way systems, as the name implies, permits the communication of information from the
remote meter location to the receiver, as well as, from the receiver to the remote meter
location. These systems offer utilities more functionality, including on-demand meter reading,
re-tariffing of the meter remotely, recharging of a pre-payment metering, immediate power
failure alerts, remote connect and disconnect services, and other advanced services.
System Type
Mobile Pedestrian System
In a pedestrian system, meter readers walk down a street collecting the meter reading from the
meter interface unit (MIU) via a radio frequency (RF) hand-held receiver. Once in proximity of a
remote meter device, the unit captures the data and stores it in the hand-held device.
Pedestrian systems are typically less expensive to deploy than vehicle or fixed network
systems and are particularly well suited for either small utilities or utilities that want to
implement a limited AMR installation

P a g e | 32
Mobile Vehicle System
In a vehicle system, a specially equipped van has the central receiver inside the vehicle. The
meter reader collects the readings, simply by driving the vehicle at normal road speeds (25-35
mph) around the intended route. Once the driver is in radio range of the MIU, the unit can
receive and process the meter reading data very quickly. Once the meter reading information
is collected by the receiver, data is then sent to the laptop computer where it is matched up
with the pre-loaded route information. At the end of the shift the operator downloads the route
information into a route management or billing system back at the utility office.
Fixed Networks
Another way of capturing data from remote locations is to permanently mount a radio tower
and equipment in a central location. The tower is then connected to a central processing unit
that captures the data from the field. Fixed networks are more suitable for a densely populated
area or a multi-unit site to become a cost effective means of collecting meter readings. One of
the advantages of a fixed radio network is the ability to capture readings on demand or on a
more frequent basis.
There are several types of network topologies in use to get the meter data back to a central
computer e.g. star network and mesh network etc. In mesh networks meters themselves act as
repeaters passing the data to nearby meters until it makes it to a main collector. A mesh
network may save the infrastructure of many collection points, but is more data intensive on
the meters. One issue with mesh networks it that battery operated ones may need more power
for the increased frequency of transmitting. It also requires that the meter devices be receivers
as well as transmitters potentially making individual transceiver cost higher. However, the
additional cost may be outweighed by the savings of multiple collectors and repeater antennas
and finding places to mount them.
Advantages:
 Efficient in densely populated areas as the data can still be collected even if the meter
location is inaccessible.
 Multi-unit site to become a cost effective means of collecting meter readings.
 Increased speed of reading.
 Can save cost on labor.
 Power thefts can be detected through continuous monitoring of a user’s load.
 Fixed radio network has the ability to capture readings on demand or on a more
frequent basis.
Disadvantages:
 Some countries pose very strict laws regarding the use of radio frequencies, thus this
scheme is not advantageous in that areas.

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MESH NETWORKING
A mesh network is a network topology in which each node relays data for the network. All
mesh nodes cooperate in the distribution of data in the network.
Mesh networks can relay messages using either a flooding technique or a routing technique.
With routing, the message is propagated along a path by hopping from node to node until it
reaches its destination. To ensure all its paths' availability, the network must allow for
continuous connections and must reconfigure itself around broken paths, using self-healing
algorithms. Self-healing allows a routing-based network to operate when a node breaks down
or when a connection becomes unreliable. As a result, the network is typically quite reliable, as
there is often more than one path between a source and a destination in the network.
Figure 5 A mesh
In a mesh network topology every node not only sends its own signals but also relays data
from other nodes. In fact a true mesh topology is the one where every node is connected to
every other node in the network. This type of topology is very expensive as there are many
redundant connections.
Scope
Mesh Networking can be implemented by using different types of technologies like ZigBee, RF
or PLC etc. Anyone of the above mentioned technology can be used on individual nodes,
these nodes transmit data to the gateway/Data Concentrator Unit (DCU) through other nodes
utilizing the shortest possible path. For example every individual node has RF technology and
data is transmitted in a mesh towards a nearby DCU which can transmits data to the Master
Data Management System (MDMS) through a backhaul by using technologies like
GSM/GPRS, RF or Ethernet etc.

P a g e | 34
Advantages of Mesh topology
 Data can be transmitted from different devices simultaneously. This topology can
withstand high traffic.
 Even if one of the components fails there is always an alternative present. So data
transfer doesn’t get affected.
 Expansion and modification in topology can be done without disrupting other nodes.
Disadvantages of Mesh topology
 There are high chances of redundancy in many of the network connections.
 Overall cost of the network is way too high as compared to other network topologies.
 Set-up and maintenance of this topology is very difficult. Even administration of the
network is tough.
ZIG BEE:
ZigBee is the wireless language that everyday devices use to connect to one another. ZigBee
is the set of specs built around the IEEE 802.15.4 wireless protocol. The IEEE is the Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering
technology involving electronics and electronic devices. The 802 group is the section of the
IEEE involved in network operations and technologies, including mid-sized networks and local
networks. Group 15 deals specifically with wireless networking technologies, and includes the
now ubiquitous 802.15.1 working group, which is also known as Bluetooth®. The standard
itself is regulated by a group known as the ZigBee Alliance, with over 150 members
worldwide.
While Bluetooth® focuses on connectivity between large packet user devices, such as laptops,
phones, and major peripherals, ZigBee is designed to provide highly efficient connectivity
between small packet devices. As a result of its simplified operations, which are one to two full
orders of magnitude less complex than a comparable Bluetooth® device, pricing for these
devices is extremely competitive, with full nodes available for a fraction of the cost of a
Bluetooth® node. They are also actively limited to a through-rate of 250 Kbps, compared to the
much larger pipeline of 1 Mbps for Bluetooth®, and operates on the 2.4 GHz ISM band, which
is available throughout most of the world.
ZigBee has been developed to meet the growing demand for capable wireless networking
between numerous low-power devices. In industry, it is being used for next generation
automated manufacturing, with small transmitters in every device on the floor, allowing for
communication between devices to a central computer. This new level of communication
permits finely-tuned remote monitoring and manipulation. In the consumer market, the

P a g e | 35
technology is being explored for everything from linking low-power household devices such as
smoke alarms to a central housing control unit, to centralized light controls.
The specified maximum range of operation for ZigBee devices is 250 feet (76 m), substantially
further than that used by Bluetooth® capable devices. Security concerns raised over "sniping"
devices remotely, however, may prove to hold true for both technologies.
Due to its low power output, ZigBee devices can sustain themselves on a small battery for
many months, or even years, making them ideal for install-and-forget purposes, such as most
small household systems.
The ZigBee network layer natively supports both star and tree networks, and generic mesh
networking. Every network must have one coordinator device, tasked with its creation, the
control of its parameters and basic maintenance. Within star networks, the coordinator must be
the central node. Both trees and meshes allow the use of ZigBee routers to extend
communication at the network level.
ZigBee builds on the physical layer and media access control defined in IEEE standard for low-
rate WPANs. The specification includes four additional key components: network layer,
application layer, ZigBee device objects (ZDOs) and manufacturer-defined application objects
which allow for customization and favor total integration. ZDOs are responsible for a number of
tasks, including keeping track of device roles, managing requests to join a network, as well as
device discovery and security.
Device Types
ZigBee devices are of three types:
 ZigBee Coordinator (ZC): The most capable device, the Coordinator forms the root of
the network tree and might bridge to other networks. There is exactly one ZigBee
Coordinator in each network since it is the device that started the network originally (the
ZigBee LightLink specification also allows operation without a ZigBee Coordinator,
making it more usable for over-the-shelf home products). It stores information about the
network, including acting as the Trust Center & repository for security keys.
 ZigBee Router (ZR): As well as running an application function, a Router can act as an
intermediate router, passing on data from other devices.
 ZigBee End Device (ZED): Contains just enough functionality to talk to the parent node
(either the Coordinator or a Router); it cannot relay data from other devices. This
relationship allows the node to be asleep a significant amount of the time thereby giving
long battery life. A ZED requires the least amount of memory, and therefore can be less
expensive to manufacture than a ZR or ZC.
Operating Modes
The current ZigBee protocols support beacon and non-beacon enabled networks. In non-
beacon-enabled networks, ZigBee Routers typically have their receivers continuously active,

P a g e | 36
requiring a more robust power supply. However, this allows for heterogeneous networks in
which some devices receive continuously, while others only transmit when an external stimulus
is detected. The typical example of a heterogeneous network is a wireless light switch: The
ZigBee node at the lamp may receive constantly, since it is connected to the mains supply,
while a battery-powered light switch would remain asleep until the switch is thrown. The switch
then wakes up, sends a command to the lamp, receives an acknowledgment, and returns to
sleep. In such a network the lamp node will be at least a ZigBee Router, if not the ZigBee
Coordinator; the switch node is typically a ZigBee End Device.
In beacon-enabled networks, the special network nodes called ZigBee Routers transmit
periodic beacons to confirm their presence to other network nodes. Nodes may sleep between
beacons, thus lowering their duty cycle and extending their battery life. Beacon intervals
depend on data rate; they may range from 15.36 milliseconds to 251.65824 seconds at 250
Kbit/s, from 24 milliseconds to 393.216 seconds at 40 Kbit/s and from 48 milliseconds to
786.432 seconds at 20 Kbit/s. However, low duty cycle operation with long beacon intervals
requires precise timing, which can conflict with the need for low product cost.
In general, the ZigBee protocols minimize the time the radio is on, so as to reduce power use.
In beaconing networks, nodes only need to be active while a beacon is being transmitted. In
non-beacon-enabled networks, power consumption is decidedly asymmetrical: Some devices
are always active, while others spend most of their time sleeping.
Data Transfer
In ZigBee data is transferred in packets. These have a maximum size of 128 bytes, allowing
for a maximum payload of 104 bytes. Although this may appear low when compared to other
systems, the applications in which 802.15.4 and ZigBee are likely to be used should not
require very high data rates. The standard supports 64 bit IEEE addresses as well as 16 bit
short addresses. The 64 bit addresses uniquely identify every device in the same way that
devices have a unique IP address. Once a network is set up, the short addresses can be used
and this enables over 65000 nodes to be supported. It also has an optional super frame
structure with a method for time synchronization. In addition to this it is recognized that some
messages need to be given a high priority. To achieve this, a guaranteed time slot mechanism
has been incorporated into the specification. This enables these high priority messages to be
sent across the network as swiftly as possible.
Characteristics Features of Zig Bee Technology:
There are different features of Zig bee technology on the basis of which we can understand
characteristics of Zig bee technology. The focus of network appliances under the standard
communication protocol describes the features of technology on the basis of nodes per
network. Some important features are as follows:
1. It is a type of technology which requires ultra-low power consumption with an excellent
battery life ranging from months to years. As we know that there are number of
appliances in the present era which are remote control and often these devices need

P a g e | 37
large number of batteries to be provisioned. These kind of batteries which has low
battery timing required large expenditures to recur them timely. Long battery life of Zig
bee standard can be achievable by two different means i.e. Continuous Network
connection: these connections are slow but they drain the battery surely. Second is
intermittent connection: these are slower than the previous one but they can also drain
the battery.
2. In this technology maximum data rates allowed for different frequency bands but in
some cases these bands are fixed.
3. High throughput and low latency for low duty cycle applications that are nearly to 0.1%.
4. Zig bee technology used Carrier Sense Multiple for channel access and also avoids the
collision during access.
5. Addressing of number of networks with the help of address devices up to 64 bit.

P a g e | 38
Advantages
 Very low power consumption
 ZigBee protocol needs less than 64 kb of ROM and 2-32 kb of RAM
 Extremely Low cost
 Open standards enable markets
 Chip-vendor independence
 Easy to deploy
 Excellent performance in environments with low signal-to-noise ratio
 ZigBee can be implemented with any type of microcontroller
Disadvantages
 Unable to transfer complex data
 Low range of operation
 Slow data transfer (250kbps at 2.4 GHz)
POWER LINE CARRIER (PLC) TECHNOLOGY
It is the technology in which to communicate data the existing AC power lines are used so,
system becomes inexpensive. A wide range of power-line communication technologies are
needed for different applications, ranging from home automation to Internet access which is
often called broadband over power lines (BPL). Most PLC technologies limit themselves to one
type of wires (such as premises wiring within a single building), but some can cross between
two levels (for example, both the distribution network and premises wiring).

P a g e | 39
WHY IT IS NEEDED?
Power Line Communication is a technology that has been around for some time now and has
been widely accepted as a solution that can meet the requirements of what a smart meter
should do.
The PLC technology enables the utility to add value to their major assets – the distribution
network that is already in place and using this as a means to facilitate the communication from
the meter to the utility. By re-using the electricity distribution network for communication, the
utility can also re-use maintenance tools and resources and thereby avoid costs for the
maintenance of a specific communication network. With any extensions to the electricity
distribution network made, the communication network grows accordingly.
WHAT IS PLC?
Power Line Communications (PLC) systems operate by impressing a modulated carrier signal
on the wiring system. Different types of power line communications use different frequency
bands, depending on the signal transmission characteristics of the power wiring used. Data
rates and distance limits vary widely over many power line communication standards. Low-
frequency (about 100–200 k Hz) carriers impressed on high-voltage transmission lines may
carry one or two analog voice circuits, or telemetry and control circuits with an equivalent data
rate of a few hundred bits per second; however, these circuits may be many miles long. Higher
data rates generally imply shorter ranges; a local area network operating at millions of bits per
second may only cover one floor of an office building, but eliminates the need for installation of
dedicated network cabling.
PLC offers the simplest type of installation out of all the neighborhood area network (NAN)
access technologies and does not need any extra work other than installing the meter
hardware. When competing solutions based on Wireless technology such as GPRS and RF
Mesh only PLC offers the following advantages:
• No installation of additional communication wiring
• Communication is seamlessly established with powering up of the device
• No communication cables or equipment can be removed or tampered with during operation
PLC IN METER READING
The technology uses the existing 230V / 110V AC power transmission wires thus requires no
extra wiring. This eliminates the issue of concrete walls, slabs or other type of obstacles – a
big hurdle for wireless solutions. The range increases to hundreds of meters with obstacles.
The use of repeaters can increase the range to kilometers
The concentrator module collects data from every meter reader (node) using PLC. It then
transfers the data to central website over GPRS connectivity. The website in turn feeds the

P a g e | 40
data to service provider’s billing servers thus creating a totally automated and reliable
measurement and billing infrastructure.
Value added services include alerts for prepaid users, SMS facility to switch off gas supply,
alerts on gas leak detection and automatic switching off gas supply, credit card payment
facility, etc.
Working scheme

P a g e | 41
 Denotes AC power lines
Utility Data
manageme
nt system
GSM/GPRS MDC PLC
MODULE
DCUPLC
MODULE
ELECTRIC
METER

P a g e | 42
FROM LINE
CARRIER
TECHNOLOGIES BEING USED IN PLC
The smart grid implements two-way communication channels over existing power distribution
networks. Modern networks might be comprised of a variety of new alternative energy sources.
These sources include solar and wind power as well as new types of electric appliances, such
as smart appliances and electric vehicles. In many parts of the world, narrowband power line
communications (PLC) technology has proven to be a robust and cost-optimized solution in
large deployments of smart meters. Following technologies are in use in PLC
 G3
 Prime
G3:
G3-PLC is a power line communication standard that facilitates high-speed, highly-reliable,
long-range communication over the existing power line grid. With two-way communications
networks based on the G3-PLC standard, operators of electricity networks will be able to
intelligently monitor and control grid issues. This includes the implementation of variable tariff
plans and real-time monitoring of electricity consumption. In addition this new communication
standard benefits consumers with the advantage of being able to regularly check their
electricity consumption in real time and to actively reduce their consumption accordingly.
The ability to cross transformers cuts infrastructure costs and with its support of IPv6, G3-PLC
will support power line communications in the future. The recently approved ITU G3-PLC
networking standard supports high-speed, highly reliable IP-based communications across
existing power lines, allowing data and control messages to flow across the generation,
ATTENUATOR MATCHING
UNIT
BANDPASS
FILTER
AMPILFIER
DETECTOR
CARRIER
RECEIVER
PROTECTION
RELAY

P a g e | 43
transmission, and distribution systems that comprise a regional Smart Grid. It was developed
to provide robust connections between Smart Grid elements to allow the application of
advanced billing and demand management techniques to customer loads and to efficiently
integrate conventional and renewable-based distributed energy resources, including solar or
wind farms.
Working:
The key component of the Smart Grid project is G3-PLC, a new protocol for power lines
communications (PLC) technology. G3-PLC uses existing power cables to transmit data,
allowing all the components within the smart grid to communicate with each other. G3-PLC
uses transformers supporting IPv6 protocol to provide two-way links between different
applications in the grid via power cables. Smart Grid is using G3-PLC to develop a chain of
sensors and communication devices for the retrofit of existing distribution networks. These
devices will allow for advanced metering, dynamic state estimation and control, fault detection,
and remote operation of breakers.G3-PLC represents an easy solution to make the grid
smarter without the need to dig new communications paths through obstacles such as large
building and local landmarks.
G3 PLC Alliance:
The new Power Line Communications (PLC) technology transmits digital information through
electrical power lines and is widely acknowledged to be the most reliable, secure and cost
effective mode of communication for the smart grid today. This new technology, defined to
solve the challenges of tomorrow’s smart grid, has been adopted as the basis for several major
standards such as IEEE, ITU and IEC/CENELEC which offer interoperability with the current
G3-PLC specification available today. G3-PLC products are currently available from major
semiconductor and equipment manufacturers and it is being field tested by several major
utilities and organizations worldwide, including ERDF in France. The alliance was formed to
support G3-PLC’s rapid adoption by utilities worldwide in various smart grid applications such
as automatic meter management, EV charging, home energy management, lighting control
and grid monitoring.
Following points are being focused:
 Promote G3-PLC in Internationally recognized standards organizations (IEEE, ITU, IEC, ISO, etc.)
 Promote G3-PLC technical features, performance, and overall value
 Organize certification tests and programs
 Organize and operate the industry users group to maintain the G3-PLC specification and to insure
interoperability
 Support utilities in the deployment of the new G3-PLC communications protocol in their respective
countries

P a g e | 44
 Promote G3-PLC in other applications such as home/building energy management; home automation;
vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-charging station communications; lighting control and management;
factory automation, and optimization of smart grid performance
ADVANTAGE:
G3 is bi-directional with an effective data rate of 20–40 Kbps in the CENELEC-A band and up
to 200–400 Kbps across the FCC band (G3-FCC). It co-exists with S-FSK and other legacy
PLC technologies and seamlessly supports DLMS/COSEM (IEC 62065 series) as well as
offers layer 2 128-bit AES for CCM to provide extra data security. Support for IPv6 currently
enables G3 to converge IPv4 and IPv6 devices and networks in an efficient manner.
The ability of G3 to pass through a transformer is an important capability, especially for rural
areas where population density is low. Specifically in North America, the low-voltage
transformation between the house and utility may only extend 3 to 4 meters. Placing a
concentrator before this transformer simply cannot achieve the necessary density to justify the
cost of the concentrator. G3 was designed to address this issue by enabling PLC signals to
pass through the low-voltage transformer and out to the medium-voltage line. This enables the
concentrator to be placed where it can aggregate data from substantially more locations, thus
improving the cost effectiveness of connecting the home/ business with the utility company.
Prime:
PRIME is a specification for narrow band power line communication. Power-line
communication uses power lines as transmission media. PRIME is an acronym for "Power line
Intelligent Metering Evolution". PRIME was conceived in 2007. First publications date back to
2008. In 2009 multi-vendor interoperability was demonstrated and the PRIME Alliance
launched. The PRIME Alliance has interoperability tests in place, which are carried out by
multiple accredited test laboratories. Currently, the tests have been passed by over 40
products.
When the number of smart meters reaches millions of units, it is not an easy task to achieve
secure and reliable communications with utility control centers. Even more difficult is to
guarantee the real time capabilities often demanded by smart grid applications. For such
situations, cost-effective telecommunications post a great challenge for the successful roll-out
of smart metering systems. PRIME (Power line Intelligent Metering Evolution) represents a
public, open and non-proprietary telecommunications architecture which supports present and
future AMM functionalities and enables the building of the electricity networks of the future,
or smart grids.
The target of PRIME is to establish a complete set of international standards which will allow
for full interoperability among equipment and systems from different providers. Thus,
competition in the metering market will benefit utilities and its customers.
The components of PRIME architecture (modulation and coding techniques, protocols, data
formats etc.) are not subject to any Intellectual Property Rights. Specifications are

P a g e | 45
comprehensive and detailed enough so that any new entrant will be able to provide
interoperable solutions to the market.
Advantages:
PRIME is the perfect solution to enable grid and device control along the distribution network.
It is seamlessly interfacing to advanced and emerging technologies installed along the power
lines that manage and control distribution equipment. Grid Control technologies improve fault
detection and allow self-healing of the networks without the intervention of technicians. It
ensures more reliable supply of electricity, and reduced vulnerability to natural impacts. Initial
power lines in the grid were built using a radial model, later connectivity was guaranteed via
multiple routes, referred to as a network structure. This creates a new problem: if the current
flow or related effects across the network exceed the limits of any particular network element, it
could fail, and the current would be shunted to other network elements, which eventually may
fail also, causing a domino effect.
Benefits enabled by PRIME are to facilitate faster electric service outage identification,
reporting, and restoration and to provide more efficient operation of the electrical system. It
allows for immediate network response actions or even procedures to react automatically. In a
modern distribution grid impacts are identified and prevented, before impacts happen. PRIME
is a supporting technology to build such networks.
POWER LINE CARRIER (PLC) TECHNOLOGY
Advantages:
 No separate wires are required for communication purposes, as the power lines
themselves carry as well as communication signals .Hence the cost is less.
 Power lines have appreciably higher mechanical strength compared with ordinary lines.
They would normally remain unaffected under conditions which might seriously damage
Telephone lines.
 Power lines usually provide the shortest route between the Power stations.
 Power lines have large cross-sectional area resulting in a very low resistance per unit
area length consequently carrier signal suffer much less attenuation than when travel on
telephone lines of equal lengths.
 Power lines are well insulated to provide only negligible leakage between conductors
and ground even in adverse weather conditions.
 Largest spacing between conductors reduces capacitance, which result in smaller
attenuation at higher frequencies .The large spacing also reduces the cross talk to a
considerable extent.

P a g e | 46
Disadvantages:
 Proper care has to be taken to guard carrier equipment and person using them against
high voltages and currents on the lines.
 Noise introduction by power lines is far more than in case of telephone lines .This is due
to the noise generated by discharge across insulators, switching processes.
GSM/GPRS:
Traditional metering method for retrieving the energy data is not convenient and the cost of
the data logging systems is high. In Conventionally metering system people try to manipulate
meter reading by adopting various corrupt practices such as current reversal or CT reverse
tampers, partial earth fault condition, bypass meter, magnetic interference etc. There is a large
amount of revenue loss due to these practices. If any consumer did not pay the bill, the
electricity worker needs to go to their houses to disconnect the power supply.
GSM was introduced in 2G cellular technology.2G cellular technology combined with GPRS is
sometimes described as 2.5G. This technology uses microcontroller unit that continuously
monitors and records the Energy Meter readings in its permanent (non-volatile) memory
location i.e. EPROM. GSM modem is also connected for remote monitoring and control of
Energy Meter.
The stored data in the microcontroller is sent in form of data packets to Electricity Department
thus enabling them to read the meter readings regularly without the person visiting each
house. If it is allowed to receive commands then Electric Department can also use it to
disconnect the power supply to the house in case of non-payment of electricity bills. For the
sending or receiving of data a sim of some network is required.
Working:
Every meter has an ID number, this ID number is provided according to SIM card unique
service number. AMR Continuously monitor and record the energy meter. This can be
achieved by using microcontroller.
Microcontroller unit is used for controlling of complete AMR system. It is a low-power, high-
performance with in-system programmable flash memory. Microcontroller is interfaced with
different components and loaded with different programs. Microcontroller unit continuously
monitor the energy meter and pulses display on LCD.

P a g e | 47
Energy measuring module continuously measuring the instantaneous voltage and current
and finding the product of these to give instantaneous electrical power.
Relay circuits are interfaced with the energy meter and microcontroller. Relays allow one
circuit to switch a second circuit which can be completely separate from the first. Relay circuit
are used for switching the consumer's main consumption line between cut-off and power
supply mode. It has proved to be very helpful feature for energy Provider Company, who can
remotely switch into cut off mode from power on mode of any consumer due to nonpayment of
electricity bills or has large outstanding dues. It can reconnect the power supply after payment
of dues.
Data Storage is in the microcontroller which is interfaced with EEPROM. If power cut off, the
content of RAM must be stored in EEROM, and when power will be back the energy meter will
be start from its previous state hence saving the data.
GSM modem is connected to a microcontroller which would transmits data from a meter to cell
phone and also receive commend from cell phone to energy meter. It is suitable for long
duration data transmission. AT commands set which stands for attention terminal are used by
energy meter to communicate with the GSM Modem. It can also be used for Prepaid System
for billing.
A tempering unit used for the stop of the energy theft. It sends an alert to energy Provider
Company when tempering occurs. If any person tries to tempering with energy meter the
tempering unit will be activated and a SMS alert/warning will be sent to central server/owner.
For power cut microcontroller unit is interface with RTC clock and relay.

P a g e | 48
OVERVIEW OF GSM BASED AMR SYSTEM:
MDM
MDC
GSM Based
Energy Meter 1
GSM Based
Energy Meter 2
GSM Based
Energy Meter3
GSM

P a g e | 49
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
The given table shows the technical specification of GSM based energy meter:
Sr
No.
Parameter Specification
1 Operating voltage 240V
2 Operating frequency 50Hz
3 Total load calculation This system gives
information
of total load used in
particular
house at any time to
energy
provider company through
SMS.
4 Full secure If any person trying to
access
the system then it sent a
SMS
alert to energy Provider
Company for this.
5 Automatic reading
feature
It can be remote
monitoring and controlling
anywhere in the world.
6 Memory Non-volatile based energy
reading system.
7 GSM modem Tri band GSM modem
designed for data SMS.
8 Display System LCD display system used
for energy display, real
time & date,
instantaneous active load
in kilowatt.
9 Auto disconnect
feature
It provides remote shut-off
facilities to customers that
have large outstanding
dues.
10 Auto reconnect
Feature
It can be reconnect the
power supply after pay
outstanding dues.

P a g e | 50
DLMS / COSEM FOR AMR:
DLMS:
“Device Language Message Specification” - a generalized concept for abstract modelling of
communication entities.
COSEM:
“COmpanion Specification for Energy Metering” - sets the rules, based on existing standards,
for data exchange with energy meters
DLMS is the suite of standards developed and maintained by the DLMS User Association and
has been adopted by the IEC TC13 WG14 into the IEC 62056 series of standards.
DLMS User Authority (UA):
The DLMS User Association maintains a D Type liaison with IEC TC13 WG14 responsible for
international standards for meter data exchange and establishing the IEC 62056 series. In this
role, the DLMS UA provides maintenance, registration and compliance certification services for
IEC 62056 DLMS/COSEM.
The DLMS User Association defines the protocols into a following set of four specification
documents:
 Blue book: describes the COSEM meter object model and the OBIS object
identification system.
 Green book: describes the Architecture and Protocols.
 Yellow book: treats all the questions concerning conformance testing.
 White book: contains the glossary of terms.
Working:
In DLMS/COSEM, all the data in electronic meters and devices are represented by means of
mapping them to appropriate classes and related attribute values. Any real world thing mapped
to an appropriate class type can be described by the attributes defined in the standard; and the
methods defined therewith allow operations to be performed on the attributes. The Attributes
and methods constitute an object. Conventionally the first attribute in any object is the OBIS
(Object Identification System) code. It is one part of the identification of the object. Objects that
share common characteristics are generalized as instantiations of an interface class with
defined class_id. Instantiations of an interface class are called COSEM objects. IEC 62056-62
defines 19 interface classes for COSEM object model.

P a g e | 51
Salient Features:
 It helps view the functionality of the meter, as it is seen at its interface(s).
 It is a fool-proof identification system for all metering data.
 Provides with a messaging method to communicate with the model and to turn the data
to a series of bytes.
 Provide with a transporting method to carry the information between the metering
equipment and the data collection system.
Why We Need It?
Automatic Meter Reading, or more general - Demand Side Management - needs universal
definitions, needs communication standards. DLMS/COSEM is the common language so that
the partners can understand each other.
Advantages:
 It solves the problem of human error in meter reading.
 Provide power disconnect due to outstanding dues also provide power reconnect after
pay dues.
 It sends a SMS alert to energy provider company whether a person using more than
specify limit of load.
 The statistical load used and profile can help customer manage their energy
consumption.
 This system is secure and reliable.
Disadvantages:
 It is a costly system to install.
 Payment to SIM service provider.
 Load on telephone towers increased greatly due to which chances of poor service
increases.

P a g e | 52
COMPARISON BETWEEN TECHNOLOGIES USED IN AMI:
Different technologies are employed to transfer the data of AMR, such as PLC, GSM, RF, each
has its merits and demerits. Some technologies for example RF, have implementation issues,
e.g. in India, use of RF is prohibited. The table below shows comparison between these
different technologies.
Parameter PLC GSM/GPRS RF
Operating
range
< 3m (without repetors) ≈ 2 𝐾𝑀 ≈ 30𝑚
(𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑢𝑝𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦)
Operating
frequency
50 − 500 KHz 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑢𝑝𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑞. 𝑜𝑓
𝐶𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘
433 𝑀𝐻𝑧
Medium wire 𝑤𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑊𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠
Power
consumption
≈ 10 W 𝑢𝑝𝑡𝑜 15 𝑊 ≈ 1mW
Transfer rate ≈ 120 bps > 200 𝑘𝑝𝑏𝑠 (𝑜𝑛 3𝐺)
≈ 9 kbps (on 2G)
13.5 𝑡𝑜 27 𝑘𝑏𝑝𝑠 (𝑓𝑜𝑟 433 𝑀𝐻𝑧)
Cost moderate cost ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝐿𝑜𝑤 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡
WORLD-WIDE PROJECTS ON AMI:
South Korea
NURI Telecom will be providing AMI and Energy Management systems along with smart
energy meters for the Smart Grid test-bed project in Jeju Island, a self-governing province of
South Korea, as a consortium partner of KEPCO (Korea Electronic Power Corporation).
The Jeju Island Smart Grid project is a $58 million (64.5 billion KRW) Korean government
initiative to build the world's largest Smart Grid community to test and demonstrate the viability
of the smart grid. This will be done through a consortium of companies including SK Telecom,
LG Electronics, Hyundai Heavy Industries and national utility Korea Electric Power Corp., or
KEPCO. It is the Korean Government's 20 year vision to see its $58.3 billion electricity market

P a g e | 53
connected in a smart grid and to win 30 percent of the global smart grid market (estimated
between $20 billion to $160 billion) for its home industries. The deployment of smart grid will
save the country about $10 billion a year in energy import costs and will reduce the country's
CO2 level by 30%.
Nuri Telecom's AiMiR AMI and AiMiR Home and Building Management technology will provide
both consumers and utility providers on the island with real time metering and energy
consumption data. This will empower customers with the ability to make energy efficient
decisions while allowing utility providers to streamline energy creation and distribution using
real time energy usage data. Upon successful demonstration of the Jeju Island Smart Grid
test-bed project, South Korea will begin to build a smart grid across major metropolitan areas
on the mainland. This will mark the second stage of the Smart Grid project, with an estimated
project completion date in 2020. Once this stage of the project is complete, South Korea will
launch the final stage of the Smart Grid project, which is to build a nationwide Smart Grid with
an estimated completion date in 2030.
Analysis of MarketandMarkets
MarketsandMarkets (MarketsandMarkets is a global market research and consulting company
based in the U.S. They publish strategically analyzed market research reports and serve as a
business intelligence partner to Fortune 500 companies across the world)believes that the
need for deploying smart grid technologies and implementing smart energy practices is playing
a cardinal role in shaping the future of AMI market. Major AMI vendors such as Itron and
Landis+Gyr are focused on providing end-to-end integrated services to utilities from hardware
and network endpoints to Meter Data Management (MDM), AMI system integration and
managed services. Although the AMI implementation cost is heavily dominated by hardware
endpoint, system integration, meter data analytics, and MDM market is expected to surge.
MarketsandMarkets forecasts the Global Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) market is
estimated to grow from $9,319.0 million in 2014 to $20,029.0 million by 2019. The European
region is expected to observe the biggest opportunity for this market in terms of revenue
contribution due to the EU 20-20-20 directive, which says that 80% of the households must
have the smart meters by 2020.While the North American (NA) region is expected to see a
slowdown in this market as most large Investor-Owned Utilities (IOU) reach completion of
major AMI deployment projects by 2015.
AMI projects initiated by CG
Electrical product and system supplier CG is continuing its push to be a global player by
announcing its automation business unit’s participation in 10 advanced metering infrastructure
(AMI) projects worldwide including Poland, Romania, Lebanon, India, Brazil, Argentina.
CG, which owns Spanish ZIV Metering Solutions, has installed more than two million smart
meters in Portugal, Luxemburg, Poland, Romania, Lebanon, India, Brazil, Argentina and
Spain.

P a g e | 54
Deployment of AMI in North America
The advanced metering infrastructure market in North America is growing rapidly due to
government initiatives. This initiative entails the deployment of advanced metering
infrastructure for which the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) 2009 has
granted $4 billion.
The North American AMI market is estimated to grow $5.16 billion from 2013 to $8.99 billion by
2018, at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 11.8%, for the given period. The
compound annual growth rate indicates that the North American AMI market is one of the
emerging markets.
Hydro One has undertaken one of the most comprehensive AMI initiatives in North America,
despite the formidable challenge of integrating a communications network across a
topographically diverse service area nearly twice the size of Texas. To date, the company has
deployed more than 1.3 million smart meters. An unprecedented 80 percent of Hydro One’s
customers are enabled for the utility’s time-of-use pricing program. The backbone of Hydro
One’s communication network is provided via Trilliant’s 2.4 GHz self-healing RF mesh
architecture, which can accommodate cellular, broadband and fiber backhaul.
The Latin American AMI Market is estimated to grow $0.14 billion from 2013 to $0.32 billion by
2018, at a CAGR of 17.4%, for the given period. The compound annual growth rate indicates
that the Latin American AMI market is one of the growing markets.
Deployment of AMI in Nigeria and West Africa
In West Africa, Nigeria's smart meter deployment have begun at a small scale with the
deployment of smart meters to 5,000 homes with the Lagos region. About 400,000 consumers
in the zone has been benefitted from the smart meter project which has cost the company
N2.6 billion (US $13million).
LOCAL AMR PROJECTS
Projects initiated by USAID
In start of 2013 United States Agency of International Development (USAID) announced a
project that was planned to assist power distribution system in Pakistan. USAID announced
that they will support DISCOs (Distribution Supply Companies) to introduced Automatic Meter
Reading system in power distribution system. This project was started in January 2013. This
was first project of large application of AMR technology. In 20 August 2014 regarding this
project USAID installed 1000 automatic meter reading devices on 85 FESCO’s Grid Station.

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