Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) & Meter

Data Management (MDM)

ENGR83

Foothill College

Overview

• What is AMI?• Evolution of AMI• What is MDM?• Drivers of MDM• Smart meters• Energy NOCs

AMI Defined

• Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) are systems that measure, collect, and analyze energy usage, and communicate with metering devices such as electricity meters, gas meters, heat meters, and water meters, either on request or on a schedule. These systems include hardware, software, communications, consumer energy displays and controllers, customer associated systems, Meter Data Management (MDM) software, and supplier business systems.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_meter#Advanced_metering_infrastructure

MDM Defined

Meter data management (MDM) refers to a key component in the Smart Grid infrastructure that is in the process of being evolved and adopted by utility companies. 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 the head end servers that manage the data collection in Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) or Automatic meter reading (AMR) systems. An MDM system will typically import the data, then validate, cleanse and process it before making it available for billing and analysis.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meter_data_management

AMR - Automatic Meter Reading

AMI – Advanced Metering Infrastructure

AGI – Advanced Grid Infrastructure

BenefitsRevenue mgmt.Reduced intrusion

Circa 1985 Circa 2000 Circa 2007

Typical FunctionalityMonthly kWh readings

Daily kWh readings Disconnect /

reconnect

On-demand reads

Outage management support

Load control

Limited hourly data

Expanded hourly data

Demand Response

Downline automation

Home area network interface

TechnologiesWalk-by radio

Drive-by radioFixed radio

PLC – 1 wayPLC – 2 way

Fixed/Tower RF–2 way

Star and mesh radio

Broadband/WiMax??

Customer serviceOutage restorationAsset management

Enhanced customer svc.Outage identificationSystem planningReduced losses

Demand responseFeeder automationWeb applications

?

Evolution of Advanced Metering

•Planning•CIS•GIS•OMS•WFM•AVL•Asset Mgmt•Others

• AMI• SCADA• Crew

Dispatch• Generation

& load dispatch

• Others

Data Acquisition and Control

Data Management

Engine(s)

Integration Bus

ApplicationsWide Area Network Strategies• Backhaul / bulk• Medium to broadband• Data, video, voice• Public and private• RF, fiber, satellite

Local Area Network Strategies• “Last Mile” and AMI

systems• Low to Medium band• RF and PLC

Home Area Networks• Emerging technologies• Zigbee, Insteon, Z-Wave,

6LoWPAN, etc

Home automation & generation

Meters

Down-line automation & asset management

Crew Mgmt.

Substations

Smart Grid Component Infrastructure

MDM over WAN using SOA

Energy ICT - http://www.energyict.com/

AMI Networks

• The network between the measurement devices and business systems allows collection and distribution of information to customers, suppliers, utility companies, and service providers. This enables these businesses to participate in demand response services. Consumers can use information provided by the system to change their normal consumption patterns to take advantage of lower prices. Pricing can be used to curb growth of peak consumption.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_line_communication

Core AMI Technology PLC RF Mesh RF Tower Digital Cellular WiMAX / WiFi

VendorsAclara

CooperL+G

Cooper ElsterItron

Landis+Gyr SilverSpring

Tantalus (hybrid)Trilliant

SensusAclara

SmartSynchConsert

Other start-ups

SkyTeqOther start-ups

Optimal deployment scenarios

Rapid, system wide

Rapid, system wide

Rapid, system wide

TargetedTrial system (in 2

– 3 years)Communications status Power-Line Unlicensed Licensed Public Public

Maturity of systems High Moderate Moderate Very Low Very Low

Capital cost of Infrastructure : annual operating expense

Medium : Low Medium : Low Medium : Low Low : High High : Medium

Data throughput Low to moderate Moderate to high Moderate to high Moderate to high Very High

Ability to serve customer based SmartGrid applications

Low to medium Medium to high Medium to high Medium to high High

Ability to serve SmartGrid applications

Medium High High Low High

AMI Technology Comparison

Automatic Meter Reading (AMR)

Automatic meter reading, or AMR, is the technology of automatically collecting consumption, diagnostic, and status data from water meter or energy metering devices (gas, electric) and transferring that data to a central database for billing, troubleshooting, and analyzing. This technology mainly saves utility providers the expense of periodic trips to each physical location to read a meter. Another advantage is that billing can be based on near real-time consumption rather than on estimates based on past or predicted consumption. 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.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_meter_reading

Meter Data Analytics

• Meter Data Analytics refers to the analysis of data from electric smart meters that record consumption of electric energy. Replacement of traditional scalar meters with smart meters is a growing trend primarily in North America and Europe. These smart meters send usage data to the central head end systems as often as every minute from each meter whether installed at a residential or a commercial or an industrial customer.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meter_data_analytics

Meter Data Analytics Firms1) Oracle Utilities Meter Data Analytics Provides an efficient mechanism to extract high volume smart meter data out of meter data management systems in order to analyze the data without affecting the transactional system. It also provides comprehensive list of high level and detailed dashboards for usage patterns, head end system performance, meter installs, theft detection, VEE exception analysis, and tamper event analysis.

2) eMeter Analytics Foundation Covers AMI health, outage and event analysis and load monitoring.

3) DataRaker Operates on a SaaS model to provide analytics based on utilities data.

According to Smart Grid Update [1] currently data that is required for complete meter data analytics solution does not reside in the same database, instead, resides in disparate databases among various departments of utility companies. Another challenges is that Meter Data Analytics need to deal with big data problem. Many utility companies do not have infrastructure to support such needs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meter_data_analytics

Power Line Communication

• Power line communication (PLC) is a system for carrying data on a conductor that is also used for electric power transmission. It is also known as power line carrier, power line digital subscriber line (PDSL), mains communication, power line telecom (PLT), power line networking (PLN), and broadband over power lines (BPL).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_line_communication

Corporate Network

AMI Server

MDM Server

Other Servers

Substation 1

Substation 2

Circuit 1

Circuit 2

Circuit 2Circuit 1

Wide Area NetworkOr Direct Backhaul

• WAN communications from office to substations via radio, fiber, or satellite

• LAN communications from substations to meters uses utility power lines

PLC-based AMI

Power Line Communication

A wide range of power line communication technologies are needed for different applications, ranging from home automation to Internet access. Electrical power is transmitted over long distances using high voltage transmission lines, distributed over medium voltages, and used inside buildings at lower voltages. Most PLC technologies limit themselves to one set 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). Typically transformers prevent propagating the signal, which requires multiple technologies to form very large networks. Various data rates and frequencies are used in different situations.

Power Line Communication

http://withfriendship.com/user/mithunss/power-line-communication.php

© The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative

Three PLC-based AMI systems are offered:

• Aclara (TWACS), Cooper (Cannon), L+G (Hunt)

Power-line-carrier AMI Systems

The PLC network has fault tolerance, message prioritization and flexibility built-in, providing a robust two-way network which provides communications to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Demand Response (DR), and DA applications.  This network enables scheduled meter data collection, real time on demand reads in 3-6 seconds, and broadcast capabilities that allow load sheds in less than 2 seconds, the fastest DR network available.  The PLC network is well-suited to rural areas and provides a reliable, cost-effective solution to connect a utility to its customers at the reaches of its service territory regardless of meter density, terrain, or foliage conditions. The AMI modules have superior onboard intelligence and substantial memory allowing for the most advanced feature-set in the industry, even when using the simplest of electronic meters.  All AMI parameters are configurable via the network and are consistent with feature-sets offered in Cooper Power Systems higher-density AMI solution allowing utilities to offer a consistent level of service to all its customers. http://www.cooperindustries.com/content/public/en/power_systems/products/automation_and_control/amr_ami/power_line_carrier_control.html

Common types of wireless systems•Mesh – unlicensed

• Cooper• Elster• Itron• Landis + Gyr• Silver Spring• Tantalus• Trilliant

•Tower – licensed• Aclara• Sensus

•Digital Cellular – public• SmartSynch (AT&T)

•Fixed Broadband – public• SkyTeq

Wireless AMI Systems

Substation 1

Substation 2

Wide Area Network

Corporate Network

AMI Server

MDM Server

Other Servers

• WAN communications from office to collectors is via public or private TCP/IP communications

• LAN communications from collectors to meters use a custom designed techniques which allow meters to communicate through a dynamically created shorter range unlicensed wireless mesh (Hundreds of feet).

• Increased number of collectors may increase throughput and reduce latency.

RF – Mesh AMI

Substation 1

Substation 2

Substation 3

Corporate Network

AMI Server

MDM Server

Other Servers

Wide Area NetworkOr Direct Backhaul

• WAN communications from office to substations via radio, fiber, or satellite

• LAN communications from towers to meters use custom designed techniques which allow meters to communicate to more than one tower using longer range licensed wireless (Tens of miles).

• Same network can support Distribution Automation and other applications.

• Towers may be added for improved coverage.

RF – Tower AMI

© The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative

Massively Redundant Communications Paths

Substation 1

Substation 2

Corporate Network

AMI Server

MDM Server

Other Servers

Wide Area Network – Local Area Network using AT&T GPRS

• All communications from office to meter is made using publically available digital cell carriers. There is no infrastructure cast but there is a continuous expense for data handling. All meters are IP-enabled. There is no experience with handling distribution automation applications.

RF – Digital Cell AMI

AMI Server

MDM Server

Other Servers

Corporate NetworkSubstation 1

• Meters interfaced via HAN• Large infrastructure costs• Deliver broadband internet service to

customers (possible revenue source?)• IP-enabled meters (currently limited

availability)• Water uses Orion system (today)

WIMAX/WiFi Network

Insteon

Residence

Residence

WiMAX/WiFi enabled (Future)

WiMAX/WiFi

© The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative

Head End Head End ServersServers

DisplaysLCM

Multi-Comm PCT/G-way

H/W

HANHAN

SmartPointGateway

- Energy Gateway -

Web- HTTPS -

End-User Portal End-User Portal - Unified UI -

Personal Energy

Network

Solar

- Other Gateways -

PHEVsDG / DSEnergy Mgt.Future…

Storage+ _

3rd Party Svcs

AMI Communications Path

HAN Systems Architecture

• The evolution of Load Research Systems created in the 1970’s to serve commercial and industrial customers, wholesale interchange metering, and PURPA.

• A platform that enables fundamental changes in how utilities operate using vast amounts of measured data and information

• A centralized data management and data storage platform for existing data and future data collected from AMI systems and new Smart Grid technologies

• A centralized integration point for integrating utility applications utilizing web-services, Multi-Speak, ODBC, XML, etc.

• Centralized data analysis and reporting of all operational data

• A provider of Interval Data Validation, Editing and Estimation (VEE), Meter Read Profiling, Load Research, Energy Settlement, Energy Data Presentation, and Line Loss Analysis

• A foundation for launching future customer programs including new customer-premise devices (e.g., HAN, Smart Thermostats)

MDM is…..

The case for Meter Data Management (MDM)

• AMI• Manual

Readings• SCADA• OMS• MWF• Other

• Validating, Editing and Estimating (for hourly data)

• Standards and rules for service order creation

• Proactive assurance of data availability

• Audit trail

• Securely manages 1,000 times more data/meter than CIS or AMI systems can.

• Tags for weather, demographic and other operational characteristics

• Manage and access non-traditional meter data, e.g., PQ, volts, etc.

• Interface to billing systems• Interface for Customer

Service Reps• Create TOU billing

summaries• Provide summary data • Support operation &

planning needs • Platform for customer web

presentment

Need for MDM

SIEMENS

MDM Vendors

Advanced Metering and Meter Data Management

An “advanced meter” (a collection of which is known as an Advanced Meter Infrastructure, or AMI) is an electronic meter that can be read and controlled remotely. In the figure on the right, we show how an AMI network could be organized. The network is divided into three main domains that are connected via Field-Area-Network (FAN) and potentially Wide-Area-Network (WAN) links. The first domain houses the Meter Data Management Service (MDMS) and its associated applications, such as those for analyzing metering data. The second domain comprises the metered premises, which may have mesh network connections between themselves to extend the overall reach of the metering network. Each of these premises may also be equipped with a Home-Area Network (HAN) containing consumer devices that utilize meter data or services. For example, Programmable Communicating Thermostats (PCTs) or Building Automation Systems (BASs) are commonly envisioned as being connected to the HAN and are labeled with the generic term “unified hub” in the figure.

http://seclab.illinois.edu/ami-security

Significant imbalances between electricity supply and demand can destabilize the grid or cause severe voltage fluctuations and failures. Demand response, the reduction of electric demand from the grid, can relieve system stress and help prevent blackouts and brownouts. Demand response played an active role in managing energy events in various parts of the United States during the summer of 2006. Aggregating demand response efforts across a region has historically been a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. EnerNOC uses its Network Operations Center (NOC), in Boston, MA to remotely manage electricity consumption across a network of end-use customer sites and make energy available to grid operators and utilities on demand. Echelon's i.LON® Internet Server, when installed at commercial, institutional, and industrial customer sites, can enhance EnerNOC's technology by enabling a direct wireless connection from the NOC to building and energy management systems.

AMI Network Integrationwith Demand Response (DR)

https://www.echelon.com/company/news-room/2007/enernoc.htm

Utilities and Substations

NRTC Electric Regional Business Managers

Summary

• Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) are systems that measure, collect, and analyze energy usage, and communicate with metering devices such as electricity meters, gas meters, heat meters, and water meters, either on request or on a schedule. These systems include hardware, software, communications, consumer energy displays and controllers, customer associated systems, Meter Data Management (MDM) software, and supplier business systems.

References

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_meter• www.ferc.gov• http://www.eei.org/ourissues/

electricitydistribution/Pages/AdvancedMetering.aspx

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meter_data_management

Vocabulary Checklist

• Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)

• Meter Data Management (MDM)

• Meter Data Analytics (MDA)

• Smart Meter

• HAN – Home Area Network

• WAN – Wide Area Network

• ZigBee Protocol

NETL - Whitepaper

• What is AMI?• What are the technology options for AMI? • What are some deployment approaches?• What are the benefits of AMI?• What policies apply to AMI?• What barriers impact successful deployment of

AMI?• What are the business case considerations? • What are some experiences with AMI to date?