Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) & Meter

Data Management (MDM)

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

4

• AMI refers to the full measurement, collection and processing of meter and other customer data

• AMI includes “smart” meters installed at each premise, a two way communications network, and data management systems

• AMI enables more granular measurement of consumption, the matching of consumption to price signals and more frequent transmittal of consumption data

• AMI enables a partnership between PHI and their customers to help customers make better energy decisions

AMI Overview AMI is a key component of a Smart Grid

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

Benefits Revenue mgmt. Reduced intrusion

Circa 1985 Circa 2000 Circa 2007

Typical Functionality

Monthly 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

Technologies Walk-by radio

Drive-by radio

Fixed radio PLC – 1 way

PLC – 2 way

Fixed/Tower RF–2 way

Star and mesh radio

Customer service Outage restoration Asset management

Enhanced customer svc. Outage identification System planning Reduced losses

Demand response Feeder automation Web 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

Applications Wide 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

Vendors Aclara

Cooper

L+G

Cooper

Elster

Itron

Landis+Gyr

SilverSpring

Tantalus

(hybrid)

Trilliant

Sensus

Aclara

SmartSynch

Consert

Other start-ups

SkyTeq

Other start-ups

Optimal deployment

scenarios Rapid, system

wide Rapid, system

wide Rapid, system

wide Targeted

Trial 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 Firms 1) 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 2 Circuit 1

Wide Area Network Or 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.htm

l

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 Network Or 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 Network

Substation 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 Servers

Displays LCM

Multi-Comm PCT/G-way

H/W

HAN

SmartPoint Gateway

Web - HTTPS - End-User Portal

Personal Energy

Network

AMI

Solar

- Other Gateways -

PHEVs DG / DS Energy 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…..

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

Traditional Monthly Billing AMR AMI

Virtual Meter Data

Status & PQ Data

Net Metering

Voltage Profiles

Hourly Load Values

Daily Load Values

Traditional Monthly Billing

In addition to all of this data the MDM must manage demographic and asset labels associated with each of the meter points. AMI cannot manage this and it will be difficult for CIS systems to add this functionality.

The case for Meter Data Management (MDM)

Multiple data

sources

Accurate and timely

data

Secure data

storage

Create and disseminate information

• 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 Integration with 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?

WAMS

• WAMSs integrate pervasive sensor networks, advanced data processing tools, and wide-area communication systems.

• They aim at enhancing the conventional functions of existing supervisory control and data acquisition systems by enabling real-time wide-area situational awareness

WAMS

• This is obtained by acquiring and processing synchronized measure- ments aimed at classifying the current SG operation state and detecting incipient faults

• To this aim, WAMSs require re- liable and accurate phasor and frequency measurements from a proper number of power system buses.

• This can be obtained by deploying a network of time-synchronized PMUs aimed at measuring the voltage phasor (magnitude and phase) at the installed buses and the current phasors in all branches incident to these buses

WAMS

• This phasor information is collected by the PMUs, forwarded to the phasor data concentrators,and transmitted to the monitoring center

• These applications depend by the number and locations of the PMUs and in particular,

• if a limited number of PMUs are available, WAMS data processing can only partially describe the SG operation state;

WAMS

in this case, the typical applications include:

• Voltage stability monitoring for transmission corridors and

• flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) control using feedback from remote PMU measurements

• on the contrary, more advanced applications based on a detailed network model view can be implemented including: • loadability calculation based on OPF studies, • topology detection and state estimation, • distribution circuits network management, • system restoration and smart restoration tools and

• advance warning systems of impending trouble.

WAMPACS

• These applications allow the WAMSs to evolve toward the so called wide-area measurements protective and control systems (WAMPACSs).