ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE(AMI)

By

B.Naveena: 13E51A0201

ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE(AMI)

By

B.Naveena: 13E51A0201

Contents

• Introduction• What is AMI?• Building blocks of AMI• Challenges • Benefits of AMI• Legacy system Vs AMI System• AMI in the Indian context• Costs associated with AMI• Cost estimation • Conclusion• References

Introduction

The present system of energy metering as well as billing in India uses electromechanical and somewhere digital energy meter. It consumes more time and labour. One of the prime reasons is the traditional billing system which is very inaccurate, slow, costly, and lack in flexibility as well as reliability.

Today accuracy in electricity billing is highly recommended. The ‘Smart energy meter’ gives real power consumption as well as accurate billing. It provides real time monitoring of utility of electricity.

What is AMI?

AMI(Advanced Metering Infrastructure) is the collective term to describe the whole infrastructure from smart meter to two-way communication network to control center equipment and all the applications that enable the gathering and transfer of energy usage information in near real-time.

AMI makes a two-way communications with customers possible and is the backbone of smart grid.

Building blocks of AMI

AMI is comprised of various hardware and software components, all of which play a role in measuring energy consumption and transmitting information about energy, water and gas usage to utility companies and customers. The technological components include:

1. Smart meters

2. Wide-area communications infrastructure

3. Home(local) area networks(HAN’s)

4. Meter Data Management Systems(MDMS)

5. Operational gateways

Smart meters

Smart meters have the capacity to collect information about energy, water, and gas usage at various intervals and transmitting the data through fixed communication networks to utility, as well as receiving information like pricing signals from utility and conveying it to consumer.

Communications Infrastructure

Communications infrastructure supports continuous interaction between the utility, the consumer and the controllable electrical load. Networks such as Broadband over power Line (BPL), Power line communications, Fiber Optic Communication, Fixed Radio Frequency or public networks are used for such purposes.

Home Area Networks(HANs)

A Home Area Network (HAN) interfaces with a consumer portal to link smart meters to controllable electrical devices.

Meter Data Management System (MDMS)

A MDMS is a database with analytical tools that enable interaction with other information systems.

One of the functions of MDMS is to perform validation, editing and estimation on the AMI data to ensure that despite disruptions in the communications network or at customer premises, the data flowing to the systems described above is complete and accurate.

Operational Gateways

AMI interfaces with many system-side applications to support:

• Advanced Distribution Operations (ADO)• Advanced Transmission Operations (ATO)• Advanced Asset Management (AAM)

Advanced Distribution Operations

• Distribution Management system with advanced sensors• Advanced Outage Management• Distribution automation• Distribution Geographic Information system• Application of AMI communications infrastructure for:o Micro grid operations(AC and DC)o Hi-speed information processingo Advanced protection and controlo Advanced grid components for distribution

Advanced Transmission Operations

• Substation automation• Hi-speed information processing• Advanced protection and control• Modeling, simulation and visualization tools• Advanced regional operational applications• Electricity Markets

Advanced Asset Management

• System operating information• Asset “health” information• Operations to optimize asset utilization• Training and development planning• Condition based maintenance• Engineering design and construction• Consumer service• Work and resource management• Modelling and simulation

Challenges

Despite its widespread benefits, deploying AMI presents three major challenges that include

1. High capital costs: A full scale deployment of AMI requires expenditures on all hardware and software components, including meters, network infrastructure and network management software, along with cost associated with the installation and maintenance of meters and information technology systems.

2. Integration: AMI is a complex system of technologies that must be integrated with utilities, information technology systems including Customer Information Systems (CIS), Geographical Information Systems (GIS), etc.

3. Standardization: Interoperability standards need to be defined, which set uniform requirements for AMI technology, deployment and general operations and are the keys to successfully connecting and maintaining an AMI based grid system.

Benefits of AMI

The benefits of AMI are generally categorized as:• Operational benefits: AMI benefits the entire grid by improving the

accuracy of meter reads, energy theft detection and response to power outages, while eliminating the need for on-site meter reading.

• Financial benefits: AMI brings financial gains to utility, water and gas companies by reducing equipment and maintenance costs, enabling faster restoration of electric service during outages and streamlining the billing process.

• Customer benefits: AMI benefits electric customers by detecting meter failures early, accommodating faster service restoration, and improving the accuracy and flexibility of billing. Further, AMI allows for time-based rate options that can help customers save money and manage their energy consumption.

Legacy system Vs AMI system

• Smart metering uses the upgraded technology for automatic, accurate reading of energy usage.

• Once a smart meter is installed, there is no longer a need for a representative from the energy company to come out to take a reading. The unit uses mobile communications technology to instantly and accurately provide energy usage directly to the utility. This automatic process eliminates human error and provides complete and total accuracy.

• Energy usage information is captured on a regular basis, approximately every 30 minutes for electricity usage and once a day for gas usage.

AMI in the Indian context

Modernizing India's grid system by investing in AMI promises to mitigate a number of strains placed on the grid due to growing demand. In particular, AMI will improve three key features of India's grid system including:

• System Reliability: AMI technology improves the distribution and overall reliability of electricity by enabling electricity distributors to identify and automatically respond to electric demand, which in turn minimizes power outages.

• Energy Costs: Increased reliability and functionality and reduced power outages and streamlined billing operations will dramatically cut costs associated with providing and maintaining the grid, thereby significantly lowering electricity rates.

• Electricity Theft: Power theft is a common problem in India. AMI systems that track energy usage will help monitor power almost in real time thus leading to increased system transparency.

Costs associated with AMI

Costs associated with the deployment of AMI arise from three sources:

• Smart devices at user points.• Installation.• Communication network.• Data collection, analysis, storage and system management.

Cost Estimation S.No. Item Unit cost

(INR)Quantity

1 Capital cost per meter 1250 1 Million

2 Communication Module 1000 1 Million

3 DCU 50000 5000

4 Meter Box & Installation Charges 1000 1 Million

5 DCU & COMMS Installation, Testing and Commissioning Charges

5000 5000

6 Computer hardware and software and networking equipment

50000000 Lump sum

7 Head End and Operating System Software and MDMS

40000000 Lump sum

8 System Integration 50000000 Lump sum

9 Misc 10000000 Lump sum

Conclusion

Advanced Metering Infrastructure allows the operators and utility companies to have firsthand information on the status of their network for planning and performance optimization purposes. It also offers higher power quality and stability.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure is a relatively new concept which needs improvement in the areas of communication, data analysis and control schemes. However, taking into the account the global energy market’s situation and environmental concerns that motivates governments, companies and consumers to fuel AMI research and utilization, the prospect of AMI looks promising.

References

• “Assessment of Demand Response and Advanced Metering” (FERC Report 2006). http://www.ferc.gov/legal/staff-reports/demandresponse.pdf

• “Benefits of Demand response in Utility Markets and Recommendations for Achieving Them” (DOE Report 2006). http://www.oe.energy.gov/DocumentsandMedia/congress_1252d.pdf.

• “Advanced Metering Infrastructure – MGI View” (NETL PowerPoint Presentation July 2007 at Public Utilities Commission of Ohio – Technical Conference )

• Luth, John F. “10 Years of Results: AmerenUE’s AMR Business Case Evolves to Support AMI.” Utility Automation and Engineering T&D (April 2006)

AMI IS ADVANCED THINKING FOR ENHANCED LIVING