1. Energy Meters
INTERNSHIP REPORT
PAK ELEKTRON LIMITED (PEL)
RAO SAIM ZAFAR (NUST-PNEC)

2. Contents
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................5
2. History of the Energy Meters:.............................................................................................................................................5
a) Electromechanical Meters .............................................................................................................................................5
i. Working Mechanism...................................................................................................................................................6
ii. Measuring Mechanism...............................................................................................................................................6
iii. Problem .........................................................................................................................................................................7
b) Static Meter.......................................................................................................................................................................7
i. Working Mechanism...................................................................................................................................................7
ii. Protection Mechanism...............................................................................................................................................8
iii. Backup Power ..............................................................................................................................................................8
iv. Multi-rate Meters........................................................................................................................................................9
v. Problem .........................................................................................................................................................................9
3. Components of an AMI (Advance Metering Infrastructure).......................................................................................9
a) Smart Meters....................................................................................................................................................................9
b) Head End System ...........................................................................................................................................................10
c) DCU....................................................................................................................................................................................10
d) HHU (Head End System) ..............................................................................................................................................10
e) MDC (Meter Data Management) ...............................................................................................................................10
f) MDM (Meter Data Management)..............................................................................................................................10
g) Customer Display Unit ...................................................................................................................................................11
h) Utility Admin Module .....................................................................................................................................................11
i) CIS (Consumer Information System)..........................................................................................................................12
4. Types of Meter ......................................................................................................................................................................12
5. Automatic Meter Reading: .................................................................................................................................................12
a) Intelligent terminal:........................................................................................................................................................13
b) Management center:......................................................................................................................................................13
c) Communication medium: ..............................................................................................................................................13
d) Advantages of the AMR system: ................................................................................................................................14
6. Advanced Metering Infrastructure...................................................................................................................................15
a) Working Principle of AMI .............................................................................................................................................16
b) The Mesh Network .........................................................................................................................................................17
c) Communication Methods Employed in AMI .............................................................................................................17

3. d) Home Area Networks in AMI.......................................................................................................................................18
e) Meter Data Management System:.............................................................................................................................18
f) Simulation Software for AMI plan and Implementation0 ....................................................................................19
i. Simulation Software.................................................................................................................................................19
ii. RCI - Residential, Commercial and Industrial ......................................................................................................19
iii. Communication Network Simulation Softwares ...............................................................................................22
7. Prospects of Smart Metering or Advanced Metering Infrastructure in Pakistan ................................................24
8. Smart Energy Meter............................................................................................................................................................25
9. Communication technologies in AMR and AMI ............................................................................................................25
a) Infrared Technology (IR):.............................................................................................................................................25
b) RF Technology: ...............................................................................................................................................................26
c) Two way RF Technology: .............................................................................................................................................26
d) One way RF Technology: ..............................................................................................................................................26
Alternative Solutions to ZigBee ............................................................................................................................................27
ZigBee Logical Device Network ............................................................................................................................................27
f) GSM ...................................................................................................................................................................................29
GSM application in AMR .........................................................................................................................................................29
g) PLC (Power line communication)...............................................................................................................................29
Technologies of PLC: ...............................................................................................................................................................30
Comparison between PRIME & G3.......................................................................................................................................30
Advantages:................................................................................................................................................................................31
Disadvantages:..........................................................................................................................................................................32
Comparison of Technologies.................................................................................................................................................32
10. Global deployment ........................................................................................................................................................33
Itron.............................................................................................................................................................................................33
Landis+Gyr..................................................................................................................................................................................33
Sensus .........................................................................................................................................................................................33
Elster............................................................................................................................................................................................33
GE (AMR modules):..................................................................................................................................................................34
ISKRAEMECO.............................................................................................................................................................................34
11. Local Deployment ..........................................................................................................................................................34
Smart Grid Implementation Project K-Electric, Karachi, Pakistan ................................................................................35
12. REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................................................35

5. 1. Introduction
The purpose of this report is to study the Electricity Energy Meters and their importance, their
various types and the different methods &technologies being used for taking the efficient as
well as precise readings of Energy meters.
An electricity meter, electric meter, or energy meter is a device that measures the amount of
electric energy consumed by a residence, business, or an electrically powered device. Electric
utilities use electric meters installed at customer’s premises to measure electric energy
delivered to their customers for billing purposes. They are typically calibrated in billingunits,
the most common one being the kilowatthour [kWh]. They are usually read once each billing
period. The supplier of electrical raises the bill on the basis of reading shown by this meter. The
producer of electricity sales the electricity to the electricity boards and boards have to sale this
energy to the consumer. Consumer needs to pay the amount against the bill raised by the
supplier.
The data generated is the base to raise the bill by power supplier by the energy meter. Because
of massive rural and urban electrification programs of Government, there is a good demand for
this product. Energy Meters are available in single phase and three phases at different current
rating as per customer's requirement. Though, newly developed electronic energy meter is also
available in the market but in view of simple technology involved to manufacture this product
and for replacement of spare parts, the present demand and future prospect of this product is
reasonably good.
2. History of the Energy Meters:
In early days after the advent of the electricity and its installment in the urban areas, the energy
consumption was measured by the number of lamps or other loads present in the household or
industry and billed accordingly. No measurement of the exact amount of energy consumption
was done. Later on as the electricity network expanded, more consumers emerged, and the
necessity of the time changed. It became necessary to measure the exact amount of energy
consumed per household, and thus for that purpose energy meters were developed. The first
most energy meter to appear was the electromechanical type, more manual type than the ones
we are currently using.
a) Electromechanical Meters
The idea behind the electrochemical meters emerged from the existing gas meters as the
commercial use of the electricity expanded. It measures the energy via

6. electromechanicalinduction in terms of watt-hours. These meters work by counting the
number of revolutions of an electrically conductive, metal disc that rotates a speed directly
related to the power passing through the meter. Hence the number of revolutions is directly
the measure of the energy consumed. The other parts include
 A voltagecoil, well insulated, and connected in parallel with the load
 Currentcoil, connected in series with the load
 Stator that concentrates and confines the magnetic field
 Aluminumrotordisc
 Display dials
The voltage coil consumes a very little amount of power, mostly 2 watts, which is not recorded
by the meter, and is thus neglected. Similarly the current coil consumes also very less power,
and is almost negligible as compared to the square of the current flowing through the meter,
which is basically the original current consumed by the loads in the household.
i. Working Mechanism
The two coils act as to form a twophaseinductionmotor with the disc in between. They are
connected such that one coil produces magnetic flux in proportion to the voltage, thus voltage
coil, whereas the other produces the flux in proportional to the current, thus current coil.
Voltage coil field is displaced by 90° from the field of the current. This causes eddy currents in
the disc, and the effect is such that a force is exerted on the disc which is directly proportional
to the instantaneouscurrent, voltage, and phaseangle which is the power factor between
current and voltage.
There exists a permanent magnet which also exerts force on the rotating disc. An equilibrium is
achieved, and now the disc rotates only at the speed which is the rate at which the power is
being consumed, thus measures the energy consumption. The disc then drives the counting
mechanism, which counts and shows the revolutions the disc has made.
ii. Measuring Mechanism
The disc is horizontal and is visible in the center of the meter. It is supported on a spindle which
has a worm gear that drives the register. Register is a seriesofdials used to record the energy
used. The dial turns on each revolution and each digit of the dial is visible out of the dial, and
can be read.

7. The amount of energy as represented by the one revolution of the disc is denoted by the
symbol of Kh, which basically denotes energy in watt hours per revolution. Most of such meters
are needed to be read manually by meter reader, the representative of the company providing
electricity.
For threephase AC meters, additional voltage and current coils were used. And these types of
meters were used for 100A, 240/415V supply.
iii. Problem
In these type of the meters, creep is a common phenomenon to effect the accuracy of the
meter. It occurs when the disc rotates continuously with potential applied and the load
terminals are open circuit. The test for the error due to creep is called creep test.
b) Static Meter
This is the electronic energy meter, and is mostly used for domestic purposes now. Its
components are basically as follows
 PCB(Printed Circuit Board)
 Microcontroller
 EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory)
 ADC (Analog to Digital Converter)
 Metal Oxide Varister
 Regulators and Capacitors
 Battery
 Current Transformer
 Buttons
 Covering
 LCD for Display
i. Working Mechanism
The circuit of the static meters is printed on the circuit board and the components are
mounted, either manually or by Surface Mounting Technology. Current and Power
transformers are, however mounted manually. Microcontroller is a small chip, which includes

8. the main firmware that runs the static energy meter. The software is fed into it that makes all
the calculations and sends its output towards the display.
Current Transformer senses and measures the current, which is later fed into the
microcontroller. ADC are used to convert the analog signal to the digital signal for
microcontroller. Energy is then calculated by the formulas and methods fed into the
microcontroller.
EEPROM is a memory which remembers all the data of the static meter. The data of the energy
measurement of meter of all the previous months will be stored in it.
As it’s an electronic meter, depending upon the sensors present and microcontroller firmware,
it can measure more than just the energy consumption in kilo watt hours. It can measure
reactive power, active power, power factor, instantaneous power, and many other parameters.
To switch between these parameters, buttons are there on the face of the meter.
The whole assembly is packed into a polycarbonate covering, which is sealed with ultrasonic
welding, so the tampering can be avoided, and detected.
ii. Protection Mechanism
Metal Oxide Varister is a device that is used for the protection. When the suddenspikes of
current appears, its resistance becomes zero and then the current is returned before it enters
the meter, and thus meter is protected from the damage.
iii. Backup Power
A battery is also there, to power the meter whenever the main supply is cut. The battery gives
service time of almost five years. It usually powers the display. A supercapacitor is also used to
power the microcontroller and EEPROM. The special characteristic of super capacitor is that it’s
chargingtime is very less, almost instantaneous, whereas its dischargingtime is very slow, e.g.
14 days etc., thus it can power the small components whenever the main supply is out.
A simple Seven Segment Display is used to show the energy consumption on the face of the
meter.

9. iv. Multi-rate Meters.
These are the multipletariffmeters. Depending upon the cost of generation, transmission and
the demand, some electricity retailers may charge more during the times when consumption is
high, and low at the other times. Thus they automatically take into account the “TimeofDay”
feature, which is very important part of these meters. Thus another module is added in static
meters to account for TOD, so that real time is not disturbed, and stays synchronized and tariff
changes automatically.
v. Problem
The static meter assembly is a node wise assembly, and tampering can be still done without the
awareness of the power company. Thus it was necessary to create a network, so that tampering
in any one of the meter can be detected by the power company. Thus the concept of AMR
(Automatic Meter Reading) emerged, which is a mesh network.
3. Components of an AMI (Advance Metering Infrastructure)
The infrastructure houses all the components necessary for bi-directional communication. The
major components are
 Smart Meters
 HES
 DCU
 MDC
 HHU
 MDM
 Communication medium
a) Smart Meters
Smart meters are electronically operated devices. They measure and record the consumption of
electricity within an hour or sometimes even less and transfers the data to the Hand End
System for billing purposes. They are used for remote data transfer. Smart meters are two way
communication medium. They can send as well as receive information and act accordingly.
They are automatic and can be controlled by the programmers on the power company end.

10. b) Head End System
The Head End System are used to directly communicate with the meters. They receive the data
from the meters and accumulate them, and can also send commands to the meters. HES is for
bi-directional communication. This system are located at a place where a common man cannot
approach them, to avoid any sort of tampering and damage.
c) DCU
Data Concentrator unit concentrates the signals sent form the smart meters via some
communication medium. It request data from the meters on a regular basis and stores the data
which can later be accessed by the substation server. It sends the data to the server at central
stations in real time. It also notifies of the server of any tampering from consumer side. It is
basically a Single Board Computer running on an Embedded Linux operating system.
d) HHU (Head End System)
Hand Held Unit is a device that collects the data from the meters via some wireless
communication medium like IR, Far Infrared, or GPRS etc. It collects the meter serial number
along with the data its sending for the billing purposes.
e) MDC (Meter Data Management)
Meter Data Collection Unit collects the data from either Data concentrator, or Hand Held units,
or directly from the meters. It then sorts all the data according to serial numbers of the meters
and their location, arrange all the information in form a hierarchy where each user information
is maintained. This is present at the Central Station side of the Power Company. It further
comprises of many parts like
 Servers
 Data Base
 Web Server
Because at this stage, most of the work is done via internet and a graphical user interface.
The data from here can then be used for generating bills of the particular areas.
f) MDM (Meter Data Management)
It is the very key component of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure. As the name indicates, it
manages all the data related to the meter. It is the integration platform which addresses many
interfaces all at once. It is a central data management solution that provides the complete 360
picture of the all the operational data and reports.

11. Even the billing system is integrated into it. It performs long term data storages and manages
vast quantity of data delivered by the meters on a very large scale. It also records all the
important events happening with the meters.
It imports the data, validates it from the parameters as described by the company, and then
process it further for the billing. Using the data, other analysis are also made possible. Like Load
analysis, to see the difference between demand and supply. These sort of analysis can help look
for the new solutions and problems of load shedding may also get reduced.
It is not only a portal that provides the complete summary of all the meters but also allows
shareholders to access such information that may be useful for them. It performs data
integration and very critical data validation, estimation and editing, time of use, load profiling,
loss analysis, and data storage and management.
It uses a web based dashboard, thus allows the power company look at the data from various
angles and think if the new solutions and improvements. And all is done on a PC’s comfortable
environment. The graphical user interface used for MDM are fully configurable, and displaying
parameters can be changed as per the necessity. MDM dashboards also records and show the
important events like tampering events, or some error of any sort in the whole network. Those
specific problems and meters can then be addressed via MDM portals, and problem may get
solved via the same server by issuing the necessary commands to kill the bugs and errors.
MDM also shows the notification regarding high/low voltage conditions, over loading, mute
meters, tampering and others.
g) Customer Display Unit
The Customer Display Unit (CDU) is an interface between the Customer and the Utility. The
Utility can send messages displaying Power Outage notices, Payment Status, Present Tariff, etc.
to the customer. The CDU can also display Present Meter Readings, custom messages, (ex: new
tariff plans or last date for payment).
h) Utility Admin Module
Utility Admin Module is a web based application service which provides an end to end solution
for the Admin User. Using this application admin users can add new consumers, new meters,
new connections, interface units, TOU billing, tariff plans. Admin can also use this panel to view
and track information.

12. From the data received from this panel, various types of analysis can be made and reported to
the higher authority for improvements and solutions.
i) CIS (Consumer Information System)
The CIS module helps a consumer to create profile, update it, track consumption details, pay
bills and view the report of their activities. The Major functionalities that will be a built in order
to achieve the target of the CIS module are listed as follows:
 Registration
 Personal Profile (Account section), change password, Update Profile
 Bill Details, Bill Summary, Bill History, Unbilled Usage
 Tariff Plans, Request for Change of Tariff Plans and Consumption Details
 Payment Details, Make Payment and Payment History
 Usage History
 Add Connection
4. Types of Meter
Meters are classified into the following major categories:
1. Electrostatic meters
2. Electromechanical meters
Different types of classification in the above mentioned categories are of the following type:
1. Single Phase Direct Online Meters
2. Three Phase Direct Online Meters
3. CT Operated Meters
4. CT-PT Operated Meters
5. Automatic Meter Reading:
The AMR metering is the concept that established its foothold in a relatively shorter time
period. The AMR metering introduced the much need concept of elimination of the use of

13. meter readers. It automaticallyrecords and transmits the data to the centraldatabase for
billing, troubleshooting and analyzing. AMR doesn’t require physical access or visual inspection
rather information is transferred through different technologies like RF, PLC, ZigBee, and
GSM/GPRS. The previously technology of the Electrostatic meters was improved upon to
provide the much needed insight into the Electrical Distribution network. The AMR meters were
designed to pro-actively deals with some of the major issues such as power theft, excessive use
of man-power for billing/meter reading, etc. The AMR advancements were adopted world-wide
but the realization for their limitations as to their capabilities was realized. The AMR system can
be divided further into separate features:
 Intelligent meters
 Management center
 Communication medium
The separate features of the AMR are defined below:
a) Intelligent terminal:
AMR interface alternatively known as intelligent terminal consists of a hardware assembly,
used for collection of data from a single meter or an aggregate of meters. The assembly in
cooperates power supply, meter sensors, inbuilt electronicsequipment etc.
b) Management center:
Management system consists of an assemblyofcomputer which deals with the collection and
management of data obtained from the AMR interface.
c) Communication medium:
A communication medium provides a channel for allowing communication between the
AMRinterface and the managementcenter. The data transmission can occur through various
mediums including the telephonic system, infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), power line carrier
(PLC), or through the television cable network.
Main Features of AMR Architecture are:

14.  GSM Based Communication:
It is a singlestage communication between meter and the system through a GSM modem.
 Hybrid Communication:
It comprises of two stages of communication between meter and the system.
1. Meters and Data Concentrator Unit (DCU):
Communication channel used between meters and DCU is power line.
2. DCU and Host Central Station (HCS):
Communication channel used between DCU and HCS is the standard GSM, CDMS, RF Network.
d) Advantages of the AMR system:
 Elimination of Human Error
o The elimination of the meter readers reduces the human errors in the process of
meter reading collection.
 Accurate Billing
o Reduced thefts and automatic meter reading allows for the increased accuracy in
the billing system
 Time Saving
o The removal of the time consuming method of manual meter reading allows
timely billing procedure as well as the task being less labor intensive.
 Cost Effective
o The AMR meters may be expensive as compared to the standard
electromechanical meters, but the long term benefits compared to the short
term initial cost are quite huge. The AMR meters reduces the cost of the meter
readers, requires less maintenance, allows for remote communication, remote
tariff structure alteration and etc., which incase of electromechanical meters

15. would require excessive man-power as well as deployment of resources for the
tasks which now can be performed remotely.
 Remote Communication
o Doesn’t require physical communication hardware for communication purposes
 Easy and improved troubleshooting
o Computerized softwares and test benches make it viable for fast troubleshooting
usually without having the need to open the meter box.
 Improved Service
o Digital Displays with multiple factor calculations along with remote
communication allows for the greater ease of administration of once
cumbersome procedure
 Remotely Programmable
o In case of any order from the authority on changing of tariffs or updating the
software, there is no need of visiting each meter and making changes manually.
Rather changes can be made online.
 Remote Monitoring
o The working of the energy meters can be monitored and any unlawful act may
be spotted immediately. Theft of electricity can also be reduced. Moreover, it is
quite difficult to tamper with the digital meters as compare to the
electromechanical meters
6. Advanced Metering Infrastructure
The introduction of the SmartGrid concept around the world introduced the concept of
a computerized and interactivePowerGrid with ability to modify itself and respond to different
condition and circumstances preemptively and pro-actively. The Smart Grid had many different
sub-categories and the concept of Advanced Metering Infrastructure was introduced. Balancing
generation and demand at a very granular scale requires the integration of additional
protection and control technologies that ensure grid stability. The concept of smart grid has
emerged, along with the need for meters that provides information to the utility on the energy
consumption so that the utility can act according to the demands placed on it. This has led to
the concept of smart meters that enables the communication between the utility and the
consumer, otherwise known as the Two Way Communication of Smart Meters. Traditional
Meters only measure total consumption and so provides no additional information on how
much energy is being consumed at a particular time. Whereas the Smart Meters or Advanced
Metering Infrastructure is strategies for optimization and saving of energy both combined and
independently from the overall Smart Grid project.

16. It is an electronic device providing two waycommunications between the utility and your
home, which involves realtimesensors that work by recording the energy consumption in
intervals of hours or minutes and conveying that data back to the utility for monitoring and
billing. This data allow utilities to introduce different charges for consumption based on
different times of the day.
Two way communication of smart meters can benefit consumers by allowing utility companies
to hand over the control to the consumer by placing a display outside of their homes providing
real time, minute-by-minute updated information of their electricity consumption and letting
the consumer manage and optimize their energy use according to different times of the day.
Electricity can be charged differently with respect to its generation. In particular, if the
generation bottlenecks the consumption of electricity, it would result in an increment in prices.
Charging the consumers higher at peak times is an implication as well as an encouragement or
motivation for them to use their electricity in a more efficient manner, thereby reducing their
overall cost and ultimately saving energy. Conversely, utilities can alert their consumers at off
peak times when rates are comparatively low, which would allow consumers to reap the
benefit of it by selling electricity back to the grid.
a) Working Principle of AMI
A smart meter eliminates the need for a meter reader to visit every house just to note their
electricity consumption. However, for testing and maintenance purposes meter readers may
need to visit and observe occasionally. The main purpose of the Smart Meter is to record the
electricity consumption and perform a two way communication between the utility and the
consumer by sending the data to the utility as well as the consumer. The voltage and current
sensors measure the RMS values of voltage and current and feed them to microcontroller,
where calculations for active and reactive power are performed. In Smart Energy Meter we
used sensors to measure voltage and current instead of current and voltage transformers. A
major feature of Smart Energy Meter is that utility company can cut off and reconnect the
connection of energy of any user with the help of SMS without sending the person to perform
the task manually. It can be utilized in case when the utility company needs to disconnect a
consumer due to nonpayment of bills or some other reasons. Another major feature of Smart
energy meter is that it gives alarm when the consumer load is exceeding the upper limit for
which he got the utility connection. In case consumer does not reduce his load meter
automatically cut off the consumer connection.
Smart meter monitors and records data in intervals of hours or minutes and
periodicallytransmits back to the utility via a dedicated radio frequency network. Every smart
meter is equipped with a networkradio, which transmits data to an electric network access
point. The systemuses radio frequency mesh technology allowing the meters to route data
from the meters within its vicinity, thus creating a mesh of network coverage. In case of

17. Pakistan, NEPRAhas introduced that for the AMR and AMI meters, the data profiles are taken
after the 15 minute intervals and the billing profiles are taken at the 30 minutes interval.
As already specified AMI system is a merger of different technologies which provides full
functionality to the consumer.
Following are the technologies integrated in an AMI system:
 Smart Meters
 Communication Infrastructure
 Meter Data Management Systems
 Operational Gateways
 Local area networks
b) The Mesh Network
The electric network access point is responsible for the aggregation of data fromnearby
meters and periodicallytransmitting that data back to the utility via a secure cellular network.
In a mesh of network coverage, each device (Meters or Relays) is connected to several others,
which function as signal repeaters, passing the data on to the access point for being
transmitted back to the utility. To ensure the integrity of the communication, the network
allows continuity in connections by reconfiguring itself around broken paths, using self-
healingalgorithms. These algorithms allow the network to continue operation when a node
breaks down by selecting an alternateroute between a source and a destination, thereby
boosting its reliability. The mesh network is able to transmit data reliably over a largespan of
area.
c) Communication Methods Employed in AMI

18. There are several contemporary methods of communication that can be employed in the
Communication Network of the AMI the technologies are mentioned and described below:
 Infrared(IR)
 Radio frequency (RF)
 GSM/GPRS
 PowerLine Carrier (PLC)
 Broadband over power lines (BPL)
 Copper or optical fiber
 Internet (GPRS, 3G or 4G services)
 ZigBee
d) Home Area Networks in AMI
Home area networks provide a connection between several home appliances and such as
displays, load control devices and smart appliances etc. These networks provide
smartconnectivity between devices for better energy management and least power dissipation.
Some of its advantages include:
 Regulation of supplied energy in accordance to the band provided to the user
 Real time access to energy consumption
 In-home display, for providing constant update to user about energy consumption
 Consumer over-ride capability
It can simply be described as a consumer portal that can be present in any of the system device
e.g. inside the meter, data collection unit, a stand-alone unit supplied gateway etc.
e) Meter Data Management System:
A Meter Data Management System (MDMS) is a database which is inclusive of the meter data
collectors and stores and processes the data obtained through the smart metering system. An

19. MDMS provide application programming interfaces (APIs) between the MDMS and the
multiple destinations that rely on meter data.
Following are some its applications:
 Consumer Information System (CIS), billing systems, and website of service provider
 Outage Management System (OMS)
 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) power quality management and load forecasting
systems
 Mobile Workforce Management (MWM)
 Transformer Load Management (TLM)
 Business Intelligence system (BI) for generation of reports for helping in forecasting and
future planning.
The main application of MDMS in regard to AMI system is to check the validity of the data and
ensuring accurate information despite of fluctuations and disturbances.
f) Simulation Software for AMI plan and Implementation0
i. Simulation Software
Smart-Grid simulation and Data management softwares are readily available in the market
and there are also many off the shelf solutions for the Smart Grid Network. The major
softwares that are available in the market are discussed below. The software discussion is
based on the IEEE COMMUNICATION SURVEYS TUTORIALS SPECIAL ISSUE ON ENERGY AND
SMART GRID article on Combining Power and Communication Network Simulation for Cost-
Effective Smart Grid Analysis.
ii. RCI - Residential, Commercial and Industrial
The description and usage of the above softwares is mentioned below:
1. PSCAD/EMTDC: It is a commercial simulation software tool for the Power System Computer
Aided Design and Electromagnetic Transients for DC. An example of the PSCAD/EMTDC
simulation with ability to integrate micro-grid energy storage, as well as advanced level matrix
calculation in Matlab for network based protection scheme for the power distribution grid.
2. Dig Silent - Power Factory: It is complete softwares that allow the extensive modeling of the
all the power sub systems, let it be generation, transmission, distribution and industrial grid and

20. their mutual interaction analysis. It provides Load flow, electromechanical, RMS fluctuations
and electromagnetic transient events simulation. It allows the study of the transient grid fault
and long term power quality and control issues. It is used in the evaluation of the power supply
continuity using the comparative methods of the probabilistic load flow and stochastic load
flow, along with the transient stability of a micro-grid supplied by multiple distributed
generators. Models of voltage controllers, generators, motors, dynamic and passive loads,
transformers, etc. are part of DigSilents built in electrical components library, but the
algorithms inside these models are not accessible. However, users can create models using the
DigSilent Simulation Language (DSL).
3. Siemens PSS: The Power Systems Simulator (PSSR) product suite includes several software
solutions targeting different domains and time scales. Among others, PSS includes PSS SINCAL
and PSS E. PSS SINCAL targets utility distribution system analysis: it is a commercial network
planning and analysis tool with capability to perform, among others, power flow, load
balancing, load flow optimization and optimal branching simulations. PSS SINCALs COM-server
interface facilitates the integration into existing IT architectures. The COM interfaces can be
exploited in Smart Grid simulations, where PSS SINCAL can be used in the analysis of distributed
generation and smart meter data. The study of the integrating photo voltaic panels on the
utility grid in terms of harmonic distortion, voltage fluctuation and load rejection issues can also
be studied using the PSS software. PSS SINCAL allows users to link each Smart Grid equipment
model (e.g., e-cars, micro-turbine, smart meter, etc.) with their correspondent generation and
load profiles
4. EMTP - RV: EMTP-RV is commercial software for simulations of electromagnetic,
electromechanical and control systems transients in multiphase electric power systems. its uses
involve transient modeling MV feeder response to indirect lightning strokes, studies in
insulation coordination, switching surges, capacitor bank switching, motor starting, etc. user
can develop customized modules and interface them using Dynamic Link Library (DLL)
functionality. 5. Power World: Power World Simulator is an interactive, visual-approach, power
system simulation package designed to simulate high voltage power system operation on a
time frame ranging from several minutes to several days. Power Worlds add-on Sim-Auto
allows controlling the simulator from external applications. Sim-Auto acts as a Component
Object Model (COM) object for interfacing with external tools, such as Matlab or Visual Basic.
Power World interfaced with an external Artificial Intelligence (AI) system decision making tool
has been used to realize smart grid simulations by studying feeder recognition, and large scale
demand response management.
6. ETAP PSMS: ETAP PSMS is a real time power management system. ETAP software has more
than 40 modules for load flow analysis, short- circuit analysis, device coordination analysis,
motor starting analysis, transient stability analysis, harmonic analysis, etc.

21. 7. Cymdist: Cymdist is designed for planning studies and simulating the behavior of electrical
distribution networks under different operating conditions and scenarios. It offers a full
network editor and it is suitable for unbalanced load flow and load balancing studies. The
software workspace is fully customizable. The graphical representation of network
components, results and reports can be built and modified to supply the level of detail needed.
Furthermore, the CYME COMmodule allows different environments to communicate with the
CYMDIST software for accessing different pre-defined functions and calculations.
8. Euro Stag: Euro Stag is a power systems dynamics simulator developed by Tractebel
Engineering GDF SUEZ and RTE (electricity systemoperator of France). It allows a range of
transient and stability studies. Supplementary tools, such as Smart Flow, enable load flow
calculations.
9. HOMER: HOMER is a power generation simulator. It can be used for designing hybrid power
systems containing a mix of energy sources: conventional generators, combined heat and
power, wind turbines, photo-voltaic, batteries, etc. Both grids tied or standalone systems can
be simulated. In addition, green house calculations are also possible.
10. Open DSS: Open DSS is an open-source distribution system simulator developed and
maintained by EPRI. It is designed to support power distribution planning analysis associated
with the interconnection of distributed generation to the utility system. Other targeted
applications include harmonic studies, neutral-earth voltage studies, Volt-VAR control studies,
etc. Co-simulation interfaces (e.g., COMand scripting interfaces) are provided and users can
design their own models. Open DSS is considered a suitable platform for smart grid research as
it supports the analysis of intermittent and stochastic processes associated with renewable
energy sources.
11. Object Stab: Object Stab is an open source power systemlibrary with capabilities to perform
power system transient simulations. It is based on Modelica; a general purpose object oriented
modeling language. It can be used for High Voltage DC (HVDC) power transmission systems and
for optimized power systemmodels for variable speed and wind turbine machines with HVDC
link for the grid interconnection. The electrical performance of a system is checked, validated,
verified via Object Stab.
12. HITACHI SMART GRID SOLUTIONS: HITACHI has developed a whole range of the shelf smart
grid solutions for Customer Side Solutions, that includes separate modules for Home Energy
Management Solution, Factory Energy Management Solution and Electric Vehicle Charging
solution, as well as Demand Response Management, Demand Response Calculation, Advanced
Metering Infrastructure, Demand Management System, Smart Grid Simulator, Distribution
Network Stabilization solution, and Distribution Grid Voltage Stabilization Function.

22. 13. Oracle Utilities: OUNMS, OUMDM, OUBI are some of the major off the shelf solutions being
applied worldwide. OUMDM is designed specifically for the purpose of the meter data
management and billing application.
iii. Communication Network Simulation Softwares
Similarly, as we have listed and defined the simulation softwares for Electrical Simulation and
Data Management, we are now defining the Communication Network Simulation Softwares
that have been previously known to have been used in the Smart-Grid applications, simulations
or designing in research and development or other capacities. The Simulators are as follows:
1. ns-2/ns-3
2. OMNeT++
3. NeSSi
4. OPNET Modeler
It is also found out that MATLAB has also been applied to study communication network in
context to Smart-Grid Networks.
1. Network Simulator (ns-2 and ns-3) The Network Simulator version 2 (ns-2) is a widely used
open source discrete event network simulator created for research and educational purposes. It
is targeted at networking re-search, with a strong focus on internet systems. Therefore, it
includes a rich library of network models to support simulation of IP based applications (such as
TCP, UDP, etc.), routing, multicast protocols, wired and wireless networks. One of the major
advantages of ns-2 is that ns-2 core is written in C++ language, and user can create new
network models or protocols using C++ language. Simulation scripts to control the simulation
and configure aspects such as the network topology are created using the OTcl (object oriented
extension of Tcl) language interface. As a result users can create and modify simulations
without having to resort to C++ programming and recompiling ns-2. Development of ns-3, the
successor to ns-2, is ongoing: new features include support for the Python programming
language as a scripting interface (instead of OTcl), improved scalability, more attention to
realism, better software integration, etc. when selecting a specific version of ns, it is important
to consider that ns-3 is not backwards compatible with ns-2: i.e., existing ns-2 simulation
models must implemented again for ns-3. Both are widely used for networking research in
general and unsurprisingly also in a smart grid context both ns-2 and ns-3 is adopted in e.g., a
co-simulation approach. In a suite of software modules for simulation of PLC networks using ns-
3 is presented and source codes are also available. The mentioned simulation models for PLCs
require prior knowledge of the transmission line theory (TLT), which relies on the knowledge of
topologies, wires and load characteristics of the power grid underlying the PLC system. 2.
OMNeT++ The open-source OMNeT++ discrete event simulation environment has been

23. designed for the simulation of communication networks (wired and wireless) and distributed
systems in general. The simulation environment has a general design (i.e., it is not limited to
simulating communication networks) and therefore has been used in various domains, such as
wireless network simulations, business process simulation and peer-to-peer networking.
However, OMNeT++ is mostly applied in the domain of communication network simulation. A
comprehensive set of internet based protocols is provided by means of the INET framework
extension which includes support for IPv4, IPv6, TCP, UDP, Ethernet, and many other protocols.
Other extensions provide simulation support for mobility scenarios (e.g., VNS), ad-hoc wireless
networks (e.g., INET-MANET), wireless sensor networks (e.g., MiXiM, Castalia), etc. Distributed
parallel simulation is supported to enable simulation of large scale networks. Additionally,
federation support based on the High-Level Architecture (HLA) standard is provided in OMNEST,
the commercial version of OMNeT++. An OMNeT++ simulation model consists of simple
modules implemented in C++. Compound modules consist of other simple or compound
modules, and are defined using the OMNeT++ Network Description Language (NED). Modules
communicate by passing messages via gates, which are the input and output interfaces of the
modules that are linked to each other by so-called connections forming communication links
between modules. Apart from the networking community, OMNeT++ has also received
substantial attention from the smart grid community for developing smart grid simulators.
3. NeSSiNeSSi (Network Security Simulator) is an open source discrete event network simulator
developed at DAI-Labor (Distributed Artificial Intelligence Laboratory) and sponsored by
Deutsche Telekom Laboratories. We include NeSSI because the primary focus of the tool is on
network security related scenarios in IP networks. Features described to support security
related scenarios are attack modeling, attack detection, security metrics, etc. Distributed
simulation is supported to enable simulation of large scale networks. Example uses in the smart
grid domain include a security analysis of a smart measuring scenario through federated
simulation and to use an integrated approach for evaluating and optimizing an agent-based
smart grid management system.
4. OPNET Modeler OPNET Modeler is a powerful commercial discrete event network simulator
with built-in, validated models including LTE, WIMAX, UMTS, Zig-Bee, Wi-Fi, etc. It enables
modeling of various kinds of communication networks, incorporating terrain, mobility, and
path-loss characteristics in the simulation models. OPNET Modeler has a visual high-level user
interface offering access to a large library of C and C++ source code blocks, representing the
different models and functions. It comes with an open interface for integrating external object
_les, libraries, other simulators (co-simulation) and even hardware-in-the-loop. The Smart Grid
Communications Assessment Tool (SGCAT) is a simulation, modeling and analysis platform,
targeted to utilities that want to develop a holistic smart grid communications strategy. It has
been developed to assess the performance of different smart grid applications under various
terrains, asset topologies, technologies and application configurations. SG-CAT has been built
on top of OPNET Modeler, taking advantage of OPNETs modular design, which allows the

24. exchange and customization of applications, communication technologies, terrain profiles and
path-loss models. It also allows development of the heterogeneous WiMAX-WLAN network
architecture for the Smart Grid Communication as compared to the pure WLAN network
architecture.
7. Prospects of Smart Metering or Advanced Metering Infrastructure
in Pakistan
In Pakistan, utilities are still using traditionalmethods for electricity monitoring and billing,
which involves using a traditionalmeter to record a consumers electricity consumption and a
meter reader to note and convey that data to the utility by visiting every house on the list.
A smart meter is a device that eliminates the need for a meter reader and sets him free of his
tedious job by recording data for the consumption of electric energy in intervals of hours and
conveying that data to the utility for monitoring and billing. It grants customer the ability to
check his/her electricity consumption status anytime and anywhere just via a short messaging
system (SMS).
Furthermore, in case of a defaulter, the utility has the option of cutting the electricity supply
and then reconnecting the supply once the defaulter clears his/her bills by just using a short
messaging service (SMS). In this system, the smart meters make use of ZigBee to convey the
data to the utility and from the utility to the consumer, hence maintaining a two way
communication between the utility and the consumer. Other methods of conveyance include
PLC (Power Line Communication), but its high interference and noise that it possesses makes it
an unbefitting option to be considered. Metering information can also be transmitted via GSM,
but its limited range and cost ineffective solution does not make it a worthy option to be
considered either, however, the ZigBee offers a much efficient method for conveyance as it is
able to transmit data over long distances by passing data through a mesh network of
intermediate devices to reach more distant ones.
Smart Meters rectifies many of the obstacles and flaws which are otherwise found with the
traditional methods of billing. Some human mistakes may also occur in manual billing. Analyzing
the conventional billing, some of the common observed errors and mistakes are:
 Its time consuming procedure
 There is always a chance of human error while taking the manual meter reading
 There is no check and balance and verification procedure of this meter reading
 There is always a chance of theft and corruption
 Extra human power is required

25.  Consumer is not updated of his usage
 Consumer may not get the bill slip within due date
8. Smart Energy Meter
The Smart Energy Meter allow for more in depth reading of the electricity consumption and is
designed to measure voltage and load current readings with the use voltage and current
sensors, instead of potential and current transformers. The readings recorded by the sensors
are fed into power factor controller IC and energy metering IC, which then converts these
readings into real power consumed by the load. Power factor is measured by measuring the
phase shift between voltage and load current. Microcontroller used to perform the calculations
related to power and energy consumed shows the reading on LCD and also convey these
readings of Smart Energy Meter to the utility or the consumer with the help of GSM modem.
Active power, reactive power, voltage, load current, power factor and units (kWh) are
measured and displayed successfully. Two-way communication is done by smart energy meter
between the meter and utility administration as well as between meter and customer so that
customer is able to check the status of his consumed energy units and can manage his load
accordingly to reduce his bill. The main features of smart energy meter are listed as follows;
 Get automatic reading of Energy Meter and sent it to consumer as well as to utility.
 In reading it measures Voltage, Load Current, Real power, Reactive power, Power factor
and units consumed.
 Utility is able to cutout/restore the supply of the defaulter through SMS.
 Measuring energy meter reading any time we want through the use of SMS i.e. energy
meter responds to the message and send u reading whenever it is asked.
 Consumer is able to check the status of his load from anywhere in the world by SMS.
9. Communication technologies in AMR and AMI
a) Infrared Technology (IR):
In this technology the data is transmitted using infrared rays. The working of infrared
technology has same steps in process reading, processing and billing but the difference lies in
communication step. The difference is that transmission is carried out using infrared rays.
Types:
 Handheld
 Mobile
 Satellite

26. b) RF Technology:
Radio frequency based AMR can take many forms. The more common ones are handheld,
mobile, satellite and fixed network solutions. There are both two-way RF communication
systems and one-way RF communication systems in use that use both licensed and unlicensed
RF bands.
Working:
The working of an RF automatic meter reader (AMR) includes four steps. The procedure from
collecting data from meter to billing has four steps. These steps are given below.
 Reading data Unit
 Communication Unit
 Processing Unit
 Billing Unit
c) Two way RF Technology:
In a two-way or "wake up" system, a radio trans receiver normally sends a signal to a particular
transmitter serial number, telling it to wake up from a resting state and transmit its data. The
meter attached transceiver and the reading transceiver both send and receive radio signals and
data. In two way communication data is collected from meter to server’s end. The instructions
can also be given from server’s end to customer’s end. This includes immediate power failure
alerts, recharging of pre-payment metering etc. The cost of two way RF communications is
more than one way RF communication.
d) One way RF Technology:
In one-way continuous broadcast type system, the transmitter sends readings continuously
every few seconds. This means the reading device can be a receiver only, and the meter AMR
device a transmitter only. Data travel one way, from the meter AMR transmitter to the meter
reading receive. The cost of one way RF communication is less than the cost of two way RF
communication system.
Types of RF AMR:
 Handheld
 Mobile
 Satellite

27. e) ZigBee
Zigbee is wireless technology, which is used as a communication medium integrating sensors,
instruments and control systems. It is an internationally accepted standard which provides a
cost-effective solution for communication between sensors in low-data rate wireless networks.
It facilitates a full wireless mesh networking with low power-dissipation.
Zigbee is basically a modified wireless communication module. Wireless communication also
occurs efficaciously through the use of the wireless local area network (WLAN) and Wi-Fi, but
the limitations such as large power dissipation, short distance, complexity and small scale
networking makes Zigbee a more suitable wireless technology. It is regarded as global sensor
network standard and can connect widest range of devices in any control network. Its core
advantages include
 Low power consumption
 Cost-effective, having longer battery life and easy installation
 Mesh-network management, handling massive sensor and control arrays
 Simple and Interoperable
 AES- encryption to protect data
 Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum
Alternative Solutions to ZigBee
Wi-FIandBluetoothare one of the alternative solutionsavailableforthe ZigBee technologyandtheir
usage isalso applieddue totheircapacityandcapabilityforhighdata-rate transferapplicationssuchas
mediafiles,whereas,ZigBeemoduleisspecificall designedtooperate tofieldswithlow-datatransfer
withsimple structures e.g.datafromsensors.Itisa modifiedversionof the low powerradiobased IEEE
802.15.4 - 2003 WirelessPersonalAreaNetwork(WPAN).Modificationsinclude
 NetworkandSecurityLayers
 ApplicationFramework
ZigBee Logical Device Network
Zigbee Logical Device Network:
Zigbee logical device network explains various types of nodes present in a Zigbee Network Tree:
Coordinator Root Node
Router Intermediate Node
End Devices Leaf Node

28. Coordinator:
Coordinator is unique and acts as the identification parameter for zigbee network. It is the key
element to form a mesh by bridging with other network. It selects the network parameters such
as radio frequency etc. It serves as a bank for securing encryption code and other information.
Router:
Router has the capability of establishing connections with the existent network and
communicating with other devices through transmission of data. It can also accept connections
from unknown devices and can serve as re-transmitters.
End Devices:
End Devices are battery –powered devices, which extract information from the sensors. They
transfer information to router or coordinator, but unlike other nodes cannot relay data from
secondary devices. This helps us achieve the objective of cost-effective low-power networking.
ZigBee consists of two devices:
 Full Function Device (FFD)
 Reduced Function Device (RFD)
Full Function Device:
Full function Device provides complete functionality of Coordination, Routing and End Devices.
The role it plays depends on the requirement of the particular application.
Reduced Function Device:
Reduced function device lacks routing capability and is often used in combination with the FFD.
Operating Modes:
Two multiple access modes in ZigBee are beacon or non-beacon networks. For beacon
networks Personal Area Network (PAN) coordinator must be used as it provides guaranteed
time slots (GTS) during which beacon-enabled network can transmit data. For non-beacon
network PAN coordinator is not required as it can transfer data when channel is free.
Process:
ZigBee makes use of the radio frequency for establishing communication among devices. Zigbee
network consists of a network coordinator. The network makes use of FFD and RFD which are
used simultaneously. FFD provide all the functionalities i.e. coordination, routing and end
devices, whereas RFD is only used to develop a communication linkage with the physical world.
ZigBee support several topologies such as star, mesh, and cluster tree. The network used

29. depends on the requirement of the application e.g. star topology is best suited to facilitate a
close distance systemwhere several end devices can establish a link with a single router. Router
might be an intermediate node a massive mesh network which finally connects to a network
coordinator and executes the task at hand.
f) GSM
GSM based Meter Reading is an automated system which provides an efficient way of collecting
consumption and status data from different utility meters, establishing connections between
the load and the utility provider for analysis of the requisite data, billing, troubleshooting etc.
The communication medium for developing interaction between the consumer end and the
utility center is GSM.
GSM application in AMR
The AMR system provides the centralized Power Monitoring and Control for the electricity
department and easy bill payment for the customers. The Energy Management System leads to
savings in the overall cost. These savings may be due to resource management, tampering
detection and time-efficient for both for the customers and the utility providers. Global System
for Mobile communication is an efficient medium of communication to establish a work-
compatible mode between the management system and the AMR interface. It is used for high
rate data transfer. It is used as a transmission module. Some of its key features which give it a
clear advantage over other technologies are:
 Low cost alternative of Short message Service (SMS)
 Service Provider cryptographic algorithms for security e.g. Universal subscriber Identity
module (USIM)
 Low Power Consumption
 Wide Network Coverage
 Cost Effectiveness
 Reliability
g) PLC (Power line communication)
PLC system uses the same High Voltage transmission line connecting two sub-stations for
telecommunication purpose too.
PLC is used in all power utilities as a primary communication service to transmit speech,
telemetry and protection tripping commands. This is economic and reliable for inter-grid
message transfer as well as low bit rate RTU signals.The voice/data are mixed with radio
frequency carrier (40-500 kHz), amplified to a level of 10-80W RF power and injected in to high
voltage power line using a suitable coupling capacitor. The power line as arigid long conductor

30. parallel to ground, guides the carrier waves to travel along the transmission line. Point to point
communication takes place between two SSB transceivers at both ends.
The PLC system consists of:
 Meter Built-in PLC Module
 Meter communication with Concentrator
 Concentrator communication with Master Station
Technologies of PLC:
 PRIME:
In 2009, a group of vendors formed the Power line Intelligent Metering Evolution
(PRIME) alliance. As delivered, the physical layer is OFDM, sampled at 250 kHz, with 512
differential phase shift keying channels from 42–89 kHz. Its fastest transmission rate is
128.6 kilobits/second, while its most robust is 5.4 Kbit/s. It uses a convolutional code for
error detection and correction. The upper layer is usually IPv4.
 G3:
In 2011, several companies including distribution network operators (ERDF, Enexis),
meter vendors (Sagemcom, Landis&Gyr) and chip vendors (Maxim Integrated, Texas
Instruments, STMicroelectronics) founded the G3-PLC Allianceto promote G3-PLC
technology. G3-PLC is the low layer protocol to enable large scale infrastructure on the
electrical grid. G3-PLC may operate on CENELEC A band (35 kHz to 91 kHz) or CENELEC B
band (98 kHz to 122 kHz) in Europe, on ARIB band (155 kHz to 403 kHz) in Japan and on
FCC (155 kHz to 487 kHz) for the US and the rest of the world. The technology used is
OFDM sampled at 400 kHz with adaptive modulation and tone mapping. Error detection
and correction is made by both a convolutional code and Reed-Solomon error
correction. The required media access control is taken from IEEE 802.15.4, a radio
standard. In the protocol, 6loWPAN has been chosen to adapt IPv6 an internet network
layer to constrained environments which is Power line communications. 6loWPAN
integrates routing, based on the mesh network Loading, header compression,
fragmentation and security. G3-PLC has been designed for extremely robust
communication based on reliable and highly secured connections between devices,
including crossing Medium Voltage to Low Voltage transformers. With the use of IPv6,
G3-PLC enables communication between meters, grid actuators as well as smart objects.
frequency division multiplexing power line communication transceivers for G3-PLC
networks.
Comparison between PRIME & G3
Parameters G3 PRIME
Frequency range 35-91 KHz 42-89 KHz
Subcarrier spacing 1.5625 KHz 0.488 KHz

31. 1. CHINA:
Power-line communication is allowing some of China’s biggest cities to hold LED Street lighting
and controls.
The technology allows lights to be controlled using signals sent over existing power lines .so no
new wiring or antennas are required.
Over the last few years Guangdong Rongwen Lighting Co, working with US controls provider
level, has installed more than 130,000 ‘smart’ streetlights in Guangdong Province (China’s most
densely populated area)
Foshan, a city of around seven million people in central Guangdong Province, is currently
installing 50,000 LED lights, while Dongguan in the Pearl River Delta, part of an urban area that
is home to 25 million people, is also using the technology.
Rongwen says PLC system has a larger installed base in China than any other single lighting
solution.
The system can control individual luminaries in real time, enabling big savings in energy
consumption.
Controllers for a segment of streetlights can be placed within one of the luminaries or at the
bottom of a column for easy access.
2. AUSTRALIA
Future Engineering & Communication Pvt Ltd is an Australian based organization that
specializes in design, supply and installation of Power line Infrastructure, Lattice Towers, Steel
Monopoles, Guyed Masts and custom designed structures.
Advantages:
 Low cost: No separate wires are needed for communication purposes. The power lines
themselves carry power as well as communication signals. Hence the cost is less.
 High mechanical strength: Power lines have appreciably higher mechanical strength
compared with ordinary lines. They would normally remain unaffected under the
conditions.
FFT size 256 512
Windowing yes no
No.of carriers used 36 97
Max.demand rate 33.4 Kbps 128.6 Kbps
Interleaving Per data packet Per OFDM
Modulation DBSK,DQPSK DBSK,DQPSK,D8PSK

32.  Shortest route: Power lines usually provide the shortest route between the power
stations.
 Low resistance: Power lines have large cross-sectional area resulting in very low
resistance per unit length..
 No leakage current: Power lines are well insulated to provide only negligible leakage
between conductors and ground even in adverse weather conditions
 Less attenuation: Carrier signals suffer much less attenuation than when they travel on
telephone lines of equal lengths Largest spacing between conductors reduces
capacitance, which results in smaller attenuation at high frequencies. The large spacing
also reduces the cross talk to a considerable extent
Disadvantages:
 More staff required: Proper care has to be taken to guard carrier equipment and
personnel using them against high voltages and currents on the lines.
 Noise issues: Noise introduced by power lines is far more than that of telephone lines.
This is due to the noise generated by discharge across insulators and switching
processes.
 High frequencies needed: Current lines designed @ 50-60 Hz to 400 Hz. Legal
restrictions on frequency bands limit data rates.
 Unreliable: Contaminated because of noise
 Power Loss: P=I2
R
 Decreased amplitude: Amplitude of electrical signal has been decreased on reaching the
database.
Comparison of Technologies
PARAMETERS IR RF PLC GSM
Reachability 80% 90% 95% 97%
Capital Cost Low Low medium Low
Operational Cost Low Low low medium
Operation Own own own Mobile
Addressability Via
Concentrator
Via
Concentrator
Via concentrator directly
Suitability Function with Function with Function with low Function with

33. (bandwidth) BW high BW
Suitability for real
time application
Yes Yes yes No
Flexibility Medium Medium Medium High
Reliability Low Low high Very high
10. Global deployment
Itron
It is reputed to be the largest manufacturer of smart meters in the world. It is also one of the
largest independent smart grid companies in the world with 8,000 utilities as its customers,
revenues of US$ 2.26 billion (in 2010) and has a global operation having 9,000 employees. The
company sells smart distribution solutions and end-to-end smart grid solutions to water, gas
and electric utilities worldwide. Currently working areas are Romania, North America, North
Miami,Jordan,Brazil,Germany,Spain.
Landis+Gyr
It is leading private company in the European market and has started to penetrate the US
market as well. The company is based in Zug, Switzerland and has installed over 300 million
electricity meters, mostly in Europe. It considered as one of the top 5 smart meter
manufacturer in the world. Its sales of US$ 1.3 billion has recently made it a potential target for
acquisition by companies like ABB, Toshiba, GE and other private equity companies.Currently
working areas are Netherland, Finland, Japan, and Holland.
Sensus
It is a leading US company that provides grid optimization solutions to public electric utilities,
investor owned utilities and other utilities. It also manufactures smart meters as part of the
company’s smart grid component vision. Part of the service offering is smart metering, grid
management software and utility communication networks.Currently working area is
NorthAmerica
Elster
It is a US based private company with 170 years of experience. Elster is another leading
manufacturer of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and offers utilization solutions to
various industries, like the gas, water and electricity industry. Elster electricity meters both

34. support AMI systems and Automated Meter Reading (AMR) systems. Currently working areas
are Florida, Mexico, and Netherland.
GE (AMR modules):
It is also a US based company that may not be known for its smart meters. GE is best known as
the biggest player in the global Green Industry. It has generated US$ 18 billion in revenues. It
has a strong presence in the Smart Grid market and in the Energy Efficiency market. Like other
huge industrial conglomerates it is considered a low risk player in certain areas of the Green
Investment sector. Currently working areas are California United states, Canada.
ISKRAEMECO
Like other major market player in the AMI metering systems, Iskraemeco is one of the major
companies that are providing AMI solutions across the world with their HQ in Slovenia but their
presence is currently in more than 100 countries world-wide. Iskraemeco is also one of the
major suppliers of the K-Electric, Pakistan for Smart Meter Systems in Smart Grid
implementation project in Karachi.
11. Local Deployment
 Micro-tech industries (Pvt) Ltd
Multan Electric Power Company and Peshawar Electric Supply Company will install a total of 45,
200 GPRS-enabled smart meters to residential, agricultural, small industrial and public sector
consumers.The AMI installation is believed to be the largest in the South Asian country.
Pakistan smart metering company Micro-Tech Industries (MTI) has won a contract to deliver
turnkey solutions to the project funded by the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID).The time line for the project is between August 21, 2014 and August 15,
2015, MTI confirmed.
End to end AMI solution
MTI has manufactured the smart electricity meters and developed the head-end software.The
company will also install the units and maintain them for three years after deployment.
Commenting on the metering rollout, Ali Mohsin, assistant manager business development at
MTI, said the proposed solution included features that are unique to the energy sector in
Pakistan such as demand side load management, energy auditing, customized reporting and
improvement in income collection.

35. Smart Grid Implementation Project K-Electric, Karachi, Pakistan
Lahore, InfoTech Group, a leading technology software solutions provider, has recently signed
an agreement with K-Electric Limited (KE) to implement Automated Meter Reading system in
Karachi, Pakistan. According to the agreement InfoTech will install the solution in the areas that
have been selected by K-electric on the basis of their data analysis.
This solution will enable KE to maximize its Advance Metering Infrastructure (AMI) capability
with proper network management that can help the power distribution company in improving
monitoring of the overall electrical network. As a result with this solution K- Electric Limited
intends to reduce energy losses, manage recoveries, proactively address network performance
issues, enhance distribution planning capability, and improve outage management.
In the initial phase of the project KE will implement smart meters for approximately 10,000
customers across a few specific areas of Karachi within a year, and then continuously roll out
across a major portion of the city. InfoTech is also working other DISCOs on various technology
projects in Pakistan.
12. REFERENCES
[1]. H.G. Rodney Tan, C. H. Lee and V. H. Mok, “Automatic Power Meter Reading System
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