What Are the Features and Benefits of Smart Meters? (1)
With the development of the times, most of the current electric meters are slowly being replaced. Some traditional electric meters are replaced by a more functional electric meter. These electric meters are also called smart meters. Smart meters are one of the basic devices for data collection in smart grids (especially smart distribution grids). With the emergence of the times, it has brought great help to the people and enterprises. What are the functions and benefits of smart meters?
1. What functions does a smart meter have?
1). Billing and Accounting
Accurate and real-time expense settlement information processing can be achieved through smart meters, which simplifies the complex process of accounting processing in the past. In the electricity market environment, dispatchers can switch energy retailers in a more timely and convenient manner, and even fully automatic switching can be realized in the future. At the same time, users can also obtain more accurate and timely energy consumption information and accounting information.
2). Distribution network state estimation
The power flow distribution information on the distribution network side is inaccurate, mainly because the information is obtained by comprehensive processing based on the network model, the load estimation value, and the measurement information on the high voltage side of the substation. By adding measurement nodes on the user side, more accurate load and network loss information will be obtained, thereby avoiding power equipment overload and power quality deterioration. By integrating a large amount of measurement data, it is possible to predict unknown states and check the accuracy of measurement data.
3). Power quality and power supply reliability monitoring
The use of smart meters can monitor the power quality and power supply status in real-time, so as to respond to user complaints in a timely and accurate manner and take measures in advance to prevent the occurrence of power quality problems. Traditional power quality analysis methods have gaps in real-time performance and effectiveness.
4). Energy efficiency monitoring and management
By feeding back the energy consumption information provided by the smart meter to the user, the user can be prompted to reduce energy consumption or change the way of energy utilization. For households equipped with distributed power generation equipment, it can also provide users with reasonable power generation and electricity consumption solutions to maximize their interests of users.
5). User energy management
Through the information provided by the smart meter, a user energy management system can be built on it, so as to provide energy management services for different users (residential users, commercial users, industrial users, etc.). While meeting indoor environmental control (temperature, humidity, lighting, etc.), reduce energy consumption as much as possible and achieve the goal of reducing emissions.
6). Energy saving
Provide users with real-time energy consumption data, promote users to adjust their electricity consumption habits, and timely detect abnormal energy consumption caused by equipment failures. Based on the technology provided by smart meters, power companies, equipment suppliers, and other market players can provide users with new products and services. For example, different types of time-of-use network tariffs, power contracts with the repurchase, spot price power contracts, etc.
7). Smart Home
A smart home refers to the connection of different devices, machines, and other energy-consuming devices in a home in a network and controlled according to the needs and behavior of residents, outdoor temperature, and other parameters. It can realize the interconnection of heating, alarm, lighting, ventilation, and other systems, so as to realize the remote control of home automation and home appliances and other equipment.
8). Preventive maintenance and failure analysis
The measurement function of smart meters helps to achieve preventive maintenance of distribution network components, energy meters, and user equipment, such as detection of voltage waveform distortion, harmonics, unbalance, and other phenomena caused by power electronic equipment faults and ground faults. Measurement data can also help the grid and users analyze grid component failures and network losses.
9). Prepaid
Compared with traditional prepayment methods, smart meters can provide lower-cost, more flexible, and friendly prepayment methods.
10). Meter management
Meter management includes asset management of installed meters; maintenance of meter information database. Regular access to the meter. Ensure the normal installation and operation of the meter; confirm the storage location of the meter and the correctness of user information, etc.
