in the industry are Smart meter or "smart metering" have long been standard and mandatory. But what exactly does this mean, what advantages does such a system offer and how are they already being used successfully in companies? We provide the answers.
What are smart meters?
Smart meters are intelligent meters that measure energy consumption in households, small businesses or buildings. They automatically monitor the data and send it to the respective utility company. They are equipped with the latest technology and enable precise recording of energy consumption in real time. Smart meters are the central control units one Smart grid system. Also with the PV monitoring they play an important role. They make it possible to precisely record and analyze the electricity consumption and production of a photovoltaic system.
They consist of a digital electricity meter and a communication unit, the so-called smart meter gateway, which ensures communication with the various market participants. With the help of smart meters, operators of PV systems, for example, can measure their Improve energy efficiency and at the same time their Reduce costs. Smart meters offer numerous advantages for PV monitoring, such as precise monitoring of energy consumption, identification of potential savings and the possibility of optimizing energy efficiency.
By using them, operators of PV systems can track their own energy data in real time and thus react quickly to changes. Overall, the use of smart meters is essential in order to maximize the efficiency of electricity generation, identify potential for saving electricity and, in the long term, reduce energy consumption. Reduce costs.
Smart meters will also become mandatory for small consumers and feeders
With the adoption of the Act on the Restart of the Digitization of the Energy Transition (GNDEW) by the Bundestag on 20.04.2023, smart metering systems will now also be available for Consumers and companies with comparatively low electricity consumption and smaller feed-in quantities to the obligation. The use of smart meters will therefore be rolled out to private households with an annual electricity consumption of more than 6,000 kWh or a PV system with more than 7 kWp from 2025.
The Electricity Grid Access Ordinance (StromNZV) previously only required companies with an annual electricity consumption of 100,000 kWh or more and/or a photovoltaic system of 100 kWp or more to use an intelligent electricity control system, as such systems must be controllable by the grid operator in accordance with VDE regulations. Since 2016, this has applied in particular to PV system operators with direct marketing. By extending the smart meter obligation to smaller units, the German government hopes to give a significant boost to the energy transition and the achievement of climate targets.
Which components are installed as "smart meters" by commercial and industrial companies?
The terminology "smart meter" has basically only been established for a few years and is based on the communication unit "smart meter gateway" and the corresponding interface first mentioned in the 2016 Metering Point Operation Act. The term "smart meter" is therefore not commonly used by commercial and industrial companies and operators of commercial photovoltaic systems. Here, we speak of load profile meters and power quality analyzers, which together provide all the functions of a smart meter.
A load profile meter, or better RLM meter (registering power meter), has not only been standard but mandatory since the law came into force. It measures electricity consumption every quarter of an hour and transmits the data to the grid operator. In this way Load profiles and load profiles including load peaks based on the measurement data, which is sent to the energy supplier and the respective company at least once a month.
The RLM meters are installed on the AC side in the company and are also mandatory for PV system operators without direct marketing from 100 kWp. The power quality analyzers are also integrated into the company's AC system. They monitor the voltage quality, record all consumption values and check all electrical parameters in the energy distribution systems. These power measurement devices are the control centers for energy management systems, are highly connective and can take over all control tasks if they are connected to intelligent software.
What does the technology do and what advantages does it offer companies?
The use of smart meters or the combination of RLM meters with Power quality analyzers opens up many possibilities. These range from simple energy monitoring to the automation and optimization of internal processes, and the data collected can be used to identify further potential for increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Here is a brief overview:
Real-time monitoring
The combination of RLM meters with power quality analyzers records power consumption and power generation in real time. This allows operators of photovoltaic systems to receive immediate feedback on the performance of their systems. They can track the energy flow, see how much electricity they are generating and how much of it is being fed into the grid or consumed in the company.
Transparency and control
They enable system operators to precisely monitor and analyze energy consumption and generation. This enables better control over the energy budget and the identification of optimization potential or expensive peak loads. Operators can, for example, recognize when the best time for self-consumption is or how they can adjust their electricity consumption to the expected energy generation.
Data collection, analysis and forecasts
Smart meters or the combination of RLM meters with power quality analyzers collect extensive data on electricity consumption and generation. This data can be used for detailed analysis to identify patterns, optimize performance and detect potential problems or defects at an early stage. Long-term data also makes it possible to evaluate the long-term performance of the PV system and calculate ROI. In addition, location-accurate weather forecasts can be used to create automated forecasts of residual electricity demand, which are transmitted directly to the grid operators, making energy purchasing much easier for the company.
Integration into the power grid
They are also of great importance for the integration of decentralized photovoltaic systems into the power grid. As electricity demand in companies is generally not evenly distributed throughout the day and the energy generation of PV systems also varies depending on the amount of sunlight, smart meters help to better coordinate electricity generation and consumption across locations. Equipped with the appropriate intelligent software, they can exchange PV system data via a direct marketing interface. This means that the most favorable tariff is automatically selected at all times.
Billing and feed-in management
Smart meters or the combination of RLM meters with power quality analyzers enable precise billing, both for the electricity that is fed into the grid (feed-in tariff) and for the electricity consumed (self-consumption). This is important for the PV system operator in order to determine financial returns and document their contribution to the energy transition.
Reporting & Ticketing
The data they record can be automatically sent to a defined group of recipients in summarized and individual reports. In addition, they are able to create tickets with diagnoses when errors or defects occur or to send maintenance reminders at defined intervals.
All of this helps not only to maximize the yield of a PV system and thus derive greater benefit from the investment, but also to optimize a company's overall energy management. All data is transmitted to an intelligent monitoring system, which enables detailed analysis. This allows fluctuations in electricity consumption or yield to be quickly identified and adjustments made if necessary.
Installation & operation of smart meters or RLM meters and power quality analyzers
Smart meters, RLM meters and power quality analyzers are always installed on the AC side of the power grid in a company or building. The installation of smart meters begins with the selection of the appropriate model that meets the requirements of the electricity supplier and consumers. There are different types of smart meters that are equipped with different communication technologies and functions.
The choice depends on factors such as the geographical location, the type of electricity grid and the specific requirements. RLM meters, on the other hand, are usually installed by the grid operators in consultation with the client. In both cases, they must be installed by a qualified technician near the existing power connection. The power cables and communication modules are then connected to enable smooth data collection and transmission.
Smart meters and RLM meters are equipped with communication technologies such as GSM, GPRS, PLC or radio technologies. After installation, the smart meter is integrated into the communication network to transmit consumption data to the electricity supplier in real time. This eliminates the need for manual readings and enables continuous monitoring of energy consumption.
The installation of power quality analyzers requires a precise choice of location. These devices should be placed at strategic points in the power grid or near sensitive electronic devices in order to monitor the quality of the electrical supply. They are integrated into the power grid and connected to the relevant measuring points. This allows them to record and analyze all voltage parameters in order to identify possible deviations and problems. The entire electrical supply, such as voltage fluctuations, dips, harmonics, total harmonic distortion (THD) and flicker, is monitored.
This information helps to assess the stability and reliability of the power grid. By continuously monitoring the power quality, power quality analyzers can detect irregularities and problems in the power grid. Such findings are valuable for identifying possible causes of power outages or damage to electronic devices.
Only smart software makes all energy data valuable for companies
Smart meters and RLM meters initially only communicate once with the grid operators and the energy supplier. This enables them to create accurate bills and regulate the flow of electricity so that there are no overloads. Thanks to various interfaces, the companies themselves can also work with the data. The power quality analyzers in particular, which are used by of every commercial photovoltaic system provide additional valuable data.
Through the use of intelligent software This opens up almost unimagined possibilities for energy purchasing, management, marketing or technology within the company. CUBE CONCEPTS assembles all the necessary electronic components for each PV system, develops and installs the appropriate software with the respective partners and makes sustainability and solar power generation a reality using CUBE Vision visible.