A flexible smart meter

The Kamstrup smart meter ensures interoperability and system interface. Find out below how it fits the complex infrastructures of modern utilities by supporting open protocols.

Openness

Kamstrup electricity meters provide the DLMS/COSEM data collection protocol as system integration interface. This assures a standardized interface between the electricity meter and any AMM-system supporting this open and common specification.

Kamstrup cooperates with system providers and smart meter manufacturers in order to fulfil the demands caused by the complex infrastructures of modern utilities.

The composite data communication networks of utilities and net distributors require adaptability from the suppliers of components and systems. And often utilities and net distributors contract with different suppliers for electricity meters, heat- and cooling meters, water meters and system solutions.

In order to offer maximum flexibility, the new generation of the Kamstrup smart meter supports the open DLMS-protocol (Device Language Message Specification). 

This is how it works
DLMS is comparable to a set of rules or a common language, on which the various operators have agreed.

The DLMS-protocol enables the integration of energy meters with data management systems from other manufacturers. This secures that the energy supplier gets the full advantage of the meter functions.

The utility that has invested in a smart metering solution pulls an enormous amount of information out of the meters – information that can be used for a lot more than billing purposes.

For load control, development of tariff models for special customer segments, and for energy trade, exact and reliable data are needed.

There are other open protocols on the market, but DLMS stands out by being more comprehensive and also supporting more particular functions in the meter itself and in the communication between the meter and the data collection system.

The DLMS-protocol facilitates metering data and thus paves the way for a range of add on-services improving customer service and energy consulting.

DLMS makes sure that data can be recognized and then converts them into a transportable series of bytes, thus bridging the gap between meter and data management system.

DLMS facilitates two-way-communication.

A political observation
Seamless integration and flexibility are crucial key factors in exploiting the full potential of the fast developing and diversified communication technologies in smart metering.

The technological development on the market for energy metering is in a turbulent process of change. New modules and new features are constantly being invented. Many interested parties are therefore awaiting the outcome of this development; and it is difficult to foresee if there will be put legislative demands on smart meters and smart metering solutions in regard to functionalities etc.

Which standard will eventually prevail; and which political initiatives will be made in near future?

Energy suppliers who wish to go safely into the future can not afford to exclude options and should not go along with proprietary systems, but rather combine and construct an individual solution without restrictions. It is therefore advised to apply common standards and open protocols in the metering infrastructure.

When energy distributors, system suppliers, and energy meter manufacturers are on accord with each other about a common language for transporting data, there will be less uncertainty about which solution to choose. This harmonious situation will definitely ease the burden of costly decisions for the utility.

With DLMS, energy distributors will be able to choose freely between different meter products, system solutions, and communication media, because DLMS provides the desired interoperability.

The meter manufacturer must on his side take precautions by delivering flexible meters to the market.