How to obtain energy efficiency with reliable data
The Green Difference smart meter provides load profile data, voltage quality data, and four quadrant measurement for improved grid operation.
Load profile registration
The Utility may take advantage of the recorded load profile data. One of the challenges of providing power to households is balancing the supply with the actual demand. Getting a clear picture of the actual power consumption helps the utility in taking decisions on the grid load.
A load profile is a graph of the variation in the electrical load versus time. A load profile not only supports correct billing; it also allows utilities to offer improved customer service like energy saving information.
Voltage quality measurement
Voltage levels are also measured and recorded. The power grid does not all the time provide the consumers with the announced voltage level, typically 230V. The voltage quality differs from time to time. These differences are recorded by the smart meter which thus provides the energy distributor with valuable information to perform an efficient grid operation.
Four quadrant measurement registers energy loss
Loss of energy is a major problem for utilities. But by registering active as well as reactive energy the meter accounts for the energy loss; and the utility can then take counter actions.
A load profile not only supports correct billing; it also allows utilities to offer improved customer service like energy saving information. For instance the values of minimum and maximum load are easily accessible with load profiles.
Load profile statistics are useful tools for illustrating the energy consumption and identifying peak production periods, thus enabling utilities to optimize the energy production according to actual energy consumption. The load profile gives a precise picture of the power load over a specific period of time. This picture can be utilized for an improved forecast and thereby reduce overproduction of energy.
Summation of load profiles for all customers in a certain area provides an immediate status of the grid’s soundness; and looking ahead the load profile tool facilitates the future planning of grid upgrades.
The Green Difference meter from Kamstrup features the logging of meter data for load profile statistics. The logged data are stored in the meter and can be retrieved by demand. The logging frequency can be configured to be carried out every 15, 30 or 60 minutes.
A load profile not only supports correct billing; it also allows utilities to offer improved customer service like energy saving information. For instance the values of minimum and maximum load are easily accessible with load profiles.
With the 4 quadrant measuring, the Kamstrup smart meter registers the overload as reactive energy (or low power factor). The utility can then with greater accuracy implement an active power factor correction at places in the distribution system as counter measurement in order to obtain a linear load.
The issue is that electric applications in households use power differently. Devices with induction motors, for instance fans and air condition-applications, overload transformers which thereby generate heat. Heat in the electric power system is loss of energy.
The old mechanical meter measures only active energy consumption (A+) whereas the Kamstrup smart meter also measures reactive energy consumption (R+).
As a matter of fact, the 4Q-meter is also capable of measuring produced energy from solar panels or wind turbines, making it possible for the customer to actually sell his extra energy to the distributor.
