Electronic energy meters. Smart energy meters

Electronic energy meters

These meters are accurate and reliable types of measuring instru- ments as compared to conventional mechanical meters. They consume less power and start measuring instantaneously when connected to load. These meters might be analog or digital. In analog meter, power is converted to proportional frequency or pulse rate and it is integrated by counters placed inside it. In digital electric meter, power is directly measured by high end processor. The power is integrated by logic circuits to get the energy and also for testing and calibration purpose. It is then converted to frequency or pulse rate.

Smart energy meters

It is an advanced metering technology involving placing intelligent meters to read, process and feedback the data to customers. It measures en- ergy consumption, remotely switches the supply to customers and remotely controls the maximum electricity consumption. Smart metering system us- es the advanced metering infrastructure sys-

tem technology for better performance.

These meters are capable of com- municating in both directions. They can transmit the data to the utilities like energy consumption, parameter values, alarms, etc. and also can receive information from utili- ties such as automatic meter reading sys-

tem, reconnect / disconnect instructions, upgrading of meter software and other important messages. These meters reduce the need to visit while tak- ing or reading monthly bill. Modems are used in these smart meters to fa- cilitate communication systems such as telephone, wireless, fiber cable, power line communications. Another advantage of smart metering is com- plete avoidance of tampering of energy meter where there is scope of using power in an illegal way.