Research and Design on Remote Meter Reading System based on PLC Technology

With the deepened transformation of China＇s power system, the stability and reliability of power utilization have been dramatically improved, but meter reading data acquisition does not keep pace with the times. With the continuous maturity of low-voltage power line communication （PLC）, this leads us to see hopes of using PLC technology to realize remote meter reading. In this paper, based on current PLC technology and combining domestic and foreign successful cases, a beneficial exploration and research is conducted from the composition and establishment of software and the design of software and protocol.

Design of PLC Centralized Meter Reading System

With the increasing development of urban housing construction and the rapid expansion of the number of inhabitants and independent electric energy meter, a variety of tariff systems are launched, meter reading metering becomes increasingly complex, and the traditional manual meter reading is already hard to adapt to new changes. This thesis studies the design of a centralized meter reading system. This program applies PLC technology for information transfer, which guarantees the stability of system carrier communication. This system is composed of electric energy meter, collector, concentrator and other hardware, as well as communication and management software of collection copies system. It is characterized by functions of power data collection, centralization, remote transmission, distance control, electricity analysis, line loss calculation, integrated query, and time-sharing billing. Its promotion and application will necessarily provide important technical means for power supply, property and urban utilities to improve their modernized and automatic management level.

Energy flow problem solution based on state estimation approaches and smart meter data

Accurate electric energy(EE)measurements and billing estimations in a power system necessitate the development of an energy flow distribution model.This paper summarizes the results of investigations on a new problem related to the determination of EE flow in a power system over time intervals ranging from minutes to years.The problem is referred to as the energy flow problem(EFP).Generally,the grid state and topology may fluctuate over time.An attempt to use instantaneous(not integral)power values obtained from telemetry to solve classical electrical engineering equations leads to significant modeling errors,particularly with topology changes.A promoted EFP model may be suitable in the presence of such topological and state changes.Herein,EE flows are determined using state estimation approaches based on direct EE measurement data in Watt-hours(Volt-ampere reactive-hours)provided by electricity meters.The EFP solution is essential for a broad set of applications,including meter data validation,zero unbalance EE billing,and nontechnical EE loss check.

Renewable and Storage Energy Integration for Smart Grid Housing

This paper presents the design, implementation and testing of an embedded system that integrates solar and storage energy resources to smart homes within the smart mierogrid. The proposed system provides the required home energy by installing renewable energy and storage devices. It also manages and schedules the power flow during peak and off-peak periods. In addition, a two-way communication protocol is developed to enable the home owners and the utility service provider to improve the energy flow and the consumption efficiency. The system can be an integral part for homes in a smart grid or smart microgrid power networks. A prototype for the proposed system was designed, implemented and tested by using a controlled load bank to simulate a scaled random real house consumption behavior. Three different scenarios were tested and the results and findings are reported. Moreover, data flow security among the home, home owners and utility server is developed to minimize cyber-attaeks.