Smart meter test laboratories
Dutch, German and Spanish test laboratories
Information and communication technology are among the essential components of a smart metering infrastructure. While the stability and security of the data transfer are key features of smart metering, they need to be verified by testing. As a result, metering operators, grid operators, and even meter manufacturers benefit from and demand interface testing before complete roll-outs take place.
Germany
Since January 2010, German meter operators have been obligated to install modern meters in new buildings and larg renovations, so that the consumer is able to see the actual energy usage in real time. The general specifications for the smart electricity meter (EDL21) and the Multi-Utility Controller (MUC) were developed by the FNN (Forum Network Technology/ Network Operation in the VDE).
Spain
Since July 1, 2007, the Spanish government has required that all new residential meters must be smart meters. These meters have to be capable of registering consumption against time and must support remote control (bi-directional communication). Therefore, CNE, the Spanish regulator, drew up a plan for the substitution of ALL Spain’s residential meters. The replacement process has to meet certain criteria, and a particular percentage of meters have to be changed every year. All “dumb” meters have to be replaced with smart meters before December 31, 2018.
The Netherlands
In November 2010, the Dutch parliament debated two amending acts on smart meters and energy efficiency (32 373 and 32 374). With all references to compulsory smart meter installation removed, both acts received broad support from parliament, the consumer organizations, and privacy watchdog groups. If the amending acts are approved, there will first be a small-scale rollout. In the period up to 2013, consumers will receive smart meters in appropriate circumstances.
Quality assurance
DNV KEMA has developed a fully automated test facility, complete with analyzers, simulators and test scripts to test the conformity and interoperability of AMI components according to specific requirements. DNV KEMA’s test facilities currently support German, Spanish and Dutch specifications.
Benefits
> Testing the interoperability of different manufacturers’ devices (prerequisite for communication between smart grid components)
> Avoidance of unexpected and/or wasted investments for meter operators
> Integration of different technologies and communication paths
> Security of data transfer from the meter to back-end systems
Project coordinator
> DNV KEMA, IEV
> DNV KEMA, Spain
> DNV KEMA, the Netherlands
Project details
> Duration: Ongoing