Development of wireless connectivity for smart metering

Abstract

The current power grids use either electronic energy meter or electro-mechanical meters, which were limited to record energy usage up to KWh unit only. One of the major concern of the power grids were the energy lost, such as due to blackout or wasting energy generated due to the low demand. To match with the continuous massive demand of energy production and consumption, it is essential to create a new generation of the power grid. With the advances in digital technology, it has opened up new possibilities to further enhance our lives, with new technology such as the Internet of Things (IoT) are beginning to be introduced to us. With the IoT, the concept of new generation of the power grid is known as the Smart Grid. The Smart grid provides a bi-directional flow of electricity and information between the power utility and consumer, with better security, reliability, and efficiency of the whole utility from generation, to transmission, and to distribution. To roll out the Smart Grid in Singapore, we will need the fundamental component, which is the smart meter. The smart meter can be used to monitor and control household appliances, by providing bi-directional communication between the devices and Smart Grid.