Successful testing by EMH metering, Robotron and Prolan
First standardised control system for the smart meter rollout
EMH metering GmbH has successfully tested a standardised control system for the smart meter rollout along with the companies Robotron and Prolan. The control system enables utilities to switch off EEG (German Renewable Energy Act) systems or to perform disconnects according to §14a with the help of an intelligent measurement system. For the test, a control box from Prolan AG was connected to the CASA smart meter gateway from EMH metering and controlled by a CLS (controllable local systems) management system from Robotron Datenbank-Software GmbH. All components of the system use the communication standard IEC 61850. The standard ensures that the devices are also compatible with other manufacturers. Such “interoperability” greatly facilitates the creation, management and coordination of network controllers in practice.
“Our strategy of consistently developing CASA based on interoperable standards has proven to be successful,” comments Peter Heuell, Managing Director of EMH metering GmbH. “Together with our partners, we can now offer a solution for smart meter rollouts that enables utilities to implement sustainable management of power infeed into the public grid.” The FNN (Grid Technology and Grid Operation Forum in the VDE) has specified the IEC 61850 protocol as a requirement for control boxes in its specifications, in order to create standards that are as uniform as possible. “Standardised switching systems form an important basis for smart meter rollouts,” says Dr. Christian Hofmann of Robotron. “They ensure the smooth interaction of the individual components in the energy management system.” Standards also make it possible to expand systems independently of the manufacturer and to replace components. Gyula Háromszéki, Sales Director of the Prolan Group adds: “Our control box is a building block for a standardised rollout of intelligent metering systems,” he explains. “We have met all existing requirements of the FNN.”
According to §14 of the EEG (German Renewable Act) and §14a of the EnWG (German Energy Industry Act), grid operators are empowered to connect and disconnect power systems to assure grid stability. For EEG/CHP (combined heat & power) generation facilities (of over 7 kW) and with an annual consumption of over 10,000 kWh, an intelligent measurement system consisting of a basic counter, gateway and control box must be used for this purpose from 2017.