PRIME technology for Smart Meters
The use of traditional electric meters involves an operator calling and taking note of the meter readings, which are reflected in each energy bill. Thus, the monthly bill may really depend not only on consumption, but on whether the data have been correctly read. These meters must be replaced in Spain by 2018, in compliance with the Ministerial Order ITC/3860/2007. Iberdrola, Gas Natural Fenosa, HC Energía, EDP and other European utilities have pledged their commitment to develop the new smart meters under the PRIME technology. The PRIME technology is based on communications through the electricity supply cable itself, using a frequency signal between 40 and 95 kHz. Thus no additional infrastructure is required nor any modification in the supply cable. The Energy Laboratory at Tecnalia has certified the first chipset and the first single-phase meter with PRIME technology. Tecnalia is one of only two bodies worldwide recognized for the certification of this technology for terminal equipment (meters) and base nodes or concentrators (devices that gather data from the meters). These electronic meters will mean a revolution in the demand side management. Unlike the old meters, limited to measuring the energy flow in one direction, from supply side to consumer, with the new meters both consumption and generation (energy flowing in both directions) can be measured and monitored. Moreover, the technology is capable of requesting data from the meters from the control remote centres (without the need for an operator calling out), and managing in real time events and alarms generated or detected by the meters themselves.
Pays
Spain