Unlock new value cases with high-resolution next-gen smart meters

Whilst legacy smart meters have had comparatively limited functionality, next generation

meters can do a lot more. They can unlock real-time grid visibility and fault detection, from the primary side, through to the secondary side, all the way to behind the meter. Large loads like EV’s and Heat Pumps can be detected and measured; real time insight can be provided into power quality, THD, voltage and frequency; ground, line to line, and connection faults can be detected, located and diagnosed. Grid operators can shift from being reactive to proactive. Instead of incurring substantial costs and penalties due to grid failures, problems can be identified and resolved before customer experience and safety is affected – and before they become catastrophic and costly. High resolution data on next generation meters eliminates a significant blind spot for grid operators, helping to expand capacity in a targeted manner, identify overloaded assets, and reduce costs.

These new capabilities are largely due to the combination of three technologies:

1) high resolution data of a minimum of 6.5ksps but ideally much more, up to 1MHz
2) grid edge processing of the data so cloud costs are minimal; and
3) real time connectivity to enable deeper insight and faster response

The incremental cost is surprisingly modest, and it is far exceeded by the savings to the energy system.

Therefore, next generation meters are now being specified with high resolution data as standard. It’s the default in North America and is increasingly seen in Asia Pacific too. However, 6.5ksps is the baseline for high resolution data with the greatest benefits at 1MHz. A million samples a second may once have sounded outlandish, but not anymore. An off the shelf ASIC chip is now available that can convert a simple analogue feed into 1MHz, whilst also packing in hefty processing power and an array of comms options including WiFi, cellular, and bluetooth. Interested parties can contact Sense for more information. This solution provides the most powerful use cases and the greatest savings available to grid operators, retailers, and other market participants.

About Sense

Sense is making the energy transition accessible for everyone. Sense’s embedded intelligence redefines how people and utilities interact with homes and the grid. By partnering with meter manufacturers, Sense delivers software driven by high-resolution data that’s vital for utilities to better engage with customers, detect devices, balance load, forecast demand and identify anomalies on the grid. Our consumer app makes homes smarter, empowering people to make better use of their energy, lower electricity bills, and reduce their carbon footprint.