Various smart grid network access methods and challenges

“The Internet of Things (IoT) will bring us a smarter grid, realize more information sharing and network access between all power infrastructures, and bring these conveniences to millions of households. Through the Internet of Things, consumers, equipment manufacturers and power departments can find many new ways to manage equipment, and ultimately achieve the purpose of saving resources, and can use smart meters, home gateways, smart sockets and network appliances to save electricity bills.

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Author: Olivier Monnier, Director of Global Smart Grid Marketing, Texas Instruments

introduction

The Internet of Things (IoT) will bring us a smarter grid, realize more information sharing and network access between all power infrastructures, and bring these conveniences to millions of households. Through the Internet of Things, consumers, equipment manufacturers and power departments can find many new ways to manage equipment, and ultimately achieve the purpose of saving resources, and can use smart meters, home gateways, smart sockets and network appliances to save electricity bills.

This white paper introduces you to various smart grid network access methods that are widely used in the world. For example, TI is developing a complete system solution that combines hardware (analog and digital) and software to overcome some of the challenges faced in building a smarter and more networked smart grid.

Realizing a smarter grid through the Internet of Things

Let the grid infrastructure, electricity meters, homes and buildings be closely connected through the network

Cisco’s 2011 report stated that by 2020, the number of connected devices for the Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to reach 50 billion, and they will provide valuable information resources to consumers, equipment manufacturers and the power sector. Within the Internet of Things, devices from all walks of life will be connected to each other through the Internet and peer-to-peer connections and some closed networks (such as those used by smart grid infrastructure).

The world’s attention is focused on how to manage and save energy and water resources. Therefore, the Internet of Things will also extend the benefits of smart grids to the power distribution, automation and power monitoring aspects of the power sector. The management system of homes and commercial residences can help consumers monitor their electricity consumption and then adjust their electricity consumption behavior according to demand. These systems can automatically adjust electricity consumption by using electrical appliances during low-peak hours of electricity consumption and connecting sensors to monitor room usage and lighting conditions. But all of these require a smarter and more closely connected grid.

Changing the grid to face today’s challenges

Simply put, building a smart grid means using limited power generation capacity to ensure our future energy supply under conditions of rapid global population growth. Smart grids can reduce losses, improve efficiency, and optimize energy demand distribution, while making it possible to obtain large-scale renewable energy sources (such as solar and wind energy). With the aging of power infrastructure, the power grid is facing severe challenges, including: power outages often occur in major industrial cities in the world; in countries such as India, more than 30% of electricity is lost during transmission; in France and Australia, More than 35% of drinking water is wasted.

We need to adjust and change the grid topology, from centralized to distributed topology, so that various energy sources can be absorbed in a dynamic way. In addition, it is also necessary to track real-time energy consumption and energy supply demand: use more remote sensing devices to measure, monitor and send energy data to achieve a self-repairing grid, increase overall efficiency, and Improve the level of self-monitoring and decision-making. The network smart grid can build a communication network to connect all kinds of energy-related equipment in the future. TI is overcoming many of the challenges faced by the global smart grid, including building system solutions that connect grid devices, from transmission and distribution of power infrastructure, electricity meters, water meters, gas meters and heat meters, to home building automation, which are all included.

The key first step towards an IoT-based smart grid is the large-scale deployment of smart meters.

Millions of smart meters have been connected to the Internet

All over the world, electric meters are at the forefront of the deployment of smart meters. For example, the utilization rate of smart meters (e-meters) in the United States is close to 50%, and millions of meters are now connected to the grid and regularly transmit data. Essentially, these meters are constantly expanding their functions, from an electrical energy measurement device to a two-way communication system, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 TI supports smart meters with multiple network access solutions

Modern smart meters must meet certain standards in order to play an important role in the development of smart grids. First, the electricity meter needs to report the electricity consumption information of homes and buildings to the electric power department. In the United States, the corresponding solution is low-power radio frequency (LPRF) communication, which uses a Sub-1GHz mesh network. However, depending on the country and the nature of the power grid, wireless solutions may not be the best choice. For example, Spain or France uses wired narrowband OFDM cable communication (PLC) technology. The only universal network access scheme does not exist. The requirements for the realization of the Internet of Things are more extensive, from wired to wireless, and sometimes even a combination of two solutions at the same time.

Secondly, the electricity meter needs to provide useful electricity consumption information for the family through the home Display or gateway. This information allows consumers to adjust their electricity usage behavior, thereby reducing electricity bills. In the United States, the IEEE 802.15.4 2.4 GHz ZigBee® standard is used, combined with “smart energy” application specifications. Other countries, such as the United Kingdom or Japan, are evaluating Sub-1 GHz RF or PLC solutions to achieve greater coverage, or mixed use of RF and PLC. Therefore, in essence, electricity meters are becoming smart sensors. They can transmit information indoors and outdoors at the same time, connect to each other using a mesh network, and report basic electricity consumption data to the power sector at the same time.

For electric meter manufacturers, the switch to smart meters has a huge impact on the meter topology, as shown in Figure 1. At the top of the metering section where electricity consumption is measured, some radio or PLC solutions are now integrated. Sometimes, it also has prepaid and near field communication (NFC) functions. The requirements of main microcontrollers (MCUs) are changing, requiring them to have larger memory, more convenient networking methods, and the security of communication protocols. In addition, the MCU of the smart meter also needs to support many advanced functions, such as: dynamic pricing/demand response, remote connection and disconnection, network security, wireless download and post-installation upgrade functions, so that the power department does not need to send technicians to check each An electric meter.

TI has improved the availability of its field test measurement evaluation kits and expanded its product line of measurement ICs to make them more memory, safer and more accurate. For example, as part of its MCU product portfolio, TI’s new multiphase meter toolkit is based on the MSP430F6679 SoC, providing developers with first-class accuracy, larger integrated memory and more advanced tamper-proof protection. The accuracy of the meters implemented by these SoCs has reached or even surpassed many standards for smart multiphase meters in the world, including IEC 62053-22 and ANSI C12.20 Class 0.2 standards. In addition, up to 512KB of integrated flash memory can realize more complex meter functions, such as: dynamic meter, DLMS/COSEM or network access stack.

TI is committed to meeting the needs of different network access solutions, and provides the industry’s richest product portfolio for smart grid network access, including Sub-1 GHz, 2.4 GHz, Wi-Fi®, ZigBee, NFC, and PLC. In addition to being an active founding member of the major PLC alliances, TI also used its rich expertise and a large number of field trials to develop the industry’s first PLC device, which integrates PRIME, G3, and the trial version of IEEE on the same chip. P1901.2 narrowband OFDM PLC support. This device allows developers to easily develop future-oriented smart meters that can efficiently transmit data through existing power lines in any country in the world. As shown in the “Smart Meter Board 3.0” video, TI provides many unique system solutions that combine analog and digital hardware components with related software stacks to support the world’s various smart meter architectures.

The next step is the deployment of smart meters

Although the deployment of network-based meters was initially in the power industry, the flow meter market (distributors for gas, water, heat and warm air) is also gaining momentum. In the near future, millions of units are expected to be deployed. This type of equipment. Parker Research’s 2012 report predicts that the global number of smart water meters will continue to grow. By 2017, it will nearly double from 10.3 million in 2011 to 29.9 million. This is especially true for gas meters, whose annual shipments will increase from 1.9 million units in 2010 to 7.8 million units in 2016 (Parker Research’s 2011 report). The European “Energy Efficiency Standards” (EED) promotes the development of the “20-20-20” plan, which aims to solve the long-term challenges faced by the industry and maintain a low-cost, safe and sustainable energy supply. As part of the plan, the 20% energy efficiency target is driving the large-scale use of smart gas meters in countries such as the United Kingdom (the largest number of deployments, reaching 22 million units), followed by Italy (21 million units) and France (1100 units) Afterwards (data from 2011 Van Dyke and Intron reports in 2010).

In addition, moving from a simple meter to a smart flow meter involves communications and cross-device network connections.

Figure 2 TI has a smart flow meter solution with multiple network access solutions

Figure 2 shows the different network access methods of a general flow meter topology. LPRF radio is usually used for battery-powered gas or water meters to communicate with another meter in a mesh network or a data collector on top of a traditional wired solution (such as wired MBUS). This meter can also receive price list information, firmware updates, or close valve activation instructions. It is usually used with prepaid functions (sometimes based on NFC systems). The battery life expectancy varies from 10 years to more than 15 years, which brings a challenge to flow meter manufacturers. Use the correct power supply design to maintain the specified power output and radio performance, and the battery does not leak, so that the power demand problem can be solved at the system level. For example, the TPS62730 step-down converter and MSP430™ microcontroller are used together with TI’s growing Sub-1 GHz wM-Bus solution series products, such as SimpleLink™ CC1120 RF transceiver, which can perfectly provide the best in the industry Selectivity and barrier properties. This system-level solution also has the lowest system power consumption, ensuring that the meter works outdoors for many years without battery replacement.

The flow meter or the network access function of any battery-powered terminal node (such as wireless sensors) requires a system-level approach that combines analog and digital hardware and software. For example, TI has demonstrated that using a combination of TSCH with the RPL routing protocol and the 802.15.4e MAC layer of IPv6 can greatly improve the lifespan, reliability, coverage, and scalability of sensor network applications (see video). The requirements of the Internet of Things have brought an impact on future network equipment, but the equipment and applications determine the feasibility of the Internet of Things.

In addition, modular and risk-averse methods often lead to higher material costs (BOM), and design reuse can bring cost-saving possibilities for complex smart meter designs for multiple markets . For example, use the same MCU platform based on the ultra-low power MSP430F5435A MCU for the Sub-1 GHz and 2.4 GHz markets, or use the same RF module based on TI’s SimpleLink CC1200 Sub-1 GHz transceiver for both gas and water meters solution. IC suppliers usually also provide pin-compatible MCUs or RF series products, which have larger memory and/or higher system performance (Stefanov’s 2012 report). These flexibility can greatly reduce the resources required for subsequent design modifications. For meter manufacturers, this means lower manufacturing costs and greater return on investment. For the smart grid, it also means faster deployment of network access equipment, compliance with relevant regulations, and standards have been determined.

Regulations and standards are the key to large-scale deployment of network equipment

Regulations affecting the utilization rate of smart meters and determining the functions of the meters. For example, the U.S. Department of Defense seems to be seeking to obtain government infrastructure managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) in order to obtain federal budget expenses. Like the United States, mainland China is also launching “smart city” projects to play a central role in energy conservation. It is particularly worth noting that the Sub-1 GHz frequency band is more suitable for signal coverage in large apartment buildings.

The standard guarantees the versatility among the products of multiple manufacturers, makes large-scale deployment possible, and makes the smart grid a reality. For example, today’s narrowband OFDM transmission line communication standard, the PRIME alliance launched all smart meters in Spain and Poland (important test projects), while the G3-PLC alliance is doing the same in France, the Netherlands, Japan and other countries. As far as the flow meter is concerned, the wireless MBus 169MHz communication standard is now mature in Europe, and large-scale gas meter deployment plans are being implemented in France and Italy.

At the same time, various standards continue to evolve and achieve implementation (hardware and software), and it is important to keep up with the pace of development. For example, in order to promote the development of transmission line communication on a global scale and provide smart grid developers with future-oriented designs, TI has used its rich expertise and field trials to develop the industry’s first PLC device. Support for PRIME, G3 and the trial version of IEEE P1901.2 narrowband OFDM PLC is realized on the above.

In terms of RF, the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is now working on its second edition of the “Technical Specification for Smart Metering Equipment” (SMETS). According to the second edition of SMETS, it is recommended to use 2.4 GHz and 868 MHz (ZigBee SEP v1.x is the recommended application layer for gas meters) as the UK’s RF communication standards. At the same time, the development and deployment of 2.4 GHz meters will be continued, so 868 MHz will also be supported in the future. The possibility of meters increases the complexity of designing smart meters for future needs.

Today, in order for a smart grid to be successfully connected, it must comply with prescribed standards. As one of the founding members of the major PLC alliances, TI is actively participating in various standards organizations, including ZigBee, WISUN, IEEE 802.15.4g, etc., with the goal of providing customers with leading hardware and software solutions. Various standards and regulations make the availability of software and communication stacks vital to smart grids and the Internet of Things.

Today, millions of meters have been networked, and the development momentum of networked power grids is constantly growing. However, in order to maximize its potential, the first step in building a network-based smart grid is to transform from a mechanical meter to a smart Electronic meter to establish two-way communication between the meter and the public service provider. Changing regulations and standards are driving this trend, but they also emphasize the importance of hardware and software flexibility. The second step is the automation of grid infrastructure, which connects power transmission and distribution through the establishment of a communication network between substations.

The problem turns to smart power distribution stations: network access is the key to automation

The grid topology is changing, from a radial centralized topology to a mesh topology with multiple energy distributions.

From power generation to electricity consumption, the power distribution station is a key part of the power grid equipment, which connects the power sector, homes and buildings. The distribution station is responsible for transforming voltage, transmitting power, isolating and changing transmission paths as needed, managing and coordinating distributed solar and wind energy, and handling power failures and restoring power (see Figure 3)

Figure 3 Power grid and distribution station automation communication network

The ability to dynamically locate, map, monitor and control city, state, or national power distribution stations is one of the important goals of automated power distribution to ensure better operation of the power grid. Similarly, using networked power distribution stations to build a power information network is the solution. First, the power distribution system is constantly evolving, from a multi-copper dedicated bus to Ethernet communication. This communication function is realized by an intelligent device device (IED) installed inside the distribution station, which can be a newly installed device or a modification of an existing device. Secondly, like other meters, the products provided by different equipment manufacturers in the distribution station must be versatile and share collected data to achieve large-scale deployment. The IEC 61850 industry standard implemented inside the IED can solve this problem. Using IEC 61850, internal equipment such as Circuit breakers, transformers and generators in the distribution station jointly establish a time-sensitive network, collect all distribution station information in the central work center, and also establish two-way communication. Through connected smart meters and distribution stations, we are moving towards a complete networked smart grid (Figure 3).

As an integral part of the distribution station equipment, the communication data concentrator is installed at the distribution station and transformer level, and its deployment pace is the same as that of a smart meter. Figure 4 shows the structure of TI’s latest smart data concentrator. It has the highest flexibility and scalability, as well as various performance, cost and network access options, so that developers can design data concentrators that adapt to any smart grid standard in the world. Smart data concentrators can implement advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) and sensor network automation applications, allowing power departments to connect and manage more than 2,000 smart meters at the same time. The intelligent data concentrator contains TI’s highly scalable Sitara™ AM3359 processor and many flexible peripherals, which can implement a variety of wired and wireless network access methods, including Sub-1 GHz, 2.4 GHz ZigBee, Wi-Fi, NFC and Multiple PLC standards (G3, PRIME, IEEE P1901.2, PLC-Lite™). The system on the supporting PLC module, together with TI’s PLC software stack, allows smart grid developers to easily build a data concentrator demonstration for PLC network access within 10 minutes.

Figure 4 TI network data concentrator structure diagram

Similarly, using a complete system-level solution that integrates hardware and software at the same time, TI’s smart grid solution reduces complexity, shortens time to market, and promotes the development of the Internet of Things. From metering and management to energy information communication, TI provides supplementary software to provide a complete set of solutions for smart grid and Internet of Things developers.

Energy saving, comfort and safety: the significance of smart grids and the Internet of Things to consumers

In the United States, the deployment of smart meters has received early development promotion funds, and regional power companies in 10 states have begun to conduct pilot deployments in the market to promote and educate consumers to encourage the use of smart meters, and more importantly, to achieve the reality of energy saving Purpose. One of the benefits of the smart grid is that the maintenance team can detect power outages in advance through the community’s communication system. By asking homes and office buildings about the situation, important power infrastructure can be quickly restored, faster than the traditional self-reporting of power outages. The important role of the demand response system is to connect smart home appliances to the electrical energy monitoring portal, so that consumers can postpone power consumption and avoid peak power consumption periods.

The use of smart sockets, home monitors, and smart thermostats (Figure 5) allows consumers to choose the home devices they want to monitor. Just connect the home appliance to the smart socket, and then join the home network. Through ZigBee or Wi-Fi, users can access the network, obtain information through a home gateway, or use a smart phone or tablet to access the Internet directly through the cloud network. Compared with high-end appliances that use smart technology, consumers accept smart sockets much faster because they are cheaper and can be retrofitted to existing appliances. TI is reducing the complexity of power distribution meters by integrating its complementary metering methods, network access, and processors into an easy-to-use, low-power solution. For example, TI’s SimpleLink CC3000 Wi-Fi module and MSP430 microcontroller have implemented a simple power-distribution meter application design, making the Wi-Fi implementation of embedded applications easier, and inspiring many innovations in the industry.

Connecting the equipment of the building and the home is one of the next steps that need to be done, so as to realize all the benefits that the smart grid brings to us. Now, many innovative solutions and convenient applications have been placed in front of consumers. For example, the United Kingdom or Japan have mandated the deployment of dedicated home energy gateways, smart hubs or energy management systems, which allow consumers to greatly benefit from smart grids and the Internet of Things.

in conclusion

From grid infrastructure to smart meters installed in homes and buildings, various regulations and standards continue to promote the adoption of network equipment throughout the smart grid industry. Although migrating to smart meters will increase complexity, the return on investment is becoming more and more obvious (for example: better user experience and higher energy efficiency). The power grid itself is constantly changing, moving towards a fully automated distribution station network, and network data concentrators are already being deployed.

The network access and data access functions brought about by the Internet of Things further enhance the user experience, improve efficiency, and allow users to have a greater degree of interaction and control. In addition, through fault diagnosis and the information reading function of community electricity meters, the Internet of Things also provides manufacturers and power departments with richer data, thereby reducing various costs. Ultimately, the Internet of Things will bring us a smart grid with a higher degree of connectivity, cost-effectiveness and intelligence.

TI and the Internet of Things

TI has the richest IoT product portfolio in the industry, including wired and wireless network access technologies, microcontrollers, processors, sensors and analog signal chains and power solutions, providing specially designed cloud support system solutions for IoT access plan. From high-performance home, industrial and automotive applications to battery-powered wearable mobile electronic devices or energy harvesting wireless sensor nodes, TI makes application development easier through hardware, software, tools, and technical support, allowing any device to connect to things networking.

TI smart grid solutions

In the past ten years, TI has shipped millions of meter ICs. As a global system provider, TI provides innovative, safe, economical and timeless solutions for smart grids around the world. TI provides the industry’s richest portfolio of smart grid products, including metering solutions, application processors, communication systems, wireless access, and silicon analog components. It has advanced software, tools and technical support for grid infrastructure, utility meters, home or Building automation provides corresponding solutions.