Next generation smart metering technology

智能电表是公用事业公司测量客户能源消耗的设备，可能是未来智能电网最受认可的标志。然而，目前的智能电表并不真正智能。它们本质上是传统机械仪表的数字版本，增强了电信能力。智能电表带来的许多好处实际上是由于其通信能力，而不是计量能力。对于能够利用仪表测量能力的创新来说，存在着巨大的机会。因此，这项发现补助金旨在建立一个研究计划，重点是研究和开发下一代智能计量技术，通过建立在电力干扰测量，诊断和分析的支持者的实力。 拟议计划的短期目标是通过利用智能电表位置处可提取的干扰特征，为智能电表创建创新的高级应用。将创建三种基于智能电表的技术：（1）故障定位技术，以支持公用事业运营，（2）家用电器能源监测，以促进房主的节能，以及（3）杂散电压源定位器，以提高公用事业系统和客户的电气安全性。中期目标是研究和开发基于该计划产生的高级应用的未来仪表的新架构。长期目标设想了一个智能计量研究计划，在三个领域提供领先的创新：（1）计量技术，（2）先进的计量应用，和（3）智能配电系统。三名博士生和一名硕士生将通过本研究计划获得高级培训。

The smart meter, a device for utilities to measure a customer's energy consumption, is probably the most recognized symbol of the future smart electric grid. However, current smart meters are not really smart. They essentially are digital versions of the traditional mechanical meter enhanced with telecommunication capability. Many of the benefits brought by the smart meters are actually attributable to their communication capability, not metering capability. A huge opportunity exists for innovations that can harness the meters' measurement capabilities. This Discovery Grant, therefore, seeks to establish a research program focused on the research and development of Next Generation Smart Metering Technologies, by building on the proponent's strength in power disturbance measurement, diagnosis and analysis. The short-term goal of the proposed program is to create innovative, advanced applications for smart meters by utilizing the disturbance signatures extractable at the smart meter locations. Three smart meter-based technologies will be created: (1) fault location techniques to support utility operation, (2) home appliance energy monitor to facilitate energy savings of homeowners, and (3) stray-voltage source locator to improve electric safety for both utility systems and customers. The mid-term goal is to research and develop new architectures for the future meters based on advanced applications arising through this program. The long-term goal envisions a smart metering research program that delivers leading edge innovations in three areas: (1) metering technologies, (2) advanced metering applications, and (3) smart power distribution systems. Three PhD students and 1 master student will gain advanced training through this research program.