Europe Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is a smart metering solution that is deployed to improve monitoring of electricity consumption
Europe advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system is designed to connect meters to a central data center. It enables utilities to automate their meter reading and billing processes. The technology also provides a wealth of benefits, including improved water conservation, leak detection, and security. Utilities can implement AMI in stages, ensuring that each meter is ready for deployment when the time comes. Implementing AMI is a major undertaking, requiring contract negotiation and procurement, installation, and operation and maintenance. For instance, in May 2022, Landis+Gyr, a global leader in providing Europe advanced metering infrastructure, launched its Smart Metering Solutions to provide secure energy distribution and optimize energy consumption in the U.S.
Adapting to Europe Advanced Metering Infrastructure requires making a number of organizational changes and transforming skillsets. In addition to installing smart meters, utilities will need to install data centers and management systems to collect and analyze meter data. New communications devices may also be needed for transmission. All these changes require coordination across departments, resulting in a successful implementation of AMI. The benefits of AMI include enhanced grid operation and two-way communications.
A major technological requirement for Europe advanced metering infrastructure is communication. Smart meters must be able to send data reliably to a central location. This can be accomplished through satellites, licensed radios, power line communication, or fixed wireless networks. In addition to satellites, advanced meters can use internet-related networks such as Wi-Fi. The communication network must be capable of handling high-speed data, including multiple streams. However, smart meters must also be installed on a large number of homes.
Europe advanced metering infrastructure also requires a network of communications devices. In addition to smart meters, AMI networks may need to be connected to a head end. AMI communications networks are built using RF Mesh and PLC, which is a wireless technology. The RF Mesh technologies complement each other. RF Mesh are key components of Automatic Meter Reading. Using RF Mesh, utilities can measure power consumption and collect data about energy consumers. RF Mesh and PLC technologies are both cheap and easy to implement, but both are susceptible to obstructions.
The Europe advanced metering infrastructure system is typically comprised of smart electricity meters, but it can also include smart gas and water meters. Other devices such as thermostats and other sensors can collect and forward measurement data to the smart meter. Ultimately, it is important to model the AMI system. For instance, smart meters are able to report back to a utility control center near real-time. In addition to technical losses, AMI systems reduce non-technical losses like tampering, bypassing meters, and illicit tapping of distribution systems.