The Smaragd project consists of the installation of four main technological elements for a smart metering system and the management of local balances. The measurement itself is implemented using smart meters with remote data reading and command transmission. The data is then sent to data concentrators or directly to the subordinated system – the data centre. Data concentrators aggregate data from smart meters in a given catchment area and ensure subsequent communication with the data centre, in which further processing and analysis of the data is performed for storage and further distribution. After the installation of smart metering technology, a system for local load management will be deployed for the purposes of demand site response. The implementation of the Smaragd project will take place on the territory of a larger number of municipalities within the distribution area of EG.D, a.s. In total, approximately 27,716 customer points will be equipped with smart metering.

The measures included in the project will lead to improved quality, reliability, security and sustainability of power supply to end customers. At the same time, these measures will save electricity through more efficient planning and management. With the Smaragd project, EG.D, a.s. addresses the current trend established among European energy companies, the aim of which is efficient and comprehensive automation of the entire electricity consumption process from the initial measurement of electricity consumption to its final billing.

The Smaragd project is co-financed by the European Union.

As the main contractor of the entire project, Aqist provided EG.D, a.s. with a comprehensive “turnkey” solution, i.e. an “end-to-end solution”.

As the main subcontractor, Aqist chose Landis+Gyr, a leading company for the provision of integrated solutions of energy utilisation in the field of public services. Landis+Gyr supplies electricity meters, concentrators, the HES system, engineering and technological know-how for successful implementation of the project.

Billien AMM MDM is a basic central information system of the smart metering system. It manages all master and measured data needed to control and command other elements of the infrastructure – HES, data concentrators and electricity meters, evaluates measured data and is a central tool for operating a smart metering system. MDM also transmits data in the customer’s system for further processing and publishes it through portals for end customers.

Its main advantages include:

• robustness – a proven solution for potential data processing from over one million electricity meters,
• efficiency – maximum automation of processes, requirement of minimum service
• interoperability – integration of any type of HES (or use of integrated HES), any type of concentrator and electricity meter,
• integrability – using its own integration platform, the possibility of easy integration into surrounding systems,
• security – successful completion of penetration tests confirming compliance with the highest security standards.

Gridstream HES not only provides standard smart metering information for meter data management (MDM) and customer interaction systems, but also offers advanced features to support network monitoring.

Its main advantages include :

• accurate real-time power consumption, event and power quality information for business and network management systems,
• extensible solutions from pilot projects to large smart metering systems,
• application to support efficient management of the metering infrastructure,
• a standard interface for meters (IDIS, DLMS) and other systems (IEC 61968-9).

DC450v2 G3 provides communication between the head-end system (HES) and the G3-PLC metering device. It automatically reads the measured data and can send the data directly to the system or save it for later collection by the HES.

E450 is a smart electricity meter providing reliable performance with versatile functionality, including support for multi-energy reading and control. Bidirectional power line communication (PLC) enables integration into APM systems (Advanced Metering Management), and multi-energy support further expands both reading and control options. E450 also supports personal energy management.

Because PLC communication in the LV network is free, the network is fully available for advanced metering applications. Thus, operationally critical tasks can be spread over time to achieve maximum reliability.

E450 electricity meter communicates with the data concentrator using PLC technology based on G3-PLC OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing). The protocol for this communication is always DLMS. G3-PLC provides robust power line communication and enables end-to-end communication with the IPv6 protocol. G3-PLC is an international open ITU standard supporting CENELEC and FCC bands.

The PLC communication technology therefore represents an optimal solution in connection with conflicting technological and economic requirements.