Focus on smart grids: Siemens to supply innovative holistic smart metering solution to EnBW subsidiary

Siemens Smart Grid technology will enable electricity customers to utilize energy more efficiently, reducing CO2 emissions while also saving money

By providing a holistic future-oriented smart metering solution Siemens Energy will support the utility EnBW Ostwurttemberg Donau Ries AG (EnBW ODR) in expanding its supply network to form a smart grid. Siemens will supply the smart metering Infrastructure based on the metering and distribution network automation system AMIS. The system will be supplemented by a modern meter data management system. It links the metering system via an SAP-certified interface to existing IT systems, such as a work management system, an Internet portal, the central ripple-control system and systems for data exchange based on Edifact standard.

For the southern German utility the Siemens holistic smart metering solution provides a future-oriented basis for upcoming smart grid applications, for example for allowing and handling the increased feed-in of renewables-based power. There are plans for remote meter reading and management in the utility’s supply area. Gas and water meters will communicate bi-directionally with Siemens’ smart AMIS electricity meters. The existing ripple-control system is also to be replaced with the new technology. In addition, the utility intends to use the system to acquire network parameters such as overvoltage and undervoltage, short-term and long-term failures, and power quality indicators from the medium-voltage network and end customers. On the basis of detailed information such as earth-fault and short-circuit indications, and measurable asset indicators, it is also intended to optimize overall grid operation. Furthermore, additional services such as the acquisition of gas and water consumption data are also possible.

In total, Siemens will supply approximately 135,000 meters and load-switching devices, and around 3500 AMIS data concentrators. The special features of the holistic solution include an Ethernet module for linkup to a TCP/IP network (e.g. the Internet), the integration of around 17,000 gas and water meters, and the telecontrol equipment of the AMIS data concentrators for approximately 1700 transformer stations, and integration into the existing Scada system (monitoring and control of grid I&C processes, and date acquisition).

Within the framework of this project Siemens will for the first time integrate a smart metering system into an existing corporate IT landscape via an SAP-certified MDUS (meter data unification and synchronization) interface. The interface enables the flow of information and command transfer between SAP and the Energy IP meter data management system. It forms the information platform that enables EnBW ODR to optimize its business processes and to link up other systems such as work management control and load management to the smart metering system.

“With this holistic smart metering solution extending from intelligent meters to the SAP applications AMIS and the meter data management system complement each other excellently. All the requirements made on an integrated solution for meter data acquisition and processing, and distribution network automation in the future are thus fulfilled. Worldwide we are one of the few companies with the requisite know-how and technology capable of offering one-stop solutions,” said Ralf Christian, CEO of the Power Distribution Division of Siemens Energy. “With the aid of this holistic smart metering solution utilities can not only offer their customers innovative tariffs. They can also improve customer services with more precise and shorter billing intervals. Ultimately better informed electricity customers will utilize energy more efficiently and, in doing so, not only reduce CO2 emissions but also save money.”

"Installation of the Siemens solution at EnBW ODR once again attests to the overall significance of smart metering within EnBW. EnBW has offered its customers in Baden-Wurttemberg smart meters since October 2008, including software for real-time data, an Internet portal for long-term evaluation, monthly invoicing and a special rate for electricity", states Frank Hose, manager of EnBW Ostwurttemberg DonauRies AG. EnBW, as a grid operator, will also be offering a new meter in the future that complies with all legal requirements and will also permit monthly invoicing, for example. "In addition to this, we have also developed a comprehensive solution together with the municipal utilities in Baden-Wurttemberg and the regional providers to meet the needs of municipal utilities and their customers. This system allows remote reading and management of all the meters located within the specific service area. Combined with active load control, applications such as electric cars and corresponding tariff rate models, the basis is created for smart grids and high energy efficiency."

Energy-efficient, eco-friendly solutions for setting up smart grids are is part of Siemens’ Environmental Portfolio. In fiscal 2009, revenue from the Portfolio totaled about 23 billion Euros, making Siemens the world’s largest supplier of eco-friendly technologies. In the same period, our products and solutions enabled customers to reduce their CO2 emissions by 210 million tons."