A metering network for a smart prepaid scheme under an electrical utility organization

Abstract

The present prepaid metering scheme is connected to server mainly using the GSM network. It creates an inherent dependence on mobile companies. Moreover, there is always an operational (recurring) cost to maintain different kinds of information exchange. Therefore, it will be beneficial for utility organizations if they could develop a low-cost network of their own. The objective proposed thesis work is mainly to develop a backbone metering network which once installed can be used for information exchange almost free of recurring cost. The establishment cost of the network may be high, but the benefit can justify that the utility organization can derive from it. The backbone may be composed of mixed technologies. Some portion of the network may be established with optical fibre, and some may be with copper wire, and also some may be wireless. All options and their suitability for different portions will be studies and tested to set up a standard. The work will finally be tested, and the proposed network will be up for suggestion to be implemented in the smart meter networking scheme.