Efficient smart metering −dLAN® PLC technology as ICT key

For energy providers and measuring point operators

02 | devolo

Introduction

Using the power line for data transferdevolo is the world market leader for powerline infrastructure technology. No other company in the world has sold more powerline products. According to Nuremberg, Germany-based market research company GfK, 7 out of 10 powerline customers currently decide in favour of a devolo adapter.

The devolo technology uses the household electrical wir-ing (power line) for networking, making complicated new wiring unnecessary. dLAN® can be integrated in or on the smart meter in a wide variety of ways, making it an ideal solution available for every scenario.

Via the power line, real-time consumption data are sent to the consumer‘s computer or display—and on to the energy provider by DSL modem.

There is no need for additional investments in data lines.

Active participation in research projectsEven today, working closely together with renowned energy providers, devolo is participating in various smart meter and e-Energy projects as well as European research projects.

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ContentsIntroductionUsing the power line for data transfer Page 02

Revolution in measuring pointsEfficient smart metering with dLAN® Page 04

Benefits & applications For energy providers and measuring point operators Page 05

Transformation in energy markets New business models are being created Page 06

Powerline—the technology of the future Why is dLAN® the key to new business ideas? Page 07

dLAN® solutions for common scenarios Page 08

Expanding existing installations dLAN® 200 AVpro DINrail Page 10

Using a complete dLAN® solution dLAN® module for smart meters Page 12

Professional dLAN® integration dLAN® module Page 14

Meter communication in the multi-utility system dLAN® 200 OMS Repeater Page 16

Flexibility for your own label Page 18

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The revolution in energy networks has begun. In Germany, for example, the ongoing transformation—which will last decades in this major sector—was initiated with the amend-ment to that country‘s Energy Industry Act (EnWG), passed in 2008. One of the provisions of the amendment to the EnWG is that since 1 January 2010, intelligent power me-ters have to be used in new buildings and in major renova-tions of older buildings. In addition, effective in 2011, en-ergy providers also have to offer special electricity rates that depend on the time and load.

The objective is to give household customers greater trans-parency and control over energy consumption, while simul-taneously providing a basis with which energy providers can network the components of the smart grid.

Inhouse powerline as ICT keydLAN® takes on a critical role in smart metering, as the tech-nology creates a cost-effective, stable and secure in-house connection.

Revolution in measuring points

Efficient smart metering with dLAN®

devolo‘s dLAN® technology is the link between the power industry and telecommunications infrastructure.

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Benefits for energy providers and measuring point operators

Smart metering applications

• Efficient implementation of applications to comply with current and future legal regulations in accordance with EnWG § 21b and § 40

• Low investment per metering point

• IP network (backbone) is set up via the existing power line. Fieldbus systems based on IP can be extended into every room using dLAN®

• dLAN® products make it easy to connect devices to the network, e.g. via Ethernet, WLAN or wM-Bus. You can connect any number of network devices (computer, DSL modem etc.) to the powerline IP network

• Electronic meter readings and display in real time via direct data connection between customer‘s computer or display and the server

• Integration of decentralised plants for harvesting energy, e.g. photovoltaic, wind and biogas

• Backbone for Open Meter Systems (OMS)

• Consumption data transmitted to the energy provider or measuring point operator over a secure Internet connection

• eServices, e.g. eHealthcare, eSecurity

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Transformation in energy markets

New business models are being createdNever has the energy market faced such a fundamental change. However, the transformation offers a genuine opportunity for energy providers and measuring point operators who are willing to accept this challenge.

For many participants, the change from a passive energy network to the decentrally organised smart grid requires an orientation process. New business models open up in a de-regulated market—which, like no other, is currently shaped by technological progress. Scarce resources, climate change and the push towards regenerative energy are among the factors that drive and influence current changes. The smart grid is the clamp that holds the new bidirectional network together.

To find profitable new business models, it is necessary to view the new network as a whole. The legally mandated investments in the energy network of the future create opportunities for energy providers and measuring point operators alike. A new market is on the horizon that will be defined by innovative customer retention measures and new business models.Conscious participation in the change processes and the merging of the energy market and information and com-munication technology provide synergy effects for your company.

The customer information gained can be used to create individualised products and services that offer added value to each customer.

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Interaction creates customer retentionThe revolution in the power industry is actually more of an evolution made up of small steps. In Germany, for exam-ple, the ongoing transformation—which will last decades in this major sector—was initiated with the amendment to that country‘s Energy Industry Act (EnWG), passed in 2008. Never was it so easy for end customers to compare rates and switch between suppliers, and never was the market as competitive as today. Current developments involving smart metering accelerate this process even more. Loyalty to the supplier suffers. Our goal is to put a stop to this trend, and smart metering is an effective way to reach it.

To stay competitive, suppliers and measuring point opera-tors can make use of the smart meter system network to implement intelligent information and service models that create incentives and increase customer loyalty. Consumers are focused mostly on lowering energy costs. The transpar-ency of energy data increases trust in the provider, while also laying the foundation for additional services with the real-time display of the information.

Expanding core competenciesBoth energy suppliers and measuring point operators ben-efit from professional smart metering. It offers great po-tential for both sides to expand core competencies. For example, as part of a multi-utility system, measuring point operators can read out not just the power meters, but also the gas, water and BTU meters in households. They act as a gateway, forwarding the data to the respective provider.

Even today, meters are equipped with corresponding in-terfaces that allow them to be integrated easily into multi-utility systems. In addition, the concept also grows along with its tasks: because it uses the OPEN meter standards, the smart metering solution can be extended easily for ad-ditional meters. In addition to the proportion of traditional energy harvesting, a growing market exists for regenerative energies—primarily from photovoltaic, wind and biogas en-ergy. Private plant operators are compensated for the en-ergy they feed back into the mains network.

In the future, the provider could become the operator of these systems. This provides both higher customer reten-tion for longer periods and, of course, greater control via decentralised energy resources. The provider can optimise purchasing and improve network load planning. The cus-tomer, in turn, benefits from favourable rates and receives a subsidy for installation of the plant.

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Powerline—the technology of the future

Why is dLAN® the key to your new business ideas?

To implement your smart grid concept, devolo offers high-performance dLAN® solutions that you can install quickly and with only a small investment cost per metering point.

Arrange a personal consultation with our specialists from the team of smart grid experts, who will gladly provide a solution customised to your specific profile.

Interactive communication with your customers is the key to future-proof, profitable business models.

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dLAN® solutions for common scenarios

Expanding existing installations

The dLAN® DIN rail adapter allows you to expand an existing installation into an efficient smart metering solution easily and with only a small investment.

from page 10

Using a complete dLAN® solution

In this case, the existing power meter is replaced with a PLC-based smart meter. You also receive a PLC receiver station and comprehensive visualisation software that allows the consumer to retrieve the energy data.

from page 12

Professional dLAN® integration

Integrate the dLAN® technology directly into your power meter. This system solution is of particular interest for large numbers of units.

from page 14

Meter communication in the multi-utility system

With the devolo solution, you can integrate all meters in a building (electricity, gas, water, heat) into smart meter communication.

from page 16

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The dLAN® DIN rail adapter is installed in conjunction with the server (MUC - Multi Utility Communication Controller) close to the electronic power meter or in the distribution box. The MUC reads out the data from the power meter and forwards it to the dLAN® DIN rail adapter. From there, it is sent via the power line directly to the customer, who receives his or her consumption data via a dLAN® adapter in

the home. In conjunction with a computer or smart phone, for example, customers have their consumption data avail-able at a glance at all times. Optionally, a billing solution can be implemented with which the consumer transmits the meter readings directly to the energy provider or meas-uring point operator.

Expanding existing installations

devolo knows how much effort and expense energy providers and measuring point operators will face installing the smart meters. In response, devolo has created a dLAN® smart metering solution that is fast and easy to implement in the real world.

dLAN® DIN rail adapter outputs data about electri-city consumption to every power socket in the home. Customers can receive their consumption data via an ad-ditional dLAN® adapter and read it on the PC or smart phone.

Complete smart metering solution with dLAN® DIN rail adapter.

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Overview• Supportedstandards:HomeplugAV/IEEE1091• Forinstallationinthedistributionbox• 4HPwide• 1FastEthernetport• Overvoltagecategory3 Internal phase coupling

• AESdataencryptionatthetouchofabutton• 3LEDsforstatusdisplay• MonitoringaccordingtotheISO9001standard• Industrialtemperaturerange

The dLAN® PLC DIN rail adapter turns the existing infra-structure into an efficient smart metering solution in no time. Onsite installation is particularly fast and easy, as it can just be plugged into the customer‘s distribution box.

This solution serves as a metering point extension. They can be installed quickly and easily close to the meter without routing additional cables. Because the existing infrastructure continues to be used, the invest-ments per connection are low.

Thanks to the enclosed installation in the distribution box, the adapter is protected from theft and vandalism. The devices are extremely stable and the data transfer is secure—just plug it in and it runs.

Benefits

dLAN® 200 AVpro DINrailDIN rail solution for efficientsmart meter integration

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The dLAN® complete system provides consumers with a per-fect tool for monitoring their energy use, and to do so, it uses an attractive visualisation that is compatible with nearly all Web-enabled devices. An app for Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch is available as an alternative to the conventional monitoring system via a Web interface. The solution offers a wide range of visualisation options, including a history curve, the current rate and meter reading and even a display of the remaining unused balance of the monthly payment.Developed as a fully enclosed solution, the system also cov-ers the energy data from the meter to the customer. This dLAN® solution is developed by IEQualize GmbH, which is based on devolo’s dLAN® technology and thus combines the core competencies of both companies.

The complete system consists of a smart meter with inte-grated dLAN® PLC module, the dLAN® 200 AV Wireless N adapter and comprehensive software for visualising energy consumption values.Installation and data transmission are identical to the other devolo smart metering solutions: in practice, the Ferraris power meter is simply replaced with the included smart meter. This transmits the energy data to the customer via the power line. There, the consumption information are received by an dLAN® adapter and forwarded to the desired device for displaying the data.

Optimum visualisation of the energy data ensures high user acceptance.

Using a complete dLAN® solution

Read out consumption data conveniently on the computer.

Complete smart metering solution with dLAN® integration module.

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This complete solution offers components that are matched seamlessly to each other. It enables fast installa-tion onsite and guarantees stable and high-performance operation. Thanks to the integrated design, the commu-nications unit in the meter is protected from unauthorised

outside interference. Attractive software is provided to display the energy data at the consumer‘s location. This software is extremely user-friendly, offers a wide variety of display functions and thus ensures high customer accept-ance of the overall solution.

Benefits

Smart meter datacollection/transmission

• Integratedsmartmetersolution With integrated dLAN® PLC (Power Line Communication) technology replaces the exis-ting meter

• Electronicpowermeter• Electronicenergydata

collection and real time data transmission to the customer via the household electrical wiring

• Supportedstandards: HomeplugAV/IEEE1901

• Datatransmissionofupto 200 Mbps

• AESdataencryption

PLC adapter reception of energy data

• Easyset-upofWLANzones(WLAN access points) in the dLAN® home network with support of the WLAN „802.11n“ high-speed stand-ard.

• 200Mbps(gross)connectionfor fast data transmission, 300 Mbps (gross) in WLAN opera-tion („802.11n“ standard).

• Threeintegratednetworkports(RJ45) for cabled connections of computers and network-compatible devices

Energy datavisualisation

• Comprehensivevisualisationoptions, e.g. for meter reading, current consumption curve, diagrams, rate information

Developed as a complete, enclosed system, it covers all areas of smart metering: PLC-compatible smart meter,

PLC receiver and software solution for energy data dis-play, for example as an app on the Apple iPhone.

Components

dLAN® Complete SolutionComplete smart metering solution to visualise the consumption data

Thanks to the use of standard industrial interfaces, this module can be integrated in almost any power meter. With corresponding equipment, the smart meter can send its measurement data directly to the consumer via powerline.

To receive the data of the smart meter and evaluate it, the end customer needs a dLAN® adapter. devolo offers these adapters in various model generations as OEM products

that can be manufactured to match customers‘ requests perfectly.

Of course, in addition to conventional branding, more in-depth customisation is possible. Leading suppliers in the energy market have already integrated dLAN® technology into their smart meters and are marketing these solutions successfully.

dLAN® meter integration

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Specifically for power industry customers that want to offer their customers a proprietary smart meter solution, devolo has developed a dLAN® integration module.

Professional dLAN® integration

dLAN® module for smart meterdevolo PLC module to industry standard

dLAN® meter integration

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For meters used over a wide area, developing a custom dLAN®-compatible smart meter pays off. The individual requirements can flow directly into the solution. Provid-ers of proprietary systems also benefit from uniform and continuous branding and corresponding recognition by

the customer. Integrated solutions are also better pro-tected from external factors such as damage or theft. The meter can be replaced quickly as part of a routine measure.

Benefits

Specifically for individual smart meter development, de-volo offers a dLAN® module that is integrated directly into the hardware of the smart meter. The standard interface ensures seamless PLC integration. Renowned energy providers have already established dLAN® based smart meters with PLC interface successfully on the market.

Overview• Supportedstandards:HomeplugAV/IEEE1901• Datatransmissionatupto200Mbps• AESdataencryption

• OpenAPIfordeviceconfiguration• MonitoringaccordingtotheISO9001

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This starts on a small scale in every household: all compo-nents of the Open Metering Systems have to be able to communicate in order to measure the consumption and feed power as the smallest unit of the smart grid. To im-plement a multi-utility system of this nature, in which all energy data throughout an entire building can be collected and transmitted, an Open Metering System (OMS) accord-ing to the Open Metering System specification is used.This ensures that all energy segments are collected, including water, gas and BTU data. For this reason, many of today‘s meters already offer an OMS interface.

devolo has developed the dLAN® 200 OMS Repeater spe-cifically as a PLC device to be the backbone of the OMS. The need for its development was indicated by devolo field studies, which showed that the wireless connection of the meters is usually not strong enough to reach the Multi Utility Communication Controller directly. Using the dLAN®

200 OMS Repeater makes it possible to receive energy data everywhere in the building.The integrated OMS-PLC adapter relays the energy data to the multi-utility server via the power line. The dLAN® 200 OMS Repeater is being launched on the market in 2011.

To implement a smart grid successfully, all components must be connected to each other—and speak the same language.

Meter communication in the multi-utility system

Energy data are received everywhere in the building and forwarded to the MUC via dLAN.

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Overview• Supportedstandards:HomeplugAV/IEEE1901• WirelessM-BusrepeaterviaPLCinaccordance

with OMS specifications 2.0• WirelessM-BustoEN13757-4:2005

• Frequencyrange:863.03-868.95MHz• Transferrate:2.4/16.384/66.66kbps• Encoding:Manchester/3-of-6• Operatingmode:S2,optionalS1,S1m,T1,T2,R2

In response to the requirements of Open Metering Systems, devolo is offering an adapter specially devel-oped for this purpose, which will be available in 2011. Support of the Wireless M-Bus protocol enables the dLAN® 200 OMS Repeater to collect energy data every-where in a building.

Indeed, new water, BTU and gas meters already have an M-Bus interface and are thus prepared for operation in multi-utility systems.

dLAN®-200 OMS RepeaterEasy implementation of Open Metering Systems

dLAN® enables all energy data in the building to be collected by a single solution. The devolo solution in-tegrates all meters (gas, water, electricity and heat) in a multi-dwelling unit or multi-storey building into the multi-utility system. The data are collected wirelessly on

each story of the building and forwarded to the server via the power line. From there, the data reach the con-sumer and the energy providers directly.

Benefits

18 | devolo

Products in your company‘s CI

We supply products with your logo

To receive the energy data in the living space, PLC-capable terminal devices are required. They create the connection between the dLAN®-compatible smart meters and the consumer‘s IT network. devolo offers four dLAN® adap-ters in this segment with custom branding to create brand

awareness in terms of innovative energy offers. All devolo dLAN® adapters provide 200 Mbps data transmission, AES encryption and HomePlug AV support. They are developed and manufactured to the most stringent standards.

dLAN® 200 AVmini OEM

The ideal OEM adapter for implementing particularly cost-effective PLC solutions. The stylish, compact hous-ing can also be positioned unobtrusively anywhere in the home. Despite its ultra-compact dimensions, the dLAN® 200 AVmini OEM of-fers full PLC performance with a transmission rate of 200 Mbps.

•New,ultra-compacthousing design for discreet and versatile positioning

•SupportofDynamicPow-erSave for energy-saving networking, fully automatic

•Maximumdatasecurity—data is encrypted very easily at the touch of a button on the adapter

dLAN® 200 AVplus OEM

The dLAN® 200 AVplus OEM ensures significantly more convenience with its inte-grated power outlet and mains filter: No power out-let goes to waste. And the integrated filter significantly improves data transmission in the home network.

•Theintegratedsocketensures that no electrical outlet is lost

•Theintegratedmainsfilterimproves data transmission in the home network

•SupportofDynamicPow-erSave and automatic data encryption

dLAN® 200 AVsmart+ OEM

The dLAN® screen status dis-play, developed in-house by devolo, shows the connec-tion status with other dLAN® adapters; the encryption but-ton enables secure opera-tion. The integrated socket ensures that no electrical outlet goes to waste; the in-tegrated mains filter also en-sures best connection quality.

•Clearlyarranged:ThedLAN® screen developed in-house by devolo shows the connection status with other powerline adapters

•Theintegratedelectrical socket ensures that no power outlet goes to waste. Furthermore, a special mains filter ensures best possible transmission

dLAN® 200 AV Wireless N OEM

Using the compact devolo adapter, you can easily set up individual WLAN zones in the home and also connect up to three cable-based devices in the room to the Internet us-ing just one dLAN® adapter. Ideal for the living room and home office!

•Easyset-upofWLANzones(WLAN access points) in the dLAN® home network with support of the WLAN 802.11n high-speed stand-ard

•Threeintegratednetworkports (RJ45) for cabled connections of computers and network-compatible devices (e.g. PlayStation, television and Blu-ray player)

If you choose, we can offer devolo products with your own branding.

devolo has already sold over 2.5 million white-label products.

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RangedLAN® technology from devolo uses the household power line like a long network cable. The transmis-sion power of the chip is not the only critical factor for long transmission distances. devolo engineers op-timise it even further, attaining performance that is optimal throughout the building to a cable length of 300 meters.

EncryptiondLAN® is not only fast, it‘s secure too! With the AES encryption technology, a network is secure from external access and protected at all times. The encryp-tion is enabled automatically with the simple touch of the Encryption button found on dLAN® adapters, or individually by means of user-friendly software.

Efficient/PowerSaveWith Dynamic PowerSave, devolo has developed a technology used in dLAN® adapters to automatically save over 60 percent of electricity consumption when the connected network device switches to standby mode. Furthermore, energy consumption is under continuous dynamic optimisation to ensure efficient operation.

Simple installationNo support required—dLAN® can be installed in no time, even by those with absolutely no technical skills. Plug the adapter into the power outlet, connect it to the computer using a network cable, press the encryption button—you‘re done. Your customer can access the energy data quickly and securely.

3 LED status displayPerfectly informed with a clearly arranged 3-LED sta-tus display! You can read the quality of the network connection right on the adapter at any time.

IntelligentdLAN® offers consistently high connection quality throughout the building. The Quality of Service per-formance feature, for example, provides „reserved“ bandwidth to ensure, for example, that customers can retrieve energy data in real time before any other added value services are transmitted.

Connection speed/bandwidthdLAN® 200 adapters offer a transmission rate of 200 Mbps. This is more than enough bandwidth for transferring energy data. The generous bandwidth gives the devices the versatility they need for offer-ing value-added services, customised, requirements-based products and future infrastructure extensions for building automation.

Take advantage of the optional design-in support offered by devolo. In this case, the devolo EngineeringTeam stands by you, providing active advice and assistance. Our expertise is underscored by over twenty years of development experience. You too can benefit from this by exchanging information with our engineers.

In addition to comprehensive project management support, we help you certify your products or implement individu-alised performance tests in the devolo laboratory. Furthermore, design-in support includes access to the configuration software via SDK (Software Development Kit) and the dLAN® AVpro Manager tool.

Design-in support

devolo AG · Charlottenburger Allee 60 · 52068 Aachen · Germany · www.devolo.com