Siemens in partnership with Green Energy Options (geo) launched a pioneering solution for the deployment of Smart Meters in Multi-Dwelling Buildings, also known as Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs), at European Utility Week in Amsterdam this week.
According to publicly available figures, a significant proportion of those living in urban areas across Europe are located in multi-dwelling units. These buildings, often high-rise, present a challenge for the deployment of smart energy meters, which require an appropriate communications infrastructure to enable communication between components, which may include electricity meters, gas meters, communication hubs, in-home displays and other devices. Most commonly, meters are not located in the apartment but are often found in communal areas, sometimes with limited access and space, but may also be spread around the building.
Working with key development partners, Siemens and geo have solved the problem with a unique ‘shared infrastructure’ solution, utilizing a Broadband-over-Powerline (BPL) backbone integrated with wireless radio technology that enables standard smart meters to be installed, commissioned and connected to a Wide Area Network (WAN) gateway. The solution is scheduled to go into field trials in the United Kingdom in early 2014, but both Siemens and geo believe that smart metering deployments in a number of European countries may also benefit from such a shared infrastructure solution.
Without such a solution, energy suppliers may be forced to install additional infrastructure and make additional engineering visits, representing poor value for money and generating unnecessary consumer and landlord disruption.
Jon Turner, Head of Business Development at Siemens Metering, Communications and Services, said: “Developing an effective, secure solution to address smart metering in high-rise properties is both necessary and urgent across all energy markets in Europe. The scale of the challenge in Europe is polarized further due to a higher percentage of the population living in apartments. This, for Siemens, presents a significant opportunity to use the knowledge we’ve gained through our trials in the UK, to bring this proven solution to new markets and give European consumers equal access to the energy and cost efficiencies offered by smart meters.
“The Siemens smart metering solution for high-rise buildings promotes a shared infrastructure model but also allows the flexibility to operate in a single supplier or supplier-by-supplier environment. It can be adapted in terms of functionality, scalability and performance to work successfully across a number of countries, which is why we’re delighted to be showcasing our solution at European Utility Week, in Amsterdam.”
Patrick Caiger-Smith, Chief Executive Officer at geo, said: "The rollout of smart metering systems across Europe will be a considerable engineering challenge and requires innovative and cost-effective solutions. Consumers in multi-dwelling units make up a sizeable proportion of the total population but could be denied the benefits of smart metering unless these challenges can be overcome. geo is delighted to be working with Siemens to provide such a solution."
Notes
The solution was shown on the geo stand, B52, at European Utility Week in Amsterdam.
The solution currently utilizes the ZigBee Smart Energy Profile (SEP) wireless radio protocol at 2.4GHz but could be modified to work with other protocols or frequencies to meet deployment requirements.
About Green Energy Options (geo)
geo designs and produces in-home energy displays, online energy services and mobile applications that connect with consumers and make energy engaging. This enables energy suppliers, meter manufacturers and installers to strengthen relationships with their customers by putting them in control of their energy consumption, home appliances and energy budget in a visual, informative and engaging way. geo’s products and services work together with both pre-smart and smart meters and are able to integrate micro-generation to help users to operate an energy-efficient home. Find out more at www.greenenergyoptions.co.uk
About Siemens
The Siemens Infrastructure & Cities Sector (Munich, Germany) with approximately 90,000 employees, focuses on sustainable technologies for metropolitan areas and their infrastructures. Its offering includes products, systems and solutions for intelligent traffic management, rail-bound transportation, smart grids, energy efficient buildings, and safety and security. The Sector comprises the divisions Building Technologies, Low and Medium Voltage, Mobility and Logistics, Rail Systems and Smart Grid. For more information, visit http://www.siemens.com/infrastructure-cities
*******
Contact for journalists
Siemens plc: Emma Whitaker, tel: 07921 246 942 / emma.whitaker@siemens.com
GEO: Simon Hughes: tel +44 7764 359859 / SDH@greenenergyoptions.co.uk
_______________________________