Towards the use of Unbundle Smart Meter for Advanced Inverters Integration

The Smart Grid (SG) implementation requires a constant monitoring and control of the power network. An Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) allows the Distribution System Operator (DSO) to know what is happening on the power network. However, existing smart meters are not prepared for an emerging energy market nor to be integrated with LV/MV dispatch centres. The Unbundle Smart Meter (USM) concept allows the integration of existing smart meters in the SG, decreasing deployment costs. This paper presents the USM approach for power inverters management. The USM acts as a residential gateway, enabling the control of energy home devices using an IP-based secure communication network. The USM hosts the necessary services and drivers to provide the end-user with the capability to answer Demand Response (DR) requests from the DSO.