Ingenieur Vol 58 April-June 2014 Ingenieur Vol 58 April-June 2014 | Page 53

AMI  Scope  in  TNB  (Fig  3.0)   Figure 3.0: Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) in TNB POWERING THE NATION the software layer was needed in the past. MDMS data will be synchronized with data in TNB’s other relevant information systems. Customer data captured in the customer database, e-CIBS, must be reflected in the billing system, the MDMS, and the AMI head-end systems to ensure that new customer information is correctly associated with the proper meter data in a timely manner. TNB deploys a service-oriented architecture (SOA) which enables it to build the code once and leverage it when needed as a standard service, thereby reducing the cost of code development and enhancing flexibility to accommodate continuing advances in AMI technologies. Smart Metering/AMI encompasses various players in the energy industry. Utilities, customers, regulators and solution providers are the main Benefits   technology, as detailed in benefactors of the new of  AMI  (Fig  3.1)   REGULATOR Figure 3.1. The main objectives of the smart meter deployment in TNB are improving energy and network efficiency, improving operational efficiency and empowering customers. To maximize potential benefits of the technology, TNB has set up nine functional requirements as part of its AMI as follows: Automatic Meter Reading (AMR), ●● Load Profiling, ●● Tamper and Theft Detection, ●● Supply Automation (Remote Connect/ ●● Disconnect), Outage Event Management (Plan and ●● Outage Notification), Information on energy consumption, ●● billing, rates, etc. (via Web Portal, IHD and SMS), CUSTOMER Ø Reduction in Carbon Emission Ø Improve Reliability of Supply Ø Satisfied Customers Ø Improve Quality of Supply – Voltage Optimization Ø Modernized Energy Network Ø User friendly and transparent interface with utilities Ø Financially sound utilities Ø Increased choices for customers, i.e. green power Ø Saving due to Time of Use (TOU) Tariff UTILITY Ø Improve Reliability and Quality Supply SOLUTION PROVIDER Ø Create business and job opportunities for: Ø Reduction in T&D Losses ü Energy infrastructure vendors Ø Peak Load Management ü IT Hardware providers Ø Better Asset Management ü Software Firms Ø Satisfied Customers ü Telecommunication Companies Ø