Remote switching of multiple smart meters and steps to check the effect on the grid's power quality

Abstract

The traditional electrical grid is transitioning into the Smart Grid (SG) and the introduction of Smart Meter (SM) is a first stage towards Smart Grid. The SM can offer new functionalities such as remote reading, automatic event reporting and the possibility of remote switching by the Distribution System Operator (DSO). The DSO can send remote signal to the breaker of the SM to disconnect or connect customers. This could be used when customers are moving or do not have a contract. DSO is currently applying this technique regularly for customers but one by one which do not affect the grid's power quality remarkably. But this technique has never been applied for multiple customers at a time in a single neighborhood and the possible effect on the grid's power quality is still unknown. This condition is studied in this paper through test scenarios which have already been planned to test. This paper presents necessary steps of remote SM switching for a large number of customers. Power quality standards and steps for measuring power quality during the tests are outlined. Possible risks of the test as well as the probability of occurring risk and also the consequences of those risks are studied in this paper.