Open Communication with Smart Metering: Siemens Joins up with Meter Manufacturer EMH


In the lead-up to making its meter data communication protocol AMIS DLC available to the public in January 2011, Siemens Energy is working together with EMH metering GmbH & Co. KG, Wittenburg, Germany, in the field of smart metering. The aim of the cooperation is to make it possible to connect EMH's smart meters up to Siemens' automated metering and information system AMIS to offer all-round smart-metering solutions going forward. "This cooperation agreement is a further step toward open communication in the context of smart metering," said Richard Hausmann, CEO of the Siemens Company Project Smart Grid Applications.

By opening its previously proprietary Distribution Line Carrier communication protocol (DLC) for public use in January 2011, Siemens is creating an option for connecting meters made by other manufacturers with its smart metering system AMIS. To put this into practice and meet future market demands, Siemens Energy has entered into a cooperation agreement with the meter manufacturer EMH metering. The aim is to integrate this manufacturer's meters into the AMIS system so as to be able to offer an all-round smart metering solution. "Siemens and EMH are two skilled partners with innovative system solutions and products who are ready and willing to assist power providers and grid operators with their smart metering projects," added Richard Hausmann.

The DLC communication protocol developed by Siemens Energy especially for providing smart metering and smart grid solutions can cope with all kinds of changes in the physical communication parameters of a low-voltage distribution network such as signal damping, noise, network disturbances, signal coupling and network configuration changes. In this way, the DLC protocol brings virtually one-hundred-percent availability to this communication technology. It also ensures smooth, trouble-free functioning of smart metering solutions within smart grids. Furthermore, the application offers ample scope for the integration of future smart grid functions and enables the incorporation of an existing network automation structure based on IEC protocols

Energy-efficient, eco-friendly solutions for setting up smart grids are part of Siemens' Environmental Portfolio. In fiscal 2009, revenue from the Portfolio totaled about EUR23 billion, making Siemens the world's largest supplier of eco-friendly technologies. In the same period, the company's products and solutions enabled customers to reduce their CO2 emissions by 210 million tons. This amount equals the combined annual CO2 emissions of New York, Tokyo, London and Berlin.

The Siemens Energy Sector is the world's leading supplier of a complete spectrum of products, services and solutions for the generation, transmission and distribution of power and for the extraction, conversion and transport of oil and gas. In fiscal 2009 (ended September 30), the Energy Sector had revenues of approximately EUR25.8 billion and received new orders totaling approximately EUR30 billion and posted a profit of EUR3.3 billion. On September 30, 2009, the Energy Sector had a work force of more than 85,100. Further information is available at: www.siemens.com/energy.

EMH metering GmbH & Co KG, headquartered in Wittenburg, Germany, develops, produces and markets electronic electricity meters, accessory products and software and system solutions. With its 260 employees in Wittenburg, EMH metering GmbH & Co. KG provides the full range of home meters, industrial meters and high-precision meters. For more information go to: www.emh-metering.com.

Siemens AG

Corporate Communications and Government Affairs

Wittelsbacherplatz 2,

80333 Munich

Germany

Media Relations: Dietrich Biester

Telephone: +49 9131 18-4974

E-mail: dietrich.biester@siemens.com

Siemens AG

Energy Sector - Power Distribution Division

Freyeslebenstr. 1,

91058 Erlangen,

Germany

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