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  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
11

Design of Digital Meters for Intelligent Demand Response

Kang, Jin-cheng 05 July 2011 (has links)
Because of the shortage of domestic energy resources in Taiwan, more than 97% of the energy has to be imported. The energy price has been increased dramatically during recent years due to the limited supply of conventional primary fossil energy resources. With the economic development and upgrade of people living standard, the electricity power consumption is increased significantly. To solve the problem, different strategies of energy conservation and CO2 emission reduction have been promoted by government to reduce that the peak loading growth and achieve better usage of electricity with more effective load management. This thesis proposes a digital smart meter which integrates the energy metering IC, microprocessor and hybrid communication schemes (Power Line Carrier/ZigBee/RS-485). The load control module and communication module are included in the smart meter to support various application functions. The embedded power management system (PMS) is also proposed to integrate with the smart meter to perform the demand response according to the real-time pricing and load management for residential and commercial customers. The master station can supervise the real-time power consumption of various load components to analyze the power consumption model of customers served and execute the demand load control. The actual demonstration system of embedded PMS has been set up to verify the function of energy management so that the customers have better understanding of power consumption by each appliance. In the future, the implementation of intelligent load control with an emergency load shedding of capability can help utility companies to achieve virtual power generation to enhance the power systems reliability. The customers may also reduce the electricity charge by executing demand response function, which disconnects the electricity service for non essential loads for either system emergency or high electricity peak pricing
12

Diretrizes para o design de dispositivos visuais para apresentação do consumo de energia em residências

Moura, Paula Kvitko de January 2018 (has links)
O consumo de energia total residencial mundial aumentou 23% na última década e deverá aumentar mais 48% até 2040. Uma estratégia para a economia de energia é a mudança do comportamento dos usuários por meio da apresentação do feedback do consumo. O feedback pode ser apresentado em dispositivos visuais que são aparelhos eletrônicos que medem o consumo de eletricidade das casas e repassam esta informação aos usuários com a intenção de reduzi-lo. Pesquisas anteriores mostram que prover feedback com uso destes dispositivos pode gerar uma redução de 5 a 20% do consumo. No entanto, existem poucas pesquisas sobre o design de tais dispositivos que abordem a preferência e o entendimento do conteúdo (dados que podem ser apresentados no dispositivo) e do modo de apresentação (formato de apresentação do conteúdo). Estudos sugerem que as decisões de design variam conforme o tipo de usuário (crianças, adultos e idosos) e o contexto cultural no qual o dispositivo está inserido. Este trabalho explora os tipos de informações (ex.: consumo instantâneo, consumo por aparelho, etc.) e o formato da informação (numérico, analógico e ambiental) de um dispositivo visual mais adequado ao contexto brasileiro, considerando o tipo de usuário. Com base nos resultados de 7 grupos focados realizados com 50 participantes (20 crianças, 20 adultos e 10 idosos), foram desenvolvidos diretrizes e modelos conceituais para cada tipo de usuário Todos os participantes consideraram o consumo instantâneo importante. Entretanto, para idosos não é necessário apresentar esta informação visto que eles não gostariam de interagir com o dispositivo mais de uma vez ao dia, ao contrário dos adultos e crianças. Para aumentar o conhecimento do uso de energia dos usuários e encorajar a mudança de comportamento, também deve ser apresentada as informações de consumo cumulativo, consumo por aparelhos e dicas. Adultos e idosos preferem comparação histórica ao contrário das crianças que preferem informações que gerem a competição, como a comparação normativa. As informações sobre a preferência e o entendimento são importantes para o desenvolvimento de interfaces de dispositivos visuais que atendam aos requisitos dos usuários. Além disso, como os dispositivos visuais ainda não estão amplamente inseridos no Brasil, este trabalho pode contribuir para que o seu design proporcione o aumento da redução do consumo de energia. / The residential energy consumption in the world has increased by 23% in the past decade and is expected to rise 48% until 2040. One strategy to save energy is to change user behavior by presenting feedback on energy consumption. The feedback can be presented in electronic in-home displays which measure the household energy consumption and pass this information to users with the intention of reducing consumption. Previous research has shown that providing feedback can lead to reductions of 5 to 20%. However, there is still limited research on the design of such devices. The design of visual devices involves decisions regarding the preference and understanding of information types (data that can be displayed in a device) and information formats (ways to present different information types). Studies suggest that design decisions vary according to the type of user (children, adults and elderly) and the cultural context in which the device is inserted. This work explores the information formats (e.g. real-time consumption, consumption of each appliance, etc.) and the information formats (numerical, analogue and ambient) of an in-home display suited to the Brazilian context, considering the type of user Based on the results of 7 focus groups totaling 50 participants (20 children, 20 adults and 10 elderly), guidelines and prototypes were developed for each type of user. All participants considered real-time consumption important. However, it is not necessary to present this information for the elderly since they would not want to interact with the display more than once a day, unlike adults and children. Cumulative consumption, disaggregation by appliance and tips should also be presented for all type of users to increase awareness of energy usage and encourage behavior change. Adults and the elderly prefer historical comparison on contrary to children who prefer information that generates competition, such as normative comparison. Information about user preference and understanding is important for the development of in-home displays interfaces that meet user requirements. In addition, since in-home displays are not yet extensively adopted in Brazil, this work can contribute to the design of such displays that to further reduce the energy consumption.
13

Diretrizes para o design de dispositivos visuais para apresentação do consumo de energia em residências

Moura, Paula Kvitko de January 2018 (has links)
O consumo de energia total residencial mundial aumentou 23% na última década e deverá aumentar mais 48% até 2040. Uma estratégia para a economia de energia é a mudança do comportamento dos usuários por meio da apresentação do feedback do consumo. O feedback pode ser apresentado em dispositivos visuais que são aparelhos eletrônicos que medem o consumo de eletricidade das casas e repassam esta informação aos usuários com a intenção de reduzi-lo. Pesquisas anteriores mostram que prover feedback com uso destes dispositivos pode gerar uma redução de 5 a 20% do consumo. No entanto, existem poucas pesquisas sobre o design de tais dispositivos que abordem a preferência e o entendimento do conteúdo (dados que podem ser apresentados no dispositivo) e do modo de apresentação (formato de apresentação do conteúdo). Estudos sugerem que as decisões de design variam conforme o tipo de usuário (crianças, adultos e idosos) e o contexto cultural no qual o dispositivo está inserido. Este trabalho explora os tipos de informações (ex.: consumo instantâneo, consumo por aparelho, etc.) e o formato da informação (numérico, analógico e ambiental) de um dispositivo visual mais adequado ao contexto brasileiro, considerando o tipo de usuário. Com base nos resultados de 7 grupos focados realizados com 50 participantes (20 crianças, 20 adultos e 10 idosos), foram desenvolvidos diretrizes e modelos conceituais para cada tipo de usuário Todos os participantes consideraram o consumo instantâneo importante. Entretanto, para idosos não é necessário apresentar esta informação visto que eles não gostariam de interagir com o dispositivo mais de uma vez ao dia, ao contrário dos adultos e crianças. Para aumentar o conhecimento do uso de energia dos usuários e encorajar a mudança de comportamento, também deve ser apresentada as informações de consumo cumulativo, consumo por aparelhos e dicas. Adultos e idosos preferem comparação histórica ao contrário das crianças que preferem informações que gerem a competição, como a comparação normativa. As informações sobre a preferência e o entendimento são importantes para o desenvolvimento de interfaces de dispositivos visuais que atendam aos requisitos dos usuários. Além disso, como os dispositivos visuais ainda não estão amplamente inseridos no Brasil, este trabalho pode contribuir para que o seu design proporcione o aumento da redução do consumo de energia. / The residential energy consumption in the world has increased by 23% in the past decade and is expected to rise 48% until 2040. One strategy to save energy is to change user behavior by presenting feedback on energy consumption. The feedback can be presented in electronic in-home displays which measure the household energy consumption and pass this information to users with the intention of reducing consumption. Previous research has shown that providing feedback can lead to reductions of 5 to 20%. However, there is still limited research on the design of such devices. The design of visual devices involves decisions regarding the preference and understanding of information types (data that can be displayed in a device) and information formats (ways to present different information types). Studies suggest that design decisions vary according to the type of user (children, adults and elderly) and the cultural context in which the device is inserted. This work explores the information formats (e.g. real-time consumption, consumption of each appliance, etc.) and the information formats (numerical, analogue and ambient) of an in-home display suited to the Brazilian context, considering the type of user Based on the results of 7 focus groups totaling 50 participants (20 children, 20 adults and 10 elderly), guidelines and prototypes were developed for each type of user. All participants considered real-time consumption important. However, it is not necessary to present this information for the elderly since they would not want to interact with the display more than once a day, unlike adults and children. Cumulative consumption, disaggregation by appliance and tips should also be presented for all type of users to increase awareness of energy usage and encourage behavior change. Adults and the elderly prefer historical comparison on contrary to children who prefer information that generates competition, such as normative comparison. Information about user preference and understanding is important for the development of in-home displays interfaces that meet user requirements. In addition, since in-home displays are not yet extensively adopted in Brazil, this work can contribute to the design of such displays that to further reduce the energy consumption.
14

An Empirical Assessment of Energy Management Information System Success Using Structural Equation Modeling

Stripling, Gwendolyn D. 01 January 2017 (has links)
The Energy Industry utilizes Energy Management Information Systems (EMIS) smart meters to monitor utility consumers’ energy consumption, communicate energy consumption information to consumers, and to collect a plethora of energy consumption data about consumer usage. The EMIS energy consumption information is typically presented to utility consumers via a smart meter web portal. The hope is that EMIS web portal use will aid utility consumers in managing their energy consumption by helping them make effective decisions regarding their energy usage. However, little research exists that evaluates the effectiveness or success of an EMIS smart meter web portal from a utility consumer perspective. The research goal was to measure EMIS smart meter web portal success based on the DeLone and McLean Information Success Model. The objective of the study was to investigate the success constructs system quality, information quality, service quality, use, and user satisfaction, and determine their contribution to EMIS success, which was measured as net benefits. The research model used in this study employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on Partial Least Squares (PLS) to determine the validity and reliability of the measurement model and to evaluate the hypothetical relationships in the structural model. The significant validity and reliability measures obtained in this study indicate that the DeLone and McLean Information Success Model (2003) has the potential for use in future EMIS studies. The determinants responsible for explaining the variance in net benefits were EMIS use and user satisfaction. Based on the research findings, several implications and future research are stated and proposed.
15

Conception et réalisation d’un système de gestion intelligente de la consommation électrique domestique / Design and soc implementation of a low cost smart home energy management system

Nguyen, Trung Kien 11 December 2015 (has links)
NIALM (Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring) est une technologie innovante qui permet de suivre la consommation individuelle en énergie des différents appareils électriques dans un réseau électrique grâce à un seul point de mesure. Ainsi, l’installation et la maintenance du système est très simple. Cependant, le logiciel NIALM nécessite le développement d’algorithmes sophistiqués pour identifier la consommation de chaque appareil avec une bonne précision. Par conséquent, ces algorithmes complexes nécessitent une plate-forme d’exécution puissante et coûteuse. En réponse à ce problème, cette thèse propose un système NIALM innovant fonctionnant en temps réel et à faible coût. Ce système permet de dépasser certaines limites actuelles du NIALM grâce à une extraction d’informations supplémentaires sur les signatures électriques, une détection des transitions lentes et des appareils à multi-états grâce à deux nouvelles fonctions : un algorithme de détection d'événements CUSUM et une ventilation des sommes cumulées en se basant sur un algorithme génétique. La deuxième contribution importante est de proposer une méthodologie utilisant le modèle RPN (Reactive Process Network) pour développer le système NIALM dans un SoC (System on Chip) avec une accélération matérielle de type FPGA. Ce SoC permet ainsi l'exécution en parallèle dans le FPGA de processus de traitement de données avec des algorithmes complexes tout en satisfaisant les contraintes de temps. Les avantages de notre méthode sont : la capacité de développer une spécification exécutable, d’effectuer une exploration d'architecture, et d’obtenir rapidement un prototype du système NIALM à partir d’un même modèle applicatif. / In comparison to conventional smart meters, NIALM (Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring) is an innovative technology because it can monitor power usage on individual appliances in an electrical network using only one sensing node. Thus, setting up and maintaining the system is very simple because of the few of hardware elements. In contrast, the software of NIALM is often very complex and there is still the need in developing more complex algorithms to classify appliances more accurately. These complex algorithms of NIALM require to run on a powerful and expensive hardware platform. In order to overcome this problem, the first contribution of this thesis is to propose a low cost real-time innovative NIALM system to solve some limits of NIALM design by extracting more electrical signatures, detecting slow transition and multi-state appliances, and energy disaggregation in real-time. This is possible by using two new algorithms: CUSUM event detection algorithm and disaggregation based on Genetic Algorithm. Similar to complex DSP systems, a NIALM system contains both event control processes and data streaming processes. The second important contribution of this research is to propose a methodology based on RPN model (Reactive Process Network) to develop a complex NIALM system in SoC with FPGA acceleration. Such SoC allows running data streaming processes with complex algorithms and hard timing constraints in parallel in FPGA while other processes can run in processors. The advantages of our methodology are the ability to develop an executable specification to proceed to architecture exploration, and prototype the NIALM system quickly using the same application model.
16

Implementace zabezpečení do DLMS protokolu / DLMS security suite implementation

Kohout, David January 2021 (has links)
This thesis is focused on smart meters cyber security using DLMS Security Suite standard. Security is more important every day and DLMS specifies multiple methods of authentication and message encryption which is defined in Security Suites. For message creation there are multiple possible formats that can be used. For a better understanding all formats are analysed and compared using a specific example. Main part of this work is about making a testing application called VUT DLMS Tester which is used for testing this standard for real usage in distribution network. Whole development is cooperated with distribution companies and smart meter manufacturers. Application also implements higher levels of security which DLMS specifies. This application is used for testing multiple scenarios regarding security impact on data volume.
17

M2M and Mobile Communications : an Implementation in the Solar Energy Industry

Gonzalez Robles, Antonio January 2015 (has links)
Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications are used for several purposes, forinstance to transmit information derived from measurements collected frommonitoring instruments. M2M communications also allow intelligent devices toexchange real-time data without human intervention. Through a literaturesurvey regarding M2M, Mobile Communications, and Communication Protocolsfor M2M, such as the Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP), we found thatthe CoAP-UDP model is more suitable for M2M systems, than the HTTP-TCPapproach. Additionally, CoAP supports a DTLS implementation to provide endto-end security to protect communications. Consequently, CoAP was the selectedtechnology that allowed us to achieve the goal of designing a low-cost, scalable,secure, and standard-based communication solution for the company supportingthe project: Solelia Greentech. This company is the largest provider inScandinavia of solar chargers for electrical vehicles. The development andexperimental implementation of this solution was also successfully accomplished.We created a prototype that is able to gather information from a pulse generator(e.g. smart meter), process the data, run a CoAP server, and transmit dataresources to CoAP clients through a secure DTLS channel. Furthermore, aperformance analysis of the system and other existing Web server alternativeswas performed. As a result of this process, we concluded that the CoAP serverwe developed reaches between four and seven times higher throughputs than thecompared systems. Therefore, this project represents a viable alternative forexisting solutions on the market. / Machine-to-machine (M2M) kommunikation används för flera syften, till exempel överföra information från mätningar som samlats in från övervakningsprogram instrument. M2M kommunikation gör det också möjligt att intelligenta enheter utbyter data i realtid utan mänsklig inblandning. Genom en litteraturstudie om M2M, mobil kommunikation, och kommunikationsprotokoll för M2M, såsom Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP), fann vi att CoAP-UDP-modellen är mer lämpade för M2M-system, än HTTP-TCP strategi. Dessutom, CoAP stöder ett DTLS genomförande som bidrar med end-to-end säkerhet för att skydda kommunikation. Följaktligen CoAP var den valda tekniken som tillät oss att uppnå målet att utforma en billig, skalbar, säker och standardbaserad kommunikationslösning för företag som stödde projektet: Solelia Greentech. Detta företag är den största leverantören i Skandinavien av solar laddare för eldrivna fordon. Utveckling och experimentella genomförande av denna lösning var också lyckat fulländad. Vi skapade en prototyp som kan samla information från en pulsgenerator (t.ex. smarta mätare), process data, köra en CoAP server, och överföra dataresurser till CoAP-klient genom en säker DTLS kanal. En prestandaanalys av systemet och andra befintliga webbservern alternativ utfördes. Som en följd av denna process, vi drog slutsatsen att CoAP servern vi utvecklat når mellan fyra och sju gånger högre genomloppstid än de jämförda systemen. Därför Detta projekt är ett lönsamt alternativ för befintliga lösningar på marknaden.
18

Networking for Smart Meters

Dandugula, Chaitanya January 2012 (has links)
"Smart grid" generally refers to a class of technology bringing electricity delivery systems into the 21st century, using computer-based remote control and automation. With the growing energy demand, efficient usage of the available energy resources is increasingly becoming a major issue around the world. Smart grid is a step in that direction. Research in the European Union and the United States are currently underway to modernize the existing and aging transmission grid and to streamline the usage of electricity. A typical electricity grid consists of two major entities - the utility company and the distribution control system (DCS). Electricity is generated at the utility company and the DCS is responsible for the distribution of electricity to individual homes/consumers. A smart meter (SM) is an electronic device that measures the electricity consumed at the consumer's premises and provides added information to the utility company. The data concentration unit (DCU) is a device acting as a communication hub collecting and encoding data from multiple smart meters in a neighborhood and forwarding the data to the utility company. The aim of this project is to design a network for securing the communication between the SM and the DCU in a smart metering network environment. The meter data communicated from the SM to the DCU is very sensitive and in the hands of an attacker, can reveal significant personal information about an individual. Hence it is of at most importance to protect the meter data transmitted from the SM. On the other hand the control signals transmitted from the DCU to the SM, need protection in order to thwart off unauthorized signals (i.e., an intruder can impersonate the DC and send out control signals to the SMs). Hence the SM and the DCU should be authenticated by each other and authorized and the data and/or control signals exchanged between them should be encrypted. / "Smart grid" avser i allmänhet en klass av teknik föra system elleverans till 21: a århundradet, med hjälp av datorbaserade fjärrkontroll och automation. Med den ökande efterfrågan på energi, är effektiv användning av de tillgängliga energiresurser blir alltmer en viktig fråga över hela världen. Smart grid är ett steg i den riktningen. Forskning i Europeiska unionen och USA för närvarande pågår för att modernisera befintliga och åldrande transmissionsnätet och effektivisera användningen av el. En typisk elnätet består av två större enheter - de allmännyttiga företaget och \distribution control system"(DCS). El genereras vid verktyget företaget och DCS ansvarar för distributionen av el till enskilda hem / konsumenter. En smart meter (SM) är en elektronisk apparat som mäter elförbrukning på konsumentens lokaler och ger ökad information till elbolaget. \Data concentration unit"(DCU) är en enhet fungerar som ett kommunikationsnav insamling och kodning av data från flera smarta mätare i ett område och vidarebefordra data till elbolaget. Syftet med detta projekt är att utforma ett nätverk för att säkra kommunikationen mellan SM och DCU i ett smart mätning nätverksmiljö. Mätaren uppgifter som lämnas från SM till DCU är mycket känslig och i händerna på en angripare, kan avslöja viktig personlig information om en individ. Följaktligen är det av som mest betydelse för att skydda de mätdata som sänds från SM: en. å andra sidan styrsignaler överförs från DCU till SM och behöver skydd för att hindra av obehöriga signaler (dvs en inkräktare kan personifiera DC och skicka ut styrsignaler till SM). Därför SM och DCU ska bestyrkas av varandra och godkänts och data och / eller styrsignaler utväxlas mellan dem ska vara krypterad.
19

Perspectiva de um sistema elétrico inteligente em uma cidade brasileira: estudo de caso Búzios / Perspective of an smart electrical system in brazilian city: Búzios case study

Lago, Renard Lopes Villas Boas do 08 February 2019 (has links)
Submitted by Nadir Basilio (nadirsb@uninove.br) on 2019-03-18T18:15:52Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Renard Lopes Villas Boas do Lago.pdf: 4581569 bytes, checksum: 9c4647056794f2f9266e721e689971ee (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2019-03-18T18:15:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Renard Lopes Villas Boas do Lago.pdf: 4581569 bytes, checksum: 9c4647056794f2f9266e721e689971ee (MD5) Previous issue date: 2019-02-08 / In seeking the construction of an intelligent city there is a need to identify the processes that may or may not contribute to its construction and which challenges to overcome, taking into account the aspects of urban life, such as mobility, security, communication systems, sanitation and also for the electrical system. This research is a case study with the purpose of transforming Búzios into an intelligent city, as it is published by the municipal administration. The study aimed to verify if all the projects presented were executed and if the concepts of sustainability, rationality and loss control are being applied. The approach defined for research was qualitative, verifying the facts and seeking to clarify the dynamics of social relations, through a descriptive and exploratory research. During the visit to the city information was collected through interviews and direct observations, among the interviews were qualified 20 residents and collected 202 photographs. Among the projects implemented and in operation are three generators of photovoltaic energy, as for the projects implemented and that presented discontinuity and failures in its operation are the intelligent LED lighting system, the free internet system project, the projects with the systems of generation of aerogenerator energy, power network automation projects and installation projects of smart meters. During the technical visit, it was not possible to identify characteristics or contributions that define the city of Búzios-RJ, as the first intelligent city in Latin America, as little as an intelligent city, once the projects executed show flaws, a small part of the city was contemplated, the population does not have knowledge about the project, lack of continuity and governance. Although the projects listed make sense as components of an intelligent city with an intelligent electric grid, it was not possible to characterize the city as "intelligent" since the projects did not show, in their majority, effectiveness and scope enough to do so. The city can, however, become intelligent by expanding the reach and effectiveness of the projects. / Ao almejar a construção de uma cidade inteligente existe a necessidade de identificar os processos que podem ou não contribuir para sua construção e quais os desafios a serem superados, levando-se em conta os aspectos da vida urbana, como mobilidade, segurança, sistemas de comunicação, saneamento e também para o sistema elétrico. A presente pesquisa é um estudo de caso tendo como objeto a transformação de Búzios em cidade inteligente, conforme é divulgado pela administração municipal. O estudo teve como objetivo verificar se todos os projetos apresentados foram executados e se os conceitos de sustentabilidade, racionalidade e controle de perdas estão sendo aplicados. A abordagem definida para pesquisa foi qualitativa, verificando os fatos e buscando esclarecer a dinâmica das relações sociais, por meio de uma pesquisa descritiva e exploratória. Durante a visita a cidade foram coletadas informações por meio de entrevistas e observações diretas, dentre as entrevistas foram qualificados 20 moradores e coletadas 202 fotografias. Dentre os projetos implementados e em funcionamento estão três geradores de energia fotovoltaica, quanto aos projetos implementados e que apresentaram descontinuidade e falhas no seu funcionamento estão o sistema de iluminação a LED inteligente, o projeto de sistema de internet gratuita, os projetos com os sistemas de geração de energia aerogerador, os projetos de automação da rede de energia e os projetos da instalação dos medidores inteligentes. Durante a visita técnica não foi possível identificar características ou contribuições que definam a cidade de Búzios-RJ, como a primeira cidade inteligente da América Latina, tão pouco como cidade inteligente, uma vez que os projetos executados apresentaram falhas, uma pequena parte da cidade foi contemplada, a população não possui conhecimento sobre o projeto, falta de continuidade e de governança. Embora os projetos elencados façam sentido como componentes de uma cidade inteligente, com rede elétrica inteligente, não foi possível caracterizar a cidade como "inteligente" dado que os projetos não apresentaram, em sua maioria, efetividade e alcance suficiente para isso. A cidade pode, no entanto, tornar-se inteligente ao ampliar o alcance e a efetividade dos projetos.
20

Auswirkungen einer Einführung von Smart Metering auf die Unternehmensführung mittelgroßer Energieversorgungsunternehmen / Introduction of Smart Metering: Ramifications for Business Management in Medium-sized Energy Providers

Selmke, Pierre January 2014 (has links)
In the European Union (EU), increasing final energy efficiency, so as to save energy, has become mandatory. This obligation will fundamentally alter the EU energy sector. The relevant EU directive, 2006/32/EG, requires that adjustments be made to energy billing and, where technically feasible, that new metering technologies (i.e. smart metering) be introduced. Individual EU countries are implementing these requirements in different ways: Smart metering is either being nearly fully implemented (e.g. in Italy), is being planned (e.g. in Germany), or completely disregarded (e.g. in the Czech Republic). Since the introduction of smart metering affects virtually all value-added steps, organisational structures and areas of operation in medium-sized energy providers, these providers must take the relevant requirements into account at as early a stage as possible. The present thesis analyses the effects of the introduction of smart metering on the business management of such companies. A deductive method was chosen and the effects of intro- ducing smart metering were assessed through a cross-sectional study of two separate data collections. Experts were interviewed and their statements were qualitatively evaluated. A written survey followed via online questionnaires, the results of which were quantitatively evaluated. Institutional, functional and activity-based perspectives were considered as well as normative, strategic and operative aspects of business management. The evaluation of the survey enabled a better assessment and analysis of the introduction of smart metering. An analysis of the scope of the upcoming alterations within energy providers illustrates just how fundamental a change this will bring to medium-sized energy providers. However, the outcome of the written survey shows that most executives do not recognise this need for change and therefore are unable to initiate it. These management deficiencies threaten the very existence of these companies and must be resolved through the timely initiation of consistent change management.

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