SMGW’s and smart meters tested for German rollout
In their brand new laboratory in Merseburg (nearby Leipzig, Germany), NMi are testing communication features for smart meters. Although the lab is able to perform necessary tests for devices for the German rollout like smart meters and Smart Meter Gateways (SMGW’s), a number of other aspects can be tested as well, like data security.
In Germany the SMGW will play a crucial role in the communication chain between the installed smart meter and head end system (GWA, Gate Way Administrator). The device needs to meet two sets of requirements. Firstly, the security requirements of BSI CC/PP and TR-03109 have to be fulfilled. This document describes all requirements related to data security, like interoperability, a necessary security module, cryptography and the public key infrastructure.
Secondly, the metrological requirements of the German metrology law have to be fulfilled, where the PTB-A 50.8 plays a crucial role. This document describes all requirements related to the processing and storage of measured data, time measurements and synchronisation, software architecture and correct functioning of the SMGW, without influencing the measurement results.
In NMi’s lab in Merseburg smart meters and SMGW’s are examined, also in combination with GWA functionality. The NMi laboratory cooperates strongly with their partner exceeding solutions. Being specialized in cryptography and computer science, exceeding solutions has successfully installed a dedicated one of a kind test system allowing communication testing with bespoke test scripts.
NMi laboratory
In NMi’s laboratory in Merseburg (Germany), the suitability of smart meters, communication adapters and SMGW’s can be examined, based on the PTB-A 50.8. This comprises various aspects.
For the SMGW’s the lab is equipped with the es:Testsystem, developed by exceeding solutions. This equipment is able to run a number of dedicated test scripts. These scripts cover the individual requirements as laid down in the PTB-A 50.8. By simulating a smart meter, the whole communication chain between SMGW and meter is examined, including all data handling and appertaining time stamps. By simulating the GWA and external market parties, the communication via the WAN network is investigated as well. Also, the HAN network with connection to a local display is examined. Time synchronisation and tariff behaviour is tested by making use of an NTP server as part of the es:Testsystem.
For the meters and SMGW’s, the equipment is able to perform specific latency time measurements for wired and wireless LMN. This concerns the necessary time for the processing of the analogue energy measurements into a digital output, which is examined by means of a comparison with a reference meter with a specific reference clock. In addition, the total time for the processing of the meter data by the SMGW is investigated, while using this equipment.
ISO 17025 accreditation
NMi has an independent accreditation for the examination in accordance with PTB-A 50.8, based on ISO 17025. At the moment also a request is pending at the German Budesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie, to extend NMi’s existing scope as Notified Body (Konformitätsbewertungsstelle) also for SMGW’s. As soon as this notification will be acknowledged, NMi will be able to issue German national approvals for SMGW’s.
Interested? Feel free to contact us via nmi@nmi.nl in order to discuss your test case, or if you like to come and visit our brand new laboratory.