AMI
Advanced Metering Infrastructure
A complete system that connects meters, communications, collection platforms, data management, integrations, procedures and people so meter information can support utility operations.
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41 terms
AMR
Automated Meter Reading
One-way or limited remote collection of meter reads. AMR may reduce manual reading but does not necessarily provide the two-way control and operating architecture associated with AMI.
Learn in context ↗BESS
Battery Energy Storage System
An integrated system that stores electrical energy and releases it for a defined operating objective using batteries, controls, power conversion, protection and supporting equipment.
Learn in context ↗Billing integration
Billing or CIS integration
The controlled exchange of validated meter information with the utility system responsible for customer records, billing or related workflows.
Learn in context ↗BMS
Battery Management System
The control layer that monitors battery cells or modules and manages limits, balancing, protection and battery-state information.
Learn in context ↗CCS2
Combined Charging System Type 2
A common connector arrangement used for AC and DC electric-vehicle charging. Vehicle compatibility and the selected charger configuration must still be confirmed.
Learn in context ↗Class
Meter current class
A designation associated with the current capability and service application of an electric meter. It must be matched with form, voltage, service and utility requirements.
Learn in context ↗Connected load
Connected charger capacity
The sum of equipment nameplate ratings connected to a site. Actual maximum demand may differ because of controls, diversity and operating conditions.
Learn in context ↗CT
Current transformer
An instrument transformer that scales primary current to a level suitable for metering or protection. Ratio, burden, accuracy and installation must match the application.
Learn in context ↗DC fast charging
Direct-current fast charging
Charging in which power conversion occurs in the charger and DC power is delivered to the vehicle battery. Actual charging speed also depends on the vehicle.
Learn in context ↗DCU
Data concentrator unit
A field device that aggregates compatible meter communications and provides a path between groups of meters and central AMI systems.
Learn in context ↗Demand charge
Demand-based electricity charge
A tariff component based on the highest or measured demand during a defined period. It can materially affect EV-charging and BESS economics.
Learn in context ↗DMA
District metered area
A defined part of a water network where inflow and consumption can be compared to support leakage and network-performance analysis.
Learn in context ↗EMS
Energy Management System
The control layer that dispatches a BESS or microgrid according to load, generation, tariff, resilience and operating rules.
Learn in context ↗Evidence status
Product evidence status
A label showing the level of source support currently available for a displayed product or claim. It does not replace project-specific compliance confirmation.
Learn in context ↗Form
Electric meter form
A standardized designation describing the meter’s electrical and terminal arrangement for a particular service configuration.
Learn in context ↗G3-PLC
G3 Power Line Communication
A communications approach that carries data over the electrical power network. Suitability depends on network and field conditions.
Learn in context ↗HES
Head-End System
The central AMI platform that communicates with field devices, schedules or requests reads, manages device interactions and passes data onward.
Learn in context ↗Interconnection
Grid interconnection
The technical and procedural connection of a generating, storage or large-load system to the electrical network, including studies, protection and utility requirements.
Learn in context ↗Interval data
Interval load data
Energy or demand values recorded at regular time intervals. The interval length and data quality affect AMI, load and BESS analysis.
Learn in context ↗kW
Kilowatt
A unit of power describing the instantaneous rate of energy use, delivery or conversion.
Learn in context ↗kWh
Kilowatt-hour
A unit of energy describing power used or delivered over time. One kilowatt sustained for one hour equals one kilowatt-hour.
Learn in context ↗Load profile
Electric load profile
A time-based record of power or energy use that reveals peaks, operating patterns and variability.
Learn in context ↗LoRaWAN
Long Range Wide Area Network
A low-power wide-area communications architecture that may be used for metering or sensing. Coverage, frequency, gateway and configuration must be validated.
Learn in context ↗MDMS
Meter Data Management System
A platform that stores, validates, estimates, edits and prepares meter data for billing, analytics and downstream utility use.
Learn in context ↗Microgrid
Microgrid system
A coordinated electrical system of loads and distributed resources that can be controlled as a defined unit and may support grid-connected or island operation.
Learn in context ↗NB-IoT
Narrowband Internet of Things
A cellular low-power communications technology used by some connected meters and devices. Network coverage, band and operator support must be confirmed.
Learn in context ↗OCPP
Open Charge Point Protocol
A protocol used for communication between compatible EV chargers and central management platforms. Version and supported functions are configuration-specific.
Learn in context ↗PCS
Power Conversion System
The bidirectional power-electronics layer that converts between battery DC power and AC electrical systems and controls charge or discharge.
Learn in context ↗Peak shaving
Peak-demand reduction
Using controlled resources such as BESS or managed charging to reduce the site’s maximum demand during selected periods.
Learn in context ↗Pilot acceptance gate
Pilot success criteria
The measurable technical, operating and organizational conditions used to decide whether a pilot should proceed, change or stop.
Learn in context ↗Power factor
Power factor
The relationship between real power and apparent power in an AC system. It affects current, equipment loading and electrical design.
Learn in context ↗Q3/Q1
Water-meter turndown ratio
The ratio between permanent flow rate and minimum flow rate under the applicable meter reference. Exact definitions and claims must follow the selected standard and model evidence.
Learn in context ↗RF Mesh
Radio-frequency mesh network
A network in which compatible devices can relay data through multiple paths. Performance depends on density, terrain, interference, design and field validation.
Learn in context ↗Simultaneity
Charging simultaneity
The proportion of connected chargers expected to operate at the same time and power level. It is an operating assumption, not a substitute for an electrical study.
Learn in context ↗Single-line diagram
Electrical single-line diagram
A simplified drawing showing the main electrical equipment, ratings and connections of a power system.
Learn in context ↗SOC
State of charge
An estimate of the energy remaining in a battery relative to its usable capacity under the applicable operating limits.
Learn in context ↗STS
Static transfer switch
A power-electronic transfer device used in some systems to transfer loads between sources according to the approved architecture.
Learn in context ↗TOR
Terms of Reference
The controlling customer or procurement document that defines requirements, scope, evidence, deliverables and conditions for an opportunity.
Learn in context ↗Ultrasonic meter
Ultrasonic water meter
A static water meter that uses ultrasonic measurement principles rather than a mechanical measuring element. Correct sizing and installation remain essential.
Learn in context ↗Wi-SUN
Wireless Smart Utility Network
An interoperable wireless communications family used in some utility networks. Supported profiles, frequency and device compatibility must be confirmed.
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