NES System Overview
A System Solution for a Smarter Grid
Echelon's Networked Energy Services System — the NES System — is the world’s leading solution for a utility’s smart metering and AMI needs. A software-driven, smart grid solution, the NES System incorporates smart meters, data concentrators, and system software. Unlike a meshed RF solution that uses an add-on communications card bolted to a meter, the NES System resides in the electricity wires, converting a utility’s existing metering system into a smart energy network. This allows the system to provide grid intelligence — about the quality of the electricity, the efficiency of its delivery, and even the health of other assets on the wire.
Built on the success of the world’s first and largest AMI project (30 million homes), the NES System has changed the global landscape for smart metering. With the NES System, smart metering and AMI systems are no longer focusing on the meter, but on an energy network for a smarter grid.
Proven Smart Grid Features of the NES System
- Remote meter reading and on-demand reading
- Remote firmware updates to meters
- Up to 16 channels of load profiling and data logging
- Remote updates and configuration parameters by home, area, or service territory
- Power quality measurement and proof-of-service reporting
- Flexible, configurable tariffs such as time-of-use pricing, critical peak pricing, real-time pricing, and prepayment
- Scalable to millions of meters
- Extensible to read heat, water, and gas meters
- Direct load/ripple control
- RF extension into homes over ZigBee, M-Bus, and ModBus
- Transmission and distribution equipment fault detection
- Net or reverse metering for alternative energy generation or microgeneration
- Multiparameter, differential analysis-based theft and outage detection
- Remote disconnect and verified reconnect