Electricity Meters Laboratory (HEDNO)

Smart metering testing facility: The metering lab facilities have advanced capabilities in order to conduct various tests including testing, certification, calibration and validation of all types of electricity meters (electromechanical and smart). The facility consists of:

• A configurable Three-Phase Meter Calibration Set. The model of the set is the IskramaticCATS-083.030.735 Meter Test Station. The calibration set is suitable for experiments in threephase / single-phase meters for active and reactive power of all types (optionally adding various harmonics). The testing processes are managed and monitored via IT infrastructure and the data are stored there. The calibration set consists of an electronic power source (EPS 80-3H- ERIGrid Meter Supply Unit) and two movable racks with 20 adjustable positions, thus it can test 40 meters simultaneously.
• A Three-phase Comparator Zera COM3003.
• Computer Aided Testing System (C the equipment.
• Warm-up Device for Electric Meters (Type ND 409)

Measuring transformers testing facility: The facility is used in order to conduct various tests including testing, certification, calibration and validation of current measuring transformers (MV, LV) and voltage measuring transformers (MV). It consists of an Automatic Instrument Transformer Test Set (Tettex 2767) which includes:

• Standard Voltage Instrument Transformer (Tettex 4820)
• Current Comparator (Tettex 4761).
• Current and Voltage Burden (Tettex 3631)

This test set is a fully automatic instrument for fast, accurate measurement of instrument transformer errors. It is measuring continuously and displaying in digital form current or voltage error as well as phase displacement. The dielectric strength is measured as well. 

The laboratory itself is supplied from the local 20 kV medium-voltage power grid via two  independent medium- and low-voltage (MV/LV) transformers. The test facility has been used for multiple applications, in order to ensure that the equipment used in the grid complies with national international grid codes and standard based on the accreditations  held by L&R section of the HEDNO’s Network Department.

In the HEDNO L&R laboratory the main services provided are as follows:

• Testing of electricity meters (electro-mechanical).
• Programming and testing of smart meters (local & remote).
• Testing of electricity meters installed on the grid.
• Testing of current measuring transformers (MV, LV) and voltage measuring transformers (MV).
• Certification of electricity meters (customers, suppliers) and transformers.
• Validation of methods of measurements (according to ISO/IEC 17025).
• Integration of standards
• Technical support to the Remote Measurements Operation (section of Network Department).
• Cooperation with other Departments of HEDNO, concerning the installation of electricity meters on the grid.

Furthermore, the L&R section cooperates with the Remote Measurements Operation section of the HEDNO’s Network Department. The Remote Measurements Operation Section refers to the following:

• Telemetering of Medium Voltage Customers.
• Telemetering of Low Voltage Customers with contractual power higher than 55 KVA.
• Telemetering of PVs and other RES.
• Metering data security and personal data protection.
• Customer data analysis.

HEDNO S.A. (Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator S.A.) was formed by the separation of the Public Power Company (PPC) S.A. Distribution Department in order to comply with the 2009/72/EC EU Directive.

The company’s tasks include the operation, maintenance and development of the power distribution network in Greece, as well as the assurance of a transparent and impartial access of consumers and of all network users in general. The company aims at providing reliable power supply to all customers, quality of electricity voltage and constant improvement of the services provided.  Its mission and vision are the response to its customers’ expectations and the contribution to the development and welfare of fellow citizens with respect to people and the environment.

HEDNO’s responsibilities include:

• Fulfillment of users’ requests
• Network development
• Network operation
• Normal and efficient operation of the Electricity Market, within the scope of the distribution network
• Reliable and economically viable operation of the islands’ autonomous electricity systems

HEDNO strongly believes that its participation in relevant research programs aids towards its commitment to keep up with technological progress and to use state of the art technologies in order to serve the needs of its customers and the society in an optimal way. Hence, its participation in various European research programs such as TILOS, SmarterΕΜC2, WiseGRID, SHAR-Q, GRIDSOL, ERIGrid 2.0, etc.

As far as critical applications are concerned, and for safety reasons, the users are not expected to operate the systems by themselves; even when safety instructions are provided, tests will be carried out by HEDNO staff. For the rest of applications and after ad-hoc training, the user group will have full access to the related facilities for the duration of the stay (with the support of HEDNO’s engineers and laboratory technicians when necessary). The scheduling of the experiments will be agreed and booked prior to the stay according to the availability of the involved staff and equipment. Administrative documentation for the access (contract, non-disclosure agreement, etc.) will comply with ERIGrid 2.0 common indications.

In addition to the general corporate services (Internet connection, canteen, etc.) and the support and advice on accommodation and transportation to HEDNO’s infrastructure, the access offered includes supervision and help of HEDNO’s staff:

• As a complement to the pre-access contacts between the user group and HEDNO, the stay will start with an introductory meeting with the responsible engineer for confirming the stay conditions (confidentiality, safety indications), scheduling the activities, explaining the on-site procedures, clarifying the logistics and technical details.
• Preparatory work: a laboratory technician will assist the users with the installation of the devices, electrical connections, use of the specific instrumentation, preparation of a test procedure (if necessary) based on the users requests, and programming of the experimental conditions.
• HEDNO’s employees will support the realisation and follow-up of the experiments.
• HEDNO’s employees will support the results interpretation, data processing and analysis, and test report preparation.

In principle, a typical stay of 1-2 weeks is foreseen for a single user group under the guidelines and restrictions set by the pandemic but this period could be extended depending on the concrete user project. The user group (usually 1-2 persons) may use the infrastructure for the defined time.

Reimbursement of expenses:

User expenses for the lab access are paid by ERIGrid2.0 (EU H2020 Programme). This includes travels to the HEDNO lab by plane/trains, accommodation, daily subsistence, and daily transportation during the stay.

For the user projects taking place in the lab, HEDNO will refund the stay expenses when the stay is finished: the user must declare the incurred expenses and present the invoices/receipts to HEDNO in order to get the refund.

Reasonable expenses must be made by the user: travels will be made in economy class and conventional hotels (not luxury) or equivalent accommodation will be used. As an indication (it is not a daily allowance), a maximum subsistence fee of 150 €/person must be considered per day.