Renán Quijano, a joint NPL and the University of Strathclyde PhD student, has been working on ways to certify the accuracy of electricity meters in the presence of variable power quality.

The project was fully funded by the Mexican National Council for Science and Technology (Conacyt) and the Secretariat of Energy, and was carried out using links with other NMIs, particularly with VSL in the Netherlands.

The project identified signals that caused measurement error in static electricity meters in order to examine possible weaknesses in the meter design, from the analogue front-end to the digital signal processor. The analysis of the error root cause is useful to standards organisations such as IEC and ANSI, electricity meter manufacturers and designers of integrated circuits for power and energy management. The project provided evidence and recommendations to establish new tests and test conditions to ensure that electricity meters give accurate information under any conditions. This will help to develop the next-generation of fit-for-purpose electricity meters.

“One of the best experiences so far during my PhD has been the opportunity to be part of the NPL Postgraduate Institute for Measurement Science (PGI).  It has provided me with valuable metrology knowledge and the chance to be involved in an international research project related to my PhD. I feel confident to bring the acquired skills and knowledge back to my country.”