Design and Evaluation of a Research-Oriented Open-Source Platform for Smart Grid Metering: A Comprehensive Review and Experimental Intercomparison of Smart Meter Technologies

Nikolaos S. Korakianitis, Panagiotis Papageorgas (), Georgios A. Vokas, Dimitrios D. Piromalis, Stavros D. Kaminaris, George Ch. Ioannidis and Ander Ochoa de Zuazola
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Nikolaos S. Korakianitis: Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of West Attica, 12244 Athens, Greece
Panagiotis Papageorgas: Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of West Attica, 12244 Athens, Greece
Georgios A. Vokas: Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of West Attica, 12244 Athens, Greece
Dimitrios D. Piromalis: Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of West Attica, 12244 Athens, Greece
Stavros D. Kaminaris: Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of West Attica, 12244 Athens, Greece
George Ch. Ioannidis: Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of West Attica, 12244 Athens, Greece
Ander Ochoa de Zuazola: Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of West Attica, 12244 Athens, Greece

Future Internet, 2025, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-32

Abstract: Smart meters (SMs) are essential components of modern smart grids, enabling real-time and accurate monitoring of electricity consumption. However, their evaluation is often hindered by proprietary communication protocols and the high cost of commercial testing tools. This study presents a low-cost, open-source experimental platform for smart meter validation, using a microcontroller and light sensor to detect optical pulses emitted by standard SMs. This non-intrusive approach circumvents proprietary restrictions while enabling transparent and reproducible comparisons. A case study was conducted comparing the static meter GAMA 300 model, manufactured by Elgama-Elektronika Ltd. (Vilnius, Lithuania), which is a closed-source commercial meter, with theTexas Instruments EVM430-F67641 evaluation module, manufactured by Texas Instruments Inc. (Dallas, TX, USA), which serves as an open-source reference design. Statistical analyses—based on confidence intervals and ANOVA—revealed a mean deviation of less than 1.5% between the devices, confirming the platform’s reliability. The system supports indirect power monitoring without hardware modification or access to internal data, making it suitable for both educational and applied contexts. Compared to existing tools, it offers enhanced accessibility, modularity, and open-source compatibility. Its scalable design supports IoT and environmental sensor integration, aligning with Internet of Energy (IoE) principles. The platform facilitates transparent, reproducible, and cost-effective smart meter evaluations, supporting the advancement of intelligent energy systems.

Keywords: smart meters; smart grids; open source; data extraction; arduino; prototype development; energy consumption; internet of energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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