Technology Trending: New smart electricity and hydrogen meters and US DOE emerging tech office

Following earlier announcements of new electricity, water and hydrogen meters another pair of new meters are launched and the US Department of Energy launches an office to focus on emerging technologies in the week’s technology radar.

Xylem (Sensus) unveils residential electricity meter with grid edge capabilities

Sensus, a Xylem brand, has launched the Stratus IQ+ smart meter with advanced edge intelligence that is intended to enhance distribution system management for utilities to deliver more data faster.

The Stratus IQ+ combines grid intelligence and precise energy measurement into one powerful package, a release states – in short, commercial and industrial strength capabilities in a residential meter.

The meter monitors energy consumption in near-real time and advanced functionalities allow for data to be recorded, transmitted and received with only a keystroke.

Have you read?
Technology Trending: Enlit Europe 2023 edition – smart meters, standards, IoT and circularity
‘I am awed by energy transition innovation’ says GE Vernova’s Blanco

With battery electric vehicle-based detection it also is intended to meet the growing needs of that market, with artificial intelligence algorithms able to extract battery EV charging data in a matter of seconds through edge computing.

Other features include customisable applications to enhance grid edge capabilities, an expansion card slot for future computing capacity, a rugged design to improves protection against weather, rough handling or tampering and ‘software-defined metrology’ features that help utilities improve efficiency, cost savings and safety.

Mike McGann, senior vice president and president of Xylem Americas, Measurement and Control Solutions, says that utility customers continue to embrace the value of data for greater operational resilience and increased customer engagement.

“Further, emerging grid requirements – including EV support – demand a new level of distribution system management, which this technology can help enable.”

Honeywell’s 100% hydrogen meter

Honeywell has launched what it calls the first 100% hydrogen-capable gas meter.

The EI5 smart gas meter, which is being piloted in the Wagenborgen hydrogen demonstration by Enexis in the Netherlands, is stated capable of measuring both hydrogen and natural gas.

This will provide adaptability across the European continent and once installed, the meters eliminate the need for future replacements as networks transition to hydrogen, thereby reducing the long-term costs.

“Honeywell’s hydrogen-capable meters are key to facilitating a seamless transition to hydrogen energy across European utility networks,” says Kinnera Angadi, Chief Technology Officer of Smart Energy and Thermal Solutions at Honeywell.

“We’re enhancing operational efficiency with meters that are ready for the future, helping our customers stay ahead in a market that’s swiftly transitioning toward greener energy solutions.”

In the Wagenborgen pilot, residential homes from the 1970s are being integrated into a hydrogen network that includes not only the EI5 gas meters but also a hydrogen central boiler for heating and hot water.

Currently, the hydrogen is supplied in bottles from a local farm. But looking ahead, the intention is to pioneer the use of green hydrogen from an electrolyser powered by solar and/or wind energy at the farm.

US Department of Energy launches emerging techs office

The US DOE has launched a new office to focussing on ‘critical and emerging technologies’, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing and semiconductors.

Its aim is to ensure that investments in these areas leverage the Department’s wide range of assets and expertise to accelerate progress in them.

Such technologies have broad applications throughout DOE, such as clean energy, national defence and pandemic preparedness.

The new office will focus the Department’s efforts to ensuring that its capabilities are helping to solve critical science, energy and security challenges, according to a statement.

“Since their inception, DOE’s national laboratories have been central to the nation’s scientific and technological advancement, and we are preparing to ensure that, as new technologies emerge, the US leads the way in exploring those frontiers,” said Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm.

“Our new Office of Critical and Emerging Technology will leverage DOE’s world-class scientists and technical capabilities in the interest of American security and competitiveness.”