Bidirectional Metering

Main body：

1. Definition

Bidirectional metering refers to an electricity meter's capability to measure and record energy flow in two directions:

Import Energy (grid → user)

Export Energy (user → grid)

2. Key Functions

-Dual-direction measurement: Precisely records both consumed and exported electricity, providing separate data for each direction.

-Facilitates net metering or feed-in tariffs: Enables fair billing and compensation. For example, excess solar energy exported to the grid can be credited to the user’s account, reducing their overall electricity costs or generating income.

3. Common Applications

-Distributed renewable energy systems: Homes or businesses with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels often use bidirectional meters to track surplus energy sent to the grid.

-Energy storage systems: When batteries discharge power to the grid (e.g., during peak demand), the meter records the outflow; when charging from the grid, it records the inflow.

-Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology: Electric vehicles (EVs) can act as mobile storage, feeding electricity back to the grid. Bidirectional meters measure this two-way energy exchange.

4. Communication Protocols

Mandatory: DLMS/COSEM (IEC 62056)

Data fields:

5. Accuracy Standards

Active energy: Class 1.0 (IEC 62053-21)

Reactive energy: Class 2.0 (IEC 62053-23)

6. Typical Applications

PV systems:

V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid)

Microgrid energy management

7.Technical Features

-Directional sensing: Uses advanced sensors and electronics to detect current direction, ensuring accurate metering in both flow directions.

-Smart communication: Many bidirectional meters are "smart" and connect to utility systems via IoT or wireless networks, enabling remote monitoring, real-time data transmission, and automated billing.

-Tamper resistance: Equipped with security features (e.g., encryption, anti-tamper sensors) to prevent fraud or data manipulation.

Wuxi Zhongyi Smart Technology Co., Ltd. focuses on the development and manufacturing of smart water meters, energy meters, gas meters, covering more than 90 countries around the world. If you are interested in smart energy meters, please contact Zhongyi Smart!