Electronic energy meters have following advantages: • Simple in construction & reliable.

• Very accurate
compared to conventional energy meters. • Friction and magnetic leakage errors are absent since they are disc-
less meters. • Tampering of meters is not possible at the consumer end. • Maintenance-free in operation. • Can
record even the small leakage currents, thus raising the bill amounts.

With deregulation, increased competition and more cross-network power supply

transactions, accurate electrical energy measurement and calibration is becoming
increasingly important.

Energy meter calibration test instrument, include voltage and current supplies, energy
reference meters and pulse comparators.

For calibration the instrument under test is supplied with a known energy and the
instrument is compared to ascertain the error in measurement.

Electronic energy meters generate pulses to indicate the amount of energy measured.
These pulses are transmitted from the meter to counter, register or a high advance
reporting mechanisms.

Calibrations are typically performed by using a reference measurement technique. A

known amount of energy is simultaneously supplied to a reference meter and to the unit
under test (UUT). A reading from the reference meter is then compared to a reading
from the UUT and the error is calculated. Three separate pieces of calibration equipment
are typically required to complete this task.
1. An energy supply (a power supply)
2. A reference energy meter
3. A device for counting pulses from both the reference meter and the UUT, which then
compares the two counts and generates an error indication.
The block diagram of the calibration setup is shown in Figure.
 Modern electronic power meters are designed to achieve energy measurement
accuracy of ±0.5 % (or even better) in the current range from 1A to 120 A.
Calibration of high accuracy power meter require high-precision accurate
reference meter and power source.

The power source supplies power with an alternating voltage 𝑈 and current 𝐼 to
the load through the power meter. The power meter measures the electrical
quantities, calculates the active energy, and generates pulses on the calibration
LED. The pulses generated by the UUT power meter are compared with pulses
generated by the reference meter using a pulse comparator. Such calibration
systems are capable of measuring the energy errors with high accuracy.

The pulse comparator computes an energy error as a difference between the

energy consumption measured by the calibrated power meter and the reference
energy consumption measured by the reference power meter.
The calibration technique is based on measuring and comparing of energy errors.
The energy errors are computed as a difference in the pulse output rate of the
calibrated and reference power meters. The goal of the power meter calibration
is to choose suitable power gain 𝐴𝑃 and correction phase angle 𝜑𝑐 coefficients,
and to apply them after calibration.

For example, the first equation can represent the measurement at the power
factor 𝑐os(𝜃)=1 and the second equation can represent the measurement at the
power factor 𝑐o𝑠(𝜃)=0.5𝐿.
Choosing these power factors leads to equations for computing the power gain
𝐴𝑃 and correction phase angle 𝜑𝑐 calibration coefficients that are easy to
calculate using a microcontroller (MCU) or a digital signal processor (DSP).

The calibration coefficients are easy to calculate, and by applying them during
normal power meter operation (after the power meter is calibrated) both the
active and reactive powers/energies will be measured accurately by the power
meter. You can use such power meter calibration for billing purposes.
 These steps were performed to successfully complete the power meter
calibration:
1. The accuracy of the active energy measurement was measured at the first
load point: U=230 V, I=5 A, and PF=1. The active energy error detected by
the test bench corresponded to error 𝑐os(𝜃)=1.
2. The power source was configured to generate the second load point: U=230
V, I=5 A, and PF=0.5L. For this particular load point, the active energy error
detected by the test bench corresponded to error.
3. The power gain 𝐴𝑃 and correction phase angle 𝜑𝑐 coefficients were
calculated using the errors obtained by measurements performed using an
un-calibrated power meter in previous steps.
4. The calculated calibration coefficients were written into the power meter
firmware application, and the performance of the calibrated power meter was
evaluated on the test bench. The accuracy of the active and reactive energy
measurement was verified in current dynamic range of 1600:1 and thoroughly
documented in the calibration protocol.

The need to control the power grid in real time has opened a new field of
research, today Researchers are trying to design electrical meters that are
completely remote controlled, to create an advanced metering infrastructure.
Energy meters are part of electricity distribution networks, which measure
electricity consumption. Calibration is the process where the line parameters are
set to known values and the various signal conditioning parameters such as gain,
offset compensation, and phase compensation factors are calculated.

The calibration should be accountable for the specifications like accuracy, class,
and various parameters that need to be measured by the meter. The above
requirements necessitate that the calibration process should be:
• Fast to aid production line calibration
• Achieve required meter specifications in one iteration

Closed loop calibration has a reference accurate measurement meter capable of

measuring the line parameters and the output of the meter under calibration
simultaneously, and gives the percentage difference.

To measure the output of the meter under calibration, the calibration pulse rate
(CF pulse) is used. The rate of CF pulse of the meter and the reference meter are
compared to calculate this percentage error (Error %). This Error % is used as
feedback to calibrate the meter. The Closed Loop Calibration method works well
even if the line input is not from a highly accurate input source.

The Closed Loop Calibration process involves taking feedback from the meter
output and comparing it with the reference meter for the given parameter values.
Error % in the meter output with respect to the standard reference meter is
calculated, and the register values are adjusted until the desired level of accuracy
is achieved.
Supply specific voltage and current at specific phase angles to the meter and input
the Error % in energy registered in the reference meter.

In energy calibration, the calibration pulse rate, proportional to the energy

measured by the meter, is used in the calibration. The calibration pulse output
from the meter is probed to the reference meter. Any error registered in the
energy meter is given by the reference meter, based on the difference in the
blinking rate. This error percentage is entered as an input to the energy
calibration. Depending upon the error, necessary corrections are made to the
energy gain and phase compensation.

Energy calibration is carried out for active energy and reactive energy. Reactive
energy calibration should always be preceded by the active energy calibration. In
the two stages of active energy calibration, the phase compensation between
voltage and current is computed, which is necessary for achieving good accuracy
in reactive energy calibration.

Due to reactive components in the signal flow path, the voltage and current may
not be in phase at PF = 1.0. Therefore, the voltage and current samples measured
will have a small phase offset that may affect the energy accuracy. To rectify the
offset, phase compensation is introduced, which shifts the voltage/current
samples by corresponding angle through an interpolation method.

The active energy calibration (kWh) consists of two stages:

STAGE 1
During Stage 1, the active energy gain compensation gets computed at PF = 1.0.
The active energy calibration pulse output is probed. The Error % is used in
calibration of the gain of the energy meter.
Calibration process is completed when the active energy pulse output is probed
again and meter output is found within the specification
.

During second stage, phase compensation will be computed at PF = 0.5 lag. Due
to various components in the board design, there may be a phase delay between
the voltage and the current.
To compensate for the phase delay, the meter line inputs are set at PF = 0.5 lag
and the active energy calibration pulse output is probed.
The Error % is used in phase compensation calibration.
Calibration process is completed when the active energy pulse output is probed
again and meter output is found within the specification
Similar steps are repeated for reactive energy, power, voltage and current
measurement calibration.

Energy meter is a device that measures the amount of electric energy consumed
by a residence, a business, or an electrically powered device.

Electric utilities use electric meters installed at customers’ premises for billing
purposes. It measures the electrical energy in billing units, kilowatt hour (kWh).
They are usually read once each billing period.
 Energy meter calibration is a process required to determine and reduce the
error when the energy is measured. The errors in the energy meter can be caused
by different sources like voltage transformers, current transformers errors due to
phase angle, crystal oscillators, etc.

Energy meters have specified characteristic constants, which give information

about the measured energy. The calibration ensures the stability of instrument's
measurement.

A power and / or energy measuring instrument of the highest accuracy class, is

often called a power standard or energy standard. These instruments are often
used as a reference for calibration and verification of power / energy measuring
systems.

The national laboratories are responsible for maintaining the national reference
standards for each measurement quantity and spreading metrological
competence and traceability to industry and society at large. The national
reference standards are the highest level of traceability in any country.

Calibration is an important tool to ensure the quality of the measurements and

traceability for standardization or accreditation requirements.

A common calibration method is to generate (simulate) the desired power levels

and compare the instrument's display with the display of reference instrument of
uncertainty less than 0.01 %.

Calibration is a process of determination of errors and configuring results of an

instrument within an acceptable range or standard described limits of accuracy.

Calibrated meters can correct energy use and costs. Data from calibrated
electricity meters provides an accurate baseline to improve the
efficiency/effectiveness (improve the quality of results) of energy audits
An energy audit is an inspection survey and an analysis of energy flows for energy
conservation. An energy audit is the first step in identifying opportunities to
reduce energy expense and carbon footprint. Calibration of energy meters is
important for Green Buildings for the efficient use of electricity.

Calibration Method
A common calibration method is to generate (simulate) the desired power levels
and compare the instrument’s display with the display of standard master
reference instrument of higher accuracy. Master reference equipment used to
perform the calibration is fully automatic and it provides accurate results.

Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (APDRP) of GOI have

laid emphasis on distribution sector efficiency improvement. With the enactment
of the Indian Electricity Act 2003 on 2 June 2003, restructuring of the power
sector leading to privatization and unbundling of the erstwhile State Electricity
Boards (SEBs) into corporate has begun.

Under the Electricity Act 2003, 100% metering and installation of meters for
energy accounting and audit has been made mandatory.

In India most of the meters for grids, substations, and large industrial and
commercial consumers have been replaced with good and reliable static meters
of higher accuracy (class 0.2 or 0.5) and multi-function meters. A large number of
static meters (about 9 to 10 million) are being installed every year in the domestic
sector. It may take another five years or more before all domestic meters are
replaced with static meters.

As per law every electricity meter of India needs to be approved and certified by
the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). BIS specify national standards and grant
type approval (product certification) based on the type test reports issued by
accredited test laboratories. The Bureau also provides licenses to manufacturers
based on its approval of their manufacturing processes, which allow them to self-
certify and mark the BIS logo on every meter they produce.

Law has specified the requirements for testing and acceptance limits for the
meters installed at customer premises. In practice very few meters were
periodically tested, except for those of very large power consumers or in the
event of disputes or complaints.

Now the CEA has issued a draft for the “installation and operation of meters” for
applications such as grid meters, availability based tariff (ABT) meters between
grid companies and state electricity boards/state transmission companies,
substation and feeder energy accounting meters, industrial, commercial and
domestic meters.

This document also specifies the broad technical specifications and requirements
for periodic testing of various types of meter and associated instrument
transformers – in other words, the full metering system. It recommends testing of
meters in situ – in substations for system power equal to or above 10 MW every
six months, and for loads less than 10 MVA every two years. Meters for
consumers with loads of 20 kVA up to 100 kVA should be tested every year; loads
above 100 kVA every three, six or twelve months depending on load category;
and domestic meters every five years. In addition all instrument transformers
must be tested every five years. The National Electricity Policy formulated by the
CEA has called for the establishment of third party meter testing facilities by
SERCs.

ENERGY METER TESTING AND CALIBRATION FACILITIES

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in New Delhi is the Apex test and
calibration laboratory in India. Many national accreditation boards of testing and
calibration Laboratories (NABL) are equipped to provide calibration of power and
energy reference equipment. Few laboratories in the private sector provide
calibration services for general purpose instruments or class 1 or 2 energy meters,
as well as calibration of instrument transformers and other power and energy
reference equipment.
Most utilities operate their own meter test laboratories, which are generally
equipped with transformer operated manual or semi-automatic test benches and
some portable test instruments. A few utilities have modern automatic test
benches and electronic portable test/calibration instruments. These have been
supplied by Zera in Germany, MTE of Switzerland, and SML, an Indian
manufacturer. These labs need significant improvement in test equipment,
operating conditions, training of staff and overall quality management to boost
consumer confidence.

Instrument transformers (CT and PT), though an important part of a metering

system, are rarely tested after installation. Many utilities have some kind of test
facilities, but are generally inadequately equipped in terms of either equipment or
the manpower and systems to conduct these tests.

The Bureau of Indian Standards also has some laboratories, but they are not
equipped to test and calibrate static meter. Hardly any meter manufacturer has
an NABL accredited calibration laboratory.

Utilities routinely use their own internal meter test labs for inward inspection of
electricity meters. However, as part of their buying process some utilities have
started to use the services of external accredited labs for the independent
assessment of the quality of sample batches of meters.

ON-SITE CALIBRATION

In the last two years some utilities have awarded service contracts to test
installed meters on site, covering tens of thousands of domestic and few hundred
industrial consumers. This has generated new opportunities for laboratories,
service providers and test equipment suppliers. All of them need to ensure that
their services are of the right quality to boost customer confidence and benefits
to utilities.

Single-Phase Energy Meters are calibrated using a precision Wattmeter and

stopwatch using or employing phantom loading. The main apparatus required for
conducting this practical experiment include:
 Single-Phase Induction type Energy Meter – 240V (5-10)A
  Wattmeter 300V/10A UPF
 Phase Shifting Transformer 440V/440, 500VA
 Single-Phase Variac – 240V / (0-270)V
Procedure for calibration and testing of Single-Phase Energy Meter:-
1. Give the connections as per the circuit diagram above.
2. Apply 220V A.C to the pressure coil circuit by means of phase shifting
transformer.
3. Apply a load of 2 Amps by switching on the load.
4. Note down the reading of two meters in a given period of time, say 2
minutes.
5. Find out the percentage error at this load.
6. Now rotate the rotor of phase shifting transformer so that the working
power factor (p.f) of the meter is varied.
7. For this power factor repeat steps 4 and 5.
8. Now increase the load current in suitable steps and repeat the steps 4,5,6
and tabulate the results. The expected example results are given in the table
below:

TESTING ARRANGEMENTS: Test facilities shall be as under: • (a) Automatic meter

test bench with high accuracy static source and 0.02 class electronic reference
standard meter shall be used for testing and calibration of portable test set. • (b)
Portable test set with static source and electronic reference meter of 0.1S class
shall be used for testing of meters at site. • Test sets of 0.1 class, used for testing,
shall be periodically tested and calibrated using higher accuracy Class electronic
reference sub-meters.
Laboratory of the Licensee shall be accredited by NABL for calibration in
Laboratory and calibration and testing at site.

The energy meter is an electrical measuring device, which is used to record

Electrical Energy Consumed over a specified period of time in terms of units. The
data generate by the energy meter is the base to raise the bill by power supplier.
The Energy Meter is available in single phase and three phases at different current
rating as per customer's requirement. The newly developed electronic energy
meter is also available in the market.

The calibration ensures that the instrument's displayed error fulfils the
requirements. Energy meter calibration is a process required to determine the
error when the energy is measured.

Energy Meter Calibration Lab consisting of Three Phase Fully Automatic Test
System with 0.1 Accuracy class and reference meter of 0.2 Accuracy. The lab
personnel are well trained in ISO 17025:2017 and well versed in relevant BIS
standards for energy meters. The environmental condition of lab stipulated by
NABL is maintained and in the process of NABL accreditation. LAB is capable of
calibrating/ testing all type of HT and LT energy meters upto an accuracy class of
0.2/0.2s which includes the following types. Bidirectional Meter/ Net Meter-
Three phase and Single phase Direct current Three Phase and Single Phase
meter Three Phase CT Type meter Trivector meter

2.1. Watt-Second Method

The watt-second method calculates the power of the calibrated meter by
detecting the fixed number of electric pulses m and the fixed measurement time
interval t, and compare it with the power P0 set by the standard digital power
source to get the error. Its principle is as Figure 1. According to the principle of
detection, the error expression is as formula (1).

2.4.1 IB, VB, Meter Constant and Calibration Configurations

The calibration of the single phase energy meter involves up to five different
configurations, as shown in Figure 2-16.
EXAMPLE 2-1:
1. Calibration Stage C1: Active Power, Energy and RMS Voltage Gain Calibration,
Gain – Basic voltage VB and basic current IB at a power factor of 1. For example,
220V and 5A.
2. Calibration Stage C2: Phase Compensation, Reactive Power and Energy Gain
Calibration – Basic 220V and 5A voltage VB and basic current IB at a power factor
of 0.5 lag.
3. Calibration Stage C3: Reactive Power Offset – Base voltage VB and 1/100 of
base current IB at PF = 0.5 lag at 220V and 50 mA.
4. Calibration Stage C4: Active Power Offset – Basic voltage VB and 1/100 of IB at
a power factor of 1. For example, 220V and 50 mA.
5. Calibration Stage C5: Current Gain and Offset Calibration – Mid-range – Basic
voltage VB and 1/10 of IB at a power factor of 1. For example, 220V and 500 mA.

Accuracy Class 2.0 Type of Connection Direct or connected With CTS

Test Points 10 percent IB to Imax P.F. 05. lag- unity-08. lead
Overall Uncertainty +/- 0.6 %