UNDERSTANDING OBIS CODES

INTRODUCTION

In the domain of smart metering and smart grid, in order to identify and organize the metering data which is collected by the measuring device (e.g. meter) and transferred via any communication channel (GPRS/PLC) to a Head-End Server, a standardize system is used. This system is called Object Identification System (OBIS).

These codes are defined in the IEC-62056 standards which are the international standard versions of the DLMS/COSEM specification.

PURPOSE OF OBIS CODES

The main purpose of OBIS is Identification?and Standardization. OBIS codes are used to uniquely identify specific data items in meters, such as Energy consumption,?power utilization (voltage, current), and event logs.?They provide a consistent framework for organizing, structuring?and retrieving data, enabling interoperability across meters from different manufacturers.?In the Advance Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Landscape, these codes simplify data exchange by standardizing data interpretation.

STRUCTURE OF AN OBIS CODE

There are six groups of numbers or values in an OBIS code, each separated by a dot (A.B.C.D.E.F). Each group has a specific purpose and represents some meaningful information.

Common Examples of OBIS Codes

ADVANTAGES OF OBIS CODES

OBIS Codes have the following benefits in AMI landscape:

1. It provides clarity in interpreting data values as every OBIS code is descriptive and self-contained, making it easier to understand the data it refers to
2. It offers flexibility?as the hierarchical structure supports a wide range of data types and use cases
3. It enables interoperability?as OBIS codes ensure seamless data exchange between different manufacturers' meters and software systems
4. It allows scalability?as additional OBIS codes can be defined to accommodate new data points or technologies

USE CASE IN SMART METERING

In the smart metering domain, OBIS codes can be utilized for multiple use-cases, few are listed below:

1. Meter Energy Billing: OBIS codes allow the meter to transmit specific data, such as cumulative active energy (1.0.1.8.0.255), which the utility uses for billing.
2. Load Monitoring: Instantaneous values (e.g., 1.0.1.7.0.255) are used for real-time monitoring of power quality.
3. Event Logs: Codes like 1.0.99.98.x identify and retrieve event logs, such as tampering detection or power outages.

SUMMARY

OBIS codes can be considered as the backbone of data identification and organization in DLMS/COSEM-based Smart Metering Systems. OBIS simplifies the process of reading, interpreting, and exchanging metering data by breaking down the data into structured and meaningful codes. This ensures that utilities can efficiently manage energy measurement and billing across diverse devices and systems.