Enel Challenges / Smart Meter
New design for Sustainable Enel Smart Meter
Abstract
Enel Global Infrastructure and Networks is looking for a new design for its residential single-phase and poly-phase smart meters, which should present innovative features in design and materials, and incorporate the principles of circular economy and sustainability.
Visit the official Enel Open Innovability® challenge page to participate.
Overview
Smart meters are installed in the customer premises and dedicated to the measuring of electric energy consumption. Considering the large amount of smart meters produced every year, a low complexity in the manufacturing process must be considered. Furthermore, there are some electronics and mechanics-related requirements that must be respected.
In 2016 Enel undertook the transition towards a sustainable business model, with a marked acceleration on decarbonization. This approach was adopted by all the Group’s businesses, leveraging, in particular, the principle of circular economy as a strategic driver. Enel’s vision of a circular economy is not limited to recycling materials. Rather, it extends to the business activities along the entire value chain, starting from the design and procurement phases up to production and end-of-life management: consequently, this approach must be applied from the design stage and must guide the design of the smart meter.
The challenge
The development of the new smart meters should comply with the following requirements:
1) The technical, dimensional, safety and protection requirements set by the challenge and current legislation.
2) Easy manufacturability, due to large production volumes.
3) The need for circular economy-oriented design (both in terms of materials and components) that conveys a vision of efficiency, reliability, innovation and empathy.
4) The possibility of displaying short helpful messages or symbols, such as a logo, for the end user as well as for Distribution System Operators (DSO).
5) Built sturdiness so as to exclude tampering attempts.
6) The need for a type of modularity that prolongs the life cycles of components, as well as chosen materials that simplify end-of-life disposal and recovery for re-use in open or closed-loop cycles.
Typology: Product Design | Deadline (updated): 29 May 2022 | Award: up to €10.000
