Abstract: Described herein is a method and apparatus for measuring the potential on a modern shielded high-voltage cable such as those used in medium-voltage distribution networks. A capacitive sensor arrangement (100) is constructed on a cable (110) using pre-existing structures (114, 116, 118, 120) within the cable (110). The use of implicit guarding methods is also described that allows the use of the semiconductor layer (116) present in modern cable design to be retained and to form part of the capacitive sensor arrangement (100). Performance of the sensor arrangement (100) can also be improved using temperature compensation techniques.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and apparatus for measuring the potential on a modern shielded high-voltage cable such as those used in medium-voltage distribution networks. A capacitive sensor arrangement (100) is constructed on a cable (110) using pre-existing structures (114, 116, 118, 120) within the cable (110). The use of implicit guarding methods is also described that allows the use of the semiconductor layer (116) present in modern cable design to be retained and to form part of the capacitive sensor arrangement (100). Performance of the sensor arrangement (100) can also be improved using temperature compensation techniques.

Abstract: Smart metering device for connecting an end user mains network to a multiple phase power distribution network and monitoring consumption on the end user mains network, comprising: inputs for connecting the smart metering device to multiple phases of the multiple phase power distribution network; single phase low voltage outputs for connecting the end user mains network to the smart metering device; a power circuit between the inputs and the low voltage outputs; a modem for receiving control messages sent from a communication server associated with the power distribution network; a controller communicatively connected to the modem for controlling switching operations in the smart metering device in response to the control messages; and a phase selector communicatively coupled with the controller and comprising input switches for switching the low voltage outputs between different sets of the inputs, each set corresponding to one of the multiple phases of the multiple phase power distribution network.

Abstract: Distributor power line communication system comprising a communication server (1) sending and receiving messages over a telecommunication network (2), a power distribution substation (3) to which a power distribution network (4) towards end users (5) is connected, at least one gateway (6; 18) transferring messages from the telecommunication network (2) onto the power distribution network (4) in a predetermined frequency band, a plurality of smart metering devices (7; 17; 27) at end user mains networks for measuring power consumption and comprising a power line communication modem (8; 18) sending and receiving messages within the predetermined frequency band over the power distribution network (4), power line communication filters (10, 11) on power lines connecting the power distribution network and the end user mains networks and on power lines connecting the power distribution network to the power distribution substation, each filter blocking frequencies within the predetermined frequency band.