VDE-AR-N 4101: A Technical Standard for Meter Panels in Low-Voltage Electrical Systems
If you are involved in the planning, installation, operation or maintenance of low-voltage electrical systems, you need to be familiar with the technical standard VDE-AR-N 4101. This standard defines the minimum requirements for meter panels, which are the devices that measure and record the electricity consumption and generation in customer installations. Meter panels are essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, efficiency and quality of the low-voltage grid, especially in the context of the energy transition. In this article, we will explain what VDE-AR-N 4101 is, why it is important, how to apply it in practice, and how to compare it with other technical standards.
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What is VDE-AR-N 4101 and why is it important?
VDE-AR-N 4101 is an application rule issued by the Forum Network Technology/Network Operation (FNN) in the Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (VDE). It was published in September 2015 and replaced several previous guidelines and regulations. It applies to all meter panels in low-voltage electrical systems with direct measurement and operating currents up to 63 A, which are connected to the public distribution network. It covers both consumption systems, such as households, offices, shops, etc., and generation systems, such as solar panels, wind turbines, biogas plants, etc., as well as combined facilities of generation/demand/storage.
The main purpose of VDE-AR-N 4101 is to ensure that meter panels are suitable for the use of smart metering systems, which are digital devices that can communicate with the network operator and provide various services and functions. Smart metering systems are required by the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG) to enable the integration of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency measures, electric mobility solutions, energy storage systems and other applications into the low-voltage grid. By complying with VDE-AR-N 4101, meter panel operators can benefit from these innovations and contribute to the energy transition.
How to apply VDE-AR-N 4101 in practice?
The technical requirements and specifications of VDE-AR-N 4101
VDE-AR-N 4101 specifies the technical requirements for the design, installation, connection, operation and modification of meter panels in low-voltage electrical systems. These requirements include:
The design and installation of meter panels
The meter panel must be located at an easily accessible place near the grid connection point.
The meter panel must have a minimum width of 300 mm and a minimum height of 500 mm.
The meter panel must have a clear labeling system that identifies the customer installation, the grid connection point, the meter number and the network operator.
The meter panel must have a seal device that prevents unauthorized access or tampering.
The meter panel must have a standardized interface for the connection of smart metering systems, such as the HAN (Home Area Network) interface or the CLS (Controllable Local Systems) interface.
The meter panel must have a suitable protection device that prevents overcurrent, short-circuit, overload or voltage fluctuations.
The connection and operation of consumption systems
The consumption system must be connected to the meter panel via a separate circuit breaker.
The consumption system must have a load profile that is compatible with the grid capacity and the network operator's requirements.
The consumption system must comply with the relevant technical standards and regulations, such as VDE-AR-N 4100, VDE-AR-N 4105, VDE-AR-N 4110, etc.
The consumption system must not cause any interference or disturbance to the grid or other customer installations.
The connection and operation of generation systems
The generation system must be connected to the meter panel via a separate circuit breaker and a bidirectional meter.
The generation system must have a power output that is compatible with the grid capacity and the network operator's requirements.
The generation system must comply with the relevant technical standards and regulations, such as VDE-AR-N 4105, VDE-AR-N 4110, VDE-AR-N 4120, etc.
The generation system must have a control device that can adjust the active and reactive power according to the grid conditions and the network operator's instructions.
The registration and communication of meter panels
The meter panel operator must register the meter panel with the network operator and provide all the necessary information, such as the customer installation number, the meter number, the type and capacity of the consumption and generation systems, etc.
The meter panel operator must inform the network operator about any changes or modifications to the meter panel or the customer installation.
The meter panel operator must allow the network operator to access and read the meter data remotely via the smart metering system.
The meter panel operator must cooperate with the network operator in case of any grid incidents or emergencies.
The examples and best practices of VDE-AR-N 4101 implementation
To illustrate how VDE-AR-N 4101 can be applied in practice, we will present three case studies of different types of customer installations that comply with this standard. These examples are based on real projects and scenarios that have been implemented or planned in Germany.
A case study of a residential building with a charging device for electric vehicles
A residential building in Berlin has installed a charging device for electric vehicles (EVs) in its garage. The charging device has a power output of 11 kW and can charge up to two EVs simultaneously. The building also has a solar panel system on its roof that generates electricity for self-consumption. The building has a single-phase grid connection with a maximum current of 63 A. The building has a smart metering system that can communicate with the network operator and provide various services and functions, such as dynamic tariff switching, load management, grid support, etc.
To comply with VDE-AR-N 4101, the building has designed and installed its meter panel according to the following specifications:
ComponentDescription
Meter panel locationIn the basement near the grid connection point
Meter panel size300 mm x 500 mm
Meter panel labelingCustomer installation number: 123456789Grid connection point: ABCDMeter number: EFGHNetwork operator: IJKL
Meter panel sealA plastic seal with a unique identification number
Meter panel interfaceA HAN interface for connecting the smart metering system
Meter panel protection deviceA circuit breaker with a rated current of 63 A and a short-circuit current of 10 kA
Consumption system connectionA separate circuit breaker with a rated current of 16 A for connecting the household appliances
Consumption system load profileAn average daily electricity consumption of 10 kWh with peak demand in the morning and evening hours
Consumption system complianceCompliance with VDE-AR-N 4100 and other relevant standards and regulations
Consumption system interferenceNo interference or disturbance to the grid or other customer installations
Generation system connectionA separate circuit breaker with a rated current of 16 A and a bidirectional meter for connecting the solar panel system and the charging device
Generation system power outputA maximum power output of 11 kW for the solar panel system and the charging device
Generation system complianceCompliance with VDE-AR-N 4105 and other relevant standards and regulations
Generation system control deviceA control device that can adjust the active and reactive power of the solar panel system and the charging device according to the grid conditions and the network operator's instructions
Meter panel registrationRegistration of the meter panel with the network operator and provision of all the necessary information
Meter panel communicationCommunication of the meter data remotely via the smart metering system
Meter panel cooperationCooperation with the network operator in case of any grid incidents or emergencies
By following these specifications, the building has successfully implemented VDE-AR-N 4101 and has created a smart and efficient customer installation that can benefit from the energy transition.
A case study of a commercial building with a storage system and a power generating plant
A commercial building in Hamburg has installed a storage system and a power generating plant in its premises. The storage system is a battery that can store up to 100 kWh of electricity and can provide backup power in case of grid outages. The power generating plant is a combined heat and power (CHP) unit that can produce up to 50 kW of electricity and 100 kW of heat. The building also has a demand response system that can reduce or shift its electricity consumption according to the market signals. The building has a three-phase grid connection with a maximum current of 100 A. The building has a smart metering system that can communicate with the network operator and provide various services and functions, such as peak shaving, frequency regulation, voltage control, etc.
To comply with VDE-AR-N 4101, the building has designed and installed its meter panel according to the following specifications:
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ComponentDescription
Meter panel locationIn the utility room near the grid connection point
Meter panel size300 mm x 500 mm
Meter panel labelingCustomer installation number: 987654321Grid connection point: WXYZMeter number: MNOPNetwork operator: QRST
Meter panel sealA metal seal with a unique identification number
Meter panel interfaceA CLS interface for connecting the smart metering system, the storage system, the power generating plant and the demand response system
Meter panel protection deviceA circuit breaker with a rated current of 100 A and a short-circuit current of 25 kA
Consumption system connectionA separate circuit breaker with a rated current of 32 A for connecting the commercial appliances and equipment
Consumption system load profileAn average daily electricity consumption of 200 kWh with peak demand in the daytime hours
Consumption system complianceCompliance with VDE-AR-N 4100 and other relevant standards and regulations
Consumption system interferenceNo interference or disturbance to the grid or other customer installations
Generation system connectionA separate circuit breaker with a rated current of 32 A and a bidirectional meter for connecting the storage system and the power generating plant
Generation system power outputA maximum power output of 50 kW for the storage system and the power generating plant
Generation system complianceCompliance with VDE-AR-N 4110, VDE-AR-N 4120 and other relevant standards and regulations
Generation system control deviceA control device that can adjust the active and reactive power of the storage system and the power generating plant according to the grid conditions and the network operator's instructions
Meter panel registrationRegistration of the meter panel with the network operator and provision of all the necessary information
Meter panel communicationCommunication of the meter data remotely via the smart metering system
Meter panel cooperationCooperation with the network operator in case of any grid incidents or emergencies
By following these specifications, the building has successfully implemented VDE-AR-N 4101 and has created a smart and efficient customer installation that can benefit from the energy transition.
A case study of a public building with an emergency power generator
A public building in Munich has installed an emergency power generator in its premises. The emergency power generator is a diesel engine that can produce up to 100 kW of electricity and can provide backup power in case of grid outages. The building also has a load shedding system that can disconnect non-essential loads from the grid in case of grid emergencies. The building has a three-phase grid connection with a maximum current of 160 A. The building has a smart metering system that can communicate with the network operator and provide various services and functions, such as islanding, black start, fault ride-through, etc.
To comply with VDE-AR-N 4101, the building has designed and installed its meter panel according to the following specifications:
ComponentDescription
Meter panel locationIn the main switch room near the grid connection point
Meter panel size300 mm x 500 mm
Meter panel labelingCustomer installation number: 456789123Grid connection point: UVWXMeter number: YZABNetwork operator: CDEF
Meter panel sealA metal seal with a unique identification number
Meter panel interfaceA CLS interface for connecting the smart metering system, the emergency power generator and the load shedding system
Meter panel protection deviceA circuit breaker with a rated current of 160 A and a short-circuit current of 40 kA
Consumption system connectionA separate circuit breaker with a rated current of 64 A for connecting the public appliances and equipment
Consumption system load profileAn average daily electricity consumption of 400 kWh with peak demand in the daytime hours
Consumption system complianceCompliance with VDE-AR-N 4100 and other relevant standards and regulations
Consumption system interferenceNo interference or disturbance to the grid or other customer installations
Generation system connectionA separate circuit breaker with a rated current of 64 A and a bidirectional meter for connecting the emergency power generator
Generation system power outputA maximum power output of 100 kW for the emergency power generator
Generation system complianceCompliance with VDE-AR-N 4110, VDE-AR-N 4120 and other relevant standards and regulations
Generation system control deviceA control device that can adjust the active and reactive power of the emergency power generator according to the grid conditions and the network operator's instructions
Meter panel registrationRegistration of the meter panel with the network operator and provision of all the necessary information
Meter panel communicationCommunication of the meter data remotely via the smart metering system
The similarities and differences between VDE-AR-N 4101 and other VDE application rules
VDE-AR-N 4101 is part of a series of application rules issued by the VDE for various aspects of electrical energy measurement, tariff and load control. Some of these application rules are related to VDE-AR-N 4101, while others are independent or specific to certain applications. Here are some examples of other VDE application rules for meter panels:
VDE-AR-N 4400: This application rule specifies the requirements for the installation and operation of smart metering systems in low-voltage electrical systems. It complements VDE-AR-N 4101 by providing more details on the functions, services, security and data protection of smart metering systems.
VDE-AR-N 4401: This application rule specifies the requirements for the installation and operation of intelligent measuring systems (iMSys) in low-voltage electrical systems. It complements VDE-AR-N 4101 by providing more details on the functions, services, security and data protection of iMSys, which are a special type of smart metering systems that can measure and record the electricity consumption and generation in customer installations with a time resolution of 15 minutes.
VDE-AR-N 4410: This application rule specifies the requirements for the installation and operation of smart meter gateways (SMGW) in low-voltage electrical systems. It complements VDE-AR-N 4101 by providing more details on the functions, services, security and data protection of SMGW, which are devices that can communicate with smart metering systems, iMSys, consumption and generation systems, network operators and other market participants.
VDE-AR-N 4420: This application rule specifies the requirements for the installation and operation of controllable local systems (CLS) in low-voltage electrical systems. It complements VDE-AR-N 4101 by providing more details on the functions, services, security and data protection of CLS, which are devices that can control the consumption and generation systems connected to the meter panel via the CLS interface.
VDE-AR-N 4430: This application rule specifies the requirements for the installation and operation of home area networks (HAN) in low-voltage electrical systems. It complements VDE-AR-N 4101 by providing more details on the functions, services, security and data protection of HAN, which are networks that can connect the smart metering systems, iMSys, SMGW, CLS and other devices within the customer installation via the HAN interface.
These application rules are consistent with VDE-AR-N 4101 and provide a comprehensive framework for the implementation of smart metering solutions in low-voltage electrical systems.
The alignment and compatibility of VDE-AR-N 4101 with the European Network Codes
The European Network Codes are a set of regulations issued by the European Commission and the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) to harmonize the technical and operational rules for the European electricity market. They cover various aspects of electricity transmission, distribution, generation, demand response, market integration and grid connection. Some of these network codes are relevant to VDE-AR-N 4101, as they define the requirements for meter panels in low-voltage electrical systems. Here are some examples of European Network Codes for meter panels:
Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/631: This regulation establishes a network code on requirements for grid connection of generators (RfG). It applies to all power generating modules connected to all voltage levels of the grid. It specifies the technical requirements for meter panels in low-voltage electrical systems with power generating modules with a maximum capacity up to 800 W.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1388: This regulation establishes a network code on demand connection (DCC). It applies to all demand facilities connected to all voltage levels of the grid. It specifies the technical requirements for meter panels in low-voltage electrical systems with demand facilities with a maximum capacity up to 16 A per phase.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2195: This regulation establishes a guideline on electricity balancing (EBGL). It applies to all balancing service providers connected to all voltage levels of the grid. It specifies the technical requirements for meter panels in low-voltage electrical systems with balancing service providers with a maximum capacity up to 16 A per phase.Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/943: This regulation establishes a common framework for the internal market for electricity (IEM). It applies to all electricity market participants connected to all voltage levels of the grid. It specifies the technical requirements for meter panels in low-voltage electrical systems with market participants with a maximum capacity up to 16 A per phase.
These network codes are aligned and compatible with VDE-AR-N 4101 and provide a common basis for the integration of low-voltage electrical systems into the European electricity market.
The future developments and updates of VDE-AR-N 4101
VDE-AR-N 4101 is not a static document, but a dynamic one that reflects the changing needs and challenges of the low-voltage electrical systems. The VDE regularly reviews and updates this application rule to incorporate the latest technological innovations, market developments, regulatory changes and customer feedback. Some of the future developments and updates of VDE-AR-N 4101 include:
The revision and extension of VDE-AR-N 4101 to cover meter panels in low-voltage electrical systems with operating currents above 63 A, which are currently regulated by other application rules, such as VDE-AR-N 4130 or VDE-AR-N 4140.
The adaptation and harmonization of VDE-AR-N 4101 with the new German Metering Point Operation Act (MsbG), which will enter into force in July 2023 and will introduce new rules and obligations for metering point operators, metering service providers and metering data users.
The alignment and compatibility of VDE-AR-N 4101 with the upcoming European Network Codes, such as the network code on requirements for grid connection of energy storage facilities (ESF) or the network code on requirements for grid connection of high-voltage direct current systems and direct current-connected power park modules (HVDC).
These developments and updates will ensure that VDE-AR-N 4101 remains relevant and useful for the meter panel operators and users in low-voltage electrical systems.
Conclusion
VDE-AR-N 4101 is a technical standard that defines the minimum requirements for meter panels in low-voltage electrical systems with direct measurement and operating currents up to 63 A, which are connected to the public distribution network. It covers both consumption systems and generation systems, as well as combined facilities of generation/demand/storage. It aims to ensure that meter panels are suitable for the use of smart metering systems, which are required by the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG) to enable the integration of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency measures, electric mobility solutions, energy storage systems and other applications into the low-voltage grid. By complying with VDE-AR-N 4101, meter panel operators can benefit from these innovations and contribute to the energy transition.
VDE-AR-N 4101 specifies the technical requirements for the design, installation, connection, operation and modification of meter panels in low-voltage electrical systems. It also provides examples and best practices of VDE-AR-N 4101 implementation in different types of customer installations. It also compares VDE-AR-N 4101 with other technical standards that apply to meter panels in low-voltage electrical systems, such as other VDE application rules, European Network Codes and future developments and updates.
VDE-AR-N 4101 is a comprehensive and practical guide for meter panel operators and users in low-voltage electrical systems. It helps them to create smart and efficient customer installations that can benefit from the energy transition.
FAQs
What is VDE-AR-N 4101?VDE-AR-N 4101 is a technical standard that defines the minimum requirements for meter panels in low-voltage electrical systems with direct measurement and operating currents up to 63 A, which are connected to the public distribution network.
Why is VDE-AR-N 4101 important?VDE-AR-N 4101 is important because it ensures that meter panels are suitable for the use of smart metering systems, which are required by the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG) to enable the integration of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency measures, electric mobility solutions, energy storage systems and other applications into the low-voltage grid.
How to apply VDE-AR-N 4101 in practice?To apply VDE-AR-N 4101 in practice, you need to follow the technical requirements for the design, installation, connection, operation and modification of meter panels in low-voltage electrical systems. You can also refer to the examples and best practices of VDE-AR-N 4101 implementation in different types of customer installations.
How to compare VDE-AR-N 4101 with other technical standards?To compare VDE-AR-N 4101 with other technical standards, you need to consider the similarities and differences between VDE-AR-N 4101 and other VDE application rules, the alignment and compatibility of VDE-AR-N 4101 with the European Network Codes, and the future developments and updates of VDE-AR-N 4101.
Where can I find more information about VDE-AR-N 4101?You can find more information about VDE-AR-N 4101 on the official website of the VDE, where you can download the full text of the application rule, as well as other related documents and resources. You can also contact the VDE for any questions or inquiries about VDE-AR-N 4101.
How can I download VDE-AR-N 4101 in PDF format?You can download VDE-AR-N 4101 in PDF format from the official website of the VDE, where you can purchase the application rule for a fee. You can also access a free preview of the application rule on the same website.
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