# Smart Energy Meters for Smart Grids, an Internet of Things Perspective
## 1 Introduction  
Energy is the core component of the modern world. To increase the efficiency and functionality of the energy, information, and communication technologies (ICT), integration has been key driver. Energy is a complex, multi-layered, and multi-dimensional field and so is the integration of ICT, which has led to the field of smart energy. The smart energy paradigm has evolved over the years to include many technologies, such as the smart grid, automated metering infrastructure, asset management, energy mix, renewable energy, cross-sectoral control, and integration, as in fuel logistics scheduling, etc. The term \"smart energy\" has been used with a variety of meanings, but it conveys the paradigm shift from a single-sector approach [1]. The review in [1] has pointed out several uses of the term smart energy and grouped them into two classes, in which the first group is primarilyfocused on smart grids and then on their extensions, such as cross-sector control and simulation [2] and heating systems efficiency [3], whereas the papers in the second group focus on cross-sectoral integration, as in [4], a component of a more complex interactive system of systems [5], or a component in renewable energy integration [6]. These scenarios represent a paradigm shift in systems thinking regarding energy. Smart energy now represents cross-sectoral integration, control, and optimization [7], which ultimately increase efficiency and enable hitherto unprecedented functionality, such as enabling smarter living [8], human centered development [9], etc. In such an evolved and diverse system of systems, the components that enable the functionality also evolve and need more functionality, are more integrated in the sense of connectivity, and are more intelligent [10]. The characteristics stem from the fact that the integrated whole is greater than the sum of the parts. More functionality is required as each node or component now must gather more information; greater integration is required because of the greater demand on the information flow, both in terms of content and destinations; and finally, intelligence is required to manage the complexity and to enable novel functionality. Thus, each component of the complex system, such as smart energy, must evolve as well. Smart energy components include generation, distribution, metering, computing, communication, etc. The scenario is presented in Figure 1, which represents smart energy and its semantics at the center, connecting to different domains and functions in the energy paradigm. Metering is an important functionality of smart energy systems and enables an accurate state estimation [11] of the system. The smart meter is one of a core component in modern energy systems and enables the metering functionality. Typically, a smart meter consists of sensing, computation, and communication subsystems. Each of the components is usually defined for the energy sector in which the meter is to be operated. For the scenario of smart energy, however, an increasing level of integration is required. Computation and communication technologies have evolved at lightning pace over the years, driven by Moore's law and the insatiable drive for software and communication technologies to  
Figure 1: Smart energy concept. Generation, distribution, and consumption scenarios are boxed. IoT is used to sense and control the different components of the system. ICT and AI are used to control the overall system to meet grand challenges (free icon art is used for illustration). be ahead of the transistor count, no what matter the numbers [12]. This has led to the miniaturization of the computational footprint, enhanced functionality, and the increased speed of the communication, leading to complex designs and a multiplicity of tasks for computational platforms, which have evolved, in modern times, from simple microcontrollers to sophisticated single-board computers for the embedded realm in which the smart meter's design happens.