multi-utility controller (smart grid) (MUC)
A Multi-Utility Controller (MUC) is a central component in smart homes to which all consumption data from smart homeappliances and from energy-generating systems are transmitted. The MUC controller is also referred to as an SMGW gateway.
MUC controllers act as an interface between the various smart meters, smart meters for electrical energy, gas meters and heat and water meters, as well as the servers of the smart grid operators. On the electrical consumer side, it is the household appliances and the consumer electronics devices, some of which are classified as Controllable Local Systems( CLS). These are the devices whose energy consumption can be controlled in terms of time or quantity. As for the energy generating systems, they fall under Distributed Energy Resources( DER).
The MUC controller has an IP address and acts as a data server. Smart meters are connected to the MUC controller via M-Bus, power line( PLC), or short-range radio. All connected systems and devices can communicate with each other and with the servers in the smart grid via the multi-utility controller (MUC), which controls the meters using automated meter management( AMM).
The controller also provides the consumer with the service and user interface, through which users and service technicians can access consumption values, configurations and service information. This data is collected and processed by the MUC controller and can be accessed by servers of the operating company via the smart grid.