Universal Powerline Association Readies Powerline Communication Smart Grid and Command and Control Specifications
DMN Newswire--2008-9-25--The Universal Powerline Association (UPA), a leading international industry consortium providing a forum for the design and development of interoperable and open specifications for Powerline communications, today announces that it is issuing two advanced market requirement documents (MRDs) for Powerline communication based Smart Grid and Command and Control applications.
The MRDs for Smart Grid and Command and Control applications share three fundamental principles:
* Delivering Interoperability across all C&C and Smart Grid applications;
* Maintaining an open, non-proprietary protocol meeting & exceeding industry requirements; and
* Facilitating International Regulatory approvals.
The UPA Command and Control MRD focuses exclusively on in-home applications and those that tie into the Smart Grid such as HVAC, Appliance, Security, Lighting and Energy Management applications among others. The UPA's Command and Control (C&C) working group collaborates with UPA´s Smart Grid working group for the definition of the residential gateway interface.
Paul Bertrand, Chairman of UPA's C&C Working Group stated that, "UPA shall develop a single technical specification and certification process based on the UPA MRD. We are paying special attention to energy consumption requirements. New regulations in Europe and the US require low power devices and place restrictions on standby power and the MRD has arrived on time to take full account of these requirements in the development of a specification for environmentally friendly command and control devices."
The UPA Smart Grid MRD provides a baseline to clarify the multiple economic, commercial, legislative and environmental requirements against which UPA members develop products and services. Smart Grids must help utilities to intelligently integrate the actions of all components and users connected to the grid. This holistic infrastructure defines the UPA Smart Grid from generation, transmission & distribution to advanced metering. The considerations include reliability requirements in a range of operating environments.
The UPA Smart Grid MRD tackles a range of grid issues such as necessary data speeds that allow the infrastructure and product or solutions on the grid to be instantaneously responsive in a wide range of applications. It also tackles robust levels of security to defend against cyber intrusion, which could have significant economic implications. The UPA MRD defines how the entire value-chain of the Smart Grid network needs to operate and interoperate - taking into account existing infrastructure, processes and approvals, as well as, future proofing with new and proven techniques and technologies.
Chris Graham-Fielding, Chairman of the UPA Smart Grid Working Group stated, "To a utility, a Smart Grid is a commercial imperative as well as a technological implementation. Utilities are faced with complying with a range of environmental targets. These include for example; an 8% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2008-2012 (Kyoto) or increasing the share of electricity from renewable energy systems to 21% of gross electricity consumption by 2010, and reducing energy intensity by a further 1% per year until 2010. For this reason one cannot speak of a "single" element in a Smart Grid - it is an "end to end" cohesive solution. It must provide reliable and cost effective two-way communication across and between vast internal and edge assets. From Automated Metering Intelligence/Infrastructure (AMI) and Transmission & Distribution intelligence through to the inclusion of Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) or Distributed Power Control to Demand Side Management; the UPA PLC enabled Smart Grid is key to delivering that."
Whether FCC, Cenelec, ARIB, or other regulations, the UPA is currently in discussions and requesting participation from key stakeholders in the Energy Markets including Utilities, Regulators, OEMs and suppliers to join its efforts to ensure a successful and effective Powerline Command & Control and Smart Grid technology solution.
Daniel Drolet, Chairman of the UPA Marketing Working Group, commented, "The UPA is committed to ensuring that it�??s Command and Control and Smart Grid Market Requirements Documents and resulting Specifications are independently successful. Additionally, these specifications will also directly support each other allowing Energy companies and Consumers to each access and achieve their overall Powerline communication, networking and overall data management goals."
Friday, September 26, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Ambient Shows Newest Product at GridWeek !!!
Ambient Shows Newest Product at GridWeek
Tuesday September 23, 8:30 am ET
Ambient Joins Utility Leaders on Energy Efficiency Panel
WASHINGTON, D.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ambient Corporation (OTCBB: ABTG - News) announced today that it is demonstrating the newest version of its network management system, Ambient NMS™, alongside its X2000 communications node, in the Ambient exhibit space at GridWeek, September 22-25, at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C.
The newest version of AmbientNMS™ manages the flexible hybrid communications platform created by Ambient Smart Grid™, which provides a single platform for multiple applications such as AMI, SCADA, sensor networks, etc., meeting the needs of utilities modernizing their electrical distribution infrastructures.
The latest version of AmbientNMS™ incorporates Ambient’s energy sensing capabilities with the X2000 node’s geographical information system (GIS) data to allow for real-time precision grid monitoring, and allows a utility a street level view of their communications infrastructure and grid performance. Each node is designed for remote software and firmware upgrades, and can display operational information that, through AmbientNMS™, can pinpoint outages, alert the utility of grid transients and better allocate limited operational and maintenance resources all while passing on end user applications data from utility applications such as AMI.
“Ambient recognizes the diverse needs of our utility partners as they explore various technologies and applications that require an increasingly flexible and robust communications system. Making the latest version of AmbientNMS™ available to our partners increases the flexibility of our smart grid communications solution, allowing Ambient to build out networks tailored to meet each utility’s individual needs,” stated John J. Joyce, President and CEO of Ambient. “We are proud to share this newest enhanced version with the distinguished audience at GridWeek and we invite all to see a demo in our exhibit space at the conference.”
Additionally, Ram Rao, Ambient’s CTO, will be speaking alongside Duke Energy’s CTO and Austin Energy’s CIO on a panel entitled “Enabling Energy Efficiency.” The presentation Mr. Rao is delivering will cover how the communications network, the backbone of any smart grid deployment, can innately create value for a utility by implementing the applications mentioned above.
Ambient Smart Grid™, supported by the Ambient X2000 node, enables a two-way, real-time communications platform to serve the “last mile” backhaul, necessary for smart grid applications.
Ambient’s X2000 is a tightly integrated communications device that allows utilities to build private and secure communications networks, based on open standards, that can both integrate legacy utility systems and support the future requirements of the evolving smart grid. Ambient’s X2000 can also record and forward current and voltage readings to the utility, helping with circuit monitoring, load balancing and outage notification through AmbientNMS™.
About Ambient Corporation
Ambient designs, develops and markets Ambient Smart Grid™ communications technologies and equipment. Utilizing proprietary, open standards-based technologies along with in-depth industry experience, Ambient provides utilities with solutions for creating smart grid communication platforms and technologies. Headquartered in Newton, MA, Ambient is a publicly traded company (OTCBB: ABTG - News). More information on Ambient is available at www.ambientcorp.com.
About GridWeek
GridWeek 2008 is where U.S. electricity grid thought leaders will explore the smart grid’s role in delivering sustainable energy. Energy policy makers and members of public utility and information technology industries will examine smart grid successes, role in carbon reduction, alternative distributed generation, and the implementation of the Energy Act of 2007. With speeches and other sessions about enabling energy and utility efficiencies, IT and grid interoperability, new business models, and energy security, GridWeek, produced by Clasma Events Inc., is the event to outline smart grid possibilities and expectations as the U.S. electricity system moves into the 21st century. Please visit www.gridweek.com for more information on GridWeek.
Tuesday September 23, 8:30 am ET
Ambient Joins Utility Leaders on Energy Efficiency Panel
WASHINGTON, D.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ambient Corporation (OTCBB: ABTG - News) announced today that it is demonstrating the newest version of its network management system, Ambient NMS™, alongside its X2000 communications node, in the Ambient exhibit space at GridWeek, September 22-25, at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C.
The newest version of AmbientNMS™ manages the flexible hybrid communications platform created by Ambient Smart Grid™, which provides a single platform for multiple applications such as AMI, SCADA, sensor networks, etc., meeting the needs of utilities modernizing their electrical distribution infrastructures.
The latest version of AmbientNMS™ incorporates Ambient’s energy sensing capabilities with the X2000 node’s geographical information system (GIS) data to allow for real-time precision grid monitoring, and allows a utility a street level view of their communications infrastructure and grid performance. Each node is designed for remote software and firmware upgrades, and can display operational information that, through AmbientNMS™, can pinpoint outages, alert the utility of grid transients and better allocate limited operational and maintenance resources all while passing on end user applications data from utility applications such as AMI.
“Ambient recognizes the diverse needs of our utility partners as they explore various technologies and applications that require an increasingly flexible and robust communications system. Making the latest version of AmbientNMS™ available to our partners increases the flexibility of our smart grid communications solution, allowing Ambient to build out networks tailored to meet each utility’s individual needs,” stated John J. Joyce, President and CEO of Ambient. “We are proud to share this newest enhanced version with the distinguished audience at GridWeek and we invite all to see a demo in our exhibit space at the conference.”
Additionally, Ram Rao, Ambient’s CTO, will be speaking alongside Duke Energy’s CTO and Austin Energy’s CIO on a panel entitled “Enabling Energy Efficiency.” The presentation Mr. Rao is delivering will cover how the communications network, the backbone of any smart grid deployment, can innately create value for a utility by implementing the applications mentioned above.
Ambient Smart Grid™, supported by the Ambient X2000 node, enables a two-way, real-time communications platform to serve the “last mile” backhaul, necessary for smart grid applications.
Ambient’s X2000 is a tightly integrated communications device that allows utilities to build private and secure communications networks, based on open standards, that can both integrate legacy utility systems and support the future requirements of the evolving smart grid. Ambient’s X2000 can also record and forward current and voltage readings to the utility, helping with circuit monitoring, load balancing and outage notification through AmbientNMS™.
About Ambient Corporation
Ambient designs, develops and markets Ambient Smart Grid™ communications technologies and equipment. Utilizing proprietary, open standards-based technologies along with in-depth industry experience, Ambient provides utilities with solutions for creating smart grid communication platforms and technologies. Headquartered in Newton, MA, Ambient is a publicly traded company (OTCBB: ABTG - News). More information on Ambient is available at www.ambientcorp.com.
About GridWeek
GridWeek 2008 is where U.S. electricity grid thought leaders will explore the smart grid’s role in delivering sustainable energy. Energy policy makers and members of public utility and information technology industries will examine smart grid successes, role in carbon reduction, alternative distributed generation, and the implementation of the Energy Act of 2007. With speeches and other sessions about enabling energy and utility efficiencies, IT and grid interoperability, new business models, and energy security, GridWeek, produced by Clasma Events Inc., is the event to outline smart grid possibilities and expectations as the U.S. electricity system moves into the 21st century. Please visit www.gridweek.com for more information on GridWeek.
BPL Global and COPEL to Start Pioneering Project in Brazil
[September 18, 2008]
BPL Global and COPEL to Start Pioneering Project in Brazil
PITTSBURGH, Sept. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- BPL Global(R), Ltd. (BPLG), a smart grid technology company dedicated to leading the transformation of energy and information delivery, announced today that the company signed a contract with COPEL Telecomunicacoes (COPEL) to implement broadband over power line (BPL) technology in the state of Parana. This project, an unparalleled milestone in Brazil's energy and telecommunications industry, is the result of the vision and leadership of COPEL to leverage existing assets to better serve their customers. COPEL plans to offer high speed Internet access over the existing electric infrastructure to thousands of customers. The social impact of these services is expected to be extremely positive, as broadband will be available in areas that do not currently have access to high speed Internet services.
Deployment of BPL in a city in the state of Parana will go live in four months and provide broadband services to end users of COPEL. The solution is designed to operate on pre-existing medium and low voltage electric networks. It provides high speed Internet services in areas with little or no service coverage, thus promoting participation in the digital economy in that region. The project includes deployment, full testing and operation of BPL equipment and power line communications (PLC) systems. Proposals for multiple commercial services including VoIP, broadband Internet, video surveillance and intelligent management of the electrical network (smart grid) are also part of the project.
BPL based services align with COPEL's overall strategy of providing services that continually improve quality of life in the state of Parana. COPEL plans to provide citizens and less privileged communities with access to the Internet by leveraging the existing power grid. Other services that COPEL would like to offer include: VoIP, IPTV, VPN and IP communication services. COPEL plans to serve their entire customer base through a multi-phase project. In the first phase, 300 customers are expected to participate by the end of 2008. A second citywide deployment is designed to attract 3,000 to 10,000 customers. Finally, a large scale deployment would provide full coverage of the company's 3.5 million customers. BPL technology will provide the last mile connection bringing Internet service to every electrical outlet. Communications backhaul will be provided by COPEL's existing fiber network.
"COPEL has always pioneered the use of advanced technologies. This project demonstrates their leadership in bringing major benefits to the people of Parana through broadband over power line and smart grid technologies. Our broadband solutions allow for widespread access to high speed Internet services enabling more people to participate in the digital economy," says Geraldo Guimaraes, Executive Director of BPL Global's Latin America division. "Our smart grid solutions can improve the reliability and efficiency of energy delivery."
COPEL's approach is to make their communications infrastructure available to any telecommunications company in a model it calls "Any to Any" (A2A). Power companies with fiber networks are expected to follow COPEL's lead in providing communications services to their customers via BPL-based last mile connections. To this end, companies like CEMIG's Infovias, Eletropaulo Telecom, AES Telecom Rio, and Celg Telecom have requested copies of COPEL's communications platform specifications.
BPL Global and COPEL to Start Pioneering Project in Brazil
PITTSBURGH, Sept. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- BPL Global(R), Ltd. (BPLG), a smart grid technology company dedicated to leading the transformation of energy and information delivery, announced today that the company signed a contract with COPEL Telecomunicacoes (COPEL) to implement broadband over power line (BPL) technology in the state of Parana. This project, an unparalleled milestone in Brazil's energy and telecommunications industry, is the result of the vision and leadership of COPEL to leverage existing assets to better serve their customers. COPEL plans to offer high speed Internet access over the existing electric infrastructure to thousands of customers. The social impact of these services is expected to be extremely positive, as broadband will be available in areas that do not currently have access to high speed Internet services.
Deployment of BPL in a city in the state of Parana will go live in four months and provide broadband services to end users of COPEL. The solution is designed to operate on pre-existing medium and low voltage electric networks. It provides high speed Internet services in areas with little or no service coverage, thus promoting participation in the digital economy in that region. The project includes deployment, full testing and operation of BPL equipment and power line communications (PLC) systems. Proposals for multiple commercial services including VoIP, broadband Internet, video surveillance and intelligent management of the electrical network (smart grid) are also part of the project.
BPL based services align with COPEL's overall strategy of providing services that continually improve quality of life in the state of Parana. COPEL plans to provide citizens and less privileged communities with access to the Internet by leveraging the existing power grid. Other services that COPEL would like to offer include: VoIP, IPTV, VPN and IP communication services. COPEL plans to serve their entire customer base through a multi-phase project. In the first phase, 300 customers are expected to participate by the end of 2008. A second citywide deployment is designed to attract 3,000 to 10,000 customers. Finally, a large scale deployment would provide full coverage of the company's 3.5 million customers. BPL technology will provide the last mile connection bringing Internet service to every electrical outlet. Communications backhaul will be provided by COPEL's existing fiber network.
"COPEL has always pioneered the use of advanced technologies. This project demonstrates their leadership in bringing major benefits to the people of Parana through broadband over power line and smart grid technologies. Our broadband solutions allow for widespread access to high speed Internet services enabling more people to participate in the digital economy," says Geraldo Guimaraes, Executive Director of BPL Global's Latin America division. "Our smart grid solutions can improve the reliability and efficiency of energy delivery."
COPEL's approach is to make their communications infrastructure available to any telecommunications company in a model it calls "Any to Any" (A2A). Power companies with fiber networks are expected to follow COPEL's lead in providing communications services to their customers via BPL-based last mile connections. To this end, companies like CEMIG's Infovias, Eletropaulo Telecom, AES Telecom Rio, and Celg Telecom have requested copies of COPEL's communications platform specifications.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Google, General Electric announce energy partnership, plan to develop 'smart grid'
Google, GE combine powers to bolster energy grid
Wednesday September 17, 4:06 pm ET
Google, General Electric announce energy partnership, plan to develop 'smart grid'
NEW YORK (AP) -- Google Inc. and General Electric Co. said Wednesday they will work together to improve the nation's energy network, including the development of a "smart grid."
The corporate giants said they will form a policy partnership in Washington, D.C., and collaborate to develop renewable energy and electric-vehicle charging technologies, and improve the nation's transmission system.
A so-called "smart grid" would allow utilities to more-closely monitor energy usage and directly interact with consumers.
"The current regulatory and economic model is failing to drive the innovation and investment we need in today's electric grid," the companies said in a statement. "We will work to overcome regulatory and institutional barriers and advocate for appropriate incentives."
In a conference call to promote the partnership, GE Chief Executive Jeff Immelt told Google CEO Eric Schmidt that "clean energy is both a technology and a public policy."
"If we really want to drive renewable energy ... we're going to have to have more transmission," he said.
It's not difficult to make improvements to the nation's energy system, Immelt said, comparing the industry to another hot-button area.
"I'd say health care is hard," he said. "Energy (improvement) isn't hard. The technology exists.
Wednesday September 17, 4:06 pm ET
Google, General Electric announce energy partnership, plan to develop 'smart grid'
NEW YORK (AP) -- Google Inc. and General Electric Co. said Wednesday they will work together to improve the nation's energy network, including the development of a "smart grid."
The corporate giants said they will form a policy partnership in Washington, D.C., and collaborate to develop renewable energy and electric-vehicle charging technologies, and improve the nation's transmission system.
A so-called "smart grid" would allow utilities to more-closely monitor energy usage and directly interact with consumers.
"The current regulatory and economic model is failing to drive the innovation and investment we need in today's electric grid," the companies said in a statement. "We will work to overcome regulatory and institutional barriers and advocate for appropriate incentives."
In a conference call to promote the partnership, GE Chief Executive Jeff Immelt told Google CEO Eric Schmidt that "clean energy is both a technology and a public policy."
"If we really want to drive renewable energy ... we're going to have to have more transmission," he said.
It's not difficult to make improvements to the nation's energy system, Immelt said, comparing the industry to another hot-button area.
"I'd say health care is hard," he said. "Energy (improvement) isn't hard. The technology exists.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Smart Grid Week- Delivering Sustainable Energy Washington, DC
GridWeek 2008...
Delivering Sustainable Energy
Washington, DC
Sep 22-25, 2008
GridWeek is the annual gathering in Washington, DC, of Smart Grid stakeholders and thought leaders.
GridWeek provides the opportunity for organizations focused on
Smart Grid to hold meetings and participate in collaborative sessions,
including leading speakers on the Smart Grid revolution.
International Summit
The first ever ISGS (International Smart Grid Summit), held as part of GridWeek 2008, brings together international Smart Grid executives to discuss Smart Grid developments around the world.
Bodman, Friedman, Rifkin & more...
With over 120 speakers participating, top speakers include US Energy Secretary Bodman, Thomas Friedman, Jeremy Rifkin, Senior Utility Executives, Regulators and Technology Experts. See Full Speaker List here.
A realization is emerging that a new view of energy, beyond oil, coal and other fossil-based fuels, will result in decentralized components of the electricity grid, a far cry from the central generation and structured system of the past.
A smart information network for the electric grid is seen as
necessary to manage and automate this new world.
GridWeek is focused on this vision.
Driving Forces for
Increasing Electricity Demand
Environmental Concerns
Operational Efficiencies
EISA 2007 Title 13
Securing Energy Supply
Event Outline
Objectives...
As the annual gathering of Smart Grid players...
To understand the role of Smart Grid in sustainability
To develop and promote the Smart Grid agenda
To educate on strategies and deployment of Smart Grid
To ensure energy independence and security
Conference Designed for...
Congress & Congressional Staff
Federal & State agencies
Federal & State regulators
Utility Executives & Staff
Technology & service providers
Electricity consumer & advocate groups
Smart Grid leaders & stakeholder
Press, analysts & other observers
Delivering Sustainable Energy
Washington, DC
Sep 22-25, 2008
GridWeek is the annual gathering in Washington, DC, of Smart Grid stakeholders and thought leaders.
GridWeek provides the opportunity for organizations focused on
Smart Grid to hold meetings and participate in collaborative sessions,
including leading speakers on the Smart Grid revolution.
International Summit
The first ever ISGS (International Smart Grid Summit), held as part of GridWeek 2008, brings together international Smart Grid executives to discuss Smart Grid developments around the world.
Bodman, Friedman, Rifkin & more...
With over 120 speakers participating, top speakers include US Energy Secretary Bodman, Thomas Friedman, Jeremy Rifkin, Senior Utility Executives, Regulators and Technology Experts. See Full Speaker List here.
A realization is emerging that a new view of energy, beyond oil, coal and other fossil-based fuels, will result in decentralized components of the electricity grid, a far cry from the central generation and structured system of the past.
A smart information network for the electric grid is seen as
necessary to manage and automate this new world.
GridWeek is focused on this vision.
Driving Forces for
Increasing Electricity Demand
Environmental Concerns
Operational Efficiencies
EISA 2007 Title 13
Securing Energy Supply
Event Outline
Objectives...
As the annual gathering of Smart Grid players...
To understand the role of Smart Grid in sustainability
To develop and promote the Smart Grid agenda
To educate on strategies and deployment of Smart Grid
To ensure energy independence and security
Conference Designed for...
Congress & Congressional Staff
Federal & State agencies
Federal & State regulators
Utility Executives & Staff
Technology & service providers
Electricity consumer & advocate groups
Smart Grid leaders & stakeholder
Press, analysts & other observers
New DS2 powerline chipsets to provide four times faster transmission speeds than standard wireless
· New features to deliver 99 per cent home network coverage
· Upgrades enable service providers like BT, Portugal Telecom and Telefónica to offer affordable and fully self-installable IPTV
. DS2 to exhibit enhancements in Hall 4, Stand C39 at IBC2008, RAI Centre Amsterdam, September 12th-15th – location map available here
Valencia, SPAIN – 9th September, 2008 – DS2, the leading technology innovator and global supplier of high-speed powerline communications technology, has developed major new features for its 200Mbps powerline communications chipsets to enable four times faster transmission speeds than standard wireless networks. It will showcase how these new upgrades support commercial IPTV services and provide 99 per cent home network coverage at this year’s IBC event in Amsterdam, September 12th-15th.
At the show, DS2 will also demonstrate some of the benefits that service providers, such as BT, Portugal Telecom and Telefónica are able to offer their customers thanks to DS2 technology. These include affordable IPTV services that are fully installable by the consumer in less than an hour. DS2's powerline adapters plug directly into existing electrical wiring, eliminating installation calls and truck roll costs for service providers – savings that are also achieved by the customer.
“Choosing the right technology that enables fully-interoperable IPTV home networks is the final frontier for service providers,” comments Victor Dominguez, VP Sales at DS2. “To win and maintain customers, service providers must ensure that the IPTV service is delivered to all terminal devices in the home, which now include telephones, gateways, TV sets, set-top boxes, whole-home DVRs, gaming consoles, and PCs.
“We believe that it is important that service and Internet providers meet the growing bandwidth requirements. DS2 is addressing this through fully backward interoperable 3rd generation powerline technology that will provide throughput speeds of 400Mbps,” concludes Victor Dominguez.
At IBC 2008, DS2 will also demonstrate full interoperability between its various powerline chipset technologies, including its 100 Mbps Montgó chipset for audio and Internet application and its 200Mbps Aitana chipset for multimedia applications.
Key new features of DS2’s 200Mbps Powerline Communications chipsets that it will exhibit at the show are:
Automatic multi-cast capabilities that enable efficient management of simultaneous IPTV video channels
On-chip support for a suite of DSL Forum standards, known as TR069, to support remote network management,
Complete LLTD protocol integration with Windows Vista users.
· Upgrades enable service providers like BT, Portugal Telecom and Telefónica to offer affordable and fully self-installable IPTV
. DS2 to exhibit enhancements in Hall 4, Stand C39 at IBC2008, RAI Centre Amsterdam, September 12th-15th – location map available here
Valencia, SPAIN – 9th September, 2008 – DS2, the leading technology innovator and global supplier of high-speed powerline communications technology, has developed major new features for its 200Mbps powerline communications chipsets to enable four times faster transmission speeds than standard wireless networks. It will showcase how these new upgrades support commercial IPTV services and provide 99 per cent home network coverage at this year’s IBC event in Amsterdam, September 12th-15th.
At the show, DS2 will also demonstrate some of the benefits that service providers, such as BT, Portugal Telecom and Telefónica are able to offer their customers thanks to DS2 technology. These include affordable IPTV services that are fully installable by the consumer in less than an hour. DS2's powerline adapters plug directly into existing electrical wiring, eliminating installation calls and truck roll costs for service providers – savings that are also achieved by the customer.
“Choosing the right technology that enables fully-interoperable IPTV home networks is the final frontier for service providers,” comments Victor Dominguez, VP Sales at DS2. “To win and maintain customers, service providers must ensure that the IPTV service is delivered to all terminal devices in the home, which now include telephones, gateways, TV sets, set-top boxes, whole-home DVRs, gaming consoles, and PCs.
“We believe that it is important that service and Internet providers meet the growing bandwidth requirements. DS2 is addressing this through fully backward interoperable 3rd generation powerline technology that will provide throughput speeds of 400Mbps,” concludes Victor Dominguez.
At IBC 2008, DS2 will also demonstrate full interoperability between its various powerline chipset technologies, including its 100 Mbps Montgó chipset for audio and Internet application and its 200Mbps Aitana chipset for multimedia applications.
Key new features of DS2’s 200Mbps Powerline Communications chipsets that it will exhibit at the show are:
Automatic multi-cast capabilities that enable efficient management of simultaneous IPTV video channels
On-chip support for a suite of DSL Forum standards, known as TR069, to support remote network management,
Complete LLTD protocol integration with Windows Vista users.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Who’ll Win ‘Smart Grid’ Gold? Keep an Eye on Duke, Ambient, eMeter, EnerNOC, GridPoint, Trilliant & More
Who’ll Win ‘Smart Grid’ Gold? Keep an Eye on Duke, Ambient, eMeter, EnerNOC, GridPoint, Trilliant & More
Editor’s Note: In keeping with its policy to be solely a news source, this EnergyTechStocks.com article is presented for information purposes only.
Posted: August 27, 2008
Much has been written about the critical need to fix the faltering power grid, the rapid development of plug-in electric hybrid vehicles in the face of record pump prices, and corporations’ strong interest in energy efficiency to combat rising power costs. Not much has been written – yet – about what has to first be in place for all this to happen, namely: the technology for making a power grid “smart.”
The “smart” electrical power grid, parts of which are now under development by many different companies, will act like a cellular telephone network. Its computer-controlled technology will permit two-way communication between power plants and literally everything that runs on electricity. The technology will include power management chips embedded in every TV and toaster, plus sophisticated monitoring systems all along the distribution chain – in the plant, on the lines, and in your home and office, where advanced programmable thermostats will, for the first time, put at your fingertips the power to save money and limit your greenhouse gas emissions.
The smart grid will make it possible for businesses to instantly adjust the energy usage of dozens of large factories, retail establishments, and other power users at the same time. It will make it possible to plug in millions of electrically-powered cars and trucks at any given time without overloading the system. Indeed, it is expected that the electricity stored in plug-in cars’ batteries will become a vital power source in its own right since utilities will be able on command to pull that electricity out of all those batteries when extra power is needed quickly to avoid a blackout. That, plus the inherent ability of a smart grid to diagnose and repair itself before trouble develops, will go a long way toward fixing what’s wrong with today’s faltering grid.
A lot of companies are racing for smart-grid gold, and given that it’s been estimated that the smart grid may generate some $45 billion in revenue for its developers, there should be multiple gold medals handed out. So here’s a list of companies that appear to be in line to make their investors happy along with some reasons why. The list is by no means exhaustive; it’s intended only to give investors a sense of the many different money-making opportunities that exist with smart grid development. (Look for frequent updates.)
Duke Energy and XCel Energy are the two investor-owned U.S. electric utilities trailblazing smart grid applications on their systems. Both have regulators pushing them to go green so their interest is unlikely to wane. Both may wind up acquiring cutting-edge technology firms, which could result in significant licensing fees as the rest of the notoriously slow U.S. electric utility industry plays catch-up. (For more on Duke see The Electric Revolution (Part 3 of 4) – Duke Energy’s David Mohler: ‘Utility of the Future’ Arrives Next Year.)
EnerNOC Inc. appears to be on a roll as a provider of demand response (DR) systems that rely on smart-grid-like computer controls to trim customer demand on the command of a utility when the grid is in danger of overloading. Increasingly, EnerNOC is using its technology to do forensic analyses of companies’ power usage, which will be another function of smart grid technology. (For more on EnerNOC see EnerNOC CEO Healy Sees ‘Demand Response’ 10% of Power Generation Mix In Less Than 5 Years.)
Ambient Corp. is a company developing technology intended to give the smart grid two-way communication capability. Utilities are going to need to turn their “dumb” electrical wires into “smart” wires capable of Internet-based communication in order to execute all sorts of demands to optimize and minimize power usage.
Echelon Corp. and privately-held eMeter are developing advanced meters that will serve as collection points for information passed along wirelessly and by Internet-capable power lines. Advanced meters will be key to utilities providing innovative pricing plans that encourage power users to switch their consumption to times of day when demand is low – and so is the price. (For more on Echelon see The Home-Improvers: 5 That Could Do Well Improving Home Energy Efficiency — #1 Echelon.)
GridPoint Inc., which is also privately held, is developing back-up power systems for when the power is interrupted. These smart battery-based systems will automatically spring into action, helping manufacturers and others avoid power breaks which, even if they last only fractions of a second, can force a company to lose hours because it needs to reprogram its computers. (For more on GridPoint see Follow the Money: 5 Firms Grabbing Big Bucks That Belong on Investors’ Radar Screens: #5 GridPoint.)
Meanwhile, Freescale Semiconductor, Texas Instruments, Atmel Corp. and Ember Networks, the first three publicly held, are all involved in developing the power management chips that will go into the many millions of TVs, toasters and other appliances. Privately-held Trilliant Inc. wants to be the main company that puts power management chips onto circuit boards, creating a wireless mesh network for communication within a home or office as well as back to utilities. (For more on Trilliant and other smart grid development firms, see Part 1 of 2 - An Insider’s Perspective On ‘Smart Grid’ Tech Plays That May Make You A Lot Of Money and Part 2 of 2 - From Meters to Washing Machines, ‘Smart’ Grid Components May Make Investors $$.)
Whew! And that’s only a sampling of what’s to come.
Editor’s Note: In keeping with its policy to be solely a news source, this EnergyTechStocks.com article is presented for information purposes only.
Posted: August 27, 2008
Much has been written about the critical need to fix the faltering power grid, the rapid development of plug-in electric hybrid vehicles in the face of record pump prices, and corporations’ strong interest in energy efficiency to combat rising power costs. Not much has been written – yet – about what has to first be in place for all this to happen, namely: the technology for making a power grid “smart.”
The “smart” electrical power grid, parts of which are now under development by many different companies, will act like a cellular telephone network. Its computer-controlled technology will permit two-way communication between power plants and literally everything that runs on electricity. The technology will include power management chips embedded in every TV and toaster, plus sophisticated monitoring systems all along the distribution chain – in the plant, on the lines, and in your home and office, where advanced programmable thermostats will, for the first time, put at your fingertips the power to save money and limit your greenhouse gas emissions.
The smart grid will make it possible for businesses to instantly adjust the energy usage of dozens of large factories, retail establishments, and other power users at the same time. It will make it possible to plug in millions of electrically-powered cars and trucks at any given time without overloading the system. Indeed, it is expected that the electricity stored in plug-in cars’ batteries will become a vital power source in its own right since utilities will be able on command to pull that electricity out of all those batteries when extra power is needed quickly to avoid a blackout. That, plus the inherent ability of a smart grid to diagnose and repair itself before trouble develops, will go a long way toward fixing what’s wrong with today’s faltering grid.
A lot of companies are racing for smart-grid gold, and given that it’s been estimated that the smart grid may generate some $45 billion in revenue for its developers, there should be multiple gold medals handed out. So here’s a list of companies that appear to be in line to make their investors happy along with some reasons why. The list is by no means exhaustive; it’s intended only to give investors a sense of the many different money-making opportunities that exist with smart grid development. (Look for frequent updates.)
Duke Energy and XCel Energy are the two investor-owned U.S. electric utilities trailblazing smart grid applications on their systems. Both have regulators pushing them to go green so their interest is unlikely to wane. Both may wind up acquiring cutting-edge technology firms, which could result in significant licensing fees as the rest of the notoriously slow U.S. electric utility industry plays catch-up. (For more on Duke see The Electric Revolution (Part 3 of 4) – Duke Energy’s David Mohler: ‘Utility of the Future’ Arrives Next Year.)
EnerNOC Inc. appears to be on a roll as a provider of demand response (DR) systems that rely on smart-grid-like computer controls to trim customer demand on the command of a utility when the grid is in danger of overloading. Increasingly, EnerNOC is using its technology to do forensic analyses of companies’ power usage, which will be another function of smart grid technology. (For more on EnerNOC see EnerNOC CEO Healy Sees ‘Demand Response’ 10% of Power Generation Mix In Less Than 5 Years.)
Ambient Corp. is a company developing technology intended to give the smart grid two-way communication capability. Utilities are going to need to turn their “dumb” electrical wires into “smart” wires capable of Internet-based communication in order to execute all sorts of demands to optimize and minimize power usage.
Echelon Corp. and privately-held eMeter are developing advanced meters that will serve as collection points for information passed along wirelessly and by Internet-capable power lines. Advanced meters will be key to utilities providing innovative pricing plans that encourage power users to switch their consumption to times of day when demand is low – and so is the price. (For more on Echelon see The Home-Improvers: 5 That Could Do Well Improving Home Energy Efficiency — #1 Echelon.)
GridPoint Inc., which is also privately held, is developing back-up power systems for when the power is interrupted. These smart battery-based systems will automatically spring into action, helping manufacturers and others avoid power breaks which, even if they last only fractions of a second, can force a company to lose hours because it needs to reprogram its computers. (For more on GridPoint see Follow the Money: 5 Firms Grabbing Big Bucks That Belong on Investors’ Radar Screens: #5 GridPoint.)
Meanwhile, Freescale Semiconductor, Texas Instruments, Atmel Corp. and Ember Networks, the first three publicly held, are all involved in developing the power management chips that will go into the many millions of TVs, toasters and other appliances. Privately-held Trilliant Inc. wants to be the main company that puts power management chips onto circuit boards, creating a wireless mesh network for communication within a home or office as well as back to utilities. (For more on Trilliant and other smart grid development firms, see Part 1 of 2 - An Insider’s Perspective On ‘Smart Grid’ Tech Plays That May Make You A Lot Of Money and Part 2 of 2 - From Meters to Washing Machines, ‘Smart’ Grid Components May Make Investors $$.)
Whew! And that’s only a sampling of what’s to come.
Damaged Power Lines Blamed for Wildfires
A series of wildfires in San Diego County in late October burned more than 207,000 acres. Improperly maintained power lines were blamed for three of the fires.
By RANDAL C. ARCHIBOLD
Published: September 3, 2008
LOS ANGELES — A new report by state regulators has blamed improperly maintained power lines by two companies, one of which impeded investigators, for some of the most devastating wildfires in Southern California last year.
California Public Utilities Commission Report (PDF) The report, by investigators for the California Public Utilities Commission, concurs with the findings of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Calfire, which in July said damaged lines were to blame for three of the most destructive fires, all in San Diego County. The three fires, among the most severe of several wind-fed blazes in late October, burned more than 207,000 acres, destroyed 1,141 homes, damaged scores of others, killed 2 people and injured 40 firefighters
The commission plans to review the findings and could impose financial penalties against the two companies, San Diego Gas & Electric and Cox Communications, which investigators said failed to adequately maintain lines at the site of the Guejito, Witch and Rice fires.
The report said the Guejito fire started when an improperly maintained Cox line came into contact with a San Diego Gas & Electric conductor. The Witch fire was attributed to two of the utility’s lines coming into contact, and the Rice fire began when a sycamore tree limb, which investigators suggested should have been trimmed, fell onto a utility line.
The report said San Diego Gas & Electric delayed access to witnesses, sites and other evidence, and it suggested that the commission consider ordering all utilities to provide immediate access to scenes under investigation.
“The S.D.G. & E. representative refused to answer specific questions about the fire/incident and informed me that he was only available to show me the site,” an inspector wrote of his visit to the scene of one of the fires.
The utility subsequently answered questions after its lawyers and those from the commission discussed the problem.
Both companies denounced the report as riddled with inaccuracies and said thin or misleading evidence led to premature or baseless conclusions.
“This report,” San Diego Gas & Electric said, “is full of speculation and faulty conclusions, with sparse evidence — if any — to support its claims.”
The utility said the report played down the significance of what it considered unusually strong wind for the area. It also said that the clearance of the tree in the Rice fire complied with state regulations and that Calfire had not yet determined why the power lines in the Witch fire came into contact.
Cox suggested that unusually fierce winds, not its maintenance, caused problems with its line.
“The evidence indicates that our line was fully intact prior to the extreme Santa Ana winds, which caused S.D.G. & E.’s lines and our lines to come into contact,” the Cox statement said. “Cox has cooperated fully with all agencies during this process; staff statements in the report are inconsistent with the facts.”
In June, the City of San Diego filed a lawsuit against San Diego Gas & Electric, blaming the utility for the fires and seeking damages. Michael Aguirre, the city attorney, said Tuesday that he would add Cox to the lawsuit, in light of the commission report.
Downed power lines cause about 2 percent or 3 percent of wildfires in California but have been behind some of the largest, in part because the lines sit on high towers traversing remote, windy and hard-to-access terrain.
Elected officials and others have called for lines to be buried.
After a downed power line was cited as the cause of a fire in Malibu in October, Zev Yaroslavsky, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors who represents the area, repeated a call for utilities and fire safety experts to examine ways to avert power line dangers, including burying the lines in high-risk zones.
Such a step, Mr. Yaroslavsky conceded, would be expensive. A study two years ago by the Edison Electric Institute, an industry group, estimated that putting existing lines underground cost on average about $1 million per mile, with rate payers bearing much of the expense. In addition, while underground lines are more reliable and reduce wildfire hazards, they are also more difficult and costly to maintain.
San Diego Gas & Electric said it had been taking steps to reduce the danger, including replacing hundreds of wood poles with metal ones in the backcountry.
By RANDAL C. ARCHIBOLD
Published: September 3, 2008
LOS ANGELES — A new report by state regulators has blamed improperly maintained power lines by two companies, one of which impeded investigators, for some of the most devastating wildfires in Southern California last year.
California Public Utilities Commission Report (PDF) The report, by investigators for the California Public Utilities Commission, concurs with the findings of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Calfire, which in July said damaged lines were to blame for three of the most destructive fires, all in San Diego County. The three fires, among the most severe of several wind-fed blazes in late October, burned more than 207,000 acres, destroyed 1,141 homes, damaged scores of others, killed 2 people and injured 40 firefighters
The commission plans to review the findings and could impose financial penalties against the two companies, San Diego Gas & Electric and Cox Communications, which investigators said failed to adequately maintain lines at the site of the Guejito, Witch and Rice fires.
The report said the Guejito fire started when an improperly maintained Cox line came into contact with a San Diego Gas & Electric conductor. The Witch fire was attributed to two of the utility’s lines coming into contact, and the Rice fire began when a sycamore tree limb, which investigators suggested should have been trimmed, fell onto a utility line.
The report said San Diego Gas & Electric delayed access to witnesses, sites and other evidence, and it suggested that the commission consider ordering all utilities to provide immediate access to scenes under investigation.
“The S.D.G. & E. representative refused to answer specific questions about the fire/incident and informed me that he was only available to show me the site,” an inspector wrote of his visit to the scene of one of the fires.
The utility subsequently answered questions after its lawyers and those from the commission discussed the problem.
Both companies denounced the report as riddled with inaccuracies and said thin or misleading evidence led to premature or baseless conclusions.
“This report,” San Diego Gas & Electric said, “is full of speculation and faulty conclusions, with sparse evidence — if any — to support its claims.”
The utility said the report played down the significance of what it considered unusually strong wind for the area. It also said that the clearance of the tree in the Rice fire complied with state regulations and that Calfire had not yet determined why the power lines in the Witch fire came into contact.
Cox suggested that unusually fierce winds, not its maintenance, caused problems with its line.
“The evidence indicates that our line was fully intact prior to the extreme Santa Ana winds, which caused S.D.G. & E.’s lines and our lines to come into contact,” the Cox statement said. “Cox has cooperated fully with all agencies during this process; staff statements in the report are inconsistent with the facts.”
In June, the City of San Diego filed a lawsuit against San Diego Gas & Electric, blaming the utility for the fires and seeking damages. Michael Aguirre, the city attorney, said Tuesday that he would add Cox to the lawsuit, in light of the commission report.
Downed power lines cause about 2 percent or 3 percent of wildfires in California but have been behind some of the largest, in part because the lines sit on high towers traversing remote, windy and hard-to-access terrain.
Elected officials and others have called for lines to be buried.
After a downed power line was cited as the cause of a fire in Malibu in October, Zev Yaroslavsky, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors who represents the area, repeated a call for utilities and fire safety experts to examine ways to avert power line dangers, including burying the lines in high-risk zones.
Such a step, Mr. Yaroslavsky conceded, would be expensive. A study two years ago by the Edison Electric Institute, an industry group, estimated that putting existing lines underground cost on average about $1 million per mile, with rate payers bearing much of the expense. In addition, while underground lines are more reliable and reduce wildfire hazards, they are also more difficult and costly to maintain.
San Diego Gas & Electric said it had been taking steps to reduce the danger, including replacing hundreds of wood poles with metal ones in the backcountry.
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