BOSTON, Apr 16, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Ambient Corporation (ABTG, Trade ) announced today that it has received a purchase order for 9,000 units of its newest communications node, the X-2000. The purchase order is from the contract announced by Ambient earlier this month. With a maximum value of $11.0 million, the purchase order includes licensing of Ambient's Network Management System, AmbientNMS(TM), and engineering support in building out an intelligent grid/intelligent-metering platform.
"Ambient will be supporting utility applications for smart grid and Utility of the Future initiatives. Initially, we will be building out the communications platform, Ambient Smart Grid(TM), for "last mile" backhaul supporting the utility's plan to reach approximately 50,000 end points," stated John J. Joyce, President and CEO of Ambient.
A communications platform such as the Ambient Smart Grid(TM) is necessary for utilities to implement a full suite of smart grid applications, which include Advanced Meter Reading (AMR), real-time pricing, Demand Side Management (DSM) and direct load control. When combined, these applications can offer economic, operational and environmental benefits for utilities and utility customers. This platform helps utilities meet growing energy demand with their existing legacy systems by increasing the efficiency and functionality of the electrical distribution grid.
About Ambient Corporation
Ambient designs, develops and markets Ambient Smart Grid(TM) 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 (ABTG, Trade ). More information on Ambient is available at www.ambientcorp.com .
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
"Con Edison expects to spend approximately $5 billion over the next three years on its electric delivery system.."
Press Release Source: Con Edison Co. of NY, Inc.
Con Edison Proposes New Energy Efficiency Programs for a Cleaner, Greener New York
Tuesday April 15, 3:17 pm ET
NEW YORK, NY--(MARKET WIRE)--Apr 15, 2008 -- Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Edison) has filed a plan with the New York State Public Service Commission (NYSPSC) asking that a package of new energy efficiency programs be approved for implementation this summer.
"Con Edison's proposals represent a major part of the company's overall effort to achieve at least 500 megawatts (MW) of demand reduction by 2015," said Rebecca Craft, Con Edison's Director of Energy Efficiency Programs. "Reaching that goal would offset the need to power the equivalent of 500,000 homes. It coincides with the state's desire to realize a 15 percent reduction in electric consumption growth, significantly reducing carbon emissions over the same period."
The 11 residential and commercial programs proposed in the filing are designed to achieve 378 MW of demand reduction and reduce energy use overall by 4.4 billion kilowatt hours (KWh). The resultant 2.3 million tons of CO2 reduction is the equivalent of taking 380,000 vehicles off the road, or growing 53,000 tree seedlings for 10 years.
Total estimated cost of the programs is $306 million through 2015, varying from approximately $10 million this year to $75 million in 2015. The funding would be drawn from funds already designated for energy efficiency programs in the most recent rate plan approved by commission effective April 1.
Con Edison estimates an annual anticipated savings of 86 MW of demand, 1.1 billion kilowatt hours (kWh), and 27.7 million therms through four residential energy efficiency programs:
An Appliance Dealer Incentive program
A Residential Lighting program
A Residential Space Heating and Cooling program
A Home Energy Efficiency Kit
The company also estimates an annual anticipated savings of 292 MW and 3.3 billion kWh through implementation of seven commercial energy efficiency programs:
An Office Building program, focusing on larger office buildings
A Buyback program
An Education and Healthcare program, focusing on schools and hospitals
A Hospitality and Entertainment program
A Data Centers program
A Freezer-Case LED Lighting program
A Multi Family Building program
These programs (see details on fact sheet attached) were developed to build on the company's unique customer relationships, have a sector-by-sector approach specifically geared to its service area, and are designed to reduce both peak demand and energy consumption. If approved, Con Edison will incorporate the peak demand reductions into system planning so that that it can defer building certain new infrastructure.
A portion of the proposed programs, over 130MWs, is for the continuation of the company's Targeted DSM program designed to defer capital projects for infrastructure upgrades and expansion. Permanent energy efficiency projects installed in specific neighborhoods can defer the installation of cable, transformers, and other equipment.
In the past several years, Con Edison has contracted for over 190 MW of demand reduction through its targeted programs that began in 2004. Measures to achieve these reductions will be implemented through 2012.
Con Edison has the largest underground electrical system in North America with 94,000 miles of underground cables, enough to wrap the earth 3.6 times. The company also maintains 36,000 miles of overhead cables.
Con Edison expects to spend approximately $5 billion over the next three years on its electric delivery system to maintain reliability and support the significant economic growth projected for its New York City and Westchester County service area. EnergyNY, the company's recently announced plan to meet the future energy needs of its customers through infrastructure upgrades and energy efficiency programs, can be viewed at http://www.conEd.com/energyny.
Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED - News), one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $13 billion in annual revenues and $28 billion in assets. The utility provides electric, gas, and steam service to more than 3 million customers in New York City and Westchester County, New York. For additional financial, operations, and customer service information, visit Con Edison's Web site at www.coned.com.
Con Edison Proposes New Energy Efficiency Programs for a Cleaner, Greener New York
Tuesday April 15, 3:17 pm ET
NEW YORK, NY--(MARKET WIRE)--Apr 15, 2008 -- Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Edison) has filed a plan with the New York State Public Service Commission (NYSPSC) asking that a package of new energy efficiency programs be approved for implementation this summer.
"Con Edison's proposals represent a major part of the company's overall effort to achieve at least 500 megawatts (MW) of demand reduction by 2015," said Rebecca Craft, Con Edison's Director of Energy Efficiency Programs. "Reaching that goal would offset the need to power the equivalent of 500,000 homes. It coincides with the state's desire to realize a 15 percent reduction in electric consumption growth, significantly reducing carbon emissions over the same period."
The 11 residential and commercial programs proposed in the filing are designed to achieve 378 MW of demand reduction and reduce energy use overall by 4.4 billion kilowatt hours (KWh). The resultant 2.3 million tons of CO2 reduction is the equivalent of taking 380,000 vehicles off the road, or growing 53,000 tree seedlings for 10 years.
Total estimated cost of the programs is $306 million through 2015, varying from approximately $10 million this year to $75 million in 2015. The funding would be drawn from funds already designated for energy efficiency programs in the most recent rate plan approved by commission effective April 1.
Con Edison estimates an annual anticipated savings of 86 MW of demand, 1.1 billion kilowatt hours (kWh), and 27.7 million therms through four residential energy efficiency programs:
An Appliance Dealer Incentive program
A Residential Lighting program
A Residential Space Heating and Cooling program
A Home Energy Efficiency Kit
The company also estimates an annual anticipated savings of 292 MW and 3.3 billion kWh through implementation of seven commercial energy efficiency programs:
An Office Building program, focusing on larger office buildings
A Buyback program
An Education and Healthcare program, focusing on schools and hospitals
A Hospitality and Entertainment program
A Data Centers program
A Freezer-Case LED Lighting program
A Multi Family Building program
These programs (see details on fact sheet attached) were developed to build on the company's unique customer relationships, have a sector-by-sector approach specifically geared to its service area, and are designed to reduce both peak demand and energy consumption. If approved, Con Edison will incorporate the peak demand reductions into system planning so that that it can defer building certain new infrastructure.
A portion of the proposed programs, over 130MWs, is for the continuation of the company's Targeted DSM program designed to defer capital projects for infrastructure upgrades and expansion. Permanent energy efficiency projects installed in specific neighborhoods can defer the installation of cable, transformers, and other equipment.
In the past several years, Con Edison has contracted for over 190 MW of demand reduction through its targeted programs that began in 2004. Measures to achieve these reductions will be implemented through 2012.
Con Edison has the largest underground electrical system in North America with 94,000 miles of underground cables, enough to wrap the earth 3.6 times. The company also maintains 36,000 miles of overhead cables.
Con Edison expects to spend approximately $5 billion over the next three years on its electric delivery system to maintain reliability and support the significant economic growth projected for its New York City and Westchester County service area. EnergyNY, the company's recently announced plan to meet the future energy needs of its customers through infrastructure upgrades and energy efficiency programs, can be viewed at http://www.conEd.com/energyny.
Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED - News), one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $13 billion in annual revenues and $28 billion in assets. The utility provides electric, gas, and steam service to more than 3 million customers in New York City and Westchester County, New York. For additional financial, operations, and customer service information, visit Con Edison's Web site at www.coned.com.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Portugal Telecom selects DS2 powerline technology for advanced, HD-ready IPTV
UPA-compliant Powerline technology helps Portugal Telecom´s MEO TV achieve ambitious subscriber growth.
Valencia, Spain, 15th April, 2008 – DS2, the leading technology innovator and global supplier of high-speed powerline communications technology and Portugal Telecom, the leading operator in the Portuguese telecommunications market, announced today that DS2´s UPA-compliant 200Mbps powerline technology has been selected to offer a remotely-managed, multi-channel IPTV service over power lines or coaxial cable that substantially reduces installation time and costs.
Portugal Telecom's IPTV subscribers can opt to install three Set-Top-Boxes (STB). The service supports simultaneous streaming of one HD channel and two SD channels on multiple TVs in the home. Thanks to the flexibility provided by DS2's powerline technology, Portugal Telecom's subscribers can install their STBs anywhere in their homes, without the need for any new wires. Taking advantage of the technology’s inherent robustness and flexibility, Portugal Telecom can use either the home coaxial network or the existing electrical wiring for IPTV content distribution. More than 60% of all MEO TV subscribers use DS2's 200 Mbps technology over electrical wiring as the standard home networking solution. The other 40% uses a variety of networking options, including DS2 technology over coaxial cables.
Service Providers deploying IPTV networks face significant problems to distribute IPTV services to every room in a subscriber’s home. Most homes do not have the cabling required for reliable IPTV distribution, and the option of installing these new cables in each home is very expensive and disruptive for the consumer. Wireless technology (802.11-based) does not have the bandwidth or the reliability required to carry HD video and suffers from interference problems in dense urban environments. DS2's 200 Mbps powerline technology provides a robust and secure connection using the existing electrical wires for the distribution of multiple IPTV channels throughout the home, even in densely populated areas.
DS2 technology reliably delivers multiple TV channels simultaneously, and has enough bandwidth to support HD services. In addition to guaranteed bandwidth, customizable QoS and reliable operation, only DS2-based solutions the support the DSL Forum's TR-069 remote management protocol a key feature for network management and control.
Victor Dominguez, VP Sales at DS2, said "As Service Providers continue their efforts to provide advanced video, audio and data services, they need an easy way to deliver those service anywhere in their customers' homes in a cost-effective way. DS2's UPA-compliant Powerline technology provides the perfect solution to Service Providers that want a reliable solution today and that need guaranteed interoperability with next generation 400 Mbps powerline technology."
UPA-compliant Powerline technology has helped to make Portugal Telecom's offering more attractive and convenient to consumers than competing satellite or cable TV services. During 2008, Portugal Telecom plans to increase its subscriber base by over 340%. Equipment manufacturers Comtrend Communications (http://www.comtrend.com) and Corinex Communications (http://www.corinex.com) provide UPA-compliant 200 Mbps network adapters to Portugal Telecom. Both Comtrend's and Corinex's devices are based on DS2' chipset and both have satisfied the exhaustive interoperability tests required to obtain the "UPA Plug Tested" logo.
Valencia, Spain, 15th April, 2008 – DS2, the leading technology innovator and global supplier of high-speed powerline communications technology and Portugal Telecom, the leading operator in the Portuguese telecommunications market, announced today that DS2´s UPA-compliant 200Mbps powerline technology has been selected to offer a remotely-managed, multi-channel IPTV service over power lines or coaxial cable that substantially reduces installation time and costs.
Portugal Telecom's IPTV subscribers can opt to install three Set-Top-Boxes (STB). The service supports simultaneous streaming of one HD channel and two SD channels on multiple TVs in the home. Thanks to the flexibility provided by DS2's powerline technology, Portugal Telecom's subscribers can install their STBs anywhere in their homes, without the need for any new wires. Taking advantage of the technology’s inherent robustness and flexibility, Portugal Telecom can use either the home coaxial network or the existing electrical wiring for IPTV content distribution. More than 60% of all MEO TV subscribers use DS2's 200 Mbps technology over electrical wiring as the standard home networking solution. The other 40% uses a variety of networking options, including DS2 technology over coaxial cables.
Service Providers deploying IPTV networks face significant problems to distribute IPTV services to every room in a subscriber’s home. Most homes do not have the cabling required for reliable IPTV distribution, and the option of installing these new cables in each home is very expensive and disruptive for the consumer. Wireless technology (802.11-based) does not have the bandwidth or the reliability required to carry HD video and suffers from interference problems in dense urban environments. DS2's 200 Mbps powerline technology provides a robust and secure connection using the existing electrical wires for the distribution of multiple IPTV channels throughout the home, even in densely populated areas.
DS2 technology reliably delivers multiple TV channels simultaneously, and has enough bandwidth to support HD services. In addition to guaranteed bandwidth, customizable QoS and reliable operation, only DS2-based solutions the support the DSL Forum's TR-069 remote management protocol a key feature for network management and control.
Victor Dominguez, VP Sales at DS2, said "As Service Providers continue their efforts to provide advanced video, audio and data services, they need an easy way to deliver those service anywhere in their customers' homes in a cost-effective way. DS2's UPA-compliant Powerline technology provides the perfect solution to Service Providers that want a reliable solution today and that need guaranteed interoperability with next generation 400 Mbps powerline technology."
UPA-compliant Powerline technology has helped to make Portugal Telecom's offering more attractive and convenient to consumers than competing satellite or cable TV services. During 2008, Portugal Telecom plans to increase its subscriber base by over 340%. Equipment manufacturers Comtrend Communications (http://www.comtrend.com) and Corinex Communications (http://www.corinex.com) provide UPA-compliant 200 Mbps network adapters to Portugal Telecom. Both Comtrend's and Corinex's devices are based on DS2' chipset and both have satisfied the exhaustive interoperability tests required to obtain the "UPA Plug Tested" logo.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Duke Energy CEO: Energy efficiency technology, such as smart grids, should be adopted immediately.
April 13, 2008 8:25 AM PDT
Duke Energy CEO: Coal not going away
Posted by Martin LaMonica
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--The chief executive of Duke Energy, James Rogers, is an unlikely advocate for policies to restrict greenhouse gas emissions. But the man who is building two new coal power plants is just that.
Rogers delivered a keynote speech at the MIT Energy Conference here on Saturday where he called for policies and technologies to bridge the fossil fuel-based energy industry of today with low-carbon alternatives.
Duke Energy CEO James Rogers at the MIT Energy Conference.
(Credit: Martin LaMonica/CNET Networks)
Rogers heads a company that generates 90 percent of its electricity from burning coal or nuclear power to serve its 4 million customers. So it's not surprising that he says that "coal is not a four-letter word."
But even with his company's marriage to fossil fuels, the potential influence of Duke Energy and its like over the future of the energy industry is undeniable: Duke's capital budget to invest in technology and infrastructure is $5 billion this year.
Meanwhile, the total amount of venture capital that went into clean tech start-ups last year was in the range of $3 billion to $4 billion.
Rogers is one of several industry CEOs calling for regulations that put a price on polluting carbon dioxide and Duke Energy is a member of U.S. CAP (United States Climate Action Partnership), a consortium of large corporations trying to influence policy.
Technology research should be funded now without waiting for carbon regulations, which he expects to come into force in 2009 and 2010 followed by a transition period.
"A vision of a low-carbon world is a hallucination without technology," Rogers said. He said the U.S. federal government is funding research and development in energy at 50 percent of the level it was in the 1970s.
Energy efficiency technology, such as smart grids, should be adopted immediately. But policy makers need to create the same incentives for energy efficiency as they are for renewable energy, like wind and solar, he argued.
He called for "decarbonizing" the electricity power grid. Once plug-in hybrid vehicles come online, a cleaner power system will effectively address cleaning the transportation sector as well, he said.
"I think the technology can do it. We just need to spend the money," he said, complaining about a lack of focus on climate change among policy makers. "Where the hell is the sense of mission? The mission is solving climate change."
At the same time, Rogers cautioned against policies that will dramatically raise the price of electricity for consumers.
In particular, he said that certain states are at a disadvantage to one policy proposal that is the equivalent to a carbon tax because they generate power from coal, which is a dirtier form of power generation than natural gas or nuclear.
"If you have a consumer revolt, one, it will never get passed and secondly, even it does, it gets repealed. So it's very important for us to get that right...
(Policy) has got to be affordable, it's got to be a transition, it has got to make sense, and we need a political consensus to go forward. We can't afford to get started and stop. And we can't delay. We need to get started even faster," he said.
Rogers also called for a fundamental change to utility regulation that does not tie the company's revenues to the amount of power it sells.
Instead, the utilities that can run their power networks most efficiently through software should be the most successful financially, he said.
"I want to change my model so that I create value not by building power plants. I create value by optimizing those networks," Rogers said.
Duke Energy CEO: Coal not going away
Posted by Martin LaMonica
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--The chief executive of Duke Energy, James Rogers, is an unlikely advocate for policies to restrict greenhouse gas emissions. But the man who is building two new coal power plants is just that.
Rogers delivered a keynote speech at the MIT Energy Conference here on Saturday where he called for policies and technologies to bridge the fossil fuel-based energy industry of today with low-carbon alternatives.
Duke Energy CEO James Rogers at the MIT Energy Conference.
(Credit: Martin LaMonica/CNET Networks)
Rogers heads a company that generates 90 percent of its electricity from burning coal or nuclear power to serve its 4 million customers. So it's not surprising that he says that "coal is not a four-letter word."
But even with his company's marriage to fossil fuels, the potential influence of Duke Energy and its like over the future of the energy industry is undeniable: Duke's capital budget to invest in technology and infrastructure is $5 billion this year.
Meanwhile, the total amount of venture capital that went into clean tech start-ups last year was in the range of $3 billion to $4 billion.
Rogers is one of several industry CEOs calling for regulations that put a price on polluting carbon dioxide and Duke Energy is a member of U.S. CAP (United States Climate Action Partnership), a consortium of large corporations trying to influence policy.
Technology research should be funded now without waiting for carbon regulations, which he expects to come into force in 2009 and 2010 followed by a transition period.
"A vision of a low-carbon world is a hallucination without technology," Rogers said. He said the U.S. federal government is funding research and development in energy at 50 percent of the level it was in the 1970s.
Energy efficiency technology, such as smart grids, should be adopted immediately. But policy makers need to create the same incentives for energy efficiency as they are for renewable energy, like wind and solar, he argued.
He called for "decarbonizing" the electricity power grid. Once plug-in hybrid vehicles come online, a cleaner power system will effectively address cleaning the transportation sector as well, he said.
"I think the technology can do it. We just need to spend the money," he said, complaining about a lack of focus on climate change among policy makers. "Where the hell is the sense of mission? The mission is solving climate change."
At the same time, Rogers cautioned against policies that will dramatically raise the price of electricity for consumers.
In particular, he said that certain states are at a disadvantage to one policy proposal that is the equivalent to a carbon tax because they generate power from coal, which is a dirtier form of power generation than natural gas or nuclear.
"If you have a consumer revolt, one, it will never get passed and secondly, even it does, it gets repealed. So it's very important for us to get that right...
(Policy) has got to be affordable, it's got to be a transition, it has got to make sense, and we need a political consensus to go forward. We can't afford to get started and stop. And we can't delay. We need to get started even faster," he said.
Rogers also called for a fundamental change to utility regulation that does not tie the company's revenues to the amount of power it sells.
Instead, the utilities that can run their power networks most efficiently through software should be the most successful financially, he said.
"I want to change my model so that I create value not by building power plants. I create value by optimizing those networks," Rogers said.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Power industry braces to spend US$1 trillion on upgrades !!!
Power industry braces to spend US$1 trillion on upgrades
APRIL 2008
The electric industry faces huge challenges in the next few decades as transmission is getting older and more congested, reserve margins are shrinking, new generation needs to be built and climate change ...
BPL Today
APRIL 2008
The electric industry faces huge challenges in the next few decades as transmission is getting older and more congested, reserve margins are shrinking, new generation needs to be built and climate change ...
BPL Today
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Ambient takes $10.7M from Duke Energy for smart grid tech
Chris Morrison | April 8th, 2008
Energy utilities are getting with the program when it comes to smart grids, and that’s translating into interest in a generation of startups innovating new ways to track how energy is distributed across large networks.
A startup that is also traded on the over-the-counter bulletin boards, Ambient Corp. (OTCBB: ABTG) works on smart grid tech with utilities on the east coast. That includes Duke Energy, which just inked a $10.7 million contract with the company to further develop the technology, according to VentureWire (subscription required).
The investment follows closely on two others into similar companies: eMeter just received $12.5 million, and last week, GridPoint, which also works with Duke, took on $15 million more. But there’s plenty of room in the market; as we wrote several years ago, the smart grid space may be worth as much as $45 billion.
Ambient, which is based in Boston, also picked up a $2.5 million investment in January.
Energy utilities are getting with the program when it comes to smart grids, and that’s translating into interest in a generation of startups innovating new ways to track how energy is distributed across large networks.
A startup that is also traded on the over-the-counter bulletin boards, Ambient Corp. (OTCBB: ABTG) works on smart grid tech with utilities on the east coast. That includes Duke Energy, which just inked a $10.7 million contract with the company to further develop the technology, according to VentureWire (subscription required).
The investment follows closely on two others into similar companies: eMeter just received $12.5 million, and last week, GridPoint, which also works with Duke, took on $15 million more. But there’s plenty of room in the market; as we wrote several years ago, the smart grid space may be worth as much as $45 billion.
Ambient, which is based in Boston, also picked up a $2.5 million investment in January.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Ambient Introduces Newest Communications Node, X-2000- Key Component of Ambient Smart Grid(TM)
Monday April 7, 9:00 am ET
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ambient Corporation (OTCBB: ABTG - News) announced today the incorporation of key design innovations into the latest model of its communications node, commercially known as the X-2000. Ambient’s hybrid platform, Ambient Smart Grid™, supports multiple communications technologies such as cellular, fiber and power line carrier along with previously supported technologies such as Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) and Wi-Fi.
The combination of a flexible modular communications platform based on a single device, the Ambient X-2000, minimizes utility equipment needed at the transformer. The X-2000 also incorporates Ambient’s current and voltage sensing capabilities; very important for utilities to monitor power delivery and operational status.
The Ambient Smart Grid™ enables a two-way, real-time communications platform, utilizing the X-2000, to serve the “last mile” backhaul, necessary for utilities to implement smart grid applications such as Advanced Meter Reading (AMR), real-time pricing, Demand Side Management (DSM) and direct load control. When combined, these applications can offer economic, operational and environmental benefits for utilities and utility customers.
Ambient first introduced multiple high-speed BPL interfaces and Wi-Fi into its nodes in early 2005, and continues to demonstrate its ability to adapt and keep pace with the changing needs of electric utilities with numerous wireless and wire-line technology combinations available now for implementation. Ambient’s flexible hybrid communications platform, managed by Ambient’s Network Management System, AmbientNMS™, meets the needs of utilities modernizing their grids for the information age by providing a single platform for multiple applications such as AMR, SCADA and sensor networks.
“In its Grid 2030: A National Vision for Electricity’s Second 100 Years, the Department of Energy (DOE) has stated that our electrical grid, ‘the supreme engineering achievement of the 20th century, is aging, inefficient, and congested, and incapable of meeting the future energy needs’. The DOE predicts a 20% increase in peak demand for electricity over the next ten years, which will only worsen in the future. Thus, creating a new, smart electrical grid will be essential in addressing some of the problems that exist today,” stated Ram Rao, CTO of Ambient.
“Addressing these concerns and very serious issues, we have designed the X-2000 to enable utilities to deploy a scalable hybrid communications infrastructure that meets the specific requirements for different segments of their distribution system while minimizing the operational and management overhead, with the attainable goal of creating a truly smart grid,” continued Mr. Rao.
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ambient Corporation (OTCBB: ABTG - News) announced today the incorporation of key design innovations into the latest model of its communications node, commercially known as the X-2000. Ambient’s hybrid platform, Ambient Smart Grid™, supports multiple communications technologies such as cellular, fiber and power line carrier along with previously supported technologies such as Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) and Wi-Fi.
The combination of a flexible modular communications platform based on a single device, the Ambient X-2000, minimizes utility equipment needed at the transformer. The X-2000 also incorporates Ambient’s current and voltage sensing capabilities; very important for utilities to monitor power delivery and operational status.
The Ambient Smart Grid™ enables a two-way, real-time communications platform, utilizing the X-2000, to serve the “last mile” backhaul, necessary for utilities to implement smart grid applications such as Advanced Meter Reading (AMR), real-time pricing, Demand Side Management (DSM) and direct load control. When combined, these applications can offer economic, operational and environmental benefits for utilities and utility customers.
Ambient first introduced multiple high-speed BPL interfaces and Wi-Fi into its nodes in early 2005, and continues to demonstrate its ability to adapt and keep pace with the changing needs of electric utilities with numerous wireless and wire-line technology combinations available now for implementation. Ambient’s flexible hybrid communications platform, managed by Ambient’s Network Management System, AmbientNMS™, meets the needs of utilities modernizing their grids for the information age by providing a single platform for multiple applications such as AMR, SCADA and sensor networks.
“In its Grid 2030: A National Vision for Electricity’s Second 100 Years, the Department of Energy (DOE) has stated that our electrical grid, ‘the supreme engineering achievement of the 20th century, is aging, inefficient, and congested, and incapable of meeting the future energy needs’. The DOE predicts a 20% increase in peak demand for electricity over the next ten years, which will only worsen in the future. Thus, creating a new, smart electrical grid will be essential in addressing some of the problems that exist today,” stated Ram Rao, CTO of Ambient.
“Addressing these concerns and very serious issues, we have designed the X-2000 to enable utilities to deploy a scalable hybrid communications infrastructure that meets the specific requirements for different segments of their distribution system while minimizing the operational and management overhead, with the attainable goal of creating a truly smart grid,” continued Mr. Rao.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Duke Energy to purchase $10.7MM AMBIENT (ABTG) Equipment and Services for Commercial Deployment of Smart Grid !!!
See: Yahoo Finance for Ambient Corp. ABTG.OB
On April 1, 2008, Ambient Corporation (“Ambient “ or the "Company") and Duke Energy (“Duke”), one of the largest electric power companies in the United States, entered into a Commercial Deployment Agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which Ambient Smart Grid equipment and technology will be deployed over portions of Duke’s electric power distribution grid.
Under the terms of the Agreement, Duke will be purchasing from the Company Smart Grid equipment and services valued at approximately $10.7MM. The Company and Duke will both exert commercially reasonable efforts including, without limitation, the dedication of appropriate staff, facilities and equipment as well as access to facilities and sites to carry out the Deployment. In addition to the equipment to be supplied by Ambient, the Company will be providing engineering and technical support as needed to design, support and assist in the completion of the Deployment.
===
Previous articles: Duke Energy's spending plan has nearly $1 billion for 'smart grid'
September 18. 2007
BPL TODAY
Duke Energy plans to spend $975 million over the next five years on what it calls the "utility of the future . . . keep reading(subscription needed) BPL Today
Click and Read:
DUKE ENERGY pushes for AMBIENT/DS2 G2 200Mbps BPL gears in N. Carolina
Click and Read:
Ambient Corporation (OTCBB: ABTG) has Expanded Broadband over Power Line Deployment with DUKE ENERGY (NYSE: DUK)
IMHO ... "The above IS A GREAT NEWS for BPL stock investors" !!!
On April 1, 2008, Ambient Corporation (“Ambient “ or the "Company") and Duke Energy (“Duke”), one of the largest electric power companies in the United States, entered into a Commercial Deployment Agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which Ambient Smart Grid equipment and technology will be deployed over portions of Duke’s electric power distribution grid.
Under the terms of the Agreement, Duke will be purchasing from the Company Smart Grid equipment and services valued at approximately $10.7MM. The Company and Duke will both exert commercially reasonable efforts including, without limitation, the dedication of appropriate staff, facilities and equipment as well as access to facilities and sites to carry out the Deployment. In addition to the equipment to be supplied by Ambient, the Company will be providing engineering and technical support as needed to design, support and assist in the completion of the Deployment.
===
Previous articles: Duke Energy's spending plan has nearly $1 billion for 'smart grid'
September 18. 2007
BPL TODAY
Duke Energy plans to spend $975 million over the next five years on what it calls the "utility of the future . . . keep reading(subscription needed) BPL Today
Click and Read:
DUKE ENERGY pushes for AMBIENT/DS2 G2 200Mbps BPL gears in N. Carolina
Click and Read:
Ambient Corporation (OTCBB: ABTG) has Expanded Broadband over Power Line Deployment with DUKE ENERGY (NYSE: DUK)IMHO ... "The above IS A GREAT NEWS for BPL stock investors" !!!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Boulder, CO: America’s First Smart Grid Town
April 2, 2008
by Cate Trotter
The Smart Grid and all of its energy-saving intelligence is coming to Boulder, Colorado, making this picturesque town at the foot of the Rockies poised to become the nation’s first fully integrated Smart Grid City within the next few years! Chosen by Xcel Energy for its location, ideal size and current infrastructure, Boulder was also chosen because of in-place smart grid initiatives through University of Colorado and several other nearby institutions. Xcel Energy and its Smart Grid Consortium will start research over the next few weeks and the first phase of Smart Grid City could be in place as early as August 2008!
The key difference between the centralized, inefficient grid of today and smart grids are identifiable access points, enabling interaction between nodes in the system to give more control over consumption. This builds a more distributed, flexible and reliable system. Energy can be collected from a range of sources connected to it, such as wind turbines or even, in times of exceptional need, grid-connected hybrid cars.
Monitoring and communication across the grid is done remotely in real-time, optimizing the entire system by making it more responsive and informative. Feedback to users and appliances is also much better, improving understanding to reduce energy use. Dynamic pricing reduces pressure at peak times. Fault detection will improve. Supply will be better matched to demand. And power and broadband could even be supplied over the same lines. New devices are being developed to make the most of the technology, such as a new washing machine by Whirlpool which powers down certain functions when it discovers that the grid is under pressure.
Widespread adoption of smart grid technology is likely to be years down the line but it`s great to see we`re making headway!
by Cate Trotter
The Smart Grid and all of its energy-saving intelligence is coming to Boulder, Colorado, making this picturesque town at the foot of the Rockies poised to become the nation’s first fully integrated Smart Grid City within the next few years! Chosen by Xcel Energy for its location, ideal size and current infrastructure, Boulder was also chosen because of in-place smart grid initiatives through University of Colorado and several other nearby institutions. Xcel Energy and its Smart Grid Consortium will start research over the next few weeks and the first phase of Smart Grid City could be in place as early as August 2008!
The key difference between the centralized, inefficient grid of today and smart grids are identifiable access points, enabling interaction between nodes in the system to give more control over consumption. This builds a more distributed, flexible and reliable system. Energy can be collected from a range of sources connected to it, such as wind turbines or even, in times of exceptional need, grid-connected hybrid cars.
Monitoring and communication across the grid is done remotely in real-time, optimizing the entire system by making it more responsive and informative. Feedback to users and appliances is also much better, improving understanding to reduce energy use. Dynamic pricing reduces pressure at peak times. Fault detection will improve. Supply will be better matched to demand. And power and broadband could even be supplied over the same lines. New devices are being developed to make the most of the technology, such as a new washing machine by Whirlpool which powers down certain functions when it discovers that the grid is under pressure.
Widespread adoption of smart grid technology is likely to be years down the line but it`s great to see we`re making headway!
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Korea Showcases Power Line (PLC) Networking
Written by T_Korea
Wednesday, 02 April 2008
Power Line Communications (PLC) carrying information over existing power lines is arousing strong interest and producing tangible outcomes recently.
Intermingling with digital technology, PLC is overcoming handicaps such as low transmission speed and reliability and expanding into broadband communications.
Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) recently developed PLC-based healthcare system allowing users to access real time health care information and professional advices without worrying about communication fees. PLC is also being applied to related areas such as integrated meter-reading and energy-management system on a test basis.
Meanwhile, KERI and Korea Electric Power Corporation will host IEEE ISPLC 2008 (International Symposium on Power-Line Communications and Its Applications) for three days from April 2 in Jeju Island. On this occasion, KERI and KEPCO will introduce research outcomes and demonstrate Korea’s PLC technology using the test bed in Jeju. KERI says “The test bed in Jeju is a pilot networking complex using real networking facility and provides a complete model for commercial PLC network.”
The demonstration in Jeju will present wireless Internet services using high-voltage (22.9kV), high-speed PLC network, automation system for electric power supply and remote metering based on high-speed PLC.
PLC fulfills power supply and data transmission at one time over a single power line. It is used for home network controlling home appliances such as TV, refrigerators, air conditioners and micro-wave ovens as well as PC.
Wednesday, 02 April 2008
Power Line Communications (PLC) carrying information over existing power lines is arousing strong interest and producing tangible outcomes recently.
Intermingling with digital technology, PLC is overcoming handicaps such as low transmission speed and reliability and expanding into broadband communications.
Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) recently developed PLC-based healthcare system allowing users to access real time health care information and professional advices without worrying about communication fees. PLC is also being applied to related areas such as integrated meter-reading and energy-management system on a test basis.
Meanwhile, KERI and Korea Electric Power Corporation will host IEEE ISPLC 2008 (International Symposium on Power-Line Communications and Its Applications) for three days from April 2 in Jeju Island. On this occasion, KERI and KEPCO will introduce research outcomes and demonstrate Korea’s PLC technology using the test bed in Jeju. KERI says “The test bed in Jeju is a pilot networking complex using real networking facility and provides a complete model for commercial PLC network.”
The demonstration in Jeju will present wireless Internet services using high-voltage (22.9kV), high-speed PLC network, automation system for electric power supply and remote metering based on high-speed PLC.
PLC fulfills power supply and data transmission at one time over a single power line. It is used for home network controlling home appliances such as TV, refrigerators, air conditioners and micro-wave ovens as well as PC.
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