GridWeek 2008...
Delivering Sustainable Energy
Washington, DC
Sep 23-25, 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.
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
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
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Corinex Provides Broadband Over Powerline In Ecuador
by Alan Harten
July 16, 2008
Corinex Communications Corp, has announced a new partnership with EMPRESA ELECTRICA QUITO (EEQ) which has selected the Consortium of TELCONET S.A., GILAUCO S.A. and BRIGHTCELL S.A. to deploy a Corinex Broadband over Powerline (BPL)
This is the second major announcement from Corinex in less than a week.
They announced on the 8th July that they had secured a contract to install and run Broadband over Powerline (BPL) technology to multiple villages and educational campuses throughout India, as part of a venture linking the Indian and Canadian governments, for research into the development of BPL as a way of reaching remote villages in under-developed areas.
That contact has an initial value of $17 million.
Through this new venture residents and businesses in Quito will have the opportunity to receive voice, video and broadband Internet services in any standard electrical outlet in the home or office.
In addition to consumer services, the Consortium will be deploying automated meters, municipal security services and distribution automation of the EEQ grid.
The Corinex BPL network project is a full commercial deployment, and when completed it will span over 15,000 kilometres of EEQ’s medium and low voltage electrical lines, connect 27,000 of its transformers and be available to 800,000 residents.
The possibilities for growth in the country seem promising.
In 2000 there were just 180,000 internet subscribers out of a population of 12 million, that had grown to just under a million users by 2006.
That may be related to the average household income more than doubling over the same period.
Another aspect that may be holding back proliferation is that although there are over thirty providers in the nation, the average monthly bill is over $20, a high price in a low income country.
This new powerline option may enable a lowering of average charges and thus a more widespread audience, especially in areas previously cut off from internet services.
Currently the Consortium of TELCONET, GILAUCO, and BRIGHTCELL is connecting 1,000 transformers per month and expects to complete the full Corinex BPL network rollout within two and a half years.
The project is expected to be one of the largest deployments of BPL technology in the world, with the Consortium winning the EEQ contract to deliver broadband services for 10 years.
Customers will be able to order different service packages ranging from 256 kbps up to one Mbps broadband access with various VoIP and video options.
Deployment of the BPL network began in December 2007 in the major metropolitan area of Quito, where 550,000 of the 1,200,000 residents are located.
The BPL network is continuously expanding since its inception, with 17 communities scheduled for receiving services, including Tabacundo, San Miguel de los Bancos, Pedro Vicente Maldonado, Sangolquí, Machachi, Baeza, Conocoto, San Rafaél, Cumbayá, Tumbaco, El Quinche, Checa, Yaruquí, Guayllabamba, Puèllaro, Atahualpa and San José de Minas.
July 16, 2008
Corinex Communications Corp, has announced a new partnership with EMPRESA ELECTRICA QUITO (EEQ) which has selected the Consortium of TELCONET S.A., GILAUCO S.A. and BRIGHTCELL S.A. to deploy a Corinex Broadband over Powerline (BPL)
This is the second major announcement from Corinex in less than a week.
They announced on the 8th July that they had secured a contract to install and run Broadband over Powerline (BPL) technology to multiple villages and educational campuses throughout India, as part of a venture linking the Indian and Canadian governments, for research into the development of BPL as a way of reaching remote villages in under-developed areas.
That contact has an initial value of $17 million.
Through this new venture residents and businesses in Quito will have the opportunity to receive voice, video and broadband Internet services in any standard electrical outlet in the home or office.
In addition to consumer services, the Consortium will be deploying automated meters, municipal security services and distribution automation of the EEQ grid.
The Corinex BPL network project is a full commercial deployment, and when completed it will span over 15,000 kilometres of EEQ’s medium and low voltage electrical lines, connect 27,000 of its transformers and be available to 800,000 residents.
The possibilities for growth in the country seem promising.
In 2000 there were just 180,000 internet subscribers out of a population of 12 million, that had grown to just under a million users by 2006.
That may be related to the average household income more than doubling over the same period.
Another aspect that may be holding back proliferation is that although there are over thirty providers in the nation, the average monthly bill is over $20, a high price in a low income country.
This new powerline option may enable a lowering of average charges and thus a more widespread audience, especially in areas previously cut off from internet services.
Currently the Consortium of TELCONET, GILAUCO, and BRIGHTCELL is connecting 1,000 transformers per month and expects to complete the full Corinex BPL network rollout within two and a half years.
The project is expected to be one of the largest deployments of BPL technology in the world, with the Consortium winning the EEQ contract to deliver broadband services for 10 years.
Customers will be able to order different service packages ranging from 256 kbps up to one Mbps broadband access with various VoIP and video options.
Deployment of the BPL network began in December 2007 in the major metropolitan area of Quito, where 550,000 of the 1,200,000 residents are located.
The BPL network is continuously expanding since its inception, with 17 communities scheduled for receiving services, including Tabacundo, San Miguel de los Bancos, Pedro Vicente Maldonado, Sangolquí, Machachi, Baeza, Conocoto, San Rafaél, Cumbayá, Tumbaco, El Quinche, Checa, Yaruquí, Guayllabamba, Puèllaro, Atahualpa and San José de Minas.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Call for efficiency widens in utility sector !!!
Call for efficiency widens in utility sector
By Steve Gelsi, MarketWatch
Last update: 9:51 p.m. EDT July 10, 2008NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- It's rare in the history of American business for an industry to discourage people from buying more of its own product, but that's exactly what giant utility companies are doing with their customers nowadays.
Up against skyrocketing costs of power plants, fuel to generate electricity and an already burdened infrastructure, U.S. power providers are throwing the switch on efficiency to curb the need for pricey new power plants, power lines and substations.
"There are major changes coming," Thomas Kuhn, president of the Edison Electric Institute trade group said at a press briefing Thursday. "Electric companies want to re-invent the role that energy efficiency plays within our industry. We want to turn energy efficiency to a primary focus."
more ... Call for efficiency widens in utility sector
By Steve Gelsi, MarketWatch
Last update: 9:51 p.m. EDT July 10, 2008NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- It's rare in the history of American business for an industry to discourage people from buying more of its own product, but that's exactly what giant utility companies are doing with their customers nowadays.
Up against skyrocketing costs of power plants, fuel to generate electricity and an already burdened infrastructure, U.S. power providers are throwing the switch on efficiency to curb the need for pricey new power plants, power lines and substations.
"There are major changes coming," Thomas Kuhn, president of the Edison Electric Institute trade group said at a press briefing Thursday. "Electric companies want to re-invent the role that energy efficiency plays within our industry. We want to turn energy efficiency to a primary focus."
more ... Call for efficiency widens in utility sector
Watch Video:
Click here: The Modern Grid !!!
The Modern Grid Strategy
NETL’s Modern Grid Strategy (MGS) seeks to accelerate the modernization of our nation’s electricity grid. To accomplish this, MGS is fostering the development of a common, national vision among grid stakeholders. MGS is also working toward a framework that enables utilities, vendors, consumers, researchers and other stakeholders to form partnerships and overcome barriers. Finally, MGS supports demonstrations of systems of key technologies that can serve as the foundation for an integrated, modern power grid.
The Challenge of the Old Grid: America’s global competitiveness and quality of life depend upon plentiful, reliable electric power. Consider some of the economic consequences of power losses:
Power interruptions and disturbances cost the U.S. electricity consumer at least $79 billion per year1 [PDF-94KB]
A recent rolling blackout caused an estimated $75 million [PDF-692KB] in losses in Silicon Valley alone.2
When the Chicago Board of Trade lost power for an hour during the summer of 2000, trades worth $20 trillion [PDF-692KB] could not be executed.3
Our nation is increasingly held back by an outdated power delivery infrastructure. Designed in the 1960s or earlier, much of this critical national asset is well beyond its design life. The financial consequences of interruptions are growing into an enormous threat.
A Vision for the Modern Grid
Characteristics of
the Modern Grid
Technologies of
the Modern Grid
Benefits of the
Modern Grid
The Modern Grid Stakeholder Community
Current Documents
Opportunity – A New Dawn for the Grid: The power grid is increasingly operating at its limit, facing shortcomings in capacity, reliability, security and power quality. Smart investments must occur to replace aging infrastructure and expand capacity where necessary to meet increasing electricity demand. This investment represents a once-in-a-century opportunity to apply new technologies and systems rather than the antiquated designs and technologies of the 1960s and earlier. New advances in power delivery, communications and information technology have laid the groundwork for a modern grid. Proven effective in lab tests and field trials, these cutting-edge solutions offer dramatic improvements in power quality, service and cost savings.
The technology is here, the challenges are manageable, and the benefits far outweigh the costs. Through collaboration and cooperation, we can renew the nation’s power infrastructure in a phased, affordable way and create the foundation for our country’s economic growth and prosperity.
Follow the links to the right to learn more about our efforts to modernize the grid, or contact a MGS team member directly by sending an email to: moderngrid@netl.doe.gov.
The Modern Grid Strategy
NETL’s Modern Grid Strategy (MGS) seeks to accelerate the modernization of our nation’s electricity grid. To accomplish this, MGS is fostering the development of a common, national vision among grid stakeholders. MGS is also working toward a framework that enables utilities, vendors, consumers, researchers and other stakeholders to form partnerships and overcome barriers. Finally, MGS supports demonstrations of systems of key technologies that can serve as the foundation for an integrated, modern power grid.
The Challenge of the Old Grid: America’s global competitiveness and quality of life depend upon plentiful, reliable electric power. Consider some of the economic consequences of power losses:
Power interruptions and disturbances cost the U.S. electricity consumer at least $79 billion per year1 [PDF-94KB]
A recent rolling blackout caused an estimated $75 million [PDF-692KB] in losses in Silicon Valley alone.2
When the Chicago Board of Trade lost power for an hour during the summer of 2000, trades worth $20 trillion [PDF-692KB] could not be executed.3
Our nation is increasingly held back by an outdated power delivery infrastructure. Designed in the 1960s or earlier, much of this critical national asset is well beyond its design life. The financial consequences of interruptions are growing into an enormous threat.
A Vision for the Modern Grid
Characteristics of
the Modern Grid
Technologies of
the Modern Grid
Benefits of the
Modern Grid
The Modern Grid Stakeholder Community
Current Documents
Opportunity – A New Dawn for the Grid: The power grid is increasingly operating at its limit, facing shortcomings in capacity, reliability, security and power quality. Smart investments must occur to replace aging infrastructure and expand capacity where necessary to meet increasing electricity demand. This investment represents a once-in-a-century opportunity to apply new technologies and systems rather than the antiquated designs and technologies of the 1960s and earlier. New advances in power delivery, communications and information technology have laid the groundwork for a modern grid. Proven effective in lab tests and field trials, these cutting-edge solutions offer dramatic improvements in power quality, service and cost savings.
The technology is here, the challenges are manageable, and the benefits far outweigh the costs. Through collaboration and cooperation, we can renew the nation’s power infrastructure in a phased, affordable way and create the foundation for our country’s economic growth and prosperity.
Follow the links to the right to learn more about our efforts to modernize the grid, or contact a MGS team member directly by sending an email to: moderngrid@netl.doe.gov.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
200Mbps BPL to Connect Amethi Villagers -- in India !!
BPL to Connect Amethi Villagers
By Sonal Desai
Mumbai, Jul 8, 2008
Broadband over Powerline (BPL) technology will be used to provide Broadband access to ten villages in Amethi (Uttar Pradesh). These villages, with a collective population of about 3,000, can avail of this service within 12 months.
These villages will have automated water and electric meters in the next nine months. The villagers will also be able to execute intelligent grid management.
The ten villages are a part of a multi million dollar pilot project that will connect them over the Broadband over Powerline (BPL) technology. BPL equipment is used to send an IP signal at 200 Mbps over existing power lines in medium and low voltage applications.
The technology can provide real-time access for utility application from usage information, proactive outage notification, automatic meter reading, load management capabilities among other utility management and customer service enhancements.
"The technology will provide access to multiple forms of communication including the World Wide Web and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)," said Retaish Parimoo, MD (India operations) for Maple Leaf India.
New Delhi-based Maple Leaf has partnered with Vancouver-based Corinex and the Indian Institute of Information Technology (Allahabad) for the project, to be based on a hub and spoke model.
Citing the benefits of installing BPL, Parimoo said, "The BPL can be installed on existing transmission lines, and will therefore not disturb infrastructure." Currently, the company is in talks with the ministry of science and technology, and utility companies for the required permissions.
Once the infrastructure is set-up, the villagers will be a part of a bi-directional flow of information. BPL can then be used for various other functions of e-governance such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and information on other government schemes. It will also be cost effective. A kilometer of the BPL technology costs one-fourth of optical fiber, Parimoo said.
He said the company is presently importing the technology from Vancouver, but if the demand for BPL increases, it will consider manufacturing the technology in India. He said that once the project starts off, Maple will bid for similar projects to connect villages across India.
By Sonal Desai
Mumbai, Jul 8, 2008
Broadband over Powerline (BPL) technology will be used to provide Broadband access to ten villages in Amethi (Uttar Pradesh). These villages, with a collective population of about 3,000, can avail of this service within 12 months.
These villages will have automated water and electric meters in the next nine months. The villagers will also be able to execute intelligent grid management.
The ten villages are a part of a multi million dollar pilot project that will connect them over the Broadband over Powerline (BPL) technology. BPL equipment is used to send an IP signal at 200 Mbps over existing power lines in medium and low voltage applications.
The technology can provide real-time access for utility application from usage information, proactive outage notification, automatic meter reading, load management capabilities among other utility management and customer service enhancements.
"The technology will provide access to multiple forms of communication including the World Wide Web and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)," said Retaish Parimoo, MD (India operations) for Maple Leaf India.
New Delhi-based Maple Leaf has partnered with Vancouver-based Corinex and the Indian Institute of Information Technology (Allahabad) for the project, to be based on a hub and spoke model.
Citing the benefits of installing BPL, Parimoo said, "The BPL can be installed on existing transmission lines, and will therefore not disturb infrastructure." Currently, the company is in talks with the ministry of science and technology, and utility companies for the required permissions.
Once the infrastructure is set-up, the villagers will be a part of a bi-directional flow of information. BPL can then be used for various other functions of e-governance such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and information on other government schemes. It will also be cost effective. A kilometer of the BPL technology costs one-fourth of optical fiber, Parimoo said.
He said the company is presently importing the technology from Vancouver, but if the demand for BPL increases, it will consider manufacturing the technology in India. He said that once the project starts off, Maple will bid for similar projects to connect villages across India.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Corinex Providing Internet Access to Villages in India Through Broadband over Powerline Technology
Company playing key role in science and technology research and development initiatives between India and Canada, valued at more than $17 million
(Vancouver, B.C. – July 7, 2008) ― Corinex Communications Corp., a leading provider of Powerline and Coaxial networking products, announces today that they will lead a project to provide Internet access to villages in India through Broadband over Powerline (BPL) technology. The technology will connect adjoining villages in India to the Internet using existing powerlines to transfer broadband Internet access. Corinex’s BPL technology is one of the recipients of joint science and technology research awards and development initiatives between India and Canada, valued at more than $17 million.
The objective of this research and development project is to develop BPL technology to suit Indian conditions so the technology can be later deployed for large scale use. The technology will deliver multi-fold benefits to India when it connects villages throughout the country to the Internet. Corinex’s BPL technology will provide access to multiple forms of communication including the World Wide Web and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
Vancouver-based Corinex will be working with the Indian Institute of Information Technology (Allahabad) in partnership with the Maple Leaf India Pvt. Limited in New Delhi, India.
“We are extremely pleased to be working with our colleagues at Maple Leaf India and the Indian Institute of Information Technology on this project,” said Scott Despot, Senior Director of Sales at Corinex Communications Corp. “Bringing Internet connectivity to remote villages in India with Corinex’s Broadband over Powerline technology is a very exciting endeavor, and we look forward to the project.”
“This opportunity will allow us to showcase suitability of BPL technology for mass deployment opportunities across India,” said Retaish Parimoo, GM of MapleLeaf India. “After the successful installation of Corinex BPL technology with IIIT (Allahabad) it is a natural step to move forward.”
Indian union minister of science, technology and earth sciences, Kapil Sibal, and Canadian minister of foreign affairs and international trade for the Pacific Gateway, David Emerson, announced 10 joint research and development initiatives involving Canadian and Indian companies valued at more than $17 million.
The award to Corinex Communications will be used for project deployment of the BPL solution in two campuses. Ten villages are targeted to be completed approximately one year from the day work begins – subject to various factors. It is anticipated deployment will be completed in the villages, connecting about 3,000 users, within the next 18 months. During this period research and development will also be focused towards making this technology adoptable in India for intelligent grid, automatic meter reading, power management applications, etc.
Once the technology is deployed on a large scale, the revenues will be generated every month for the total life span of the equipments with minimal maintenance costs. Also, since the same infrastructure will be usable for intelligent grid management as well, there will be significant benefits for the utility in using this technology, hence the investments in this technology development are well justified.
(Vancouver, B.C. – July 7, 2008) ― Corinex Communications Corp., a leading provider of Powerline and Coaxial networking products, announces today that they will lead a project to provide Internet access to villages in India through Broadband over Powerline (BPL) technology. The technology will connect adjoining villages in India to the Internet using existing powerlines to transfer broadband Internet access. Corinex’s BPL technology is one of the recipients of joint science and technology research awards and development initiatives between India and Canada, valued at more than $17 million.
The objective of this research and development project is to develop BPL technology to suit Indian conditions so the technology can be later deployed for large scale use. The technology will deliver multi-fold benefits to India when it connects villages throughout the country to the Internet. Corinex’s BPL technology will provide access to multiple forms of communication including the World Wide Web and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
Vancouver-based Corinex will be working with the Indian Institute of Information Technology (Allahabad) in partnership with the Maple Leaf India Pvt. Limited in New Delhi, India.
“We are extremely pleased to be working with our colleagues at Maple Leaf India and the Indian Institute of Information Technology on this project,” said Scott Despot, Senior Director of Sales at Corinex Communications Corp. “Bringing Internet connectivity to remote villages in India with Corinex’s Broadband over Powerline technology is a very exciting endeavor, and we look forward to the project.”
“This opportunity will allow us to showcase suitability of BPL technology for mass deployment opportunities across India,” said Retaish Parimoo, GM of MapleLeaf India. “After the successful installation of Corinex BPL technology with IIIT (Allahabad) it is a natural step to move forward.”
Indian union minister of science, technology and earth sciences, Kapil Sibal, and Canadian minister of foreign affairs and international trade for the Pacific Gateway, David Emerson, announced 10 joint research and development initiatives involving Canadian and Indian companies valued at more than $17 million.
The award to Corinex Communications will be used for project deployment of the BPL solution in two campuses. Ten villages are targeted to be completed approximately one year from the day work begins – subject to various factors. It is anticipated deployment will be completed in the villages, connecting about 3,000 users, within the next 18 months. During this period research and development will also be focused towards making this technology adoptable in India for intelligent grid, automatic meter reading, power management applications, etc.
Once the technology is deployed on a large scale, the revenues will be generated every month for the total life span of the equipments with minimal maintenance costs. Also, since the same infrastructure will be usable for intelligent grid management as well, there will be significant benefits for the utility in using this technology, hence the investments in this technology development are well justified.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Phase3 telecom expands cheaper powerline Internet option
Bill Okonedo
30 June, 2008 02:00:00
Cheaper Internet service opportunities might in the pipeline for Nigerians as an indigenous company, Phase 3 Telecom, which provides broadband Internet service over high voltage power transmission lines has earmarked $200 million (N23.6 billion) for the expansion of its' service coverage across Nigeria.
Power line communication (PLC), also known as power line carrier, mains communication, power line telecom (PLT), or power line networking (PLN), is a system for carrying data on a conductor also used for electric power transmission. Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) uses PLC by sending and receiving radio signals over power lines to provide access to the Internet.
Electrical power is transmitted over high voltage transmission lines, distributed over medium voltage, and used inside buildings at lower voltages. Powerline communications can be applied at each stage. Most PLC technologies limit themselves to one set of wires (for example, premises wiring), but some can cross between two levels (for example, both the distribution network and premises wiring).
Phase 3 Telecom which is licensed to offer transmission services in the telecommunications sector says it will spend the money for its optic fibre coverage across Nigeria.
Stanley Jegede, the,chief executive officer says the company has before now spent over $100m deploying optic fibre in many cities in Nigeria and providing the needed backbone that had been absent in many towns and cities.
Jegede said that the company, which has been operating in Nigeria for about five years , has been providing services using optic fibre over high voltage power transmission lines, adding that this would be combined with underground fibre to compliment where necessary.
He explained fibre over high voltage which involves lashing and stringing optic fibre over power lines holds a lot of advantages over the traditional underground laying of fibre. He said the advantages include security and high-level reliability.
All power line communications systems operate by impressing a modulated carrier signal on the wiring system. Different types of powerline communications use different frequency bands, depending on the signal transmission characteristics of the power wiring used. Since the power wiring system was originally intended for transmission of AC power, the power wire circuits have only a limited ability to carry higher frequencies. The propagation problem is a limiting factor for each type of power line communications.
Data rates over a power line communication system vary widely. Low-frequency (about 100-200 kHz) carriers impressed on high-voltage transmission lines may carry one or two analog voice circuits, or telemetry and control circuits with an equivalent data rate of a few hundred bits per second; however, these circuits may be many miles (kilometres) long. Higher data rates generally imply shorter ranges; a local area network operating at millions of bits per second may only cover one floor of an office building, but eliminates installation of dedicated network cabling.
30 June, 2008 02:00:00
Cheaper Internet service opportunities might in the pipeline for Nigerians as an indigenous company, Phase 3 Telecom, which provides broadband Internet service over high voltage power transmission lines has earmarked $200 million (N23.6 billion) for the expansion of its' service coverage across Nigeria.
Power line communication (PLC), also known as power line carrier, mains communication, power line telecom (PLT), or power line networking (PLN), is a system for carrying data on a conductor also used for electric power transmission. Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) uses PLC by sending and receiving radio signals over power lines to provide access to the Internet.
Electrical power is transmitted over high voltage transmission lines, distributed over medium voltage, and used inside buildings at lower voltages. Powerline communications can be applied at each stage. Most PLC technologies limit themselves to one set of wires (for example, premises wiring), but some can cross between two levels (for example, both the distribution network and premises wiring).
Phase 3 Telecom which is licensed to offer transmission services in the telecommunications sector says it will spend the money for its optic fibre coverage across Nigeria.
Stanley Jegede, the,chief executive officer says the company has before now spent over $100m deploying optic fibre in many cities in Nigeria and providing the needed backbone that had been absent in many towns and cities.
Jegede said that the company, which has been operating in Nigeria for about five years , has been providing services using optic fibre over high voltage power transmission lines, adding that this would be combined with underground fibre to compliment where necessary.
He explained fibre over high voltage which involves lashing and stringing optic fibre over power lines holds a lot of advantages over the traditional underground laying of fibre. He said the advantages include security and high-level reliability.
All power line communications systems operate by impressing a modulated carrier signal on the wiring system. Different types of powerline communications use different frequency bands, depending on the signal transmission characteristics of the power wiring used. Since the power wiring system was originally intended for transmission of AC power, the power wire circuits have only a limited ability to carry higher frequencies. The propagation problem is a limiting factor for each type of power line communications.
Data rates over a power line communication system vary widely. Low-frequency (about 100-200 kHz) carriers impressed on high-voltage transmission lines may carry one or two analog voice circuits, or telemetry and control circuits with an equivalent data rate of a few hundred bits per second; however, these circuits may be many miles (kilometres) long. Higher data rates generally imply shorter ranges; a local area network operating at millions of bits per second may only cover one floor of an office building, but eliminates installation of dedicated network cabling.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Ambient Smart Grid™ Communications Network
Ambient Smart Grid™
The Ambient Smart Grid™ Communications Network
The Ambient Smart Grid™ communications solution is a modular network overlaid on the medium-voltage and low-voltage segments of the power distribution system allowing real-time insight into the operations of the electrical distribution grid while supporting any IP-based application. High-speed backhaul connections (which go to the Internet or to private networks) connect the Ambient Smart Grid™ network at any point along the medium voltage circuit allowing for IP data traffic to be carried, via a choice of multiple technologies including BPL, Wi-Fi, cellular, and/or low bit rate power line carrier (PLC).
To date, no single solution or technology exists which provides the necessary flexibility in a cost-effective solution enabling a comprehensive digital communications network, incorporating standards-based technologies. Ambient’s Smart Grid™ communications platform was developed specifically to fill this void and meet the utility’s needs by integrating various technologies within the Ambient platform.
Making up the Ambient platform are nodes configured to act as individual data processors and collectors that receive and transmit the Ambient Smart Grid™ communications signal from other networked devices including other nodes, couplers or end-user devices. Ambient's node can directly interface with any device with a serial or Ethernet port, and can deliver high-speed communications data using existing and developing technologies including BPL, Wi-Fi, Cellular, low bit rate PLC or any combination of these communications protocols. Our node is a modular device that can be configured for different roles within the network. Nodes can repeat (regenerate) the signal, and accept backhaul connections (fiber, Ethernet, etc) or various end-user connections. Within the Ambient network, each node is individually addressed and can be remotely accessed to detect system status (such as power and low battery conditions) and perform management functions. Ambient’s nodes are built for use in the exposed electrical distribution grid and meet the necessary certifications.
Couplers are another key component of Ambient’s network for select applications. Couplers transfer the communications signal to and from medium voltage and low voltage power lines in a BPL or PLC network, and also serve to read, in real-time, the current of the electrical distribution grid. Since a single coupler cannot span this entire range of options, we have developed inductive couplers for medium voltage overhead and underground lines and inductive and capacitive couplers for low voltage applications.
To manage the large numbers of nodes, devices, and customers on a smart grid network, Ambient has developed a network management system, trademarked as AmbientNMS™. AmbientNMS™ has a simple to use, browser-based interface and supports auto-discovery of network resources, VLANs, provisioning, multiple networks, event logging, data collection, alerts, reporting, and multiple levels of users and security. The AmbientNMS™ will continue to be enhanced with additional features and functionality.
Concerns with data security and data integrity are considered and addressed at all levels of the system. Safety and compliance with regulatory requirements are top priorities throughout the design, development, manufacture and deployment of all of our equipment. Our nodes are tested, and certified as complying to applicable United States and Canadian safety standards for information technology equipment. Our overhead couplers are tested to ANSI Standards for electrical power insulators and are designed for safe non-contact installation with either hot sticks or rubber gloves.
The Ambient Smart Grid™ Communications Network
The Ambient Smart Grid™ communications solution is a modular network overlaid on the medium-voltage and low-voltage segments of the power distribution system allowing real-time insight into the operations of the electrical distribution grid while supporting any IP-based application. High-speed backhaul connections (which go to the Internet or to private networks) connect the Ambient Smart Grid™ network at any point along the medium voltage circuit allowing for IP data traffic to be carried, via a choice of multiple technologies including BPL, Wi-Fi, cellular, and/or low bit rate power line carrier (PLC).
To date, no single solution or technology exists which provides the necessary flexibility in a cost-effective solution enabling a comprehensive digital communications network, incorporating standards-based technologies. Ambient’s Smart Grid™ communications platform was developed specifically to fill this void and meet the utility’s needs by integrating various technologies within the Ambient platform.
Making up the Ambient platform are nodes configured to act as individual data processors and collectors that receive and transmit the Ambient Smart Grid™ communications signal from other networked devices including other nodes, couplers or end-user devices. Ambient's node can directly interface with any device with a serial or Ethernet port, and can deliver high-speed communications data using existing and developing technologies including BPL, Wi-Fi, Cellular, low bit rate PLC or any combination of these communications protocols. Our node is a modular device that can be configured for different roles within the network. Nodes can repeat (regenerate) the signal, and accept backhaul connections (fiber, Ethernet, etc) or various end-user connections. Within the Ambient network, each node is individually addressed and can be remotely accessed to detect system status (such as power and low battery conditions) and perform management functions. Ambient’s nodes are built for use in the exposed electrical distribution grid and meet the necessary certifications.
Couplers are another key component of Ambient’s network for select applications. Couplers transfer the communications signal to and from medium voltage and low voltage power lines in a BPL or PLC network, and also serve to read, in real-time, the current of the electrical distribution grid. Since a single coupler cannot span this entire range of options, we have developed inductive couplers for medium voltage overhead and underground lines and inductive and capacitive couplers for low voltage applications.
To manage the large numbers of nodes, devices, and customers on a smart grid network, Ambient has developed a network management system, trademarked as AmbientNMS™. AmbientNMS™ has a simple to use, browser-based interface and supports auto-discovery of network resources, VLANs, provisioning, multiple networks, event logging, data collection, alerts, reporting, and multiple levels of users and security. The AmbientNMS™ will continue to be enhanced with additional features and functionality.
Concerns with data security and data integrity are considered and addressed at all levels of the system. Safety and compliance with regulatory requirements are top priorities throughout the design, development, manufacture and deployment of all of our equipment. Our nodes are tested, and certified as complying to applicable United States and Canadian safety standards for information technology equipment. Our overhead couplers are tested to ANSI Standards for electrical power insulators and are designed for safe non-contact installation with either hot sticks or rubber gloves.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
MainNet Introduces Future-proof, Open Protocol Smart Metering and Smart Grid Platform
FALLS CHURCH, Virginia, June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- MainNet Communications, a leading provider of Smart Metering (AMI) and Smart Grid solutions to utility companies, announced today the introduction of Solo(TM), its new end-to-end AMI platform.
The Solo platform is a future-proof system that includes meters with under-the-glass meter interface modules (MIMs); a secure, reliable, two-way broadband communication over power line and two-way wireless mesh communication network to the meter and home area network (HAN); and back-office software tools for AMI and a variety of other Smart Grid applications.
"With Solo, utility companies can now enjoy a cost-effective, flexible and reliable AMI solution which will meet all their Smart Grid requirements today and for years to come," said Joe Marsilii, MainNet's CEO.
The Solo hybrid communication network combines MainNet's field-proven Ethernet-based power line communication system with an IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee RF Mesh network to ZigBee-enabled meters. This network also serves as the infrastructure for additional Smart Grid applications, including in-home load switches, thermostats and smart appliances; reading of other utility meters (e.g. water and gas), and much more. The communications network is based on open protocols and allows the utility to add applications by connecting any ZigBee-based or Ethernet- based device to the network, including distribution automation switches, sensors and other devices from a wide variety of standards-based products. The Solo hybrid communication units are housed in MainNet's compact, lightweight, weatherproof (IP67) and UL certified module.
In December, 2007, Congress passed the Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007 which among other things called for a modernization of the electric distribution network "... to maintain a reliable and secure electricity infrastructure that can meet future demand growth... a Smart Grid".
The Act went further to define key characteristics of a Smart Grid which include:
- Integration of distributed resources and generation.
- Incorporation of demand response, demand-side resources and energy
efficiency resources.
- Deployment of "smart" technologies (real-time, automated, interactive
technologies) for metering, communications concerning the grid
operations and status and distributed automation.
- Integration of "smart" appliances.
- And, provision to consumers of timely information and control options.
These characteristics translate into the requirement for a single platform to control and communicate, two-way, in real-time, with a host of applications including the electric meter, customer appliances, distribution network elements and distributed generation facilities. But also necessary is a platform that will last for 15 or more years and have the capacity for additional applications. Using a broadband standards based communications which include IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) and IEEE 802.15.4 (ZigBee), MainNet meets these utility requirements for Smart Grid of today and the future.
"Our customers have expressed excitement about Solo and have confirmed that it is the ultimate response to their needs. MainNet is proud to add this revolutionary solution to its Smart Grid offerings. Solo, it's all you need!", added Costa Apostolakis, MainNet's COO.
Solo is available for pilot installations and will be installed in several customer sites in the next few weeks. It will be commercially available in the third quarter of 2008.
The Solo platform is a future-proof system that includes meters with under-the-glass meter interface modules (MIMs); a secure, reliable, two-way broadband communication over power line and two-way wireless mesh communication network to the meter and home area network (HAN); and back-office software tools for AMI and a variety of other Smart Grid applications.
"With Solo, utility companies can now enjoy a cost-effective, flexible and reliable AMI solution which will meet all their Smart Grid requirements today and for years to come," said Joe Marsilii, MainNet's CEO.
The Solo hybrid communication network combines MainNet's field-proven Ethernet-based power line communication system with an IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee RF Mesh network to ZigBee-enabled meters. This network also serves as the infrastructure for additional Smart Grid applications, including in-home load switches, thermostats and smart appliances; reading of other utility meters (e.g. water and gas), and much more. The communications network is based on open protocols and allows the utility to add applications by connecting any ZigBee-based or Ethernet- based device to the network, including distribution automation switches, sensors and other devices from a wide variety of standards-based products. The Solo hybrid communication units are housed in MainNet's compact, lightweight, weatherproof (IP67) and UL certified module.
In December, 2007, Congress passed the Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007 which among other things called for a modernization of the electric distribution network "... to maintain a reliable and secure electricity infrastructure that can meet future demand growth... a Smart Grid".
The Act went further to define key characteristics of a Smart Grid which include:
- Integration of distributed resources and generation.
- Incorporation of demand response, demand-side resources and energy
efficiency resources.
- Deployment of "smart" technologies (real-time, automated, interactive
technologies) for metering, communications concerning the grid
operations and status and distributed automation.
- Integration of "smart" appliances.
- And, provision to consumers of timely information and control options.
These characteristics translate into the requirement for a single platform to control and communicate, two-way, in real-time, with a host of applications including the electric meter, customer appliances, distribution network elements and distributed generation facilities. But also necessary is a platform that will last for 15 or more years and have the capacity for additional applications. Using a broadband standards based communications which include IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) and IEEE 802.15.4 (ZigBee), MainNet meets these utility requirements for Smart Grid of today and the future.
"Our customers have expressed excitement about Solo and have confirmed that it is the ultimate response to their needs. MainNet is proud to add this revolutionary solution to its Smart Grid offerings. Solo, it's all you need!", added Costa Apostolakis, MainNet's COO.
Solo is available for pilot installations and will be installed in several customer sites in the next few weeks. It will be commercially available in the third quarter of 2008.
Monday, June 09, 2008
High-speed Internet coming to rural area - via BPL !!!
High-speed Internet coming to rural area
By David Lazenby
The Cullman Times
The Cullman Electric Cooperative has launched a pilot project to give some rural residents a fast track on the Information Superhighway
Brian Lacy, the co-op communications coordinator, said the broadband over powerline (BPL) Internet service will be offered to its members served by the Berlin substation starting later this month.
Lacy said the service may benefit as many as 1,800 individuals who currently can only get Internet access through satellite service — and that’s only if they have a clear view of the southern sky from their homes.
Cullman Electric Cooperative is doing the project in conjunction with an Alabama-based Internet service provider known as IBEC, an acronym for International Broadband Electric Communications.
Last month, the power board did a survey of residents in the affected region of east central Cullman County to determine the desirability of BPL Internet access.
“We have done a survey to try to gauge the interest,” Lacy said.
Melissa Cartee, the co-op’s vice president of member services and community development, said notification was sent by mail Monday to co-op members for whom the service will be made available this month.
Regardless of the results of the survey, Lacy said the co-op is committed to providing the BPL service.
“We’re going to put it out there,” Lacy said. “The people who live out there are right now really limited in what their choices are. That’s one of the reasons the co-op is looking at this in the first place.”
Cartee concurred. “It’s not just a pilot program to see if it’s going to work or not, but it’s a pilot program to determine how fast we’re going to continue on with it,” she said.
Scott Lee, the CEO of IBEC, said he does not think of the project as a pilot program. He said it would be better described as “a demonstration for the full deployment.”
For now, Cullman Power Board is not following in the co-op’s footsteps. General manager Mike Manning said currently the power board does not have plans to provide BPL service to the more than 8,200 homes it serves.
“We may choose to at a later time,” said Manning, who added BPL technology is still in development.
Lacy touted the ways BPL is more convenient than other avenues of Internet access such as those that require access to phone line and cable outlets.
“It comes through the plugs in your house,” Lacy said. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the attic or if you’re in the basement. If you have an outlet, and you plug your modem in, you have high-speed Internet access there.”
“It gives a lot more flexibility from the standpoint of portability,” Lee said.
Lacy said the only additional infrastructure needed to provide the service is regulators attached to area power polls that boost the Internet signal. This work, he said, would be done by the IBEC at no cost to the co-op.
Lacy said if the program is successful, the co-op plans to expand the service to other rural parts of the county that previously had few options for obtaining broadband access.
“If it’s something that turns out to be a good thing, and it’s feasible and something we feel will be to our members’ benefit, then we would move forward and start working on bringing it to other portions of our service territory,” he said.
Although Lee said IBEC’s initiative is geared toward rural residents, BPL may one day be provided county-wide.
“If everything goes well with this deployment, we will be scheduling additional substations by August and if we get rolling in a year, year and a half, we could have all Cullman Electric (Cooperative) deployed, which covers about 40,000 homes,” Lee said.
A broadband Internet consumer facts portion of the Federal Communications Commission’s Web site, www.fcc.gov, states that “BPL speeds are comparable to DSL (Digital Subscriber Lines) and cable modem speeds.”
To use the service, Lacy said residents will be required to pay $99 fee to purchase and activate a BPL modem. Lacy said an installation crew would deliver the modem with instructions.
According to IBEC’s Web site, ibec.net, monthly service fees start at $29.95. Lacy said co-op members who use the service will be allowed to pay the fee through their monthly power bill.
Cartee said word-of-mouth from the co-op’s survey has generated interest in the service that resulted in several calls and e-mails to her office from interested customers.
“We think this is something that our membership has anxiously awaited for and we are anxiously awaiting for them to have it available,” Cartee said.
One county resident excited about the offering in Baileyton Councilor Joe Golden, who discussed the initiative and its subsequent phone survey at a June 2 Council meeting.
Golden said he would like to see the program extended to Baileyton.
“We’re trying to get across to the people there if you get a telephone call about this, give them positive feedback on it so we can possibly get this extended to us,” said Golden who said he also spoke to a co-op employee about getting Baileyton involved in the pilot program.
Previously Golden said he attempted to get high speed Internet at Baileyton through Charter Communications, the cable provider to the Baileyton area.
“They are absolutely not giving us anything to look forward to,” said Golden, who also contacted phone companies about providing DSL service to Baileyton. “We’ve sort of been in limbo,” Golden said.
Cartee said, “Rural America can’t get anything in some areas other than dial-up, so that’s what they’re interested in.”
“There is a huge, huge demand for broadband in rural America,” said Lee, who compared the desire to the demand for electricity in rural America in the 1930s.
Lyne Koker, Charter Communications’ director of governmental affairs, said currently, the company does not have plans to offer broadband Internet service to the area it serves in Cullman County.
Like the BPL service being offered by the co-op, Koker said Charter Communications Internet service starts at $29.95.
Officials with Time Warner Cable, another area broadband Internet service provider, could not be reached for comment Monday.
By David Lazenby
The Cullman Times
The Cullman Electric Cooperative has launched a pilot project to give some rural residents a fast track on the Information Superhighway
Brian Lacy, the co-op communications coordinator, said the broadband over powerline (BPL) Internet service will be offered to its members served by the Berlin substation starting later this month.
Lacy said the service may benefit as many as 1,800 individuals who currently can only get Internet access through satellite service — and that’s only if they have a clear view of the southern sky from their homes.
Cullman Electric Cooperative is doing the project in conjunction with an Alabama-based Internet service provider known as IBEC, an acronym for International Broadband Electric Communications.
Last month, the power board did a survey of residents in the affected region of east central Cullman County to determine the desirability of BPL Internet access.
“We have done a survey to try to gauge the interest,” Lacy said.
Melissa Cartee, the co-op’s vice president of member services and community development, said notification was sent by mail Monday to co-op members for whom the service will be made available this month.
Regardless of the results of the survey, Lacy said the co-op is committed to providing the BPL service.
“We’re going to put it out there,” Lacy said. “The people who live out there are right now really limited in what their choices are. That’s one of the reasons the co-op is looking at this in the first place.”
Cartee concurred. “It’s not just a pilot program to see if it’s going to work or not, but it’s a pilot program to determine how fast we’re going to continue on with it,” she said.
Scott Lee, the CEO of IBEC, said he does not think of the project as a pilot program. He said it would be better described as “a demonstration for the full deployment.”
For now, Cullman Power Board is not following in the co-op’s footsteps. General manager Mike Manning said currently the power board does not have plans to provide BPL service to the more than 8,200 homes it serves.
“We may choose to at a later time,” said Manning, who added BPL technology is still in development.
Lacy touted the ways BPL is more convenient than other avenues of Internet access such as those that require access to phone line and cable outlets.
“It comes through the plugs in your house,” Lacy said. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the attic or if you’re in the basement. If you have an outlet, and you plug your modem in, you have high-speed Internet access there.”
“It gives a lot more flexibility from the standpoint of portability,” Lee said.
Lacy said the only additional infrastructure needed to provide the service is regulators attached to area power polls that boost the Internet signal. This work, he said, would be done by the IBEC at no cost to the co-op.
Lacy said if the program is successful, the co-op plans to expand the service to other rural parts of the county that previously had few options for obtaining broadband access.
“If it’s something that turns out to be a good thing, and it’s feasible and something we feel will be to our members’ benefit, then we would move forward and start working on bringing it to other portions of our service territory,” he said.
Although Lee said IBEC’s initiative is geared toward rural residents, BPL may one day be provided county-wide.
“If everything goes well with this deployment, we will be scheduling additional substations by August and if we get rolling in a year, year and a half, we could have all Cullman Electric (Cooperative) deployed, which covers about 40,000 homes,” Lee said.
A broadband Internet consumer facts portion of the Federal Communications Commission’s Web site, www.fcc.gov, states that “BPL speeds are comparable to DSL (Digital Subscriber Lines) and cable modem speeds.”
To use the service, Lacy said residents will be required to pay $99 fee to purchase and activate a BPL modem. Lacy said an installation crew would deliver the modem with instructions.
According to IBEC’s Web site, ibec.net, monthly service fees start at $29.95. Lacy said co-op members who use the service will be allowed to pay the fee through their monthly power bill.
Cartee said word-of-mouth from the co-op’s survey has generated interest in the service that resulted in several calls and e-mails to her office from interested customers.
“We think this is something that our membership has anxiously awaited for and we are anxiously awaiting for them to have it available,” Cartee said.
One county resident excited about the offering in Baileyton Councilor Joe Golden, who discussed the initiative and its subsequent phone survey at a June 2 Council meeting.
Golden said he would like to see the program extended to Baileyton.
“We’re trying to get across to the people there if you get a telephone call about this, give them positive feedback on it so we can possibly get this extended to us,” said Golden who said he also spoke to a co-op employee about getting Baileyton involved in the pilot program.
Previously Golden said he attempted to get high speed Internet at Baileyton through Charter Communications, the cable provider to the Baileyton area.
“They are absolutely not giving us anything to look forward to,” said Golden, who also contacted phone companies about providing DSL service to Baileyton. “We’ve sort of been in limbo,” Golden said.
Cartee said, “Rural America can’t get anything in some areas other than dial-up, so that’s what they’re interested in.”
“There is a huge, huge demand for broadband in rural America,” said Lee, who compared the desire to the demand for electricity in rural America in the 1930s.
Lyne Koker, Charter Communications’ director of governmental affairs, said currently, the company does not have plans to offer broadband Internet service to the area it serves in Cullman County.
Like the BPL service being offered by the co-op, Koker said Charter Communications Internet service starts at $29.95.
Officials with Time Warner Cable, another area broadband Internet service provider, could not be reached for comment Monday.
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