Cisco introduces smart energy system for large buildings
Thursday, 02 July 2009 02:34
Corporate users make up a larger share of the market than residential consumers. Targeting this lucrative segment could give Cisco a head start in the race to become the dominant developer of networked smart grid infrastructure.
With prices beginning at $5,000, the Building Mediator builds upon Cisco’s “Energy Wise” strategy that was announced earlier in 2009. At the time Energy Wise was announced, Cisco offered free upgrades to its Catalyst hardware devices. The upgrade allows building managers to monitor and control the energy consumption of IP-addressable office devices.
Cisco developed the Building Mediator in collaboration with Johnson Controls, Schneider Electric, and Verdiem – all companies that specialise in automation development. The system works to connect a building’s power supply, including heating, ventilation, lighting, and IT systems, with the company’s network. Network administrators can then set up rules for the entire building that determine how energy is used throughout.
A swipe of a security badge identifies an individual within the system. Personal office lights could then be switched on, for example, along with the computer and air conditioning. When the employee leaves for the day, all of these items would be automatically switched off.
Read more: Cisco introduces smart energy system for large buildings
Itron and Ambient form new partnership
Wednesday, 01 July 2009 10:31
Itron is a leading provider of metering devices to energy and water utilities around the world. There are currently more than 14 million OpenWay meters under contract. Itron serves more than 8,000 utilities worldwide.
Ambient develops and markets smart grid technology, equipment, and services. The company’s technologies run over Verizon Wireless’ cellular network.
The contractual terms call for Itron’s OpenWay smart metering platform to be closely integrated with communications technology from Ambient. The development will allow legacy equipment to be connected to the smart grid as well as the latest smart energy hardware and applications.
“This is further proof that the OpenWay architecture is adaptable to multiple networks in support of smart grid deployments,” said Philip Mezey, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Itron North America. “Building the smart grid requires unprecedented collaboration. Our partnership with Ambient will help both our companies extend smart grid benefits to more energy users.”
Multiple technologies will be included from both companies. Itron’s ERT technology, which is used for automated meter reading (AMR), will be used as will the OpenWay RFLAN and Fixed Network communications protocols. Ambient will contribute networking capabilities that utilise Verizon’s cellular networks and its X-3000 node and AmbientNMS smart grid components.
Smart grid requires a change in infrastructure
Tuesday, 30 June 2009 00:30
As consumers take a more active role in their energy use through the use of smart meters, smart appliances, and similar devices, the new smart grid model will replace the conventional one that so many of us are accustomed to. The smart grid can accept power from numerous sources and share information with consumers. Conventionally power is merely transmitted from point A to point B without much consideration.
Major companies in the United States are already using cities as proving grounds for smart grid technology but in the UK it may require political as well as technological innovation for the concept to take off. The old grid, designed back in the early 1960s, is on its way out. It has little to do with outdated technology as power transmission has been steadily upgraded over the years and more to do with the fundamental design of the power grid.
The entire power grid is transforming from the point of generation to the point of consumption across all facets of the industry and including every type of consumer including residential, commercial, and industrial.
The current power grid reflects the centralised power distribution system with the power plant located at the hub. The grid works to get chunks of electricity from the power plant to the consumers. Electricity starts its journey as the high voltage type which is used by industrial customers before it is downgraded to the familiar voltages used in homes.
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- GE building smart grid research facility near Detroit
- Conference highlights smart grid concerns
- New Zealand lawmakers support smart metering
- Silver Spring signs up another utility
- Hydro One installs millionth smart meter
- Renewable power requires smart grids
- National Grid details future of energy in UK
- Denmark to test wind powered cars in smart grid experiment
- IPSO Alliance demonstrates smart objects at Las Vegas Expo
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