> …Yes, ZigBee is one such standard for communication > between devices, but its not perfect, yet… > There’s also the need for a standardized way for devices > to talk to the utilities, not just each other, and ZigBee > (to my knowledge) doesn’t address this problem.

ZigBee is a powerful tool in the kit that utilities have to deploy intelligent metering services to residential and commercial customers. As any person who works in the field would likely agree, there’s no one tool that fits all the possible scenarios that the utilities face. While ZigBee is primarily a networking technology, it is based upon the incredibly robust and cost-effective IEEE 802.15.4 wireless digital packet radio technology, which is supported by over half of the world’s top 10 semiconductor manufacturers (mine included).

The utility needs to be able to do more than just send a message to a display in an empty house (most people work during the day) indicating that a kW-hr of electricity now costs X. Ideally, the utility has already established an agreement with the resident that in exchange for perhaps better rates at other times of the day, the utility has permission to manipulate the settings of specific high-energy-consuming devices in that house. Pool pumps, thermostat settings, compressor motors, refrigerators, air handlers, other devices are all part of that. For those devices, ZigBee technology is a powerful way to communicate from the utility’s point of presence (often the meter) to devices within the house. While there’s some potential for communications over the powerline from the meter to the rest of the house, the cost of that solution appears far higher than using ZigBee.

How does the utility communicate with its meter? That’s an interesting challenge, and one again being solved in a number of ways, depending on the situation. At one time, the potential of broadband over power line (BPL) seemed to be a great way for the utility to communicate directly to the home using its own infrastructure. To date, that technology hasn’t come anywhere near the promise. Some utilities have begun to deploy short-range wireless links from that meter to a local poletop radio, which then communicates via cellular, WiMAX or (again) power line back to the utility. That one poletop radio may service hundreds of residences. That short-range wireless link may be ZigBee as well. Another way is to arrange to come through the broadband connection into the home, then using a ZigBee bridge at the broadband modem or gateway to close the link to the meter.

ZigBee networking technology is a powerful tool that can solve many of the issues that a utility faces in rolling out an effective energy-management system for residential and commercial uses. And, it works best when deployed in the appropriate scenarios.

Jon

SMART 2020 is one of the most conservative studies so far – other reports attribute even higher potential abatement opportunities (link to the paper at my blog).

I can’t seem to access the link in your comment, but… Yes, ZigBee is one such standard for communication between devices, but its not perfect, yet — even though it’s certainly gotten quite a bit of traction. At Earth2Tech, we’ve been tracking a couple of others (6LoWPAN, e.g.), as well as consortia that combine ZigBee with other technologies.

There’s also the need for a standardized way for devices to talk to the utilities, not just each other, and ZigBee (to my knowledge) doesn’t address this problem.

http://tinyurl.com/4ajrkp

Just wanted to point out that there actually is a standard governing how devices in the home communicate between the home and utility. It’s called ZigBee, an it’s an IEEE wireless standard adopted by a bunch of utility, metering and home automation companies.

• Steve

For example, before leaving for the evening, I glance at an inexpensive display reminding me that my house is currently using more energy that it should. When was the last time you glanced at your meter before leaving? A simple reminder will go a long ways and once the ball gets rolling, we can automate as much as we like. But the key is knowing what’s being consumed at any given time.

Yes it’s a tall order and most people will suggest that altering the course of public utilities is futile. But, information is power and we need to know “how fast our house is driving”. Can we give this a try?