Posted by Barry Haaser, USNAP Alliance – Response to question: What standard data communications interface(s) should be supported by appliances and the smart meter or data gateways so that appliance manufacturers can cost effectively produce smart appliances that can communicate with the Smart grid anywhere in the nation? There are numerous communication standards available today capable of supporting connectivity between consumer appliances, heating and air conditioning systems, computing equipment, lighting controls, pool and spa controls and consumer electronics. This variety of communication options as well as the high rate of technology change with emerging HAN communications protocols presents a significant challenge the smart grid industry.
The computer industry successfully utilizes removable modules to deliver products to consumers while interoperating with multiple evolving protocols. Today, the Smart Grid industry is challenged with maintaining interoperability between smart grid components being installed today such as smart meters that must interoperate with generations of consumer products over the lifetime of the smart grid.. USNAP provides a removable module to address this challenge, similar to the computer industry module approach.
The USNAP Alliance was formed to facilitate the Home Area Network (HAN) market by offering manufacturers a simple, cost effective connector interface for to connect Smart Grid “ready” products to the Smart Grid, thereby enabling devices to enter the market independently from the communications. Today the USNAP Alliance includes more than 30 members spanning utilities, energy service providers, communication providers, information technology companies, and an ecosystem of product suppliers including appliances, thermostats, in-home displays, load control devices, energy storage appliances, and meters.
The USNAP concept is rather simple. Allow manufacturers to produce communication agnostic products that can support any HAN communications protocol today or in the future. By incorporating a low cost USNAP interface into products, manufacturers can offer Smart Grid “ready” products that consumers can use in any geography. Products can be sold with or without communication modules installed. USNAP enabled products can be upgraded in the field by replacing the module in order to adapt at the same pace as technological innovation. By decoupling communications from the product it is possible to create a durable competitive environment for Smart Grid Modules capable of leveraging economies of scale. Giving consumers multiple sources of supply at competitive prices.
USNAP Communication Modules (UCMs) are available for key wireless technologies, including ZigBee , Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, FM/RDS as well as AMI networks. The first USNAP enabled products will be available in retail shelves for consumers this summer.
How can communication between smart appliances and the Smart grid be made “plug and play” for consumers who do not have the skills or means to configure data networks? Most HAN solutions today support a simple “plug and play” mechanism for connecting devices together either using self-configuration software or a configuration button. The USNAP approach is protocol agnostic and supports whatever installation methodology is used by the particular protocol used. USNAP modules are designed to be easily installed by consumers.
No comments:
Post a Comment