Dan Dumond: EMS Centric Solutions

This posted to smartgrid@ostp.gov by Dan Dumond, PlugSmart

Q1: No, the primary gateway for energy usage data should be a consumer owned and controlled Energy Management System (EMS). Some smart meters can perform the basic functions of a gateway; however, not all will be capable of this level of functionality. Formalizing the role of and EMS as the gateway will ensure a standardized functionality across all areas without regard to meter capability.

An EMS allows greater intelligent control and assessment of device usage by the consumer. It ensures that the consumer is the final arbiter of participation in programs and data sharing. Firstly this assures control and privacy will encourage participation of consumers who may be concerned about those issues.

Secondly, an EMS can provide additional intelligent control and usage data about legacy or "dumb" devices connected to the Home Area Network (HAN), allowing participation in smart grid enabled programs by a wider array of the population, including low income consumers who may find the cost of newer “smart” appliances prohibitive.

Finally, an EMS can be constructed at low cost with a reasonably wide array of communications mediums built in. Since there is currently no universal standard for smart meter communications mediums, an EMS that can support a wide variety of such communications is a more cost effective solution. Rather than needing to buy new controllers and adapters for dumb or smart appliances every time they move, in most cases an EMS gateway would not even need an adapter. Simple firmware and software updates can also be used add new functionality and compatibility with utility provider services, ensuring greater capability from an EMS over the long term.

If smart meters are acting as the gateway, it is a very plausible that Utility Companies will be required to constantly upgrade their meters, and in some circumstances replace the meter, due to the fact that technology inside a consumer’s home changes rapidly, quickly deprecating much of the technology found on the smart meter. With a low cost, robust EMS, the consumer can control what technology is inside their home, as well as inexpensively adapt to the ever changing technology.

Q2: An EMS should be used for almost all data described in question 1, providing consumers direct ownership and control over energy usage and data generated. An EMS can be manufactured to use a wide variety of communications media, assuring continuity of consumer interface experience over a wide variety of areas and service providers.

Q3: Alternative architectures to the smart meter as a gateway includes the use of a consumer owed and controlled EMS as the gateway. The EMS is the most cost effective and highly functional alternative, offering a low cost solution with significant expandable capability and portability to the consumer. An EMS controlled HAN provides significant advantages in cost, security, privacy, portability, and ease of use. Additionally a consumer owned EMS as a gateway puts consumers in control of their interaction with the smart grid, allowing market forces to drive costs and determine the best solutions.