Research Methodology
Considerable research was done using the Internet. Information from various Web sites was studied and analyzed. Evaluation of publicly available marketing and technical publications was conducted. Telephone conversations and interviews were held with industry analysts, technical experts and executives. In addition to these interviews and primary research, secondary sources were used to develop a more complete mosaic of the market landscape, including industry and trade publications, conferences and seminars.
The overriding objective throughout the work has been to provide valid and relevant information. This has led to a continual review and update of the information content.
Target Audience
This report is important to a wide population of researches, technical and sales staff involved in the developing of the Smart Grid ICT and particular in HAN. It is recommended for both service providers and vendors that are working with related technologies. The report also helps to understand issues associated with relationship between “green” Smart Grid ICT and other technologies.
Synopsis:
Consumer-interactive two-way Smart Grid is expected to ease congestion and increase power utilization, sending from 50% and up to 300% more electricity through existing corridors. Industry analysts claim that a grid efficiency improvement of even 5%-7% will equate to permanently eliminating the fuel and greenhouse gas emissions from 53 million cars.
This report addresses multiple issues associated with the development of Smart Grid ICT with a special emphasis on Home Area Networks (HANs). It, particular, concentrates on the following items:
- Standardization process: it is mostly at the beginning stage. Smart Grid technologies can improve the reliability, security, and efficiency of the electrical grid. While currently available, a lack of standards and increased upfront cost hinder the deployment of Smart Grid technologies. Uniform standards will simplify new equipment selection and installation. The IEEE and other major standard organizations are involved in the standardization process for Smart Grid ICT and particular for HANs. There are also multiple industry groups, manufacturers’ consortiums and other organizations that are providing input. So far, the standards landscape is complex, with some duplications and lack of leadership. The picture, probably, will soon change when the ISO and IEEE come up with standards.
- ICT for Smart Grid: this section addresses communications technologies for the evolving Grid and, particular, for AMR. It analyzes the current status of ICT development as well as the market and provides the survey of major industry players.
Home Area Networks: Standardization, transmission technologies, market:
The report stresses that there are multiple communications technologies that can be used in the HAN environment; the analysis was limited to:
1. ZigBee and IEEE 802.15.4: HANs are utilizing a combination of wireless communications technologies, but ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 devices may prevail. These radios characteristics, their extremely low power consumption and ability to work adaptively with various sensors make ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4 technology an excellent candidate for HAN applications. The report details advanced ZigBee radio features, their market and applications; as well as the recent additions to the ZigBee profiles family aimed to enhancing HAN/Smart Grid communications.
2. Z-Wave. Due to simplicity, cost efficiency and new developments, this technology is being utilized in many applications, including HAN.
3. IP-based HAN: Several solutions to make HAN devices IP-capable are analyzed together with equipment vendors’ portfolios.
4. PLC-Power Line Communications: It is another group of technologies that adds many benefits to the HANs; the HomePlug and ZigBee Alliances are working together to equip HANs with technologies that satisfy users requirements. Variations of PLC are analyzed in relation to HAN applications.
5. Market: HAN market segments are discussed, and the size of this market is estimated (2009-2013).
Altogether, this report is useful for a large group of researches, developers, management, and manufacturers involved in the building of the Smart Grid - it analyzes current and future trends of the ICT-HAN developments to effectively support this Grid.
