SmartSynch, Inc. (SmartSynch) is developing a smart grid communications solution, Universal Communications Module (UCM). The UCM is for sale to utilities to serve as an IP-addressable, external interface offering WAN, LAN, and HAN connectivity to various smart grid devices. The UCM is a box enclosure, separate from the meter, and acts as a wireless pipe capable of transmitting and receiving data over public wireless networks using Internet-based or other open standards.
Through the UCM and its use of public wireless networks, utilities can quickly and affordably spot-deploy smart grid applications, including load profile and control, power quality monitoring, distribution automation, and stand-by generator control; and support homeowner-focused smart metering programs such as demand response, demand-side management and real-time pricing.
The UCM uses Field Replaceable Units to implement a variety of networking solutions that may be replaced as technologies evolve. These include Wide Area Network (WAN) cards, which allow for a link to the Internet and utility customer’s back office; Local Area Network (LAN) cards, which enable utilities to aggregate multiple meters on WAN connections; and Personal Area Network (PAN) cards, which give utilities access to home appliances for remote power management. Other cards can be made available to utilities to support other monitor and control applications as needed.
“The UCM is a ‘future-proof’ solution designed to meet the needs of our Smart Grid initiative, with the flexibility to support the varying requirements of the broad utility market,” said David Mohler, chief technology officer and vice president for Duke Energy. “It fills a marketplace void for any utility seeking a truly interoperable and open, IP-addressable smart grid system conducive to remote upgrades as wireless and power technologies advance.” Mohler said utilities deploying solutions dependent on proprietary technologies may not easily upgrade them without manually modifying, or replacing entirely, each meter.
“The current legislative effort to bring our electrical grid into the 21st Century asks that Internet-based or other open protocols and standards be the foundation of the process,” said Stephen Johnston, SmartSynch’s chief executive officer. “This is absolutely critical for utilities to interface with the smart grid solutions of the near future, such as Home Area Network technologies. The UCM is a pure, IP-based Smart Grid solution that will help position utilities to meet the power supply, quality and distribution needs of the digital economy.”
Johnston said utilities may deploy the UCM to perform a variety smart grid functions, such as:
Retrieving energy and demand registers, power quality and interval data from residential meters to support demand response, demand-side management, time-of-use pricing and other in-home programs;
Providing a communications interface for distribution automation equipment; and
Controlling commercial and industrial customers’ backup generators during critical load periods to shave ‘peak’ and avoid manual site visits.
SmartSynch has been the leading provider of IP-based smart grid solutions utilizing public wireless networks since 2000. The company’s use of existing public wireless networks enables utilities to strategically deploy its solutions anywhere, in any quantity, and avoid building a capital- and resource-intensive private network to communicate with them once deployed. SmartSynch’s solutions are certified to securely deliver smart grid data on the AT&T wireless and other major networks, enabling quicker, easier, more scalable and strategic deployments for utilities.
SmartSynch is a US-based provider of smart metering solutions.