Smart Grid Blog

When it comes to smart grid deployments the need for “open” architecture using Internet Protocol has become resounding (IP is one of our Winners of 2009 on GigaOM Pro). Hey, even the phone companies — who have long built closed, proprietary networks — want to offer something in the ballpark of an open network. This morning Verizon Wireless announced that it is partnering with Ambient Corporation to offer customers an “Open Smart Grid Communications Architecture,” which they bill as “an open communications network” for utilities’ smart grid programs.

via Verizon Wireless: We’ve Got An Open IP Smart Grid Network, Too.

Verizon Wireless and Ambient Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: ABTG) today announced the launch of their jointly developed Open Smart Grid Communications Architecture, an integrated smart grid solution and open communications network for utilities deploying smart grid programs.

The Open Smart Grid Communications Architecture accelerates the deployment of secure smart grids, saving utilities the operational investment and maintenance cost of deploying a proprietary communications network.  The Ambient Smart Grid®, operating on Verizon Wireless’ network infrastructure, leverages the reliability and breadth of the Verizon Wireless network.  The architecture provides utilities with private IP clouds of connectivity creating virtual private networks, allowing the utility to benefit from Verizon Wireless’ continuous investment in network security, speed and reliability.

via Verizon Wireless and Ambient Corporation Launch Open Smart Grid Communications Architecture — BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and BOSTON, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ –.

The term “batch processing” was coined back in the 1950’s in the days of mainframe computers: A computer operator would feed a batch of punch cards into the computer, which would then process the information during a scheduled time, and hopefully deliver the needed information back the next morning. Compare that to today, when most computer processing is done through real-time and “event-driven” processing — the data is fed in and the computer quickly spits each bit of info out in seconds. Broadband networks connected to our computers have been built out around this idea of real-time computing.

via Why the Smart Grid Needs to Ditch Its Dated Architecture, Now.

mPhase Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:XDSL) participated on the Thought Leadership Panel at the Smart Grid Implementation Summit last Wednesday, August 19 along with General Electric, Intel, and Deloitte. The discussion highlighted key developments in energy storage technology and the importance of batteries in smart grid architecture. mPhase described its Smart NanoBattery and applications that could enhance the way smart grids function.

The Thought Leadership Panel on Smart Grid Technology was led by Deloitte with GE and Intel discussing hardware requirements and communication needs and capabilities for smart grids, while mPhase talked about energy storage solutions, focusing on batteries. In its current form, the Smart NanoBattery could provide always ready emergency backup power to electrical devices employed in the smart grid, such as sensors and actuators.

Three elements of batteries were discussed in relation to smart grid architecture: demand response, distributed energy, and reserve power. The mPhase Smart NanoBattery may have an opportunity to make a significant impact with reserve power. In the event of a power grid going down or becoming disabled, battery power is required to ensure that mission critical operations, such as hospitals, data centers, security systems, etc, continue to operate without interruption. Reliability over extended periods of time is of the utmost importance in these situations. With a potentially infinite shelf life and the ability to program usage life, the Smart NanoBattery can help improve smart grid security, interoperability and networking.

via mPhase Reports On Smart Grid Implementation Summit (OTCBB:XDSL).