Syndicate
) June 24, 2009 -- Smart grid standards and wireless sensor network technologies promise a revolution for consumers and energy providers, according to a recent report by ON World. While smart metering has received the most attention, demand for "Home Area Network" (HAN) energy management solutions has attracted hundreds of startups as well as large corporations such as Cisco, GE, and Google.
Home Area Network Innovation Explosion
ON World researchers have evaluated dozens of user-friendly HAN systems by companies such as EnergyHub, Google, Greenbox, PowerMand, and Tendril. Integrated with broadband and wireless sensor network technologies such as ZigBee, these systems provide advanced in-home energy management solutions for less than a few hundred dollars.
Energy Smart Home Area Networks
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"While smart metering and the Home Area Network are complementary, they are distinct markets that are developing independently of each another," says Mareca Hatler ON World's research director. "Until recently, consumer oriented energy management was non-existent, but with the latest energy directives and a growing green movement, this is rapidly changing. Information technology giants and telecommunication service providers are positioning themselves within standards groups and alliances to seize this opportunity."
While not required for all applications, smart meters are a key component of the "Energy Smart" home. It was smart meter vendors and utilities that created the first Home Area Network (HAN) standards and technologies such as the OpenHAN specification and ZigBee Smart Energy profile. The ZigBee Smart Energy profile is being adopted by the IEC, IETF, HomePlug Powerline Alliance, European Smart Metering Industry Group, and was recently selected as one of the standards to be included in the US Smart Grid Interoperability Framework.
ON World's recent survey of 178 smart meter projects worldwide found that there will be hundreds of HAN programs starting up within the next five years, up from a few dozen in 2008. In addition to the US, smart metering standards that include the Home Area Network are also underway in Australia and Europe.
Smart meter vendors such as Itron, Landis+Gyr, Silver Spring Networks, and Trilliant are building their offerings around the Home Area Network and all major vendors are ensuring their systems are HAN capable. Illustrating this trend are increasing alliances between Home Area Network companies and smart meter/demand response vendors such as Google/Itron; 4Home/Sensus; Greenbox/ Silver Spring; Control4 with eMeter and GridPoint; and Trilliant with Aztech, Energate, and Entek.
Third Party Service Providers Join In
The HAN market will get the biggest push from broadband service providers including Bell Canada, BT, Comcast, and Verizon that are planning to offer energy management services. This presents a win-win development that promises to offload the maintenance and support from utilities while accelerating the rollout of HAN programs. Google's free PowerMeter service is currently being tested by San Diego Gas & Electric, TXU Energy, JEA, Wisconsin Public Service Corp., White River Valley Electric Cooperative, Toronto Hydro, and Glasgow EPB in the US, as well as India's Reliance.
In addition to ZigBee, low power WiFi has emerged as another promising HAN technology. WiFi HAN devices offer simplified installation, network management, and IP addressability as well as interoperability with existing home networks. Radio Thermostat Company of America recently announced a programmable thermostat using Gainspan's low power WiFi chipsets that is being used by iPhone application developer My Home Spaces.
Assuming Telcos/broadband providers offer energy management services within the next couple of years, ON World predicts there will be 20 million HAN-enabled households worldwide by the end of 2013.
Based on 150 interviews with utility project managers, vendors, and suppliers, ON World's report, "Energy Smart Home Area Networks" covers the residential Home Area Network (HAN) market. For more information, go to: http://www.onworld.com/HAN
About ON World:
ON World Inc. is the leader in Smart Technology research. Our market intelligence and information services are sold to Fortune 1000 companies, service providers, venture capitalists, and startups worldwide. Website: http://www.onworld.com.
Media Contact:
Mary E. Purvis
p: 858-259-2397
e: research (at) onworld (dot) com
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