Abstract
Demand for electricity is growing faster than the supply infrastructure. At the same time, the conversion to a digital economy is increasing the demand for high quality power. The need to reduce peak demand and improve power quality requires an enhanced distribution grid which can both heal itself and provide two-way communication between the utility and the end-user. Many companies are working to develop the technology needed to implement this vision of a Smart Grid.
The report provides a thorough understanding of who the key technology providers for the Smart Grid are and what products they are offering. A major objective of this report is to provide the information necessary for those interested in implementing a Smart Grid to start thinking about the functionality they need, the products available to provide that functionality, and the vendors that may be able to supply those products.
The report provides an overview of what the Smart Grid is and why it is needed. It then focuses in on more than 50 leading companies developing products in the key technology areas of the Smart Grid. These companies are divided by technology and profiles of each are provided. Each profile provides contact information, a company description, an overview of their Smart Grid products, a listing of key Smart Grid alliances they are involved in, and examples of Smart Grid projects which are using their technology.
Contents
Acronyms and Abbreviations................................................................................6
Introduction...........................................................................................................9
10
Overview of the Smart Grid.................................................................................
Why is the Smart Grid Needed?.................................................................................10
What is the Smart Grid?.............................................................................................12
Key Smart Grid Technologies.............................................................................14
Smart Meters..............................................................................................................15
Two-way Communication Networks...........................................................................16
Meter Data Management Systems.............................................................................18
Energy Management and Control Technology...........................................................19
Distribution/Substation Automation Technology.........................................................20
Technology Alliances.................................................................................................21
Smart Meter Vendors..........................................................................................22
Actaris........................................................................................................................22
Echelon......................................................................................................................24
Elster Electricity..........................................................................................................27
GE Energy..................................................................................................................30
Itron............................................................................................................................31
Landis Gyr.................................................................................................................34
Silver Spring Networks...............................................................................................36
SmartSynch................................................................................................................39
41
Two-way Communication Network Vendors.......................................................
Aclara.........................................................................................................................41
Ambient......................................................................................................................44
Arcadian Networks.....................................................................................................46
Cellnet Hunt...............................................................................................................48
Comverge...................................................................................................................50
Current Group ............................................................................................................52
Elster Integrated Solutions.........................................................................................53
Eka Systems ..............................................................................................................55
MainNet Communications..........................................................................................57
PowerGrid Communications.......................................................................................59
Sensus Metering Systems..........................................................................................61
Tantalus......................................................................................................................64
Trilliant Networks........................................................................................................66
eter Data Management System Vendors.........................................................68
Aclara Software..........................................................................................................68
Ecologic Analytics ......................................................................................................70
eMeter........................................................................................................................72
Energy ICT.................................................................................................................74
Gorlitz AG...................................................................................................................76
Itron............................................................................................................................78
80
ergy Management and Control Technology Vendors.....................................
Cannon Technologies................................................................................................80
Comverge...................................................................................................................83
Cybectec....................................................................................................................85
Energate.....................................................................................................................86
Greenbox Technology................................................................................................88
GridAgents .................................................................................................................89
GridPoint ....................................................................................................................91
Honeywell Building Solutions.....................................................................................93
Site Controls...............................................................................................................95
Tendril........................................................................................................................97
stribution/Substation Automation Technology Vendors.................................100
ABB..........................................................................................................................100
Advanced Control Systems......................................................................................103
AREVA T&D.............................................................................................................105
Augusta Systems .....................................................................................................107
BPL Global...............................................................................................................109
Comverge.................................................................................................................112
Cannon Technologies..............................................................................................113
Cooper Power Systems............................................................................................115
ESRI.........................................................................................................................117
GE Energy................................................................................................................118
Intergraph.................................................................................................................121
NovaTech.................................................................................................................123
Open Systems International.....................................................................................125
RuggedCom.............................................................................................................128
S&C Electric.............................................................................................................129
SensorTran...............................................................................................................131
Siemens Power Transmission & Distribution ...........................................................132
Telvent......................................................................................................................134
Technology Alliances........................................................................................136
Advanced Grid Infrastructure Initiative.....................................................................136
GridApp Consortium.................................................................................................137
GridWise Alliance.....................................................................................................139
NewEnergy Alliance.................................................................................................141
NextGrid Now Alliance .............................................................................................142
Smart Energy Alliance..............................................................................................143
ZigBee Alliance ........................................................................................................145
