High-speed power line comm. scheme OKed for Smart Grid

G.hn technology has been approved for use in Smart Grid applications by the National Institute Standards Technologies (NIST). G.hn is the next-generation wired networking standard developed by the United Nation’s ITU-T that supports high-speed communication over power lines, phone lines and coaxial cable.

G.hn sponsor HomeGrid Forum also has formed a working group to focus on Smart Grid applications. The aim is to bring G.hn-based devices to market that are compliant with the requirements for deployment in Smart Grid and home energy management applications.

“G.hn is a next generation wired networking standard and as such it delivers higher performance, seamless connectivity and power efficiency,” said Matt Theall, president of HomeGrid Forum. “The G.hn standard includes significant provisions for power management, including sleep modes that will enable devices based on G.hn technology to meet power efficiency standards such as the European Code of Conduct on ‘Energy Consumption of Broadband Communication Equipment,’ regulations such as the European Commission Regulation 1275/2008 and other requirements of the Smart Grid industry.”

Most devices that consume or monitor energy and that are connected to AC power can benefit from G.hn technology. Examples include smart electricity meters, heating and air conditioning systems, electrical appliances, lighting systems, TVs, and other devices. G.hn can also be used to establish a secure communication channel between Plug-in Electrical Vehicles (PEV) and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) found in distributed charging stations.

More info: http://www.homegridforum.org/news_events/pr/09_28_09