1

A new standard providing for a modular communication interface (MCI) to be used with any demand response programs has just been released by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). What the standard does is define a port/plug that transforms off-the-shelf consumer products into devices compatible with any utility demand response system via plug-in communications modules that customers can install themselves.

 

CEA says the standard is the solution to the issue of extending smart grid infrastructure into homes and businesses, even in today's constant technological innovation and standards competition. The communications interface is designed to work with any demand response system, from AMI, Smart Energy Profile and Open ADR to home and building networks.

 

As a CEA paper explaining the standard says, "The concept is simple; encourage manufacturers to build an MCI interface into their products that can accept a simple communications module. Consumers and program managers are then free to select whatever communication solution works best for that particular environment."

 

The bonus is that the standard makes it a practical for device manufacturers to make their mainstream models demand response-ready and available through typical retail supply outlets with not much in terms of upfront costs.

 

And there are pluses for consumers and utilities. Consumers who are moving can disconnect their appliances with them and be assured they will be compatible with other programs elsewhere, and utilities can choose and develop their communications systems and demand response without affecting consumer products.

 

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) earlier conducted laboratory interoperability demonstrations and determined the standard will work as intended. EPRI is now conducting field demonstrations and concentrating on thermostats, HVAC, water heaters, pool pumps and EV service equipment.

Talk Back to the Author

Current Comments (2)

Leave a Comment

---

A great way to start networking appliances!

This "plug" standard is terrific - for all the reasons given above. It's simple and cheap and flexible for appliance manufacturers. A great way to get going in a market where there has not been convergence. The next step has to be building communications into devices, because buying communication modules and plugging them into appliances is costly and inconvenient to consumers. Just as we have wi-fi in our laptops and smart phones, as well as bluetooth, communications should be built into appliances and connect automatically to the home network when they are turned on (my thermostat does this). And because I have a wi-fi network already and know I'll be keeping it - and can use it anywhere in the world, would that make the most sense? Keep an eye on technology development here...

Chris King - 02/07/2013 - 09:13

CEA's New Standard - How long to implement?

This is definitely the way to go. But manufacturers need years to adopt and we need DR now to keep bills down. A non profit (London Rebuilding Society) helps those in fuel poverty and has developed a plug which identifies any appliance, automates control via the web and enables DR now. As an interim until CES's standard catches on it will do. Not ideal but we need to buy time to allow manufacturers to catch up.

Adrian McKeon - 02/09/2013 - 03:12

Leave a Comment

New to this Blog? Need some help?

Email: [?] We will send you an email with an appproval link you must click for your comment to appear.
Full Real Name:	[?] Real comments need a real name.
Subject:	[?] Please provide a short subject for your comment.
Comment:[?] Do not post commercial/sales messages here. They will be deleted. Try: pr@smartgridnews.com PLEASE NOTE:  All HTML codes will be removed from your comment.
CAPTCHA Security Code The numbers (0) and (1) are not used. [?] Please type the characters you see into the box above.
Remember my name? (Uncheck to forget.)
You can not edit or delete your comment once it is posted. Please check for spelling now. Your IP Address is: 184.72.91.94