Panasonic to Develop Home Energy Management System Linked to Smart Grid

Collaborating with Denmark's largest electric utility SEAS-NVE, Panasonic Corp. and subsidiary Panasonic Electric Works Co. began an experiment in Denmark on December 1, 2009, to test the Lifinity Home Energy Management System (HEMS) linked to SEA-NVE's smart grid and smart meters. A smart grid, which transmits and distributes electricity using IT technologies, can manage electricity generated at distributed generation facilities using renewable energy, in addition to electricity from centralized power plants using thermal, hydro, or nuclear power.

The experiment is focused around visualization of energy usage to help realize environmentally friendly energy consumption. The objective is to conserve energy consumed for household lighting, heating, and appliances by using sensors and to increase the utilization of renewable and stored energy. To demonstrate the technology, a prototype model house was showcased in Soro, Denmark, from December 7 to 18, while the COP15 Climate Conference was being held in Copenhagen.

The Lifinity HEMS, developed and launched by Panasonic Electric Works primarily for newly built homes, includes a control panel that can be accessed via the Internet using a PC, TV, and cell phone. It allows homeowners to check their electricity usage and verify that TV, lighting fixtures, and other items are turned off. Home security systems and electric appliances can also be checked and controlled remotely via cell phone.

Since 2008, SEAS-NVE, whose generation portfolio includes wind power, has been testing a system that uses excess energy generated by wind turbines to produce hydrogen for fuel cells, which in turn supply energy for heating and hot water. The company began installing smart meters in individual houses as part of the smart grid initiative in May 2009, with a plan to have all the homes of all of its customers equipped with a smart meter in 2011.

Panasonic Press Release
http://panasonic.co.jp/corp/news/official.data/
data.dir/en091125-2/en091125-2.html

Posted: 2010/03/13 06:00:15 AM