The smart grid sensor market is projected to more than double by 2014, but its growth is just a fraction of the broader global machine-to-machine (M2M) data acquisition and communication market. According to a recent report from Machina Research, M2M connections have already reached 2 billion, and this number is expected to surge to 18 billion by 2022, growing at an impressive compound annual rate of 22%. This rapid expansion highlights the increasing importance of connected devices in managing energy and other critical resources.
At the Paris Smart Grid Conference, while hardware-based metering solutions were on display, the main focus shifted toward data management, analytics, and opportunities for monetizing energy usage. Utility providers showcased smart meters like ERDF’s Linky and various smart plugs, which allow users to track consumption from any connected appliance. However, the real highlight was how to present this data in a user-friendly way that empowers consumers to make informed decisions about their energy use.
Despite the availability of hardware solutions, determining what data to show end-users remains a challenge. In Europe, numerous pilot projects are exploring how to best communicate energy consumption insights. One such initiative is the TBH (Tableau de Bord de Résidence) consortium, led by EcoCO2, which aims to understand how users interpret and act on energy data through different interfaces.
This project involves 4,000 residents across various living environments, each interacting with one of 10 different user interfaces. Fludia, a partner in the initiative, provides detailed energy consumption analysis and has developed the Fludiameter, an optical reader that can extract data from traditional analog meters. This device sends short samples via pulse output, allowing remote monitoring and integration with smart systems.
With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), energy data and smart home controls are now being integrated with existing internet access points, making it easier for users to manage their energy use directly from mobile devices. This shift not only enhances convenience but also encourages more sustainable habits.
At the same conference, Bouygues Telecom, Ijenko, and IS2T demonstrated the FifthPlay smart grid service embedded in the BboxSensation gateway. Powered by the cloud-based Ijenko platform and the MicroEJ Java embedded system, the service enables control of various sensors and devices, turning the router into a central hub for home automation and smart grid connectivity.
Ijenko’s cloud-based energy management solution allows third parties—such as utilities, telecom companies, and service integrators—to deploy software and offer energy efficiency and demand response services. This helps optimize utility use, support micro-generation, and even integrate electric vehicles as backup storage.
To better serve end users, Ijenko partnered with DirectEnergie on the Modelec project, involving 2,000 participants. Half used Linky smart meters, while the other half used alternative models. Sociologists were also involved to study how users perceive their energy data and how they can be encouraged to adopt energy-saving behaviors, especially during peak hours, through incentives or behavioral nudges.
Some experts suggest that utilities could remotely adjust appliances or thermostat settings during high-demand periods. Additionally, user interfaces can promote community challenges, social sharing, and personalized energy-saving tips, further driving engagement.
These interactive approaches are expected to improve utility forecasting and profitability through advanced analytics and behavioral insights. While Ijenko’s Home Energy Management Service (HEMS) was demonstrated on the Intel Puma 6 MSG, the company also offers its own energy gateways and smart metering plugs, enabling real-time monitoring and remote control of electrical consumption.
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