HD-PLC with Power Meters Accelerate the ‘Visualization of Power Consumption’

In relation to ‘Green Ubiquitous’ which symbolizes a society created by HD-PLC, Panasonic Communications Co. Ltd. introduced a ‘Power Monitoring System’ that materializes the ‘visualization’ of home appliances by using a power measuring equipment utilizing PLC. While ‘Green Tokyo University Project’ that promotes ‘visualization’ of power consumption by using PLC adaptors and power meters continues to be carried out in Japan, the system showcased at the 2009 CES exhibit was the first in the world to integrate an adaptor with power meter function. It eliminates the hassle of having to install an adaptor and a meter separately, therefore, further promoting the visualization of power consumption. During the demonstration, users were able to check the power consumption of an electric fan and a room lamp on a PC and on TV screens in separate rooms.

At the ‘Home Control’ display, Eubiq Pte Ltd. exhibited an electrical outlet system with HD-PLC function, with plugs that looked like a rail track. It is a type of power strip shaped like rail track; users can plug in anywhere on the strip. What makes this attractive is that users can plug in wherever the equipments are placed to get power.

New Business Model for HD-PLC

There was a display that introduced a new business based on HD-PLC. Ricoh U.S.A. displayed a Hotspot Printer for SOHOs (Small Office/ Home Office). This printer can be connected to the Internet through a wireless LAN or a PLC adaptor. It can print out, for example, confidential documents that should not be printed out at a printer in a common area. Users can bring their notebook PCs close to the printer and print via PLC. This is designed to maintain security while printing. Another big advantage is that the printer does not need to be reconnected to the network even if the layout of an office is physically changed. This display drew a lot of attention from visitors as an example of new business models using HD-PLC.

HD-PLC Format To Become A World Standard

The format used in HD-PLC, which excels in high-speed data transmission, was approved in December, 2008, as a baseline technology by an IEEE P1901 Committee in charge of broadband over powerline standards. HD-PLC’s expansion into the international market drew much interest from the visitors partly due to the press release on January 7, the day before the 2009 CES opened. Technical staff and visitors to the booth actively exchanged information. At the same booth, alliances with Brazilian and Chinese industry groups were also introduced, giving visitors an opportunity see how HD-PLC is promoting Green Ubiquitous worldwide. (reported by HD-PLC Magazine Editorial Dept., Las Vegas, NV )