The Future Building Management System - Continental Automated ...

Ken Wacks’ PerspectivesInternational Standards for Smart GridsBy Ken WacksI chair an international committee of experts in homeand building systems who are writing standards importantfor smart grid customers. Officially this committeeis called a “working group” of ISO (International Organizationfor Standardization) and the IEC (InternationalElectrotechnical Commission). ISO and IEC jointly developinformation technology (IT) standards. The scopeof this working group includes IT applications suchas entertainment, lighting, comfort control, life safety,health, and energy management.These standards are reviewed and approved by about40 member nations, and published by ISO/IEC in Geneva,Switzerland. The missions of ISO and the IEC are tofoster international trade and commerce.This material is based on an article I was invited tosubmit for the June 2012 issue of ISO Focus+, the magazineof the International Organization for Standardization.Home Electronic System standardsThe scope of my ISO/IEC working group, which startedin 1983, was recently extended to incorporate the homeand building area aspects of smart grids. The family ofstandards we develop constitutes the Home ElectronicSystem (HES). HES consists of a network of networksthat enables interoperation among consumer products,sensors, control devices, and user interfaces withinthe home and may extend access to external services.International standards are essential for smart grids tointeroperate with customer interfaces and customerequipment.The working group participants are experts in homesystems, consumer electronics, and utility customerservices. They include members of key national and regionalsmart grid programs in Asia, Europe, and NorthAmerica. Therefore, we are well positioned to develop internationalstandards essential for the customer aspectsof smart grids.Enhancing smart gridsSmart homes with smart devices enhance residential living.They can improve the effectiveness of smart gridsin essential ways by reducing energy consumption andmanaging electric bills.Smart homes can provide residents with tools anduser interfaces to increase energy efficiency, comfort,and security. Energy consumption can be automaticallyaligned with energy availability. Smart homes also mayprovide an infrastructure that supports the integrationof energy management with other home system applications.Powering the futureThe electricity power grid, spanning generation,transmission, and distribution, has been hailed as one ofthe most important achievements of the 20th century.A power grid is considered by most countries a nationalnecessity. However, this traditional grid needs to alignwith updated communications, energy and environmentaltechnologies, and policies. To bring the electricalinfrastructure up to date, smart grids using communications,new operating structures, and business practicesare being implemented worldwide.The proliferation of renewable energy sources ischanging the relationship between the production and12 iHomes & Buildings