Digi Enhances Siemens Smart Grid Metering Solution

Digi International today announced that Siemens AG is using Digi X-Grid Solutions to enhance its smart metering product with a web-based energy consumption and management platform for consumers. The Digi X-Grid is an "Extended Grid" that enables real-time, IP-based monitoring and control of home energy devices beyond the electric meter.

Smart Siemens Automated Metering and Information System (AMIS) meters are now connected to the iDigi Device Cloud via the Digi ConnectPort X Wireless M-Bus gateway, creating an IP-based solution that will deliver precise energy usage information and meter visualization to the end-user. This enhanced energy service offering for utilities can be further augmented by the integration of ZigBee connectivity, which would support both remote customer monitoring and control of Smart Energy thermostats and other energy management devices.

The solution integration will be introduced to the market during Metering Europe 2011, October 4-6, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. A demonstration will be running on Digi booth D54 and Siemens booth C10 using Digi's Energy Daytrader Smartphone Application to illustrate the real-time information delivery.

Peter Hanak, Project Manager at Siemens said, "After Digi launched the ConnectPort X Wireless M-Bus gateway family in Europe last year, we approached them to work with us to integrate the Digi technology into our existing Smart Grid Metering infrastructure. Previously, our communications link was designed purely as a conduit for delivering billing and grid information directly to utility company's IT systems, not to consumers. Our collaboration with Digi has enhanced our energy service offering by adding a second IP-based, real-time communication channel to our system designed to communicate directly with customers."

Frederic Luu, Vice-President Asia and EMEA Sales and Marketing, said, "Our partnership with Siemens further consolidates Digi's position as a leader in Smart Energy innovation. Our focus is on providing utility providers and consumers with the technology they need to monitor and manage energy use - empowering them with consumption information."

Existing Siemens AMIS installations can be upgraded with the energy management enhancement. Digi's X-Grid offer is fully scalable and ready for both pilots and large-scale roll-outs.