Raleigh, North Carolina-based Consert Inc., an intelligent load management technology company, has selected standards-based 3G-embedded wireless broadband modules from San Diego-based Novatel Wireless (News - Alert), Inc., for its Virtual Peak Plant (VPP) Solution for the Smart Grid.

The Consert Virtual Peak Plant Solution will operate over Novatel’s 3G LTE networks – providing end-to-end real-time usage and load data, as well as load projections, to utilities and enabling their customers to create and control their own peak load profiles.

Consert is currently integrating Novatel Wireless' Expedite E396 PCI Express Mini Card, which is an embedded module for 3G mobile data applications. Built on the proven performance of the Expedite product line, Novatel Wireless’ Expedite E396 embedded module is optimized for power efficiency and thermal performance, and supports HSPA+ and EV-DO Rev A.

As Consert described it, the “smart home area network (HAN) is installed on a customer’s property by attaching intelligent load measurement and control hardware to major energy consuming devices – such as heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters, and pool pumps – and using programmable thermostats that communicate with a gateway module inside the electric meter.”

With Consert's load management solution and equipment, residential and small commercial consumers can set up personalized energy profiles to control their high-energy consuming appliances – and can change those profile settings at any time from any Internet -enabled device. During periods of high energy demand, such as heat waves or blizzards, the utility company can reduce demand on its electrical system by controlling its customers' consumption within the limits of their personal energy profiles.

“We are honored to be selected by Consert as a module partner for their smart grid energy solution,” said Rob Hadley (News - Alert), chief marketing officer of Novatel Wireless. “Reliability, performance and robust wireless solutions are key factors when implementing smart grid technology and we're very pleased to assist Consert and its partners to roll out more efficient smart grid load management solutions.”

“Novatel Wireless has a great track record of providing reliable, OEM (original equipment manufacturer)-grade wireless communication solutions,” said David Shaw, vice president of technology at Consert.  ”We are excited to work with Novatel Wireless for our next-generation, intelligent load management technology.”

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