TECHNOLOGY FOR CHANGE

Apple Applications for Cutting Home Energy Use

Dave Greenfield | Date: 02-17-10 | Comments

Having revolutionized the music industry, Apple is setting its eyes on the energy industry. Only problem is that Google is doing the same.

A benefit of rising fuel and utility costs is that companies and consumers alike have been forced to rethink how they use energy, and Apple is taking a competitive stance. Recently, the tech giant filed two patent applications designed to help people use the energy in their homes more efficiently. The green race is on.

News of Apple�s SmartHome Energy Management System comes at a time when rising energy costs coupled with rising use of computing devices is creating a pressing situation for consumers� wallets and the health of the environment. The energy we use for computing, including cell networks and broadband, adds up to 2 percent of global carbon emissions. Fifty percent of that comes from our PCs and peripheral devices. This is only going to grow, and many companies, including Google and rival Apple, are stepping into the fray.

One of the key features of the proposed SmartHome system is that it would utilize HomePlug Powerline technology. This transforms every outlet into a conduit for data, including audio and video, which allows access to devices anywhere in the home. Apple�s patent applications would use HomePlug to help consumers save energy by:
- Helping consumers schedule device charging during off-peak hours or simply turning off the PC and using dedicated chargers, which operate on a fraction of the energy a computer does. SmartHome would provide consumers with the information they need to make better energy decisions.
- Acting as a sort of task manager. The SmartHome system would allow users to monitor the consumption of each device, as well as set maximum limits for optimal power usage. Consumers would be able to monitor power usage in a much more comprehensive, accurate and real-time way in order to use energy more efficiently.
Apple�s patent applications followed moves by Google and Microsoft, both of which have developed products aimed at reducing consumer energy consumption. Google.org�s PowerMeter allows for monitoring of home energy use, while Microsoft�s Hohm Web application gives tips on weatherizing homes and reducing energy consumption through �behavior changes.�

The race to provide the most effective, user-friendly power monitoring system will only benefit consumers, who will be able to make better choices and keep their energy costs down.