As technology continues to advance, many are beginning to apply more efficient protocols and maintenance systems in the field of climate change and energy management. New systems are being put to the test, allowing everybody, from business owners to residential users, to make a positive difference through the use of smart homes and efficient self-optimized systems.
Though renewable power and energy management solutions may not seem to readily mesh with technology based on the Internet of Things, such trends are more unified than people may know. There is a powerful relationship between energy efficiency and technology based on the Internet of Things that can help revolutionize the way people use everyday appliances in their homes. Internet-based technology can be used by professionals to better collect and understand environmental information, and homeowners who have access to such immediate data can better plan ahead for their seasonal energy needs.
The Internet of Things
The Internet of Things is an Internet-based technology idea that could allow everyday objects to have network connectivity. Everything from common appliances to personal devices could sync together based on local parameters, allowing them to send and receive data based entirely on the owner’s preferences. Systems that use such technologies already have a massively positive effect on the way individuals connect objects and optimize their use.
IoT technologies play a massive role in the definition of the smart home, and many systems already use energy-based appliances with IoT connectivity capabilities. Wireless sensors created at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory are designed to boost energy efficiency at home by automating the control of heating, cooling and lighting units. Magnetic refrigerators also help reduce cooling and electrical costs by adjusting the appliance’s temperature based on the system’s magnetic field.
The IoT and Local Climates
Because of how quickly such connectivity systems can send and receive data, users will have the opportunity to enjoy immediate access to everything they need to plan ahead for their day. This can include things such as accurate weather forecasts, utility functions and energy usages. One system, a heat pump that is designed to optimize the transfer of heat in the home, is already revolutionizing home temperature management. This low-cost solution transfers heat from one section of the home to another, all while optimizing fuel use for optimal comfort levels.
Home Automation Technologies
With such connectivity options so readily available, individuals can also have the opportunity to automatically adjust desired settings for different residential devices. Things such as programmable thermostats, security systems, motorized blinds and shades and outdoor motion detection systems can all come together to allow individuals to become more energy efficient without taking too much time out of their busy day.
Large-Scale Applications
Though such systems are seeing regular use in residential and commercial spaces, developers dare to dream bigger. The utilization of IoT technologies on larger scales can result in entire cities and urban areas using smart tech to use energy more efficiently. Such options can allow city planners to provide individuals with a better quality of life while simultaneously reducing the city’s collective carbon footprint through optimized default settings and generally mindful energy practices, such as through the use of smart energy meters that manage electricity as it is processed and used.
Future Developments
By starting small, developers begin planting the seeds of larger developments, resulting in tremendous improvements that help optimize city-wide power grid usage and improve the efficiency of renewable energy options such as solar and wind power systems. By taking such a proactive step towards energy management, IoT developers can lead the fight against climate change and provide consumers with an easier way to stay on top of their local needs.
