Smart Appliances Save Energy
Smart grid start-up Tendril and General Electric announced that later this year they will test a smart-grid system that allows GE’s networked appliances to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates. This joint test will allow consumers to control their appliances remotely - from home, a web-browser or even an iPhone application. GE’s use of Tendril’s software will also allow consumers to take advantage of utility special incentives. By cutting use during peak demand times, consumers will save money on their electricity bills.
The control panel of a GE smart fridge.
In order for this pilot study to work, the appliances must communicate with the electric utility company to determine when to use power and when to conserve based on fluctuating, real-time prices. Based on this information, a refrigerator can decide when to use the ice-maker and assumedly do so during off-peak hours for energy demand. Great way to improve energy efficiency in the home without changing your personal habits at all!
