Archive for December, 2009

SmartSynch: universal router for smart grids

SmartSynch announced Wednesday night that it has a plan for allowing universal communications between appliances, smart grids, and utilities, regardless of which communication protocol is used. › Continue reading

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Friday, December 18th, 2009 News 11,102 Comments

iGo Green Technology Line Could Cut 85% Standby Power Consumption

Yet another “green startup” which aims to automatically powering down outlets when not in use. iGo‘s three new products, the Power Smart Tower, Power Smart Wall and Laptop Charger, detect when a plugged-in device isn’t being used and then shut off the power being drawn from the wall—which could equal huge energy savings. › Continue reading

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Friday, December 18th, 2009 News 11,392 Comments

The three smart appliance requirements

For grid-aware appliances to deliver on the promises of the smart grid, electricity rates needs to be overhauled, according to appliance makers.

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) on Monday released a white paper (click for PDF) outlining what it called the requirements for smart grid acceptance. The release of the paper was timed for the same week that international climate negotiations are going on in Copenhagen. › Continue reading

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Thursday, December 17th, 2009 News 9,367 Comments

Do you need real-time energy data to cut energy bills?

At the Cop15 climate negotiations in Copenhagen on Tuesday, a group of advocacy groups and high-tech companies including Google and Intel urged governments to ensure consumers get real-time information on energy use. Giving consumers regular data on consumption will help them take steps to be more energy-efficient and will be an effective way to cut greenhouse gas emissions, according to the coalition. › Continue reading

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Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 News 10,679 Comments

Faster processing for Green Technology Patents

According to Paula Morris, owner of The Morris Law Firm, the USPTO will expedite the patent process for green technology inventions under a pilot program announced by Obama administration officials Dec. 7. › Continue reading

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Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 News 11,982 Comments

SmartMeter DL PCB boards arrived

The circuit boards of the second generation of the SmartMeter arrived yesterday. Just in time after 10 workdays. They all appear to be in perfect order, but actually not so cheap for two prototype circuit boards (245 for two PCBs) . I prefer to have perfectly working boards than a few bucks cheaper, and not being sure if everything is correct. That’s why I ordered them at EuroPrint Eger which is widely known as the highest quality PCB manufacturer in Hungary. They also managed the cutouts for me, and could do a black finish of the soldermask. It looks like pretty cool. Enough talking, time for pictures: › Continue reading

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Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 Hardware, SmartSocket 8,683 Comments