Aimed at manufacturers looking to save energy, People Power has unveiled a software system that uses embedded networking chips and Internet software to monitor and control plugged-in devices in real-time for improved energy efficiency, reports CNET. Products will be available in the first quarter of next year.
Specifically targeting electronics manufacturers, the new Energy Services Platform includes embeddable networking module that will connect electronics equipment to the Internet over a wireless network, which can be monitored for power consumption and controlled to improve efficiency, CNET reports.
People Power says the new platform provides visibility into the energy efficiency of products (pdf), allowing manufacturers to build a layer of "energy control" into a range of products, from business equipment such as copiers and printers, to consumer electronics and appliances such as televisions and refrigerators.
The cloud-based technology enables users to compare energy consumption between similar buildings, homes, offices and across different geographic regions, and offers energy use management and access from any Internet-enabled device, reports Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal.
It also monitors energy use down to the second at the individual plug level, and allows users to set budgets and rules, receive alerts, generate energy reports and leverage utility rate information.
CEO Gene Wang told the SiliconValley/San Jose Business Journal that Texas Instruments and D-Link are channel partners, and it has integrated its technology with products from Energy-Inc. and Esprida. Wang also said in the article that the software offers energy savings of 20 percent or more.
The company is working with manufacturers to embed its technology into appliances, power strips, electronics and office equipment.
In other software news, Quantis has launched its Quantis SUITE 2.0 that combines life cycle (LCA) assessment and sustainability reporting with Web 2.0 technologies. The new software allows companies to perform integrated company-site product LCA's, thanks to an (optional) allocation step built into the software.
The solution also provides multi-indicator assessment. Not only can a carbon footprint be calculated, but other indicators like ecosystem quality, use of resources, biodiversity, human health, water footprint and costs are also included, says the company. The software also integrates internationally recognized databases (e.g., ecoinvent, Carbon Footprint ADEME) and leading impact assessment methods (e.g., IMPACT 2002+).