Archive for November, 2009
Interesting things knocking about on the web this week…
- Ark Continuity’s new SQ17 server farm uses more than a third less energy than a typical data centre. If the number of servers is expected to increase globally from 13m in 2008 to 122m by 2020, this is going to become ever more relevant.
- 26-36% of energy use is behavioural – The New Scientist takes a look at how technology can persuade people to change their ways or why home energy monitors should look like cats
- The giants of IT (Cisco, Google et al.) weigh in on the energy monitoring world and water monitors – the next step? Something for HomeCamp 3 perhaps?
- This is an interesting analysis of Microsoft Hohm Vs Google PowerMeter. Google has already put in place easier usability but Microsoft display more of an interest in encouraging behaviour change.
- and finally @mikethebee has set up a HomeCamp news section on Google for up to the minute info on what’s happening in home energy monitoring. Thanks Mike!
Home Camp 3 and other things…
Yes, Home Camp 3 – the rise of the monitoring devices – is upon us. It being part 3, we thought we’d take the not particularly logical step of having 3 options on dates - 21 Nov, 28 Nov, 5 Dec - and we’d like to know which one suits all you lovely Home Camp folk the best.
Tweet your preference to @ohrworm, reply in the comments here or let us know on the Google Group. Whatever does it for you, just make sure you let us know if you want to come any play…
Interesting stuff on the web this week:
- Obama pledges $3.4 billion investment to galvanise the transition to a smart energy grid.
- Google PowerMeter arrives in the UK with a new utility partnership, first:utility, and a new device partnership, AlertMe. The AlertMe device looks nice and easy to use but does come with a sneaky £3/month subscription fee for hosting the data.
- An exciting new partnership between Fat Spaniel technologies and Tendril Networks will result in solar powered houses automatically managing electricity usage in response to the sun’s intensity.
- Sacramento Municipal Utility Department’s Communications Director, Elizabeth Brinton, envisages that the smart grid will enable utilities companies to offer tailor made customer packages to consumers.
- Over on the GreenMonk blog @tomraftery has got his energy chat hat on – check out his take on how utilities companies can use smart meters to generate alternative revenue streams. I’m betting the Spanish version would have involved many more exclamation marks!!!
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And if you haven’t already, check out @edent’s blog about his experiences setting up and using the HummEnergy Duet.
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