This edition of Technology First is focused on Home Automation and Smart Metering, a very exciting area which has recently seen many changes in accessibility, and even philosophy. New technologies have driven down costs, added functionality and made implementation much easier. There are two aspects of Home Automation and Smart Metering; comfort and power savings. Advances in touch screen technology, high performance processing and networking, wireless communications and sensor equipment have given us the ability to control our environment better than ever before. We can stream movies or music in any room; we can control temperature, set alarms and operate equipment anywhere in the home, and in some cases, perform these actions remotely through our phones and PDAs.
Power Saving
Rising fuel costs and larger populations are putting more strain on our power grids, which, in turn, leads to higher utility bills. Smart meters can monitor our energy usage and report to both ourselves and utility companies. The metering allows us to see how much energy we are using and how much it will cost. It also allows utilities to tailor charges to peak and off-peak periods, relieving the strain on the power grid. The visibility and transparency that Smart Metering brings can be combined with the control of Home Automation to offer unprecedented management over our environment. The two can be combined to switch on and off heating and air conditioning at certain times, or when we are not in the room, saving energy, and of course, money.
In this issue we take a look at these enabling technologies through a series of technical articles written by leading suppliers in the field, and our own in-house technical experts. We will also include two fantastic giveaways on RoadTest and the latest news and views in MarketWatch and LiveWire. I always love to hear your feedback on the magazine. If you would like to contribute any ideas or suggestions, please get in touch with me at editor@premierfarnell.com
David Shen Global Head,
Technical Marketing, Premier Farnell
Articles
Smart Metering Registers High Growth Potential
Legislation – A Year of Change
Road Test - Sign up to test the latest devices
The Powerful New EAGLE is Easy to Control and Free to Trial
Home Automation and Smart Metering
Bringing PLC Modem Technologies Home
Batteries for Smart Gas Meters
IP-based Wireless Sensing and Sub-metering Solution Implementation
High-Power PoE+ Standard Enables Smart Home Automation
Wireless Technology for the Home of the Future
Smart Home Require Smart Technologies
