Domestic Power Management

schematic

Powerguard installation

PowerGuard is designed to be installed between the household power distribution box and up to as many appliances as required. (typically geysers, under-floor heating, air conditioning and pool pumps). The appliances can be connected into a hard-coded hierarchy specifying the relative importance of the different appliances (typically the main bathroom geyser would rank as the most important, followed by the second geyser etc.). This hierarchy will determine which appliance ranks highest for the receipt of electrical supply.

The PowerGuard is then set to a maximum load level which can be determined either in relation to average consumption or to a lower level to reduce average consumption. Once switched on, PowerGuard then constantly monitors the aggregate load of the entire household.

If, based on the load limit and PowerGuard's assessment of the current household load, there is sufficient spare capacity to switch on the connected appliances, PowerGuard then follows the hierarchy in determining whether any of the 4 connected appliances require electricity.

An important feature in minimising wear and tear as well as unwanted surges and breaching drains, is that PowerGuard first determines whether the appliance requires electricity before switching it on.

Once switched on, the appliance is allowed to draw electricity. Should the appliance require electricity for only a short period (e.g. geyser already hot), PowerGuard will then test the remainder of the appliances in the hierarchy but not the most recently switched on appliance for a set period of time.

In the event of a power outage/load shed ending, PowerGuard will not automatically switch on any of the connected appliances for a set period of time to ensure that the current is stable as well as minimise significant aggregated drains on the distribution utilities' equipment.

PowerGuard also incorporates an auxiliary power source setting that allows the system to function on auxiliary power at a different load level.

What will you do when electricity quotas are introduced?

If electricity quotas are introduced, you now have the choice of controlling your power usage with the PowerGuard.

 

This is how...

You can monitor power load at a given time and intervene to save power. Another option available is adding an indicator showing the average usage in KW hours, thereby fully empowering you to manage your power usage without Incurring penalties.


The contribution of all households


houses

One of the main reasons for power cuts is the inability of the power suppliers such as municipalities to supply sufficient power during peak demand periods.
This happens because during peak demand periods there is simply not sufficient power available to supply to the consumers of electricity.

By installing the PowerGuard in each household the multiplier effect can be tremendous. We have 12m households in South Africa. If only half of those households install PowerGuard the major power suppliers can effectively manage huge amounts of power. When these suppliers effectively manage power the need for load shedding is reduced. Its simple, when the power suppliers benefit, households benefit.

Direct benefits to the average household will depend on the manner in which the PowerGuard is installed:

Should PowerGuard be installed with the maximum load set at the average consumption level, the unit will manage peak demand only and allow for a more efficient usage profile and its operation will remain virtually undetectable to the occupants in the household. Should the concept of peak demand rates or time of use rates for electricity become a reality, this would achieve significant savings in costs, without impeding the daily activities of the household.

A final benefit to households is the ability to manage both utility generated power as well as auxiliary sources. This means that, should a household invest in an auxiliary power source, the specified output of this unit can be reduced whilst achieving the same benefit. This will result in significant savings on auxiliary power units and reduce the environmental impact of a household that uses one.