Stadler, U. M. (2015). Intelligent power cord business plan [Master Thesis, Technische Universität Wien]. reposiTUm. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12708/158615
Home Automation; Smart Home; Smart Meter; Intelligent Power Cord; Electric Energy
en
Abstract:
Over the last decade, smart homes and home automation have been increasingly available on the mass consumer market. A number of companies picked up on the trend for home automation and currently offer a broad range of systems and products to control households. Historically the main focus of home automation was to make life in the home, more convenient for its residents. This was done for example by providing remote control capability for home entertainment systems, lighting or other devices. Today however, home automation offers consumers more than just convenience. Greater awareness of environmental issues, sustainability and the increasing costs of energy are expanding the focus of these systems from pure convenience to environmentally friendly, energy saving devices. New home automation systems coming onto the market are now not only required to include convenience functions and capabilities to monitor and control energy usage, but they are also required to offer and further explore new energy preservation options as well. These changing requirements were recognized by several start-ups and utility companies over the last few years and they have started to develop and sell solutions to create an energy efficient home. Nevertheless, despite availability in the market for some time now, these systems have not yet fully been able to penetrate a broader base of users. The two main reasons for this are the currently high installation costs and complexity of these systems. This situation creates a great opportunity for the Intelligent Power Cord. The goal of this new business is to develop a highly cost effective, single chip semiconductor solution that is capable of providing the required energy measurement and preservation functions of the more complex systems currently on the market. The integration of all functions into one semiconductor will enable Intelligent Power Cord to offer smaller, simpler and cheaper home automation products than its competitors.