Monitoring the power consumption of your different electronic gadgets can be done with a simple plug-in monitoring device. But if you have an office full of PCs, or just a busy desk at home, it’s a bit tedious and time consuming to monitor each device individually and figure out where power is being wasted. Fujitsu may have the answer though, with a new power strip.
Researchers at Fujitsu’s laboratories have created a new power strip with integrated power monitoring for every outlet. The monitoring sensor uses 1W of power and can monitor up to 2000W. A USB port on the end of the strip relays the captured information to a PC or network device where software can be used to show power use over time.
Fujitsu has used the power strip with software it developed at its own facilities, and has since made a 20% power saving. More tests are now being done before the new power strip and software is considered for a commercial release.
Read more at Tech-On!
I have a single plug monitor, which I used to test how much power my nettop used. For experiments like that it is really useful, but isn’t the right tool for the job if you want to monitor lots of devices. And lets face it, we all have multiple electronic devices sitting on our desks at home and work. A PC, at least one display, speakers, MP3 player, mobile phone, etc.
I have seen isolating power strips which ensure all peripheral devices have power cut to them when your PC is turned off, but never a strip that gives detailed power use feedback. If such a power strip shipped with the monitoring software, and wasn’t too expensive, I think it would prove quite popular with home users. Business users would require larger strips and a way to monitor multiple locations in order for it to be of real use. I suspect Fujitsu will try to cater for both markets.