In order to cope with the surges and pulses of electrical demand in the UK, our energy suppliers provide us with 'too much' electricity. Better too much than too little, right? Well no actually.
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| A V-Phase is about the size of a shoebox and saves customers 10% on electricity |
Legally, power can be supplied in the UK at anywhere between 207 and 253 volts. For those of you that don't know a volt can be defined simply as the measurement of electrical force, or speed. That is to say that higher volts may deliver the same amount of power (amps) but will do so more quickly, causing appliances to consume power more quickly. In most cases power is delivered at around 245 volts.
Too much electricity means higher bills and lower lifespans for our electrical appliances. Too much electricity helps the energy suppliers sleep at night because it mitigates against stations that 'drop off the grid', reduces the impact of surges in demand and because it increases their income.
For years now commercial and industrial property owners and managers have employed the trick of voltage optimisation to reduce their costs and look after their appliances, plant and equipment. Until recently this technology was not safely and economically provided to the the domestic market.
This has been turned on it's head by companies such as V-Phase and Marshall Tuflex who provide their own voltage reduction units for the domestic market. The technology is designed to reduce the incoming power to 220 volts, an optimum level for most household items. This helps to save about 10% of annual electricity bills.
Below is a list from the V-Phase website, showing what kind of savings you can look forward too with one of their units. They also have a handy savings calculator on their site, why not see how much you could save?
Appliances with motors and pumps
- 'A' rated freezer = 17% energy saving
- 'A' rated refrigerator = 16% energy saving
- 3 speed central heating pump = 15% to 18% energy saving
Lighting
- CFL lighting = 11% energy saving
- Incandescent bulb = 15% energy saving
- Low voltage halogen spot lights = 15% energy saving
Consumer electronics
Results for consumer electronics vary widely, examples are given below:
- DAB radio = 5% energy saving
- DECT cordless phone base station = 30% energy saving
- ADSL modem and wireless router = 5% energy saving
- Personal Computer = 4% energy saving
- Hi-Fi = 13% energy saving
Do you have V-Phase unit or equivalent? Or are you considering purchasing one? Perhaps you know of an ongoing project that could benefit from one or more of these clever little boxes? Whatever the reason, please share your story below.
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