Remote control systems can reduce energy consumption by enabling centralized control of devices like set-top boxes, speakers, and streaming devices. They also support energy monitoring and reporting capabilities to help improve efficiency.
Energy harvesting technology uses ambient energy to power remote controls, eliminating the need for traditional batteries. It also extends device lifespans and helps to prevent electronic waste.
Voice-Activated Remotes
Hands-free voice control can save time and energy and make it easier for anyone to use smart devices. Home automation systems incorporating voice-activated remotes can simplify daily tasks and reduce the need for app-based input, setting alarms, managing schedules, and adjusting settings easily.
A battery-powered wireless handheld remote control with a digital PDM microphone enables users to control devices through voice commands without needing an internet connection, even outside WiFi or ethernet range. The device can receive the user’s knowledge, send it to voice recognition servers for analysis, and then respond to the user in RF signals sent to the connected appliance(s). Check a lot of choices at samsungparts.com for your preference.
Innovative technology allows for greater energy efficiency at home with IoT devices that monitor electricity, water, and gas consumption. By tracking usage and identifying high consumption patterns, homeowners can save money and help fight climate change by reducing household carbon emissions. An intelligent system can also monitor for water leaks to prevent energy waste from running a dishwasher or washing machine when it isn’t needed.
Energy Harvesting
Energy harvesting (ambient power) allows a device to generate power from local, natural, and environmental sources. Often, this includes solar, wind, vibration, magnetic, and thermal energy.
For example, energy can be harvested from light using photovoltaic cells to convert it into electrical current. This can eliminate the need to plug in a power cord or replace batteries, which can become an issue with devices in hard-to-reach places.
Vibration energy can be harvested to provide a small amount of electricity from a copper coil and magnet in the simplest versions or from electromagnetic induction using a radio transmitter with a ring. Some technologies can harness stray radio waves and electromagnetic energy from the oceans and atmosphere.
These energy harvesting systems are being built into IoT and M2M devices. The benefits are apparent: Reduced maintenance requirements, which means a lower cost of ownership. Energy harvesting also minimizes the strain on traditional energy resources, helping the planet stay greener.
Wireless Charging
Wireless charging eliminates the need for wires, which are hazardous if they get damaged or frayed and contribute to the global e-waste problem. It also reduces lost or misplaced cords and reduces the need for replacement.
Currently, most wireless technology is used for charging mobile devices like smartphones. However, it can be used for healthcare and IoT devices as well. For example, one company called PowerByProxi has miniaturized its wireless technology to fit inside AA rechargeable batteries so that they can be used to charge TV remotes and computer peripherals.
However, some researchers have shown that traditional wireless charging technologies are inefficient and use a lot of energy. They also produce heat that slows charging and has to be dissipated, which isn’t environmentally friendly. These concerns could limit the adoption of wireless charging. But other newer technologies are improving wireless charging efficiency and powering renewables. These advances are making wireless charging much more practical for consumers.
Smart Remotes
A glance at the average living room coffee table reveals a collection of remote controls – one for the TV, another for the cable box, another for the Blu-Ray player, and perhaps even a sound system. Keeping track of all these remotes is a daunting task.
Fortunately, intelligent remotes offer a solution that can help reduce the number of idle devices and their energy consumption.
These smart universal remotes integrate with multiple electronic devices and platforms, allowing users to control their devices using voice commands or mobile apps. Idle mode efficiency is maximized by integrating timed power schedules that ensure the devices only consume energy when needed.
In addition, remotes with built-in sensors can automatically adjust the backlight for maximum energy efficiency. Additionally, wireless charging technology eliminates the need for physical charger ports and batteries. This eliminates the need to replace these consumables, reducing power consumption regularly. Lastly, when not used, intelligent remotes can detect and turn off the device’s power-hungry features.
