Intel details smarter ways to power offices

Technology could make offices energy independent

Intel used its IDF event to give a progress report on its efforts to create smarter power grids.

The US and other nations are currently researching how to make their electricity networks more efficient and better able to allow more power generation from a variety of sources. But while governments are trying to crack that particular nut, companies should be taking the lead in their own offices, delegates were told.

“You can think of an office building as a smart grid,” said Andrew Chien, vice president of research at Intel.

“The philosophy is that in this notion of a smart grid at the edge of the larger power grid there's a lot you can do with good local intelligence and management. It doesn't require global universal agreements to move forward – that's what makes edge products exciting.”

Chien demonstrated a series of tools to do this, including a device that can be fitted over power outlets that monitors and reports on usage. The units send data on power consumption either wirelessly or over wires to a central power management server so that devices can be measured and controlled remotely.

More remote offices could use the technology, when backed up by local power generation sources, to effectively decouple from the grid and become more energy independent, he said.

“Energy independent used to be talked about by nation states,” he continued. “But if you're in a remote area it means having the power you need without a massive infrastructure. It won't supplant big grids, but will make life easier.”