VPhase energy saving launch at Interbuild 08

The VPhase VX1 Smart Voltage Management unit is a brand new technology that is set to cut electricity bills by 10 per cent by reducing the electricity consumption of homes and SMEs.

The VPhase VX1 device works in conjunction with the consumer unit (fuse box), reducing and regulating the voltage on selected circuits that are most likely to deliver greatest savings.

Not only does the Smart Voltage Management technology make significant reductions to electricity costs, it also reduces energy wasting as well as carbon emissions from generation sources.

The UK electricity distribution network operates at a nominal 230V, although in practice average voltages are more likely to range between 240V and 245V.

The VPhase VX1 manages voltage to a stable level of 220V, regardless of the incoming supply voltage.

"Our research demonstrates that higher voltage levels do not necessarily enhance performance," comments VPhase CEO Dr Lee Juby.

"For example a fridge does not get colder with a higher voltage supply.

"In fact, high voltage levels can be known to shorten the operating life of a product, such as light bulbs.

They can also produce surplus energy, which is wasted in the form of heat.

Using the low cost VPhase VX1 to manage the voltage to a pre-determined level towards the lower parameter means that the energy consumption of many household appliances can be reduced by anything between 5% and 18%".

Devices that exhibit energy savings when voltages are reduced include refrigeration appliances, washing machines, dish washers, tumble dryers, vacuum cleaners, other devices using motors, air-conditioning units, central heating pumps and lighting (including energy saving lightbulbs).

Heating devices such as ovens and electric showers wouldn't show any savings but these high current appliances are usually connected through other stand alone circuits.

Voltage management to reduce energy consumption is not a new concept; many large industrial and retail sites have been using the principle for many years and have seen large cost savings as a result.

However, in domestic applications it isn't a simple case of reducing the incoming voltage; levels of voltage are constantly varying throughout the day and at different places on the distribution network.

Incoming voltage has statutory limits and to ensure these are not breached, the VPhase VX1 holds the voltage at a predetermined constant level, unless of course the incoming voltage drops below that level.

The exciting innovation is that the low cost of the VPhase VX1 now brings Smart Voltage Management within the reach of housing and small commercial premises.

With unit costs ensuring very short payback periods, especially in a climate of rising energy costs, every home should have one.

Extensive testing of the technology has already been carried out and the product will be widely available throughout the UK early in 2009, followed soon by the rest of Europe and North America.

Visitors to Interbuild can see a working demonstration of the VX1on the VPhase stand (04-E65).

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