Embedded Computing: June 2010 Archives
A colleague of mine attended the European Solar Decathlon in Madrid. The objective was to build a 43 sqm solar powered home. These homes relied on a mix of clever building design, renewable and sustainable energy systems and the integration of smart technology to manage the home and its energy usage. The team members from various institutions contained a mix of builders, designers, renewable energy engineers and software developers. Several of the teams had a least 3 software developers on their team. The language of choice being C++. The technology platform of choice for building automation was Siemens Apogee
The house pictured above is the Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera Valencia's SMLHOUSE
The students who will commence our new Computing Degree in Smart Sustainable Energy (CAO Code TI020) will be studying both C++ and Building Automation systems and hopefully in the future will play a part in these Solar Decathlons.
Houston Neal at electrical estimating software advice has a great article about the potential work out there in America for electricians who can provide technology to assist in the reduction of energy for homes and businesses.The article cites several sources which highlight the growing demand for green retrofit. This is evidenced in Ireland through the SEAI Home Energy Saving Scheme
Houston identifies 5 key areas which are:
- Relamping - replacing standard lighting with energy efficient lighting
- Daylight harvesting - using technology to reduce the use of electrical lights
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Retrofits
- Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems and Wind Turbines - Grid ties etc
- Energy Management Systems and Monitoring Devices - Which is of particular interest to us in Tipperary Institute as it focused on the convergence of technology and sustainable energy management
Full article can be found here
