Plug Load Management

Many universities are committed to taking climate action. They procure renewable energy, promote recycling programs, and install charging stations for e-mobility. One low hanging fruit often overlooked is plug load management.

Take this business school classroom for example. It is summer so no students are on campus. Why then are the stock tickers rolling around the room with the projectors and rows of monitors still idling in the background? Unplugging them could save literally 40% of the energy used for that classroom (the remaining 60% is split between lighting and A/C).

Now, think about what else is sucking up power on a university campus? We've seen them all. Our favorite one is a wall of walkie talkies. Dozens of charger banks consuming energy at all times whether you use those walkie talkies or not. This is why energy is wasted and batteries are dead.

Of course, no one is going to unplug them for energy savings - it's just not practical no matter how diligent we are. We don't recommend doing that either. Instead, simply install Acorns and let our AI do the job of cutting power off to all of them at a time when they are not needed. In the same manner, the AI brings power back on right before class starts. It's as if these appliances show up and leave the facility along with everyone else.

Energy is saved and GHG emissions avoided. Simple as that. Got some of those in your facility? Give us a call and start saving energy, equipment, and the planet TODAY.

Managing Guest Rooms and Commons

When we were traveling to Brunswick Maine to setup our warehouse, we stayed at a local Airbnb. Upon check out, we noticed the host requested for guests to unplug appliances and turn off the window A/C units. It occurred to us: how many of these empty and unused appliances would stay on if the room remain unbooked?

It also didn't take long for us to realize that across Airbnb properties and many hotels, there's a universe of appliances that are sucking up power regardless of room occupancy or actual usage.

In the guest rooms, its those fridges, wall A/C units, and TV entertainment systems. Occasionally you run into a counter top ice maker (fancy). In the commons are those vending machines and treadmills. Too remote to unplug and too many to care for.  

This is where our AI-enabled power outlets intervened. Simple as that and you get nearly 30% energy savings.