Washing machines that switch on automatically when the sun is at its strongest or homes which can choose to be heated by different green technologies - these are the smart home technologies of the future being investigated by E.ON in a real-life trial being staged in Milton Keynes.
E.ON will soon begin trialling how ‘smart home' technology can benefit customers in real homes and is looking for 50 future families to take part in a trial which will explore the impact of intelligent appliances on energy use in terms of increased control, comfort, convenience and reduced costs.
The Thinking Energy trial will involve about 50 homes in Milton Keynes and sees E.ON working in partnership with the National Energy Foundation. This is the first project launched as part of a new Low Carbon Task Force formed by E.ON and Milton Keynes Council to investigate ways to improve the energy efficiency of homes and use green power to drive down residents' fuel bills and help combat climate change.
Chris Rimmer, Programme Manager for E.ON's Thinking Energy project, said: "We might think we know all about new devices for the home but the key thing for this trial is to get a unique insight into how people interact with technology around their home.
"It's about living with your house instead of just living in it. We're looking at technologies that will allow homes to make choices for the people inside - making better use of the weather around us or picking the most cost-effective time to run energy-hungry appliances.
"It's the first time we've worked with a number of customers simultaneously and we'll be fitting wireless monitoring equipment, a smart meter and a home energy management system into each home. This will give us a fantastic understanding of the future of energy use in the home."
Throughout 2012 data from the monitoring equipment will be used to determine which home gets which technology package. Packages will include solar panels, smart washing machines, smart dishwashers, solar thermal systems, advanced hot water cylinders and leased electric cars with home charging points.
The aim is to create packages of technology which can be tested by the homeowners and used to drive future thinking on how people interact with devices in their home:
Greener Whites: Linking solar panels and a smart washing machine or dishwasher, so that white goods can be scheduled to run when the solar output is high.
Greener Miles: Linking an electric vehicle charge point, solar panels and ‘home battery' to store the energy produced and use it to charge the electric vehicle;
Greener Hot Water: Linking a solar panel and gas boiler together to make the most of water heated for free via the roof panels;
Greener Heat: Creating a more effective way to control the home heating through intelligent management of the system.
Cllr David Hopkins, the Cabinet Member for Economy and Enterprise, said: "Our partnership with E.ON is designed to use our combined expertise to deliver elements of the Low Carbon Living Programme - reducing carbon emissions and boosting our economy by establishing Milton Keynes as a centre for smart city technologies. This is a great example of what we're looking to do with this partnership; helping Milton Keynes residents benefit from cutting edge innovation and knowledge"
Tim Lunel, CEO of the National Energy Foundation, said: "NEF has been recommending innovative energy solutions for over 20 years, but know that sometimes they do not perform as well in real homes as on the laboratory bench. We are pleased to be working with E.ON on this groundbreaking project which will help us discover how real people use the technology in their homes, so future advice can focus on the smart solutions that work best."
A series of Thinking Energy events will be held in Milton Keynes from Friday, October 21st and suitable homes will be selected over the coming months from those who have already opted to take part in the scheme. The trial will run from autumn 2011 to winter 2013.
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