University of South Africa
Overview of innovation

A smart microprocessor and sensor-based controller that allows users to optimize energy efficiency in households. The smart microprocessor enables selective management of energy in the household through the manual switching on or off of individual load lines in a  domestic household. The device makes use of the controller to manage the supply of energy to households such that the peak load of the grid energy supplier is reduced by directing energy loads at various times of the day ultimately reducing the net load experienced by a grid electricity supplier on a globular scale.

The home energy management systems (HEMS) market was valued at USD 393.8 million in 2012 and is expected to increase. The growth is driven amongst other things by the increasing trends for connecting homes and the need for conserving and saving electricity.

Type of Intellectual Property protection
Patent
Innovation Opportunity Type
Investment
Partnership
Industry
​Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
Energy
Technology Readiness Level
TRL 5 – Prototype tested in a controlled environment