by Ann Withanee — September 14, 2011—Modernizing the nation’s electric infrastructure will likely be a daunting task that will take utilities years to implement. There are, however, proactive steps that corporate facilities executives can take to more effectively manage energy consumption. With that in mind, Sprint is working with Proliphix and SmartLabs to make energy management tools available and easy to install for end users, including businesses and consumers.
Sprint recently announced that the Proliphix IMT-550 Internet Managed Thermostat is now available with Sprint wireless network connectivity. This connected thermostat allows small- to medium-sized retail business owners to reduce energy expenses and remotely monitor their facilities while achieving a positive return on investment in just months, according to Sprint.
The connected thermostat supports three external wired sensors, which can sense temperature or dry contact closures from external equipment. Each of the sensors can provide independent alarms via e-mail or text message when alerts are needed. Proliphix, an energy conservation controls company, is reportedly the creator of the first IP-enabled intelligent network thermostat.
Sprint has also announced that SmartLabs INSTEON will be available in late 2011 with embedded Sprint network connectivity. This plug-n-play system will allow property owners and facilities managers to access and control energy consumption from a Web portal or a Sprint smartphone. INSTEON-compatible products are designed to enable energy management, demand response and scheduled load-shedding with real-time reporting and alerts.
Property owners and facilities managers can schedule electrical devices to be turned on or off based on time of day, occupancy, weather conditions or ambient light levels. They can also opt-in for the utility to turn devices off when the local demand for electricity is exceedingly high. INSTEON can be used to control indoor and outdoor lighting, security systems, heating and cooling (HVAC), appliances, door locks and more while using existing wired infrastructure. Pilot testing is under way at a Sprint retail store where energy savings exceeds 28 percent.
Sprint has provided facilities and corporate managers with viable, convenient examples of thermostat programming and control interfaces. With that in mind, facilities executives can take a hands-on approach to explore these and similar technologies to cut down energy consumption, accruing benefits to both the company and the community.
