Schneider Electric is developing a remote control relay for launch in Q1 2022. When wired to the QO Plug-On Neutral breaker, the connected relay device will enable homeowners to see, monitor and control their home energy at the individual circuit level, all from the Wiser Energy app. It will include configurations to maximize back up power in the event of an outage. Designed in partnership with Savant Power, this adds a new level of control at the branch level to address quickly evolving customer needs while enhancing safety.
With more granular insights on home activity, homeowners will have the ability to take action from anywhere with a richer automation experience. The relays will optimize backup source capacity, notably providing flexibility for homeowners when navigating outages.
“With home energy use constantly on the rise, managing demand is more important to potential homebuyers than ever before, in turn giving builders an opportunity to increase the value of their new builds by offering energy management technology,” said Richard Korthauer, Vice President, Home & Distribution, Schneider Electric. “Incorporating this technology at the building stage offers a new step up in load level control to distinguish new homes that minimize energy costs for homeowners in this dynamic energy market and provide new level of energy resiliency and safety at the breaker level.”
Savant has been in the smart home industry for over 15 years by automating all pillars of the home including climate, lighting, entertainment, security and now energy.
“Savant Power, a division of Savant Systems, Inc. enables consumers to monitor, control and optimize energy usage, reducing costs and lessening their dependence on an aging grid system,” said Robert Madonna CEO, Savant Systems Inc. “We are excited to partner with Schneider Electric, bringing sustainability and efficiency to every homeowner through intelligent load management.”
How it works
The new connected relays will allow homeowners to monitor and control their energy at the circuit level, including electric water heaters, ovens, HVAC systems, or any other circuit. For example, if a homeowner was concerned that they left the oven on after leaving the home, this would allow then to check, then turn that appliance off at the circuit remotely, preventing a potentially dangerous situation.
These relays will also help optimize non-utility home energy resources – including solar power, energy storage and generators – in the event of an outage. By creating a virtual configurable critical load panel for each backup power source, available power can be maximized by sending it to only a few priority circuits until the utility power is restored. Automated through the Wiser Energy app, these configurations provide true smart energy management for today’s homeowner.
Key features of the new connected relays will include:
• Load level control capability
• Richer automation experience with granular insights into energy use
• Modular and scalable to address a variety of needs
• Added flexibility for homeowners when navigating outages
The device will be available in Q1 of 2022.
-- Solar Builder magazine
