Energy-Efficient Electronics

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Energy efficiency means the use of as little energy as possible to receive a benefit. For example, a kayaker knows to deliver even, smooth strokes to guide the kayak through the water rather than making choppy and exaggerated strokes, which power the kayak but waste energy. Both types of paddling take the kayak to shore, but the first method conserves energy so that the kayaker has stamina left over. Any piece of equipment can be designed with the same goal in mind: to perform a job with a minimum amount of energy wasted.

A switch to sustainable business begins by identifying all energywasteful activities and replacing them with energy-efficient activities. Office workers and homeowners receive help in doing this from energy utility companies that provide information on how to save electricity, natural gas, or heating oil. Today, offices and homes contain seven main areas of design that aid energy efficiency: (1) overall structure design; (2) landscaping; (3) electricity use; (4) insulation and sealing; (5) lighting; (6) heating and cooling; and (7) water heating. This chapter discusses electricity use and the electronic products that supply lighting, room heating and cooling, and water heating.

Today electrical engineers develop electronics that meet people’s needs while also reducing overall energy demand on the environment. The chapter begins with the history of how society harnessed power for its various inventions through the centuries. solar energy for homes; energy-efficient appliances; lighting; heating; and communications. It also contains sidebars on the attributes of light as an energy source and how people measure energy. The chapter builds on the main theme of this book by explaining how engineers develop new technologies by learning from nature. Finally, it explores novel ideas in energy conservation: the use of sensors and feedback systems and the role of nanotechnology in energy production.