hydrogen fuel cell

Schneider Electric now offers energy management solutions that highlight IT devices and plug load energy use online allowing it to be visible and, thus, controllable. Called EnergySTEP@Work, the system uses Cisco EnergyWise Technology to reduce wasted energy from applications such as PCs, printers, IP phones, task lighting and wireless access points.

Energy usage becomes controllable with Schneider’s StruxureWare software applications, which can manage other systems in a building such as the lighting, heating and ventilation systems.

“Today’s workplace is changing and more employees are bringing in their own devices to the office to connect to the network. Schneider Electric’s EnergySTEP@Work offers customers the ability to monitor and control those smaller plug loads that, when added together, can account for upwards of 40% of a building’s energy consumption,” said Barry Coflan, Senior Vice President, Schneider Electric, Buildings Business Offer Management.

While these devices often go unnoticed, the new software makes them visible and monitors usage in relation to the building’s wider energy usage.

UK-based Intelligent Energy is the in Britain, and one of the few companies in the world, to make a profit from fuel cell development.

Intelligent Energy has been developing fuel cell technology to be used in cars, power stations and portable electronic devices for 20 years.

Just two years ago Intelligent Energy made a £15million loss, which it has now turned into a £7.8million profit after revenues surged in 2012 by 269%. This demonstrates the considerable growth in the fuel cell industry in recent years.

Intelligent Energy credits a joint venture with Suzuki to manufacture fuel cells for cars as enabling it to become profitable.

It is also leading a consortium to introduce zero carbon emission fuel cell electric taxis to London, is working on fuel cells for back-up power systems to replace traditional diesel generators and has a joint venture with SSE to develop fuel cell combined heat and power systems for use in the home and industry.