EARTH SCIENCES

Funding from California Energy Commission will advance energy efficiency

The California Energy Commission has awarded the UC Irvine division of the California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology $1 million to further its research on plug-load devices, including creating more energy efficiency and providing data to support future Title 20 Appliance Efficiency Standards. The allocation, funded by the commission's Public Interest Energy Research program, was one of several for energy-related research projects throughout the state.

Plug-load devices include consumer and office electronics, appliances and some tools – anything that plugs into an electrical outlet. They are responsible for as much as 20 percent of the electrical consumption in buildings, and by 2030 are expected to account for 30 percent.

Many consume power even when they are not in use; research will focus on creating more energy-efficiency, providing the foundation for future standards.

"There is a lot of potential in the area of standards for plug-load devices, so we think our research will make a large impact," said G.P. Li, director of the Calit2 Irvine division.

Among the first plug loads to be researched are set-top boxes, which generally contain a tuner and connect to a TV set and an external signal source, turning the signal into content that is then displayed on a screen or other display device.

The institute's efforts will extend beyond technical innovation. "It's critical to develop business collaborations and include analysis of consumer behavior and innovative ways to educate consumers," Li said. "All of this must link together if we are to find truly effective and practical solutions."