News

Electronic Housekeeper offers intelligent home control with energy monitoring (30/3/2009)

The Danish company Electronic Housekeeper gives consumers the chance to make a contribution to reducing CO2 emissions and to act in an environmentally responsible manner. Based on Z-Wave technology, the 'Housekeeper' product combines modern home control with the aspects of intelligent home control, energy conservation and cost reduction, thereby making homes intelligent as well as environmentally friendly. The Housekeeper displays current consumption and allows devices to be controlled, even via the Internet. The wireless console also has numerous practical features such as news display, weather forecasts, a calendar, free Internet telephony and online streaming TV.

"Saving energy efficiently begins by looking at the details. Even just finding out how much energy is consumed at certain times is the first step towards green thinking," explains Frans Merrild, Director of Electronic Housekeeper. "By pressing the Housekeeper touch screen, users can reveal the devices which are guzzling energy or consuming large amounts of power on standby. This can reduce energy bills by up to 45 euros per month." The Housekeeper also sends automatic warning messages. For example, if someone leaves their home without switching the iron off, the system immediately sends them an appropriate text message or email.

In addition to its energy-saving functions, the Housekeeper acts as an entertainment and information station. For instance, the device can access the Internet to display news, weather forecasts, traffic reports and cooking recipes, or receive emails and MMS. It is also capable of playing MP3s and receiving online radio and -television. The Housekeeper, which is simple to install via plug-and-play, can also be controlled from a PC. The system regularly updates itself automatically.

Electronic Housekeeper does not compromise when it comes to implementing its green philosophy either. By using fully biodegradable packaging, the company ensures that no additional strain is placed on the environment during the course of the product cycle. Furthermore, using the multifunctional console negates any need to purchase additional devices.

Technology Translator

The Housekeeper is capable of communicating with almost any device. To do so, it uses Wi-Fi, infrared and Z-Wave technology (recommended by the Danish Electricity Savings Trust). This makes the Housekeeper a central component of the home network, which can even integrate products that are not Z-Wave-capable (for example, devices with the IHC standard) by translating the protocols.

Large Product Family

Electronic Housekeeper offers a wide range of additional products that can interoperate with the solution. These include:

- Switchkeeper - an adapter plug that can be controlled wirelessly via the Housekeeper and acts as an intelligent switch to activate and deactivate connected devices at specific times.

- Bridgekeeper - facilitates communication with IHC-compatible devices.

- Wirekeeper - combines six Switchkeepers within one housing unit. It untangles cable spaghetti, displays energy consumption as well as savings, and can be controlled via the Housekeeper or the Internet.

- Lightkeeper - an intelligent dimmer switch that activates pre-programmed lighting scenarios at specific times.

- Wi-Fi Package - allows users to access the Internet via the Housekeeper with secure encryption.

- Meterkeeper - uses an OCR camera, light sensor or digital measuring device to read the overall energy consumption and sends this data to the Housekeeper.

- 2-point-switch - responsible for simultaneous, co-ordinated control of light and music.

www.electronichousekeeper.dk