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Closing the gap towards net zero energy appliances

Panel: 1. Foundations of future energy policy

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Mark Ellis, Mark Ellis and Associates, Australia
Hans-Paul Siderius, Netherlands Enterprise Agency & IEA-4E, The Netherlands
Kevin Lane, Kevin Lane Oxford Ltd, United Kingdom

Abstract

The concept of net zero energy appliances is less advanced than that of net zero energy buildings that now form a significant component of many regional, national and local building policies, and have gained the attention of commercial developers. However, there is a range of devices available today that are already net zero energy appliances.

Several small medical devices are self-sustaining and run from the body’s motion, and vibration energy is being used to power sensors to measure the condition of some trains in the UK. Lights that are powered by a silk moth cocoon, and mobile phones charged by movement or by sound are just some of the latest developments in the world of energy harvesting to directly power lights and equipment. The ‘Internet of Things’ will further stimulate a vast growth in the use of various kinds of remote sensors to gather and transmit data, which would benefit from being net zero energy.

However, even though the current research focus of zero-energy equipment is mainly directed towards energy harvesting generators and storage for small mobile or remote devices, the wider application of these technologies and concepts can be envisaged.

The convergence of reduced consumption by mainstream appliances with the increasing capacity of net zero enabling technologies means that more and more appliances could reduce their reliance on electricity from the grid. This is a development that policy makers should be aware of and seek to encourage.

This paper defines what is meant by net zero energy appliances. It clarifies their current status and identifies the focus for R&D efforts within the commercial and academic world. Finally, the paper explores the significance of these developments in terms of policy approaches to mainstream appliances and equipment.

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