Smart Homes

Smart homes are capable of remote monitoring and control of household appliances and conditions via the Internet. They contain sensors, cameras and controllers that collect data, which can then be received by a secure “Remote Gateway”, such as an e-box. Via a secure broadband connection, the information is sent from the house to the web. The householder can then analyse the data from a remote location. 

Information on “house status” can be analysed. 

For example: 

  • The energy usage of all household appliances, if they are on, off or on standby mode. 
  • The temperature of each room. 
  • Measurements of toxic or harmful gases or particulates in the house, and if their concentrations are at, or approaching dangerous levels. 
  • The number of household occupants, from motion sensors or web cams, and the presence of intruders. 
  • The total energy usage for the house. 

Access to the Information


The householder can access the information from any device capable of Internet connection. 

For example: 

  • Wireless laptops. 
  • PDA devices (Personal Digital Assistants): A PDA device can be used as a remote control device in the house. Status information and energy savings can be stored and checked. 
  • WAP (Wireless Application Protocol): Phones capable of Internet access can be used to check conditions in the house. 
  • Office PC, at work. 

Smart Home Applications


Smart Home technology may become popular in the near future, mainly because of entertainment and a sense of increased quality of life. A major attraction is that DVDs can be downloaded from the Internet, streamed in real time and viewed on demand. This technology may supersede satellite television. 
Broadband means better and faster web access; information and programmes can be downloaded quickly and conveniently. 
The control of conditions within the house may be an added incentive. The equipment involved may also add extra “status” to the home. 
Waiting in the house for a technician or engineer could be eliminated. If an appliance developed a fault, maintenance personal could be deployed to remedy the problem in the owner’s absence. 
In terms of home security, the technology would allow a more efficient alarm system in the event of a break-in. Emergency services could be alerted immediately if an intruder interred the house. 
Web cams could be used to enable a mother to work at home whilst checking on her baby. 
The health of an elderly relative could even be remotely monitored via the Internet, by a web cam. 
In addition, news companies could provide weather, traffic and other information. 
 

Energy Services as Applied to Smart Homes.


The status display panel could indicate the level of customisation and control available. Each room may have its own pre-programmed heating cycle. Heating and cooling of unoccupied rooms could be reduced. 
The equipment may be used to give information about the energy efficiency of the home, how much the owner’s electricity bill will be given the rate of energy usage. Appliances using most energy, and inefficient appliances could be identified. 
Useful information could be given to the homeowner from a utilities company or other organisation. Tips on how to improve efficiency, such as the reduction of excess heat loss through the walls of the house could be determined by thermometers and energy usage. 
Good housekeeping measures may be advised. 
 

Energy Conservation through Smart Home Technology.


In addition to this, Smart Homes could make a positive impact on energy usage by providing better control of house heating, cooling and lighting. In unoccupied rooms, heating and cooling can be reduced, and lights could be turned of depending on information from motion sensors. 
There is also the possibility of utility companies controlling energy supply in order to reduce spinning reserve and cut cost. This would reduce environmental Impact. 
Lower tariffs have already been introduced whereby an appliance is not immediately activated upon tuning it on. Load shifting practices mean that this would reduce overall energy consumption. 
Finally, the technology raises the question of a controlling authority prioritising household appliances to reduce energy use, particularly if energy became more scarce. The government could effectively assume full responsibility for rationing energy supply to individual homeowners.