The present era is one of exhilarating technological development especially in Energy use, management , efficient equipment and much more. It will be fair to call this an age in which technology is taking on a more complimentary role to human functions at different levels. Communication devices are not just that, they have virtually become personal assistants whereas Automation in our homes, factories require progressively lesser interventions from their operators.
The offloading of such functions to technology has perhaps created a dependence for and a disdain towards investing thought towards small but essential functions in daily life.
The awareness and eagerness to turn off light switches in homes has steadily dropped over time as electricity has become an integral part of our sustenance. A plant operator would be comfortable in his knowledge that supply to his machine or tool is controlled by the supervisory system and hence puts least thought to any possible wastage. Probably the realization that energy is not unlimited has steadily slipped out of our psyche as it has become more dependable & continuous. I wonder how we are keen to employ apps and settings on our mobile devices to conserve its battery when on the move but neglect doing so when having access to a charging point.
Although the energy saving appliances space is growing by the day with smarter and intuitive products that seek to negate the human interference in energy use or in controlling it, one can only ignore the importance of the same at their own peril.
User awareness is the key to the successful implementation of any technology and it is not different for energy efficient or energy saving devices/appliances.
A sophisticated occupancy based lighting system may not yield desired savings if the inhabitants find it cumbersome to adopt and find ways to bypass. Energy saving modes of power tools or other electronic devices may just be another rarely utilized fancy option unless the user appreciates their true potential.
The Human Factor is the enabler for all technology to realize their true potential and Energy being no exception, it should be our effort to create a sense of primary responsibility at the user level to enable technology to create a smarter & energy efficient system at our workplace or home.
Dr. Kamal Bansal,
Dean, College of Engineering Studies,
University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun
Saurabh Biswas,
Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator Energy System
University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun
