Development of a "smart distribution panel" that reduces standby power consumption and saves on electricity bills.

– ‘All-in-One’ distribution panel to prevent power waste, electrical fires, and gas accidents –

The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KIST, President Park Seon-gyu) has developed a smart distribution panel based on mobile power management that can reduce household standby power and prevent electrical and gas safety accidents. This achievement was achieved jointly with Enerfive (CEO Kim Eun-tae) through the "Development of a Commercial Model for Demand-Response Smart Distribution Panels for Zero-Energy Smart Homes" project.

Of the average annual household electricity consumption (approximately 2,700 kWh), 11% is standby power (306 kWh), resulting in electricity bills of approximately 35,000 won. Expanding this to all apartment complexes would result in significant power consumption. The mandatory requirement for standby power-blocking outlets, previously installed under existing laws, was removed in July 2022 due to inconvenience and frequent breakdowns.

The smart distribution panel is equipped with a power management module that can be controlled from a mobile device, allowing users to monitor and control their power usage via their mobile phone. It also features automatic power cuts during unneeded periods. Tests by the Korea Institute of Construction Technology (KICT) have shown a reduction of over 80% in standby power, saving households approximately 28,000 won per year in electricity bills. When applied to new buildings, the system is expected to deliver a return on investment within approximately nine years.

Additionally, temperature, spark, smoke, and gas detection sensors are installed inside the distribution panel to immediately send out notifications in the event of a fire or gas accident, and remotely shut off the gas valve to prevent secondary damage.

※ Source: 전기신문 / Reporter Song Se-jun

※ Link to original article: https://www.electimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=348244