The Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering (INESC TEC) is developing a device that automatically manages energy systems by selecting the lowest tariff at any time of the day. Another advantage of the AnyPLACE is the fact that it can be adapted to any type of home, without requiring any other technology or equipment.

“Let us imagine that at a certain time of the day there is a surplus of wind power which causes energy costs to decrease. The AnyPLACE platform receives information on that price in real time, and according to the usage profile, the platform acts on the home devices in order to benefit from that tariff,” explains João Peças Lopes, director of INESC TEC and leader of the project.

The AnyPLACE is led by INESC TEC in partnership with several European universities, including the Vienna University of Technology (Austria) and the Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Science (Germany). With Europeans partners such as BOSCH, the platform received an investment of 2.97 million Euros, 2.44 million provided by the European Commission.

Until now, the researchers have started the first work phase, which consists of analysing the energy behaviours in the four countries involved in the consortium: Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, and Portugal. After this analysis, the platform will be tested in a laboratory based on the results obtained. Afterwards, the project will be demonstrated in Germany with the participation of 15 to 20 users.

The technology will be available in Portugal and in the remaining countries in 2017, and will allow consumers to save 15% on energy bills and use of renewable resources when available. The cost of the equipment should not exceed 100 Euros.

Público - p3, 20 February 2015