11 Aug Voltage Optimisers – the future?

Voltage Optimisers – the future?

We have been collecting data in 6 schools in Enfield for almost a year and one of the main things we have learned is that voltage optimisers have the potential to have a real impact on emissions – and energy bills!  

What is voltage and why do we need to optimise it? 

Voltage describes the ‘pressure’ that pushes electricity – the higher the voltage, the more electricity flows to an electronic device. All devices are designed to operate at specific voltages; excessive voltage can damage their circuitry. Optimising voltage is a clever energy saving technique that regulates the incoming power from the National Grid. By optimising the energy supply, you can reduce the amount of electricity you use, which in turn saves you money and cuts your carbon emissions! 

But what is a voltage optimiser and how does it work? 

In the UK, power from the National Grid is officially supplied at 230V, however the actual voltage supplied by the grid fluctuates around an average of 242V! This extra energy flows into your appliances at a much higher voltage than they need, resulting in both energy and financial waste, not to mention some extra wear and tear on your appliances.  

A Voltage Optimiser acts like a gate. When the electricity arrives from the power grid, the optimiser only allows the required amount to pass through to your electricity supply and any excess voltage is returned back to the grid and not used on site. The Optimiser rejects the surplus and returns it to the grid, which optimises your power supply and reduces your electricity bills and your carbon footprint.  

So, is it worth it?  

Simply put, you can save thousands of pounds a year, reduce your carbon footprint, and improve your sustainability – it is a win, win, win situation!  

Our data analysts have been busy going through all the data and, well, analysing it. They found that just one of our schools could save upwards of £3000 a year on their electricity bills by installing a voltage optimiser. This is equivalent to 5 tons of CO2! The cost of installing the voltage optimiser would be offset in 2-3 years, after which all of the money saved could be reinvested back into the school.  

What next?  

If you are a school that is interested in finding out more about what we do or how voltage optimisers might help you, please sign up to our waiting list on our website. And comment below any questions!