By: Zandile Majavu
With a knack for technology innovation, Cape Town-based Sensor Networks CEO Mark Allewell is invested in providing smart tech interim solutions to combat the impact of load-shedding on households.
Allewell has an extensive background in the demand management of power and research. His smart tech solutions include smart geyser devices that allow for user monitoring and control via an application.
“The technology we produce helps homeowners save electricity, reduce their monthly household costs, and enhance security for ultimate peace of mind. This includes smart tech solutions for risk management and energy management through our Smart Home Smart App. Our tech team can also develop and design bespoke solutions where needed,” Allewell told Vutivi News.
Allewell, who was featured as a special guest in the Western Cape 18th Energy Digicon, explains that Sensor Networks technology solutions enable households to optimise their home energy usage, enhance grid stability, and promote a more sustainable and efficient energy ecosystem.
“Normally, unless otherwise programmed or designed, a geyser uses a thermostat to keep the water at a set temperature, allowing you to have warm water whenever you need it. But this also means that your geyser is consistently heating up throughout the day as water is used and heat is naturally lost. Any process that affects water temperature change is highly electricity intensive, especially when compared to your other appliances,” said Allewell.
In such cases, it meant that even when you were unlikely to need hot water, the geyser was still dutifully heating your tank for the benefit of no one, added Allewell.
However, a smart geyser device could create a water heating schedule that suited a household’s diary and, therefore, secure significant cost savings on a monthly electricity bill while lowering the overall strain on the national grid.
“Smart geyser devices offer an optimal solution for small businesses because they can also help you navigate the inconvenience and annoyance of load-shedding because these devices and systems can integrate with Eskom’s schedule, meaning that small businesses and homes can at least expect to have hot water while being forced to sit in the dark,” said Allewell.
He further said Sensor Networks data could confirm an 84% reduction in water damage claims from burst geysers. This was because the smart geyser device could warn of any leaks via the app on a phone before the geyser failed or burst, mitigating a large degree of risk and saving businesses a substantial amount of money because they did not have to repair or replace appliances.
