Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Reducing ‘phantom power’ losses

Thiruvananthapuram: Most electronic gadgets are equipped with a standby mode to save power and obviate the need for frequent switching on. But the fact is, they continue to draw a small amount of power even in the standby mode. This is due to a phenomenon called ‘phantom power.’

The value is considerably low when compared to the actual power used by the device, but the small loss accounts for nearly 26 per cent of the total energy loss in the world.

Artin Dynamics, a company that recently opened a technology incubation unit in the Technopark campus here, claims to have come up with a solution to this phantom power problem.

The company has developed a product named ‘SPARA’ that is designed to cut down the power loss accounted by computers. “SPARA is an integrated module that can ensure an annual energy saving of up to 40 MW for a company with 1,000 computers. The hardware and software modules of the product work in tandem to increase the efficiency of the system. SPARA reflects the Green Outlook approach of our company,” says Nelvin Joseph, CEO of Artin Dynamics.

Mr. Nelvin said SPARA would help eliminate phantom power loss up to 97 per cent. The product uses power management techniques to optimise the efficiency of a computer network.

While the software generates detailed reports about the usage statistics and the power saved, the hardware unit utilises a patented technology known as ETL or ‘Enhanced Trigger loop’ that interfaces with the computer using its USB port. Once the computer switches to a power down state (shutdown or hibernate) the module terminates the power supply from the system and the supply point. This eliminates phantom power losses. The module is also capable of restoring power and turning on the system remotely through intranet, internet or mobile phone.

Incorporated in April 2008, Artin Dynamics deals with Artificial Intelligence-based products and services. The company focuses on the development of products that help conserve non-renewable sources of energy. Mr. Nelvin said the firm would strive to qualify for the carbon footprint qualification from the International Energy Council.

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Reducing ‘phantom power’ losses

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