Smarter Way to Reduce Energy Consumption
One of most important advancements in helping consumers contribute to reductions in energy consumption and CO2 emissions is smart meter technology, and Styron products play an integral role in the production and performance of smart meter applications. In contrast to traditional gas and electric meters, smart meters are able to transmit and receive data, to and from the energy supplier and provide a digital display of total power consumption, approximate cost, and CO2 emissions – motivating consumers to cut usage wherever possible. It is estimated that the average consumer could save 2-3% in energy use each year thanks to smart meter technology.1 Multiply that by hundreds of millions of households, and the impact can be significant.
More than 250 million smart meters will be installed worldwide by 2015, representing a penetration rate of 18% of all electrical meters by that time (up from 46 million in 2008).2 This is being driven by a goal of reaching 55% penetration of all electric meters in North America by 2015 and a 20/20/20 goal in Europe to achieve a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a 20% increase in renewable energy, and a 20% reduction in energy consumption all by 2020. This directive in Europe also includes a goal to replace 80% of electric meters with smart meters by 2020.
Styron products are used in various application areas of the smart meter and are critical to overall performance. EMERGE™ 8701HH advanced resin, a glass-reinforced polycarbonate, modified with innovative flame retardant technology is used to make the meter terminal blocks. These blocks come in direct contact with live wires and can reach temperatures of 960°C, making flammability a key concern. EMERGE PC 8701HH meets the IEC 62052-11 material requirements for smart meter applications and those especially requiring a high heat distortion such as the terminal block. Moreover, the resin provides good aesthetics and excellent mechanical properties making it very suitable for other meter applications such as the meter casings. Another issue that faces utility smart meters is fraud. Therefore the exterior housing or casing must be made of a tough, tamper-resistant material offered by CALIBRE™ polycarbonate resins or EMERGE™ advanced resins. These materials are also available as transparent materials used to make the clear windows that provide consumers with the vital data they need to make good energy use decisions and are chosen for their combination of extreme toughness, exceptional clarity, and flame resistance.
Smart meters represent an important step in our quest to use our valuable resources more wisely. The future outlook on smart meter technology is very positive, with European and North American government initiatives driving adoption forward. And, high performance Styron products will be there every step of the way, helping to ensure safe, long lasting operation of this important and sustainable application.
Learn how plastics from Styron can make your next application “smarter.”
1According to a 2009 article by Better Generation Ltd.
2According to an October 2009 report from Pike Research
