New laptop charger technology developed at university
New laptop charger technology developed at university
A higher education institute in the UK has developed technology that may impact on users of laptop chargers.
London's City University has applied for a patent on a new eco-friendly piece of equipment that stops laptop power supplies, as well as those for phones and MP3s, from using electricity when nothing is connected to them, Techworld.com reports.
The development may be welcomed by consumers who have laptop chargers and are keen to do their bit for the planet, as well as reducing their energy bills.
Techworld.com pointed out that while many people are aware that laptop power supplies can continue to consume electricity when they are on even when batteries have been fully charged, not all know that this also applies to a small extent when the device is removed and the charger is left plugged into the mains.
This phenomenon has been described as 'vampire' power loss.
The patent has now been accepted and City University engineers have released details of how their solution works.
Commenting on the project, its leader Professor Sanowar Khan said the aim of the work was to produce a micro-switch that cuts power completely when chargers are removed from the items they are powering.
He remarked: "65 per cent of UK mobile phone owners leave their chargers plugged in once a week, but the redundant adapters continue to use power"
"With around 70 million handsets in the country [2006 figures], conservative estimates suggest that six gigawatt-hours of energy - equivalent to six large power stations working for one hour each - is wasted in this way every year."
This figure rises when the same wastage from laptops and MP3s is taken into account.
Firms are increasingly taking advantage of new technology in order to combat environmental problems. Not only does this help them save the planet, but it also enhances their image among many consumers.