Re-fusing to be self-reliant

A fuse box that can ‘learn’ to manage a domestic electricity supply efficiently could help to slash fuel bills by 20 per cent, its UK developers claim.

As part of their research into renewable energy technologies, engineers at Southampton University have designed a fuse box that can respond to its environment and predict domestic power requirements.

The system employs a network of wireless sensors, which are installed in the building to monitor energy usage. Once enough data is gathered, the unit uses evolutionary algorithms, allowing it to respond to circumstances and work out the most economical way of using the available energy.

For example, the fuse box would be able to switch to an emergency supply to run essential appliances such as fridges and telephones in the event of a blackout.

The box is designed to fit alongside existing domestic wiring and can be configured by the user to suit their individual needs.