Increase energy efficiency at electronica 2014

With machines accounting for two-thirds of all electricity consumed by the industrial sector, the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association has claimed that using intelligent automation systems could save 10-15% (or €4bn) of all energy used in Germany's industrial sector. Improved network infrastructure could also increase efficiency. Fluctuating power flows are presenting networks with major challenges, however, intelligent networks (or smart grids) can measure and and respond to these fluctuations.

Energy efficiency plays an important role in all exhibition sectors at electronica. Infineon will use the show to present its entire range of power semiconductors, microcontrollers and sensors, which are used in everything from washing machines to power grids. Dr. Helmut Gassel, Head of Industrial Power Control, Infineon, commented: "As part of our focus topic, we have identified various markets and regions where energy efficiency continues to increase in importance - for environmental as well as cost-related reasons. In China, entire fleets of busses for inner-city transport are switching to electric drive systems. In the United States, they are experimenting with electrified highways for trucks. And regulated drives for industrial facilities are catching on in Europe. Energy efficiency is also developing into an important sales argument for household appliances and intelligent building-control systems."

Energy-efficient solutions have already been established in the display sector: TFT displays have achieved considerable energy savings in the industrial and consumer-goods sectors. However, new technologies are still being developed: displays with four-pixel colour systems (R/G/B + White) make it possible to reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. Other technologies, such as e-paper and memory displays, only consume electricity when display content changes, making them extremely energy efficient. Factors besides energy efficiency are also important, especially in the industrial sector. Data Modul's easyTOUCH displays are a good example: they have been optimised for operation with industrial and medical gloves.