The Return of Black-Box Technology
Published: August 19, 2009
Jay Stein
Energy-efficiency technologies are in the news, from numerous provisions in the Waxman-Markey climate change bill (PDF) to a new study from McKinsey & Co. that projects that the United States could save $130 billion annually if we took advantage of all cost-effective efficiency opportunities. Along with this renewed interest has come another trend: a resurgence of activity by vendors of “black-box“ technologies.
At E Source, we define black-box technologies as things that are bolted on, wired in, or otherwise added to existing technologies, without it being apparent how they reduce energy consumption. Examples include:
- Controls that modify the signal between thermostats and HVAC equipment
- Additives for refrigeration compressor lubricants
- Devices that use capacitors and other electronic circuits to improve power factor
- Controls that adjust the voltage to electric motors depending on how heavily they are loaded
- Transformers that reduce the voltage of power supplied to lighting systems
- Surge protectors intended to protect sensitive electronic equipment from surges caused by lightning and other electric disturbances
Black-box technologies aren’t inherently good or bad—sometimes they are a smart way to save energy; sometimes they are incapable of saving more than an imperceptible amount. Sometimes they save far too little energy to justify their high purchase price, and sometimes they are only cost-effective under limited circumstances (which their promoters don’t fully explain).
With so much confusion regarding their effectiveness, it’s no surprise these technologies are frequently misapplied. It’s distressing to see so many resources wasted on ineffective investments. It’s also galling to see black-box technologies mischaracterized by vendors. For example, we recently watched a television news show in which a vendor of a power factor correction device confused a reporter who did not understand the difference between current and power.
How do the rest of us avoid the fate of that reporter? How can we tell which black-box technologies really work, and where? Often, black-box vendors offer tests to demonstrate the effectiveness of their products. The problem with this approach is that it’s entirely possible that a technology could produce impressive results under one set of circumstances but not another.
Instead of starting with tests, we at E Source prefer to begin by understanding how technologies purport to save energy, and whether those mechanisms are substantiated by scientific principles and observations. Only once we understand and can substantiate the mechanisms are we interested in reviewing test results, and then only to the extent that the tests either prove or disprove the purported mechanisms.
At E Source, we consider this work a vital part of our mission. If we as a society are going to dramatically improve our energy efficiency, we will have to make effective use of the capital allocated for that purpose. We will not succeed at this mission if we spend our money on technologies that provide little or no bang for the buck.
For more information on what we’ve learned about efficiency technologies, including some black-box technologies, check out the E Source Business Energy Advisor, an online library for equipment-buying advice, tips for maintaining your equipment for efficient operation, and low-cost solutions for various business types.
Welcome to the new redesigned E News! We’ve streamlined our bimonthly bulletin and are now providing an article from one of our energy experts. You can find all of the regular E News features at the links at the top of this e-mail. We hope you like the new format! Let us know what you think.
