Power-Saving Solutions Add To CES's Green Theme

By John Laposky On Dec 21 2009 - 8:00am

With more than 2,000 exhibitors expected at next month's International CES in Las Vegas, it's a safe assumption that there will be thousands of new CE products being introduced. And the vast majority will have one thing in common: They'll need to be plugged in or charged.

Fortunately, a host of accessories companies will be on hand with power, charging and surge-protection solutions for those thousands of plugs and rechargeable devices. And many of them will feature embedded technologies to save energy.

Several companies will be showing surge-protection systems that eliminate so-called “vampire power,” the energy drawn from devices that are plugged in but not in use. This accounts for 15 percent of the energy the average American household draws in a year, according to a U.S. Department of Energy study.

Accell will introduce one such line in its GreenGenius smart surge protectors, on display in booth 20525 in South Hall 1. The GreenGenius products feature a control outlet, energy-saving switched outlets and always-on outlets. A sensor constantly monitors the flow of electricity to the control outlet, so when there is an increase or decrease in the flow of electricity, the surge protector automatically turns on or off the power to the switch outlets, thus saving energy.

“The GreenGenius products use a patented technology, knowing when to turn off idle devices and when to turn them back on,” said Michael Weizer, Accell's marketing director. “In some cases it can pay for itself in energy savings in as little as a few months.”

iGo will be at CES with three new power products featuring the company's proprietary iGo Green technology.

The iGo Power Smart Tower (suggested retail: $79.99) features four switched and four control outlets as well as an instant wake-up button to immediately power the outlets with iGo Green, if needed. The green surge protector also features two USB ports to charge mobile devices.

Also new from iGo: the Power Smart wall ($29.99) four-outlet SKU with two switched and two control outlets and instant wake-up button, and an iGo Green laptop charger measuring only 16.5 millimeters thick.

BITS Limited will bring to the show its new Charging Station surge protector, designed to monitor devices with rechargeable battery plugs, such as portable media players, cordless power tools, laptops and portable gaming systems. The Charging Station cuts power completely to them when their batteries are fully recharged. It has seven total outlets, five of which switch and two of which are always on.

BITS will be featuring the unit at booth 4320 in the Sustainable Planet CES 2010 spotlight area.

Perhaps the most unique green power product at CES this year will be the YoGen, from Easy Energy, billed as “the world's first fully sustainable, handheld charging device” for small personal electronics.

Through repeated pulls on the YoGen's attached ripcord, similar to the motion of a yo-yo, sufficient power is generated to charge cellphones, iPods, PDAs and MP3s, and some point-and-shoot digital cameras, according to the company. The technology triggers an internal alternator that charges a device within minutes through a charge/time ratio similar to that of standard wall chargers.

Ergonomically designed, YoGen weighs less than 3.5 ounces and fits into the palm of one's hand, CEO Guy Ofir said, adding that since the YoGen runs exclusively on green human-powered energy, it is ideal for travelers, hikers and campers. “With a YoGen in your travel bag, backpack, briefcase or in the glove compartment of your car, you are never out of touch,” Ofir said. “Just a few pulls on the ripcord is enough to keep you connected, especially in an emergency.” The YoGen unit retails for $39.99 and includes an assortment of adapter tips.

Other companies showing energy-saving power and surge solutions at the show include HiSaver, P3 International and Kensington. Details will be available during CES in the Official CES Daily, brought to you by the editors of TWICE, as well as on www.TWICE.com.