The UC Monitor has a story on their student Jeremy Woodhill who has won a Australian Innovation Challenge award in the ‘backyard’ category.
His invention, the Smart GPO, came about when he looking to make power points safer. However he got a lot more than he originally bargained for.
“The Smart GPO works to significantly reduce electricity consumption in households and buildings via a new type of General Power Outlet (power point).
The device can be programmed by users to switch off all non-essential power supplies when not in use.
“One switch at the door and everything is off. You can also isolate them so that you can leave the important switches on such as a fridge or a fish tank,” Mr Woodhill said.”
He has already been approached by a number of people, including architects and eco-building firms. So he has done the sensible thing with his $10,000 prize money and invested in intellectual property and the development of his invention. He is hoping to have it available for sale within the next few years.