South African cities could mitigate the electricity outages that have been debilitating its economy by introducing water heaters powered by artificial intelligence, as revealed by a 30-month study. According to research conducted by South African startup Plentify, the installation of devices that automatically turn off during peak times and make use of solar power during the sunniest hours of the day in just 25% of households in a city could lead to a reduction in power outages by 20 hours per month.
Plentify, whose CEO formerly headed Google’s energy business in Africa and whose advisor is a former executive of Tesla Inc, carried out the study on 500 homes in Cape Town and the Western Cape province’s Hessequa municipality. The findings indicate that the maximum demand from water heaters, which can make up half of a household’s electricity usage, could be lowered by 60%.
South Africans have been regularly facing power outages lasting for more than 10 hours a day over the past year, as the country’s aging coal plants frequently experience breakdowns.
Severe electricity shortages in South Africa have had significant implications for the country’s economy. The installation of AI-powered water heaters could alleviate this issue, reducing the frequency and duration of power outages, and providing a more reliable supply of electricity for both homes and businesses. This would in turn support economic growth and development.
Plentify’s innovative solution could play a crucial role in South Africa’s transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy system. By utilizing AI technology to optimize energy consumption, the water heaters would help to reduce the strain on the electricity grid during peak times and make better use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power. This would contribute to a greener and cleaner energy mix for the country, aligning with its commitment to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The study conducted by Plentify demonstrates the potential impact of AI-powered water heaters on the reliability and efficiency of the electricity supply in South African cities. By implementing this solution on a larger scale, cities across the country could significantly improve their resilience to power outages and create a more sustainable energy future.
The findings of this study highlight the importance of innovative and technology-driven solutions in addressing energy challenges. The integration of AI into everyday appliances, such as water heaters, has the potential to transform the energy landscape and empower individuals and communities to be active participants in the transition to a cleaner and more efficient energy system.
As South Africa continues to face energy shortages, it is essential to explore all possible avenues to ensure a reliable and sustainable electricity supply. The introduction of AI-powered water heaters could be a game-changer in this regard, providing a practical and scalable solution to improve the resilience of the country’s energy infrastructure.
In conclusion, the installation of water heaters powered by artificial intelligence could offer a promising solution to the electricity outages in South Africa. By implementing this technology, cities could experience fewer blackouts, ensuring a more reliable and sustainable energy supply for their residents and businesses.
Credit: The Star : Tech Feed
