Tag Archives: energy efficiency

Chargers, Press Release

Jacobs Joins the Current/OS Foundation to Advance Direct Current (DC) Standards

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As the world moves toward renewable energy and large-scale electrification, the need for efficient energy systems has never been greater. To address this challenge, Jacobs, a global leader in science-based consulting and sustainability solutions, has joined the Current/OS Foundation—a non-profit organisation dedicated to creating unified standards for Direct Current (DC) installations.

The collaboration aims to support the development of DC microgrids, which complement the public energy grid and improve the integration of renewable energy, battery storage, and smart technologies.

Why Direct Current Matters

The rise of renewable energy sources like solar panels and battery storage has highlighted the benefits of DC power. Unlike traditional Alternating Current (AC), which requires conversion, DC power is generated, stored, and consumed natively by many modern devices and systems.

According to Adam Selvey, Built Environment Systems & Sustainability Director at Jacobs:

“We are currently in the largest mass-scale electrification since the end of the 19th century. To reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, the UK grid may need to nearly triple its current capacity. DC networks in buildings, as Edison originally envisioned, can play a critical role in meeting these demands.”

By adopting unified DC standards through initiatives like Current/OS, Jacobs and its partners hope to accelerate the transition to a more efficient and sustainable energy future.

Aligning with Clean Power 2030

The partnership also aligns with the goals outlined in the Clean Power 2030 (CP2030) report, which charts a decade-long transformation of the energy grid to support increased electrification. Jacobs plans to leverage its involvement with the Current/OS Foundation to:

  • Develop DC pilot projects in the UK.
  • Share insights from international DC projects.
  • Enhance skills across the supply chain for Building Service Engineers.
  • Establish the UK as a global leader in DC deployment within buildings.

Jacobs’ Role in the Foundation

Welcoming Jacobs to the organisation, Yannick Neyret, President of the Current/OS Foundation, stated:

“Jacobs’ expertise in British infrastructure and their ability to add value across the supply chain will be critical in making the UK a leader in DC adoption.”

With their extensive experience in sustainability and infrastructure, Jacobs is well-positioned to contribute to the Foundation’s mission of creating unified DC standards.

About the Current/OS Foundation

The Current/OS Foundation brings together manufacturers and suppliers to develop standards for DC installations. These standards aim to ensure safe and compatible operation of DC equipment in localised microgrids, making the integration of renewable energy more efficient and reliable.

Jacobs: Reinventing Tomorrow

Jacobs is known for tackling the world’s most complex challenges, from advanced manufacturing to sustainable energy. With almost 45,000 employees and $12 billion in annual revenue, the company is a global leader in delivering end-to-end solutions for a more connected, sustainable world.

Why This Matters

The transition to Direct Current (DC) is a key step in the global push for sustainability. By collaborating with the Current/OS Foundation, Jacobs is helping to pave the way for more efficient energy systems that can handle the demands of increased electrification.

From renewable integration to smart building technologies, the future of energy looks bright—and increasingly DC-powered.

What are your thoughts on the shift to DC networks? Could this be the game-changer we need for sustainable energy? Share your opinions in the comments below!

For more information, visit currentos.foundation and jacobs.com.

Home Appliances, Internet of Things, IoT

Introducing the World’s first ‘out the box’ kettle with Alexa

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At the heart of any kitchen, the iconic kettle can now be controlled by voice, using any device, creating personalised commands and routines unique to the user. From the simple task of turning the kettle on, through to changing the temperature of the water, or simply asking Alexa to keep the water warm, this technological evolution and advancement in modernising this most traditional of routines, will be a total game changer for so many.

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Controlled by voice or the Alexa app
The kettle can be activated remotely to boil water to the desired temperature the moment a homeowner walks in the door and at any time, in any room, via the Alexa device.

Routines and personalised commands
Designed to fit with the users schedule, the kettle can be activated using favourite phrases and programmed to boil based on routine. A breakfast, mid-morning and afternoon routine could be programmed for example. These can also be duplicated and adjusted, so the weekend breakfast routine is set to go-live at a later time to the weekday settings.

Water levels and descaling
The Alexa app will also advise users when water is running low and a refill is required, plus highlight the number of boils left until the next descale is required.

Sync activation with phone alarms
The Swan Alexa Kettle delivers next generation convenience and can be set to boil automatically as part of the daily morning routine.

So easy to set up in 4 easy steps… 

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Once the water has reached the selected temperature, the kettle will bleep twice and then automatically keep the water warm for 2 hours… many consumers will simply love the technology and convenience the product delivers…

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For others, it will deliver a welcome practicality:

– For heating a baby’s bottle to a specific temperature and not having to wait for it to cool down

– To keep a full kettle heated for when guests are visiting to top-up drinks

– Preparing herbal teas and serving at a recommended temperature

– Avoiding the need to ‘switch on the kettle’ which may be useful for some users

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The energy efficient solution for the future of hot drinks… by programming the temperature ‘boil’, users are able to manage exacting amounts of energy usage: an 85 degree boil for a traditional cup of tea, a 90 degree boil recommended for a coffee and there is even the option to boil-up at 60 degrees (or less) to loosen a jar of honey.

The Alexa Swan Kettle comes with a 2 year Guarantee. 
SRP@ £99.99

swan-brand.co.uk

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With its cordless base (including cord storage) and dry boil protection with automatic cut-off, there’s no need to worry about safety or cluttering in the kitchen. The Alexa kettle conveniently also has a removable, washable scale filter for easy cleaning, prolonging the kettle through a lifetime of daily use. Its stainless steel inner ensures durability and a 1.5L capacity makes 8-10 cups from just one boil.

Fashioned with a black gloss finish and digital touch panel controls, this stylish and effortless kettle will be a cool, sharp addition to any kitchen.