On Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:55:31 +0100, The Other Mike wrote:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...rother-switch-
fridge-Power-giants-make-millions--pay-sinister-technology.html

I know it's the Mail but WTF do you start with the ******** it spouts.

"Can shut down supply without warning - or your consent"

There will be something buried in the User Guide that gives your consent
by the simple act using the appliance. That happens already for lots of
things.

In the graphic it says demand surged during the Royal Wedding. I doubt it
was during but immediatly afterwards when everyone leapt up for a cuppa
and a wee (pumps coming on to supply water and take it away). Not even
sure that 2.4 GW is correct either and if it is it's probably one of, if
not the, largest load pickups ever and can be planned for and is why we
have Dinorwic.

"Sensors in domestic appliances would check this frequency every 0.2
seconds, and if it fell to 47Hz - a level that would risk blackouts - the
devices would kick in and shut fridges, freezers and ovens down."

Only "risk" blackouts at 47 Hz? The limit 50 Hz is +/- 0.5 Hz. I reckon
if it ever got down to 47 Hz there would be power stations tripping out
left right and center.

"If the frequency of the supply nudged towards 52 Hz, the devices could
make fridges become cooler, increasing demand and balancing out the
system."

Pardon, do I really see what I'm reading? HTF can a switch make a device
use more energy? Or are they saying it switches on when it doesn't need
to?

"'It will have no material impact on the operation of fridges and
freezers switching will be for a few seconds and only occasionally.'"

Well if they don't cut in until 47 Hz I think "occasionally" is likely to
be "never" or if they do will they switch the appliance off before the
supply anyway.

Very much looks like the unelected bureaucrats in Brussels have been
taken to some very nice meals.

--
Cheers
Dave.