A device that promises energy savings of up to 30% on any device at the end of the month, it is becoming quite popular on the internet. Although it is a very tempting idea, it can present more risks than advantages in its use.
The device, called electrical, is placed directly into the socket and has an input for the device to be plugged directly into it. According to the description on its website, the device “provides only the energy necessary for your equipment to work without wasting it”.
The Weelectric, in fact, brings energy savings to the user, but because it delivers a power lower than the necessary for the device to work. For example, a 100W light bulb receives only 80W during use.
The electrical network in Brazil, which can be 127 or 220 volts, has a characteristic, which is the frequency, since the electrical system uses the so-called alternating current. This type of current works in cycles, which can be graphically represented by sine waves.
The frequency present in electrical currents refers to these waves. Brazil's electrical system uses frequencies that reach 60 Hz. The role of Weletric is to use the small deformations that these waves present to limit energy consumption.
The problem is that, the device contributes to the creation of harmonic waves of electrical energy. These harmonic currents end up adding to the original current, causing an increase in voltage and current values, which shortens the useful life of devices that are more sensitive to these variations.
“Due to the characteristics of the equipment, it must work with power factor adjustments. This procedure, when used without proper calculations, can damage the electrical and electronic equipment connected to it or even increase the cost of the bill”, explains Professor João Carlos Lopes Fernandes, from the Putting Engineering course at the Mauá de Tecnologia Institute.
Therefore, appliances that require more power, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, may not work properly or burn out due to modifications made by Weelectric.
According to Fernandes, the best way to save continues to be the modification of consumption habits. “Decreasing shower time, not leaving lights on unnecessarily, using LED lamps instead of incandescent ones and optimizing the use of equipment such as washing machine and iron are some examples of things that can help in reducing.”
Via: Uol
