'Powergard' claims to recycle wasted electricity

(Credit: Nevvus)

A few weeks ago we mentioned the Cost Controller Power Strip, a device that indicates which appliances are doing the most damage in your monthly power bill. But a lot of green power strips are taking a more aggressive approach than just tracking numbers.

The "Powergard," for example, claims to store energy that would otherwise be wasted in the operation of inductive motors and then recycle it later, according to Electronic House. It also functions like a standard strip, regulating surges and power spikes.

Nevvus, which makes the Powergard, says it will save consumers up to 10 percent on utility bills--that is, after the initial $200 outlay for the device. But if you live in Buffalo, that could cost could be made up in just a couple of winters.

[MadLyb]

[epimetheus13]

Has anybody with an actual enigneering degree studied this thing? The concept is sound. We use the same concept all the time, albeit on a much larger scale, in industrial and utility power systems. All the device seems to be is a bank of capacitors that provide reactive power support when induction motors are in use in use in the house. I'm really curious if this actually shows a reduction in the utility bill. Surely somebody can do a decent experiment to prove this. I'm tempted to but don't have a whole lot of time and $200 bucks to spare.

[BDD125]

I'm not aware of any residental electric utility customers that pay based on their reactive power. Anyone that pays for only straight KW-hrs isn't going to see any monetary benefit from this.

[john02257]

Common sense should tell you that this can't work (utilities are giving away energy saving lightbulbs, thermostats, showerheads etc)...why wouldn't they just give these away? 10% savings in consumption...energy crisis over!
For those of you who would like to beleive, I'm an electrical engineer, so trust me when I say; this device is "snake oil". It's based on a theory that is valid, but only if you are being penalized by the utility for poor power factor...this Is ONLY true with large industrial users. Residential & small commercial meters don't measure power factor.THIS DEVICE IS PURE B.S.!!!