Denso has jointly developed a home energy management system (HEMS) with Toyota Housing and Misawa Homes. The HEMS, Denso’s first such product of its kind, has optional functions that work with plug-in hybrid or electric vehicles. Denso’s HEMS consists of a control unit and a 7-inch touch panel monitor, installed inside the house.The monitor shows real-time power consumption, helping to remind users to turn off appliances when they are not in use, which also helps them better manage electricity. The system prevents the circuit breaker from tripping when there is a high electric load. When the HEMS is connected to an external information center it allows the user to remotely check and switch on and off some home appliances from their Smartphone.
For example, users could switch on climate control systems, check whether the electrically controlled front door is properly locked, and fill the bathtub with hot water using their Smartphone. Consumers also can use HEMS to schedule a time to charge a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle battery by coordinating with vehicle battery chargers. Consumers can schedule battery charging for nighttime, when electricity rates are lower. After signing a contract with a car maker and connecting with the information center, users can remotely turn on the vehicle’s climate control system using the HEMS monitor or Smartphone. Denso HEMS will be available in the Japanese market in or after February 2012.