This EnerJar entrant won the recent Core77 Greener Gadgets Award for 2008. It’s an easy build DIY device to measure how much power you’re using. Nice idea, and something we’re probably going to need a lot more of as time passes and oil peakses.
The EnerJar is an easy-to-build, DIY device that accurately measures the power draw of electrical appliances. Sitting between any wall outlet and the appliance (think blowdryer versus laptop), the EnerJar helps users gain an understanding of power draw, investing them in the knowlege, and leading them to reduce their electricity use.
GD! can someone tell me how the hell this thing won? Its just a ripped-apart multimeter stuffed in a jar. I saw some of the other entries which were well presented, but this is nothing more than the second lab day of ELE 101 photographed with a iphone. Shame on Core77. And a big slap in the face to all the entries which were nicely-made and carefully submitted.
Lianjuin, I think they were trying to emphasise the DIY nature of the tool. In other words it’s something that anyone can put together quickly and cheaply to monitor their power use, rather than having to buy an expensive device?