EMBEDDED TECHNOLOGY
How to Design an Environmentally Sustainable System Using
Embedded Technology Louisa Rochford, content marketing manager, Impulse Embedded
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mbedded technology, with its ability to integrate into various industrial devices and processes, is playing an irreplaceable role in driving sustainability initiatives across the globe. These technologies are offering innovative solutions to lessen environmental optimising energy consumption and reducing waste. What are some of the ways this can be accomplished?
How Can This Be Achieved? Energy Management and Reducing Power Consumption
Among the primary areas where embedded on sustainability is its power consumption. choosing the components of the embedded system, especially in devices that run for extended periods or in energy-conscious applications.
For example, a simple change of power in a substantial reduction of wasted energy required. This reduction saves money and means more of the input power is converted into usable output power, thereby meaning less heat is dispersed into the atmosphere.
Maximising Usage of Components its form factor. Not only is technology getting smaller over time, thus reducing the amount of space used, but it Is also becoming more intelligent and capable as advancements are made.
Aside from reducing the form factor, another way to save space within a system is to use different devices that all perform different tasks when you can integrate a device that components not only saves space within a system, but also reduces the overall weight, which will have a positive knock-on effect on the emissions used in transportation. Gateway computers, otherwise known as Edge devices, are small devices that can
process data locally. Aside from being a functional computing device, it also includes in-built networking capability and peripheral connectivity which could include serial ports for connecting to legacy devices, digital I/O and CAN bus. This can consolidate multiple inputs into a single, low-powered device for pre-processing prior to updating to the Cloud.
Materials Used
The materials used in our technology are critical. Environmental sustainability can be achieved through using recyclable and biodegradable materials, such as in packaging. Most important, however, is ensuring that only materials with low toxicity and hazardous substances are used. Choosing lightweight materials, such composites for structural components, helps to lower energy consumption during manufacturing, transportation and use, as well as reduce material usage and associated emissions.
process of a device’s chassis. By using sand grain powder paint instead of liquid painting, the process creates fewer harmful pollutants, reduces waste caused by overspray and drips and reduces energy input.
Quality – Reliability and Robustness One of the most important factors in industrial technology is its longevity, especially in harsh environments. Creating robust technology with high-quality material, while more expensive in the short-term, will improve the system’s ruggedness and will require less maintenance in its lifespan, thereby saving costs in the long run.
Additionally, through features like predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics and modular design, embedded devices can be maintained, upgraded and repurposed more conserving resources.
Other Considerations
In addition to the criteria above, there are other factors that may not be obvious, but are nonetheless important to consider. As mentioned, using embedded technology multi-purpose components can improve the carbon footprint associated with the shipping process.
Another method is integrating embedded systems with IoT (Internet of Things) technology, which enables remote monitoring and control of devices and processes. This capability reduces the need for physical travel and on-site interventions, leading to lower carbon emissions and enhanced operational
28 NOVEMBER 2024 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS
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