iDigi Device Cloud, Wireless Gateways and ZigBee Modules Enable E2America’s Automated Building Energy Control System

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Digi helps E2America reduce customers’ power consumption by as much as 20 percent
 
MINNETONKA, Minn. (June 21, 2011) - Digi International (NASDAQ: DGII) today announced that Efficient Energy America, Inc. (E2America) is using its iDigi® Device Cloud™, ConnectPort® X4 gateways and XBee® ZB ZigBee modules to wirelessly enable the E2 intelligent commercial building control system.  Installed in restaurant chains and other commercial buildings across the U.S., E2America’s Smart Grid efficiency technology currently reduces energy consumption and demand by optimizing HVAC efficiency.  On average, customers experience annual savings of $7,000-$8,000 per site.

“We chose the Digi ConnectPort X4 gateway and iDigi Device Cloud as part of our solution to allow us to integrate additional applications in the future,” said Dara O’Neill, CEO, E2America.  “iDigi simplifies system integration, deployment and management.  Incorporating Digi’s ConnectPort X4 cellular gateways and ZigBee radios into our proprietary hardware allows for simple, low-cost installation and enables connectivity and intelligence.  Because the system is connected in real-time, we are able to include multiple external factors such as humidity, radiant heat, external temperature and others to keep a building at the most suitable thermal comfort levels with the greatest efficiency.”

Typically, HVAC systems account for a large portion – in many cases more than 50 percent – of the total energy used in a building. E2America installs its control interfaces on HVAC units, and proprietary temperature, humidity and occupancy sensors are then installed throughout a building. These devices are connected via XBee ZB modules to the ConnectPort X4 cellular gateway where a local application constantly determines how to use the least amount of energy possible while maintaining optimum comfort levels.  Important metrics are fed from the gateway to the iDigi Device Cloud over cellular networks where E2America can easily monitor and control the system through a web-based user interface.   

“Our fully automated, wireless system delivers cash-positive results from day one and ROI within 24 months,” O’Neill added.  “Digi has been a great company to work with during our development of this system.  It has a deep understanding of the wireless controls market, and has provided valuable insight and support on adding our superior building logic to their devices.”

For more information about Digi, visit www.digi.com.  For more information about E2America, visit www.e2america.com.

About Digi International
Digi International is making wireless M2M easy by developing reliable products and solutions to connect and securely manage local or remote electronic devices over the network or via the Web.  Digi offers the highest levels of performance, flexibility and quality, and markets its products through a global network of distributors and resellers, systems integrators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).  For more information, visit Digi's Web site at www.digi.com.

About E2America
E2America's intelligent HVAC control, optimization and real-time reporting systems go far beyond traditional energy management systems to reduce electricity costs, usage and carbon emissions for commercial enterprises. The only fully-automated, wireless, retrofit technology to deliver cash-positive results from day-one and ROI within 18 months, E2America systems are installed in leading restaurant and retail chains, as well as other commercial buildings across the U.S. The E2America intelligent Smart Grid efficiency technology reduces energy consumption (kWh) and demand (kW) of each facility through management of the HVAC equipment, which draws the heaviest electrical loads. Each solution is custom designed and built for that particular application, and no training is required. Because the systems are entirely wireless, installation takes only hours. E2America have also developed a Hotel and residential solution to compliment its commercial application. E2America is a Trade Ally with many utility companies, including Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, Progress Energy, Duke Energy, GreenCo and ElectriCities. The company is headquartered in North Carolina. For more information, visit www.e2america.com.

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