Towards ubiquitous smart outlets for safety and energetic efficiency of home electric appliances

Abstract

In this paper we present an intelligent device-level residential energy monitoring and controlling platform based on interactive outlets and light dimmer-switches. The platform allows users to monitor, control and compare electricity consumption of appliances connected to the residential power network. In our prototype we are able to perform control via remote control, mobile phone, TV or web interface. Managing intelligence and awareness are achieved through the user-defined behavioral scripts executed on the Home Controller device. These scripts enable the system to automatically respond on any change in the energy consumption scheme, by notifying the user or executing a predefined operation. The system intelligently controls power consumption of all appliances connected to the smart network, contributing to energy savings in the household. © 2011 IEEE.