Abstract:
An automated load scheduling and monitoring
system is implemented by using smart sockets, a central control
unit, and a user interface. This system can perform real-time
power monitoring and appliance scheduling tasks and can be
used with either demand response (DR) or demand-side
management (DSM) applications with an ultimate target of
reducing energy usage by means of effective controlling of
electrical appliances. In the proposed system, the inter
integrated circuit (I2C) protocol is used as the communication
method between smart sockets and the central control unit.
Message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT) protocol is used
for the communication between the central unit and the web
interface. Utilization of the above protocols plays a major role
in enhancing the reliability of the entire system. Further realtime
power monitoring of the connected appliances can be
performed through an android application. Experimental
results reveal that the designed smart sockets are capable of
accurately and precisely monitoring the power consumption of
connected devices. Maximum communication distance of 17m is
achieved with I2C communication without using any bus
extender. Modular approach in the software and hardware
architecture of the system provides provisions for effective
implementation of DR and DSM schedules.
