Design and implementation of an automated load scheduling and monitoring system

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.