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Smart Plugs for Building Energy Management

Systems

Hamed Morsali
1
, Seyed Mohammad Shekarabi
1
, Kamyar Ardekani
1
, Hossein Khayami
1
,
Alireza Fereidunian
1,2
, Mona Ghassemian
3
, Hamid Lesani
1

(1) Systems and Machines Research Lab (SMRL), Control and Intelligent Processing Center of Excellence
(CIPCE), School of ECE, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
(2) Faculty of ECE, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
(3) School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, UK


Abstract Due to rising value of energy supplies, the need for
managing electrical energy sources becomes prominent. In this
paper, a smart plug device is presented; which provides features
to measure energy consumption and recognizes the type of
attached electrical devices. Furthermore, the proposed
framework enables home controller systems to monitor and
control home energy consumption efficiently. Subsequently an
analysis of energy consumption of a pilot house, prior and after
the installation of the smart plug, based on a hypothetical
scenario, is provided. The results present positive impacts of
using the smart plug on energy consumption rate; especially
during peak hours.
Keywords- smart grid; energy consumption pattern; home
automation; industrial communication; demand-side management;
smart plug; smart environment.
I. INTRODUCTION
Electrical energy consumption of residential consumers in
Iran in the period from April 2008 to April 2009 is reported to
be about 52.896 GWh; which is 33% of the entire energy
consumption in the country [1]. In addition, the residential
electrical energy consumption in Iran is predicted to increase
about 2.2 times until 2016 [2]. Thus, correction and peak
shaving of residential consumption distribution will have a
considerable effect on total consumption reduction during peak
hours. Moreover, this reduction may lead to shut down of gas
power plants and subsequently reduction of CO2 emission and
global warming [3].
One of the main challenges in providing household
electricity is non-uniform daily energy usage. Namely, the
level of energy production and consumption cost in peak hours
becomes significantly higher than off-peak hours. Hence,
moving energy usage period to off-peak hours does not change
the amount of energy usage significantly but can be helpful for
reducing energy provision costs. Demand-side power
monitoring methods which are implemented on the user side
[4] do not require new infrastructure set up and therefore have
low implementation cost.
Extensive research proposes a number of demand-side
solutions addressing challenges in the field of energy
consumption. For instance, mechanisms for subdividing home
appliances into different categories and assigning them to
unique consumption distribution functions [5], implementation
of energy optimization tools [6] and applying game theory
techniques for consumption optimization [7]. The main
contributions of the published research are mathematical
modeling and work on simulation optimization solutions and
implementation issues are left unexplored.
Home controller systems, which are used for controlling
and monitoring home appliances, adopt various methods such
as analyzing consumption pattern in a work cycle and
comparing it with a predefined pattern [8][9], using intelligent
algorithms for recognizing consumer type [10], and current
analysis for device detection using hall effect sensors [11].
These algorithms require the consumer device to be switched
on during the detection phase. They also have a high level of
implementation cost per household. Some of the systems used
to switch appliances on/off and monitor consumption, do this
via a control center and central meters [12]; which again
require high costs for implementation in a house.
In this paper, we investigate and implement a plug and play
smart plug; which recognizes the consumer appliance
category which is specified according to consumption scales
and priorities. The proposed smart plug has a low
implementation cost and provides the ability to measure and
record instantaneous energy consumption, measure quality
parameters of consumer appliances (i.e., total harmonic
distortion (THD) and power factor (PF)). This can be done
either via its Human Machine Interface (HMI) or over a
connection to a personal computer. This device can directly get
connected to existing home controller and become part of the
system. Alternatively when there is no system in place, it can
set up a smart monitoring network using our developed
configuration and control tool which incorporates different
control algorithms for controlling a specific category of
appliances. Subsequently, we consider a simple hypothetical
scenario for pilot household daily energy consumption. In
addition, the economic benefits to both the user and energy
supplier are evaluated.
The appl
the energy management systems which are the focus of this
work.
applications as well.
applications of smart plugs in a number of p
instance, [
Living (REAL) system
of the residents
possible difficulty when a deviation in the baseline
consumption
proposed s
detection of this deviation
monitoring tool it provides.
The smart plugs were also used to monitor the performance
of the da
assessment of such cente
security threat to such data cente
This paper is organized as following: Section
the proposed
Section
the results and analysis. Finally, Section
paper.
In this section, we discuss different aspects of the proposed
technology proposed in this paper.
Smart plug is an alternative to conventional plugs. It is
similar to them in size and plug shape. Howeve
what conventional plugs do,
power line, it provides a framework for remote monitoring
appliance
In general
subsy
communication
Recognition
determine
magnetic label
on the plug
considering the type of appliance
Several
appliances type table such as:
usage,
The application of our proposed smart plu
the energy management systems which are the focus of this
work. This device can further be used in other civil
applications as well.
applications of smart plugs in a number of p
instance, [13] studies the idea for a Remote Elderly Assisted
Living (REAL) system
of the residents. This system triggers events corresponding to a
possible difficulty when a deviation in the baseline
consumption of the
proposed smart plug can
detection of this deviation
monitoring tool it provides.
The smart plugs were also used to monitor the performance
of the data server rooms and assist with energy monitoring
assessment of such cente
security threat to such data cente
This paper is organized as following: Section
the proposed system
Section III discusses the implementation issues and presents
the results and analysis. Finally, Section
paper.
In this section, we discuss different aspects of the proposed
technology proposed in this paper.
A. SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITIES
Smart plug is an alternative to conventional plugs. It is
similar to them in size and plug shape. Howeve
what conventional plugs do,
power line, it provides a framework for remote monitoring
appliance type recognition,
In general, the
subsystems: recognition
communication as depicted in
Figure
Recognition subsystem
determines the type o
magnetic label mounted
on the plug by
considering the type of appliance
Several items have been
appliances type table such as:
usage, duration of usage,
ication of our proposed smart plu
the energy management systems which are the focus of this
This device can further be used in other civil
applications as well. Our previous study explored the
applications of smart plugs in a number of p
] studies the idea for a Remote Elderly Assisted
Living (REAL) system by monitoring the energy consumption
. This system triggers events corresponding to a
possible difficulty when a deviation in the baseline
of the residents under study
mart plug can potentially
detection of this deviation, based on energy consumption
monitoring tool it provides.
The smart plugs were also used to monitor the performance
ta server rooms and assist with energy monitoring
assessment of such centers with no interruption on adding any
security threat to such data cente
This paper is organized as following: Section
system and its functionalities
discusses the implementation issues and presents
the results and analysis. Finally, Section
II.SYSTEM DESCRIPTIO
In this section, we discuss different aspects of the proposed
technology proposed in this paper.
SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITIES
Smart plug is an alternative to conventional plugs. It is
similar to them in size and plug shape. Howeve
what conventional plugs do, i.e.
power line, it provides a framework for remote monitoring
type recognition, and switching of
the proposed system can be divided into
recognition, power switch
as depicted in Fig
Figure 1. Main subsystems of the smart plug
subsystem contains magnetic sensors
the type of connected
mounted on its plug.
y manufacturers
considering the type of appliance
items have been taken into account
appliances type table such as:
of usage, time of usage,
ication of our proposed smart plu
the energy management systems which are the focus of this
This device can further be used in other civil
Our previous study explored the
applications of smart plugs in a number of p
] studies the idea for a Remote Elderly Assisted
by monitoring the energy consumption
. This system triggers events corresponding to a
possible difficulty when a deviation in the baseline
residents under study
potentially be adopted for the
, based on energy consumption
The smart plugs were also used to monitor the performance
ta server rooms and assist with energy monitoring
s with no interruption on adding any
security threat to such data centers [14].
This paper is organized as following: Section
and its functionalities
discusses the implementation issues and presents
the results and analysis. Finally, Section
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
In this section, we discuss different aspects of the proposed
technology proposed in this paper.
SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITIES
Smart plug is an alternative to conventional plugs. It is
similar to them in size and plug shape. Howeve
i.e., connecting electric devices to
power line, it provides a framework for remote monitoring
and switching off
system can be divided into
power switch, measurement, and
Fig. 1.
. Main subsystems of the smart plug

contains magnetic sensors
connected appliance by sensing the
plug. The label
manufacturers or users
considering the type of appliances specified in
taken into account
appliances type table such as: priority of appliance,
time of usage, and
ication of our proposed smart plugs can go beyond
the energy management systems which are the focus of this
This device can further be used in other civil
Our previous study explored the
applications of smart plugs in a number of projects:
] studies the idea for a Remote Elderly Assisted
by monitoring the energy consumption
. This system triggers events corresponding to a
possible difficulty when a deviation in the baseline energ
takes place.
be adopted for the
, based on energy consumption
The smart plugs were also used to monitor the performance
ta server rooms and assist with energy monitoring
s with no interruption on adding any
This paper is organized as following: Section II describes
and its functionalities in this work.
discusses the implementation issues and presents
IV concludes

In this section, we discuss different aspects of the proposed
Smart plug is an alternative to conventional plugs. It is
similar to them in size and plug shape. However, in addition to
, connecting electric devices to
power line, it provides a framework for remote monitoring
and switching off these devices.
system can be divided into
, measurement, and

. Main subsystems of the smart plug.
contains magnetic sensors
appliance by sensing the
labels can be insta
or users can mount them
specified in Table 1.
taken into account for defining the
of appliance, energy
and possibility
beyond
the energy management systems which are the focus of this
This device can further be used in other civil
Our previous study explored the
rojects: For
] studies the idea for a Remote Elderly Assisted
by monitoring the energy consumption
. This system triggers events corresponding to a
energy
. Our
be adopted for the
, based on energy consumption
The smart plugs were also used to monitor the performance
ta server rooms and assist with energy monitoring
s with no interruption on adding any
describes
in this work.
discusses the implementation issues and presents
concludes the
In this section, we discuss different aspects of the proposed
Smart plug is an alternative to conventional plugs. It is
r, in addition to
, connecting electric devices to
power line, it provides a framework for remote monitoring,
these devices.
system can be divided into four
, measurement, and
contains magnetic sensors and
appliance by sensing the
can be installed
can mount them
for defining the
energy
possibility of
being
for medical purposes, the tag
number 3. As a result, it
situation,
example,
and the central controller using this system, depending on its
configurations, may switch t
short period of time
The properties of


TAG
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
being switched off
for medical purposes, the tag
number 3. As a result, it
situation, due to the
example, appliances used for HVAC are
and the central controller using this system, depending on its
configurations, may switch t
short period of time
The properties of
Magnetic sensors output 4
tag of the device. Therefore, a total number of 16 tags
can be recognized.
Code 0000 corresponds
connected
Code 1111 corresponds to the case when the
connected device does not have a label; hence, it can
only be switched off manually.
Codes 0001 and 1110 are reserved for special
purposes such as system test.
Codes 0010
the electrical appliances, depending on their energy
usage level
priority.
Codes 1010 to 1101 are allocated to custom types.
Custom types are considered to provide the user and
controller unit with
each of these custom types
particular room
Table 1-Types of appliances
TAG CODE
0000
0001
0010
0011
0100
0101
0110
0111
1000
1001
1010
1011
1100
1101
1110
1111
off. For instance, if a specific device is used
for medical purposes, the tag put on its plug is recog
number 3. As a result, it should
due to the harm
appliances used for HVAC are
and the central controller using this system, depending on its
configurations, may switch them off only when needed, for a
short period of time.
The properties of Table 1 are defined according to:
Magnetic sensors output 4
tag of the device. Therefore, a total number of 16 tags
can be recognized.
Code 0000 corresponds
connected.
Code 1111 corresponds to the case when the
connected device does not have a label; hence, it can
only be switched off manually.
Codes 0001 and 1110 are reserved for special
purposes such as system test.
Codes 0010 to 1001 are devoted to categorization of
the electrical appliances, depending on their energy
level, usage frequency and time, and their
Codes 1010 to 1101 are allocated to custom types.
Custom types are considered to provide the user and
controller unit with higher
each of these custom types
particular room.
Types of appliances
No Device Connected
Reserved
Critical - Medical & Security device
Highest priority
High priority -
Medium priority
Low priority / High power
Low priority / Low power
Short time usage / High power
Short time usag
Custom 1
Custom 2
Custom 3
Custom 4
Reserved
Manual mode -
For instance, if a specific device is used
put on its plug is recog
should not be switched off in any
it may cause
appliances used for HVAC are set with
and the central controller using this system, depending on its
hem off only when needed, for a
1 are defined according to:
Magnetic sensors output 4-bit numbers (
tag of the device. Therefore, a total number of 16 tags
Code 0000 corresponds to the case when no device is
Code 1111 corresponds to the case when the
connected device does not have a label; hence, it can
only be switched off manually.
Codes 0001 and 1110 are reserved for special
purposes such as system test.
to 1001 are devoted to categorization of
the electrical appliances, depending on their energy
, usage frequency and time, and their
Codes 1010 to 1101 are allocated to custom types.
Custom types are considered to provide the user and
higher flexibility.
each of these custom types can be
DESCRPTION
No Device Connected
Medical & Security device
Highest priority - Fridge
HVAC
Medium priority - Light
Low priority / High power - Washing machin
Low priority / Low power - Entertainment
time usage / High power
Short time usage / Low power
- Regular plug
For instance, if a specific device is used
put on its plug is recognized as
switched off in any
it may cause. Or as another
set with high priority
and the central controller using this system, depending on its
hem off only when needed, for a
1 are defined according to:
bit numbers (i.e., code) as
tag of the device. Therefore, a total number of 16 tags
to the case when no device is
Code 1111 corresponds to the case when the
connected device does not have a label; hence, it can
Codes 0001 and 1110 are reserved for special
to 1001 are devoted to categorization of
the electrical appliances, depending on their energy
, usage frequency and time, and their
Codes 1010 to 1101 are allocated to custom types.
Custom types are considered to provide the user and
flexibility. For instance
can be assigned
DESCRPTION
Medical & Security device
Washing machin
Entertainment
time usage / High power - Iron
e / Low power - Fax , Printer

For instance, if a specific device is used
nized as
switched off in any
another
high priority
and the central controller using this system, depending on its
hem off only when needed, for a
, code) as
tag of the device. Therefore, a total number of 16 tags
to the case when no device is
Code 1111 corresponds to the case when the
connected device does not have a label; hence, it can
Codes 0001 and 1110 are reserved for special
to 1001 are devoted to categorization of
the electrical appliances, depending on their energy
, usage frequency and time, and their
Codes 1010 to 1101 are allocated to custom types.
Custom types are considered to provide the user and
For instance,
to a
Washing machine
Fax , Printer
In this technology smart plugs are connected to the main
unit via twisted wires. After plugging in a device, smart plug
determines the
magnetic sensors and sends the encoded type to the main unit,
i.e., the home controller system. Also the plug calculates the
energy
internal sensors and sends the collected
unit for monitoring, decision making, and data storage. Central
controller is able to send commands to switch each specific
plug
loaded on it.
program
hours, priorities specified for different types of appliances, and
other parameters used in energy management algorithms.
For the switching subsystem, t
for switching
to turn AC voltage on/off by a microcontroller and can be used
for high currents.
In the measurement
that measures
voltage and
energy
main controller unit via communication links
snap
implementation of the plug.

Due to low price and
commu
prototype of the smart plug.
for the
design
wired communicatio
having
demonstrates a comparison between
of these categories
rate.
and their selection methods can be found in [15]
B. SMART PLUG
In this technology smart plugs are connected to the main
unit via twisted wires. After plugging in a device, smart plug
determines the device tag
magnetic sensors and sends the encoded type to the main unit,
i.e., the home controller system. Also the plug calculates the
energy usage and the
internal sensors and sends the collected
unit for monitoring, decision making, and data storage. Central
controller is able to send commands to switch each specific
plug on/off dependi
loaded on it. Our proposed a
program may take into consideration
hours, priorities specified for different types of appliances, and
other parameters used in energy management algorithms.
For the switching subsystem, t
switching the appliance on/off.
to turn AC voltage on/off by a microcontroller and can be used
for high currents.
In the measurement
that measures its
voltage and current for
energy consumption
main controller unit via communication links
p of the prototype of the electronics used for
implementation of the plug.
Figure 2. Snap of the prototype of the smart plug electronics
C. DATA COMMUNICATION
Due to low price and
communication technology is chosen for the prepared
prototype of the smart plug.
for the communication subsystem
design. These technologies are divided into two categories of
wired communicatio
having its own advantages and
demonstrates a comparison between
of these categories
rate. More information on such communication technologies
and their selection methods can be found in [15]
SMART PLUG DESIGN AND PROTOTYPING
In this technology smart plugs are connected to the main
unit via twisted wires. After plugging in a device, smart plug
device tag (Table 1) of appliance
magnetic sensors and sends the encoded type to the main unit,
i.e., the home controller system. Also the plug calculates the
usage and the energy
internal sensors and sends the collected
unit for monitoring, decision making, and data storage. Central
controller is able to send commands to switch each specific
depending on the energy management program
Our proposed a
take into consideration
hours, priorities specified for different types of appliances, and
other parameters used in energy management algorithms.
For the switching subsystem, t
the appliance on/off.
to turn AC voltage on/off by a microcontroller and can be used

In the measurement subsystem
its current value
current for calculating the
consumption. Finally,
main controller unit via communication links
of the prototype of the electronics used for
implementation of the plug.
. Snap of the prototype of the smart plug electronics
DATA COMMUNICATION
Due to low price and low complexity
nication technology is chosen for the prepared
prototype of the smart plug. There are
communication subsystem
. These technologies are divided into two categories of
wired communications and wireless communications; e
its own advantages and
demonstrates a comparison between
of these categories with respect to the
More information on such communication technologies
and their selection methods can be found in [15]
DESIGN AND PROTOTYPING
In this technology smart plugs are connected to the main
unit via twisted wires. After plugging in a device, smart plug
(Table 1) of appliance
magnetic sensors and sends the encoded type to the main unit,
i.e., the home controller system. Also the plug calculates the
energy quality of the appliance by its
internal sensors and sends the collected data to the processing
unit for monitoring, decision making, and data storage. Central
controller is able to send commands to switch each specific
ng on the energy management program
Our proposed arbitrary energy management
take into consideration energy usage at
hours, priorities specified for different types of appliances, and
other parameters used in energy management algorithms.
For the switching subsystem, the plug uses a power triac
the appliance on/off. The triac
to turn AC voltage on/off by a microcontroller and can be used
subsystem, the plug
value. Microcontroller samples
calculating the energy
, collected data
main controller unit via communication links
of the prototype of the electronics used for
. Snap of the prototype of the smart plug electronics

DATA COMMUNICATION
low complexity of RS
nication technology is chosen for the prepared
here are number of
communication subsystem which can be
. These technologies are divided into two categories of
ns and wireless communications; e
its own advantages and disadvantages
demonstrates a comparison between technologies u
with respect to the range and packet data
More information on such communication technologies
and their selection methods can be found in [15]
DESIGN AND PROTOTYPING
In this technology smart plugs are connected to the main
unit via twisted wires. After plugging in a device, smart plug
(Table 1) of appliance using
magnetic sensors and sends the encoded type to the main unit,
i.e., the home controller system. Also the plug calculates the
quality of the appliance by its
data to the processing
unit for monitoring, decision making, and data storage. Central
controller is able to send commands to switch each specific
ng on the energy management program
rbitrary energy management
energy usage at
hours, priorities specified for different types of appliances, and
other parameters used in energy management algorithms.
he plug uses a power triac
The triac makes it possible
to turn AC voltage on/off by a microcontroller and can be used
plug has a CT sensor
icrocontroller samples
energy quality and
data are sent to the
main controller unit via communication links. Fig. 2 shows a
of the prototype of the electronics used for

. Snap of the prototype of the smart plug electronics.
of RS-485 bus, this
nication technology is chosen for the prepared
number of alternatives
which can be adopted in our
. These technologies are divided into two categories of
ns and wireless communications; e
disadvantages. Fig.
technologies used in both
range and packet data
More information on such communication technologies
and their selection methods can be found in [15]-[18].
In this technology smart plugs are connected to the main
unit via twisted wires. After plugging in a device, smart plug
using its
magnetic sensors and sends the encoded type to the main unit,
i.e., the home controller system. Also the plug calculates the
quality of the appliance by its
data to the processing
unit for monitoring, decision making, and data storage. Central
controller is able to send commands to switch each specific
ng on the energy management program
rbitrary energy management
energy usage at peak
hours, priorities specified for different types of appliances, and

he plug uses a power triac
makes it possible
to turn AC voltage on/off by a microcontroller and can be used
has a CT sensor
icrocontroller samples
quality and
to the
2 shows a
of the prototype of the electronics used for

bus, this
nication technology is chosen for the prepared
alternatives
in our
. These technologies are divided into two categories of
ns and wireless communications; each
Fig. 3
sed in both
range and packet data
More information on such communication technologies


D
After substituting regular plugs of a building with smart
plugs, a network of
network can be connected to home controller units, either one
central unit or many local units.
configuration of
Controller unit can be either from available commercial
home controllers with an add
protocols, or a piece of software
which connects to the network using a
converter.
The
Interface
various features provided by the smart plug. For
appliances are connected to the smart plug network
current of 17.1 Amp
in Fig
Amp
consumption, appliances with tag 4 and 6
off by the

Figure 3. Comparison
D. SYSTEM
After substituting regular plugs of a building with smart
plugs, a network of
network can be connected to home controller units, either one
central unit or many local units.
configuration of a network in a
Figure
Controller unit can be either from available commercial
home controllers with an add
protocols, or a piece of software
which connects to the network using a
converter.
The developed energy management system G
nterface (GUI) is shown in
various features provided by the smart plug. For
appliances are connected to the smart plug network
current of 17.1 Amp
in Fig. 5, since high
Amperes for tag 4 and 6, respectively)
consumption, appliances with tag 4 and 6
off by the energy management tool
Figure 3. Comparison of different communications te
SYSTEM SETUP
After substituting regular plugs of a building with smart
plugs, a network of this system
network can be connected to home controller units, either one
central unit or many local units.
a network in a
Figure 4. Setup of a smart plug network
Controller unit can be either from available commercial
home controllers with an add
protocols, or a piece of software
which connects to the network using a
developed energy management system G
is shown in Fig
various features provided by the smart plug. For
appliances are connected to the smart plug network
current of 17.1 Amperes is drawn from the grid. As indicated
high measured
for tag 4 and 6, respectively)
consumption, appliances with tag 4 and 6
energy management tool
different communications te
After substituting regular plugs of a building with smart
this system is set up. Furthermore, this
network can be connected to home controller units, either one
central unit or many local units. Fig.
a network in a room.
Setup of a smart plug network

Controller unit can be either from available commercial
home controllers with an add-on to support smart plug
protocols, or a piece of software tool installed on a computer
which connects to the network using a
developed energy management system G
Fig. 5. This figure demonstrates
various features provided by the smart plug. For
appliances are connected to the smart plug network
is drawn from the grid. As indicated
measured current value (i.e., 4.7 and 4.1
for tag 4 and 6, respectively) implies high
consumption, appliances with tag 4 and 6 should be
energy management tool.
different communications technologies
After substituting regular plugs of a building with smart
is set up. Furthermore, this
network can be connected to home controller units, either one
4 illustrates
Setup of a smart plug network.
Controller unit can be either from available commercial
on to support smart plug
installed on a computer
which connects to the network using a serial to RS
developed energy management system Graphical
This figure demonstrates
various features provided by the smart plug. For instance, 28
appliances are connected to the smart plug network and a total
is drawn from the grid. As indicated
value (i.e., 4.7 and 4.1
implies high ene
should be switched

chnologies.
After substituting regular plugs of a building with smart
is set up. Furthermore, this
network can be connected to home controller units, either one
rates the

Controller unit can be either from available commercial
on to support smart plug
installed on a computer
to RS-485
raphical User
This figure demonstrates
instance, 28
and a total
is drawn from the grid. As indicated
value (i.e., 4.7 and 4.1
energy
switched


Figure 5. Graphical User Interface on LabView.

III. IMPLEMENTATION AND RESULTS
To implement and evaluate the results of our
implementation, we consider a hypothetical scenario in which
the A/C unit is a split, heating unit is a simple radiator, and
lighting devices consist of different types of bulbs including
halogen, CFL, and incandescent which are commonly used in
Tehran households. Following assumptions and conditions are
considered in implementing the pilot scenario:
A family of three resides in the pilot house.
Regular home appliances such as dish washer, cloth
washer, desktop computer, home theater system, rice
cooker, tea maker, etc. are regularly used.
There is no home control system installed in the pilot
house; thus, there is no need for interfacing with an
existing system.
Changing the time of consumption of the appliances
can be controlled by the user, i.e., the implemented tool
is in manual mode.
No renewal or changes in the appliances is considered
which can lead to extra cost.
It is assumed that some of the appliances (e.g.,
refrigerator) can be switched off for a short time
without any negative impact on their efficiency and
operation.
In the first step, energy consumption distribution for each
appliance and total consumption distribution during the day is
required. Thus, the statistical data for consumption distribution
as a function of time for each appliance is derived based on
previously collected data from reliable statistical sources. The
result is inserted into a 24-column vector to be considered in
the calculations. To achieve the consumption pattern, it should
be noted that these appliances have different consumption
values in different seasons and periods of the year. For this
reason, a yearly coefficient is taken into account which is the
ratio of the number of days in which the appliance is used to
the number of days in which it is not. For instance, cooling
units are used near summer; hence a yearly coefficient of 0.25
is assigned.

Figure 6. Comparison of energy usage with and without implementation
of the system.

Total average energy consumption diagram for all of the
appliances is shown in Fig. 6. As the figure shows, average
residential consumption distribution in Tehran includes two
load peaks. The first peak is around noon and is mostly because
of cooling in warm seasons. The second peak occurs in the
early hours of night.
In the implementation of this hypothetical scenario, it is
attempted to shift the consumption hours in the best possible
way based on consumption priorities. For instance, hours
during which dish washer and clothes washer work is moved to
off-peak hours of midnight (i.e., 1:00am until 6:00am). The
analysis is carried out using MATLAB software. In the
resultant diagram (Fig. 6.), the consumption reduction within
the peak hours can be observed. Mathematically speaking, the
standard deviation of the original chart is increased, while the
overall area under the curve (total consumption) is remained
the same. This means that the distribution becomes closer to
the desired uniform distribution. Results of the proposed
solution in this scenario are summarized in Table 2.
Table 2- Implementation results

Cost
Total
Usage
(kWh)
Standard
deviation
2
( )
1
i
x x
S
N
-
=
-


Peak
Usage
(kW)
TOD
metho
d
Tehran
(winter)
Without smart
plugs 395 195 10.75 185 1.07
With smart
plugs

357

186

10.75

306 0.837
Impact rate -10%
-4.5%
0% +65% -22%

Table 2 shows the standard deviation and also a coefficient
which demonstrates the cost of relative consumption in two
ways; one based on the Time of Day (ToD) method and one
based on current power price in Tehran. The results show a
10% gain in ToD method.
Since the peak-hour cost rates are higher than off-peak
hours, the resulting peak-shaving has decreased the total cost of
electricity, while the total consumption has remained the same.
While the total energy consumption during the day remains the
same, applying the peak-shaving solution results in 22%
overall gain in the energy consumption load management.
IV.CONCLUSIONS
This paper presents a simple algorithm implementation to
indicate a consumption reduction during peak hours using
smart meter functionalities. This can be extended by using
more developed algorithms and connecting the plug to
advanced home control systems.
A hardware implementation of the discussed smart plug is
discussed in this work and the methods for tagging each
appliance by this device for controlling the energy
consumption are described.
The proposed energy management system was evaluated
by use of emulated available data. The peak-shaving and ToD
methods applied on the emulated data demonstrate between
10%-22% gain which is resulted by the energy consumption
management system.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors would like to thank the Greater Tehran
Electricity Distribution Company (GTEDC) for their
collaboration and support.
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