Outlet Power Meter Circuit Monitoring Appliance Deviations
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a system that effectively monitors power consumption of appliances within a space and provides notifications when consumption deviates from a predetermined profile, ensuring energy efficiency and preventing potential damage from unauthorized usage or malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a power switch with a power meter circuit and microphones that monitors power consumption, determines usage patterns, and provides notifications through audible or visual alerts when consumption deviates from the profile, either locally to a present individual or remotely to associated devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a power meter circuit is installed to monitor power consumption, then power consumption data can be obtained and profiles can be determined, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power meter circuit is integrated into the existing electrical outlet, combining power delivery and monitoring functions into a single device. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
A computing device acts as an intermediary between the power meter circuit and the user, processing raw power consumption data into meaningful profiles and deviations, thereby simplifying the user interface while maintaining measurement precision.
2Reliability
If continuous power consumption monitoring is implemented, then deviations from profiles can be detected, but energy is consumed by the monitoring system
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback loops to compare real-time power consumption data against established profiles, enabling accurate deviation detection. The feedback mechanism triggers notifications only when deviations occur, reducing unnecessary energy consumption from continuous alert generation.
Solution Approach 2:
Power consumption monitoring operates periodically at intervals rather than continuously, checking for deviations at scheduled times. This periodic operation reduces the energy consumption of the monitoring system while maintaining sufficient detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If notifications are provided for power consumption deviations, then users are alerted to potential issues, but loss of time occurs in processing and communicating deviation data
Solution Approach 1:
Power consumption profiles are established in advance through preliminary monitoring periods, creating baseline data before actual deviation detection begins. This preliminary action enables faster real-time comparison and notification generation, reducing processing time during critical monitoring phases.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for monitoring power consumption of an appliance within a space is provided. The method includes obtaining a first set of data indicative of power consumption of the appliance during an interval of time and determining a profile indicative of power consumption of the appliance based, at least in part, on the first set of data. The method includes obtaining a second set of data indicative of power consumption of the appliance subsequent to obtaining the first set of data. The method includes determining whether power consumption of the appliance deviates from the profile based, at least in part, on the second set of data. Furthermore, in response to determining power consumption of the appliance deviates from the profile, the method includes providing a notification indicative of power consumption of the appliance deviating from the profile.