IoT-based electricity load optimisation: initial results of a monitor and control system

Abstract

The demand for electrical energy is increasing globally. Both the average as well as the anticipated peak demand must be considered by the supplier when designing an electrical supply. We present an Internet of Things – based system, and a concept demonstrator of the system, that attempts to minimise the peak demand for electrical energy. Modelled on a geographically distributed computation system, we designed and implemented a system that continuously monitors the energy consumption of domestic appliances and according to certain rules controls the energy supply to the appliances in an attempt to reduce the peak energy demand. The total electrical energy demand during a day is not reduced. Instead, the peak demand is managed by reducing the overlap when multiple electrical devices are using electrical energy.