Making household outlets “smart”

Plogg smart meter plug delivers ZigBee Smart Energy appliance-level monitoring and DSM analytics, logging per-outlet loads via an Ethernet gateway, CSA-certified for Canada and NEMA 5-15 devices, supporting mesh networking with smart meters and thermostats.

Energy Optimizers Limited EOL has launched a new ZigBee Smart Energy version of its existing plug-in electricity meter for the Canadian market that can help utilities and households understand better the load demand on the grid.

The UK company’s device, called the plogg, is an energy saving device that allows utilities, home and building-owners to monitor how much electricity is being used by individual appliances and electronic devices so that energy efficiency across the grid can be improved. The plogg has gained approval to CSA C22.2 No 61010-1 for use in Canada.

The plogg is a combined smart meter plug and data logger, based on Ember’s EM357 ZigBee wireless technology running on a Telegesis module. It can be attached to any electrical appliance or device that uses a standard NEMA 5-15 15 Amp North American plug. The plogg stores the measured electricity data and wirelessly communicates this information through an Internet-linked Ethernet gateway. For instance, BC Hydro in Vancouver is using the plogg in trials designed to test demand side management DSM programs and support a virtual power plant approach that provides accurate load data for the following residential end-uses: Appliance Loads, Standby Loads, Reactive Loads, Voltages.

Optimum design and monitoring of such DSM programs requires accurate and reliable data about end-use consumption patterns, especially as utilities pursue network upgrades to modernize their grids.

Using Ember’s EM357 ZigBee “system-on-chip” transceiver and EmberZNet PRO wireless mesh networking software with Smart Energy cluster libraries installed, a network of ploggs can operate with other third party ZigBee SE compliant Smart Meters, Programmable Thermostats, In-Premises Displays and energy storage systems as well as Energy Service Portals.

“We have worked closely with BC Hydro who has provided us with positive feedback on the customization, design and operational features of the plogg,” said Shaun Merrick, General Manager. “With the release from Ember of their new EZSP for the EM357 chip, we now have the means through the plogg gateway to deliver large scale mesh networks of multi-vendor end devices, including electric vehicles where appropriate, each installed with ZigBee Smart Energy clusters.”

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