Source: 42 Technology
Energy suppliers will soon be able to give customers itemized electricity bills that detail how much power different appliances are using.
A smart meter under development by UK-based 42 Technology will incorporate its patented Triple Ohm technology, which monitors changes in the high frequency current or voltage harmonics in a single- or poly-phase power supply caused when specific appliances are used within a building. It can differentiate between the characteristic traces of specific appliance types using an algorithm, and display the results in real time on a smartphone app or stores them in the meter for incorporation into the next bill.
Current home energy monitors linked to conventional or smart meters only display a household’s total energy consumption. Triple Ohm takes this accounting step further by tracking how specific devices function under load as an indicator of a potential performance issue. Consumers provided with appliance-specific levels of energy use tend to act to reduce their electricity consumption.
The new technology can differentiate between a vacuum cleaner with a full bag or an empty bag. This feature could be used to alert customers to check their washing machine or tumble dryer filter, or to arrange a service call to maintain an appliance in peak condition.
By providing detailed feedback on customer electricity use, the smart meter could also help energy suppliers find more cost-effective and efficient ways to balance supply with changing demands while complying with carbon reduction targets.
