Home energy monitor
A home energy monitor provides prompt, convenient feedback on electrical or other energy use. Devices may also display cost of energy used, and estimates of greenhouse gas emissions. Various studies have shown a reduction in home energy use of 4-15% through use of home energy display.[1] Electricity use may be measure with an inductive clamp placed around the electric main, via the electric meter (either through an optical port, or by sensing the meters actions), by communicating with a smart meter, or by direct connection to the electrical system. The display portion is remote from the measurement, communicating with the sensor using a cable, power line communications, or using radio.
A possible means to reduce household energy consumption is to provide real-time feedback to homeowners so they can change their energy using behavior. Recently, low-cost energy feedback displays, such as The Energy Detective, Eco-eye[1], wattson,[2], PowerWatch[3], or Cent-a-meter, have become available.
A study using the PowerCost Monitor[4] deployed in 500 Ontario homes by Hydro One showed an average 6.5% drop in total electricity use when compared with a similarly sized control group. Hydro One subsequently offered free power monitors to 30,000 customers based on the success of the pilot.[5]
See also
References
- ^ Jan Borstein, Karen Blackmore (March, 2008). In-Home Display Units: An Evolving Market, Part 1 (Report).
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External links
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