Heterogeneous collaborative sensor network for electrical management of an automated house with PV energy

Sensors (Basel). 2011;11(12):11544-59. doi: 10.3390/s111211544. Epub 2011 Dec 9.

Abstract

In this paper we present a heterogeneous collaborative sensor network for electrical management in the residential sector. Improving demand-side management is very important in distributed energy generation applications. Sensing and control are the foundations of the "Smart Grid" which is the future of large-scale energy management. The system presented in this paper has been developed on a self-sufficient solar house called "MagicBox" equipped with grid connection, PV generation, lead-acid batteries, controllable appliances and smart metering. Therefore, there is a large number of energy variables to be monitored that allow us to precisely manage the energy performance of the house by means of collaborative sensors. The experimental results, performed on a real house, demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed collaborative system to reduce the consumption of electrical power and to increase energy efficiency.

Keywords: demand-side management; photovoltaics; smart grid; smart metering.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Automation*
  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Electricity*