Switch in time
Next-generation RF intelligent plug aims to monitor power output of individual electrical devices and help cut energy consumption. Siobhan Wagner reports
As millions across the UK begin decorating their homes inside and out with Christmas lights, the extra power used will be adding to the country's domestic consumption totally unchecked.
In a move aimed at monitoring the output of individual devices while at the same time helping to reduce energy use, two researchers at
Department of Computing and Electronic Systems hope within the next few years to develop an intelligent plug.
John Woods and Steve Fitz have been awarded £90,000 by
to create a device indistinguishable from a 13A plug. This will be fitted to all future domestic devices in place of a plug so that all electrical items can be connected to a central control system within the home.
The plug will use a single integrated circuit and its central processor unit (CPU) called an Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) processor, which studies voltage and current in real-time as analogue signals are converted into digital signals.
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