Gadget Freak Case #151: Warm up to Remote Energy Monitoring
Design News Staff -- Design News, October 19, 2009
Does Apple's iPhone really have "an application for everything?" Benson Hougland thinks so. He built his own energy monitor for use in his home. A programmable automation controller, a power-monitoring I/O module, and two current transformers let him measure current and voltage to provide power-use data in real time. And Benson can tap into his system to collect power-consumption data from anywhere and view it on his Apple iPhone. The result? An interactive, real-time awareness of energy use that helped him save $200 a month on his power bill.
Get Build Instructions | View Parts List | Post a Comment
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Amt |
Part Description |
Allied Part # |
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SNAP-PAC-R2 Programmable Automation Controller |
691-0357 |
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SNAP-AIPM-3 Three-Phase Power Monitoring Module |
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SNAP-PAC-RCK4 4-Module Mounting Rack |
691-0378 |
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SNAP Power Supply, 110 VAC to 5 VDC |
691-1011 |
| 2 |
Veris Split Core Current Transformer, 200A In, 5A Out, Model VS H6810-200A-5A |
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Talkback
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For a whole lot less, look at this:
www.theenergydetective.com/index.html
I have the TED 1001 and love it. The software is ok, but there is some 3rd party software in the works. The 5000 is new, but looks good to me.
Ken Norman - 2009-23-10 15:21:09 EDT -
Wow, an expensive project when you add it up. Go on the www.powermeterstore.com site and look at the $199 Conzerv EM6433 DigitAN Panel Meter that measures amps, power, energy, and run time. It has a serial port and all you need are two current transformers that will set you back about $60 total on this same site. You might not get all the bells and whistles, but you wont bust yur budget, either.
Millard Johnson - 2009-20-10 19:58:42 EDT -
It seems a little expensive for most home hobby pockets.
Jack Creasey - 2009-20-10 12:40:23 EDT -
It may be that he was using power at the rate that Al Gore currently does (yet expects you to conserve).
At any rate, the idea is interesting. Maybe some enterprising engineers will develop a low cost version of the controller and sell millions of them to may this type of product affordable to the average home owner.
D Amos - 2009-20-10 12:06:53 EDT -
cost >1000 for parts alone. Savings totally overstated
Arthur - 2009-19-10 22:30:07 EDT
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