Appliance Recognition from Electric Current Signals for Information-Energy Integrated Network in Home Environments

We are developing a novel home network system based upon the integration of information and energy. The system aims to analyze user behavior with a power-sensing network and provide various life-support services to manage power and electric appliances according to user behavior and preferences. This paper describes an electric appliance recognition method using power-sensing data measured by CECU (Communication and Energy Care Unit) which is an intelligent outlet with voltage and current sensors to integrate legacy appliances (which are incompatible with a communication network) within the home network. Furthermore, we demonstrate a prototype home energy management system and examples of services based upon appliance recognition.