Editor’s Note: the term “Non Intrusive” in the
acronym NILM is an engineer’s conception
based on monitoring from outside a home
or business with no physical intrusion.

December 1st, 2016 – Using innovative electric meters and smart algorithms, Fraunhofer researchers want to revolutionize energy management in the future. In cooperation with their partners, they have developed a method that breaks down total energy consumption appliance by appliance using a single, high-tech electric meter. A prototype will be exhibited at BAU 2017, and is set to go on sale next summer.

“Fingerprints” all over the power grid

The technology is based on a simple principle: each device has a pattern of energy consumption that gives rise to a type of signature or “fingerprint” within the power grid. Using algorithms, it is possible to identify this signature within total energy consumption, and so determine energy consumption rates for individual appliances.

Saving energy ceased to be a fad long ago, and is now a sheer necessity. Yet up until now, consumers could do little more than switch appliances off or leave them on standby. But thanks to NILM (non-intrusive load monitoring) technology, which was developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS in Duisburg, things might change radically very soon.   More