Noncontact sensors and Nonintrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) aboard the USCGC spencer

Abstract

Modernization in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard includes an emphasis on automation systems to help replace manual tasks and reduce crew sizes. This places a high reliance on monitoring systems to ensure proper operation of equipment and maintain safety at sea. Nonintrusive Load Monitors (NILM) provide low-cost, rugged, and easily installed options for electrical system monitoring. This paper describes a real-world case study of newly developed noncontact NILM sensors installed aboard the USCGC SPENCER, a Famous class (270 ft) cutter. These sensors require no ohmic contacts for voltage measurements and can measure individual currents inside a multi-phase cable bundle. Aboard the SPENCER, these sensors were used to investigate automated testing applications including power system metric reporting, watchstander log generation, and machinery condition monitoring.