A Study on the Smart Outlet and Gateway Using Power Line Communication

In this study, through the accumulated technologies such as real-time monitoring of power consumption using power line communication (PLC) method, power control, and automatic blocking of standby power, to commercialize them, we developed the hardware design, algorithm, protocol and module along with data transmission using PLC. We conducted the study to develop advanced products. We also proposed cloud-based smart outlet products with a novel type of outlet. These products can measure the internal power consumption through the H/W modules and the modules that control the power of household appliances connected to the smart outlets and smart plugs. Subsequently, they transmit the measurements to the energy saving system server via a communication module. This system can control the terminal device connected to the Gateway (G/W) server through a mobile phone. This will allow the customer to check the power consumption of the building at any given time, to turn the terminal on/off, and to maximize the energy efficiency during the construction of new apartments or multi-family housing in an area.