The plogg gets its name from its dual functionality as a smart meter plug and its ability to log data. Data is transmitted wirelessly using Ember’s ZigBee-based chips and a Telegesis module. An appliance plugs into the plogg which plugs into a UK standard 13-amp or the European standard 16-amp electrical outlet. A plogg designed for the North American standard electrical outlets is currently under development. Measured electrical usage data is stored on the plogg which wirelessly transmits the information directly to a computer, mobile phone, or systems management software through an Internet link established with an Ethernet gateway.
For example, an entire restaurant chain could use these devices to monitor the electrical draw of air conditioning and refrigeration units within all of its stores. All the information gathered collectively from the stores in the restaurant chain can be monitored to look for stores that may have left air conditioning units on after business hours. The plogg would allow management to turn off the air conditioning unit remotely, or the software could notify the store manager that the unit needs to be turned off. Ploggs are also capable of supporting a wide array of other wireless energy saving devices such as temperature and light sensors.
The Ember EM250 ZigBee transceivers running Ember’s ZNet PRO mesh networking software on the Telegesis module allow the ploggs to organize automatically within a network to allow for blanket coverage of a home or business. Ploggs can function as individual units, as routers, or as devices that coordinate other ZigBee wireless units. Consequently, ploggs are available as individual units, or can be purchased as a part of the network hardware, or as embeddable devices for OEM products.
The plogg does more than just measure power consumption. An internal clock allows the monitoring of real-time energy rates. Time intervals can be set from every minute to once a month. Also, the plogg monitors current and voltage for constant flow at the rate of 50 times per alternating current (AC) cycle, or a rate of 2520 Hertz.
Shaun Merrick, EOL general manager, describes the functionality of the module: “Telegesis embedded devices provided us with a straightforward, cost effective and importantly, a quick route to market. With the release from Ember of EmberZNet PRO 3.1 we now have the means to deliver micro building management systems, incorporating compatible energy controls such as light, presence and temperature sensors.”
The Ember EM250 solution is a ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4 compliant semiconductor that contains a programmable processor, RF radio, the EmberZNet PRO 3.1 network protocol stack, and memory on a single, tiny chip. Each chip measures 7 millimeters square. The EM250 chips allow EOL to dramatically reduce the size of the ploggs, and to reduce production costs. The chips also allow dramatically reduced power draw by the ploggs themselves, and have an increased wireless range due to the high sensitivity of the Ember chips.
EOL has designed innovative energy efficient devices while introducing and distributing new products into the emerging smart technology market. EOL’s Smart Technology division primarily focuses on the manufacture, distribution, and design or wireless smart plugs, data loggers, and load control devices for both domestic and commercial use.
Telegesis specializes in ZigBee module technologies that help other businesses develop products based on the ZigBee PRO feature set without having to develop radio frequency or embedded firmware in their products. This reduces costs and risks for partner businesses while still getting wireless solutions to the emerging smart technology market quickly. Telegesis played a role in developing the ZigBee standard as a Participant member of the ZigBee Alliance.
Energy Optimizers Limited
Estate Road One
South Humberside Industrial Estate
Grimsby
DN31 2TA
http://www.energyoptimizersdirect.co.uk
Ember
343 Congress St.,
5th Floor
Boston,
MA
02210
http://www.ember.com
Telegesis Limited
Marlow Business Centre
84 Station Road
Marlow Bucks
SL7 1NX
http://www.telegesis.com
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