Langner, Margarete R.

DOE OSTI2019

Integrating Smart Plug and Process Load Controls into Energy Management Information System Platforms: A Landscaping Study

Plug and process loads (PPLs) already represent a significant fraction of total energy use in commercial buildings and their contribution is expected to increase in the future. Although plug-in devices are typically not monitored or controlled, new wireless technologies are being developed that can provide these functions. These 'smart' outlets collect data from connected devices and transmit it to cloud services for energy measurement, tracking, and control purposes.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2019

Plug Load Management System Field Study

In 2018, NREL performed a demonstration of the IBIS InteliNetwork(TM) plug load management system, which includes: intelligent socket devices, which plug into existing electrical outlets and collect energy usage information; a gateway, which manages communication between the intelligent sockets and the PLM cloud service; and a PLM network, which is a cloud-based measurement and control network for the entire system. Two retail stores served as the field study sites. The PLM system was found to be effective at reducing plug load energy use, with a projected annual plug load reduction of 11% and 18% at the test locations. Retail staff reported that the hardware was easy to use, but no one used the online data management system, intended to analyze and control the hardware. This PLM solution shows promise as an effective means to monitor, control, and reduce plug load energy use, but the economics of the system need to be improved.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗