Investigating Methods for Identifying
Hidden Electrical Loads in Homes and Offices


Powerprinting is a new tool for detecting, classifying, and estimating the power consumption of multiple appliances from a single measurement point in the home. Each appliance has its own unique signature or "song" that helps us tell them apart; unlike a choir, however, these songs come in the form of voltage and current.

The following display shows the current waveforms of various appliances and what it might sound like if you were able to "hear" each appliance.

Monitor


Fridge


Lamp


Computer


Fridge + Monitor


Fridge + Monitor + Lamp + Computer


So the question is, if multiple appliances are "singing" at the same time, can we tell them apart? Can we tell how loud each appliance is singing, or in other words, how much power it is consuming?

Stay tuned for the final research paper!