Hybrid ILM–NILM Smart Plug system

Electrical load classification is generally divided into intrusive and non-intrusive approaches, both having their limitations and advantages. With the non-intrusive approach, controlling appliances is not possible, but the installation cost of a single measurement device is cheap. In comparison, intrusive, smart plug-based solutions offer individual appliance control, but the installation cost is much higher. There have been very few approaches aiming to combine these methods. In this paper we show that extending a smart plug-based solution to multiple loads per plug can reduce control granularity in favor of lowering the system’s installation costs. With the proposed novel method, it is possible to accurately detect multiple appliances connected in parallel. Connecting various loads to a Smart Plug through an extension cord is seldom considered in the literature, even though it is common in households. This scenario is also handled by the hybrid load classification solution presented in this paper. • We present a novel approach, combining Intrusive and Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring. • Method for detecting multiple appliances connected in parallel to a Smart Plug. • Multi-load detection solves a key problem for real-world Smart Plug applicability.