Re: Digital Tools Help Users Save Energy, Study Finds

["Robert Green" <ROBERT_GREEN1963@xxxxxxxxx>]

"Dave Houston" <nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> "Robert Green" <ROBERT_GREEN1963@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> >The problem, at least from my view, is that it's awfully hard to retrofit
a
> >truly useful monitoring system in the average home.  I recall reading
about
> >someone who made their own branch circuit sensors that gave some clue as
to
> >localized power use.  IIRC, it didn't appear likely to pass inspection.
>
> Actually, it could be very simple to do whole-house monitoring. Duke
Energy
> recently replaced all the meters in my neighborhood with ones that can be
> read remotely. Someone at CES (I don't recall who) suggested putting the
> data from whole-house meters on a TV channel so users could see their
usage
> patterns. Meters like the Kill A Watt can be used on individual
appliances.
> This could be done with minimal effort and cost.
>
> There are some recently introduced hall-effect current sensors from
Allegro
> Microsystems that measure current flow while maintaining electrical
> isolation. They output 0-5V that is proportional to the current flow. They
> are very accurate and come in current ranges from very low to very high.
> They could be the foundation for affordable branch circuit monitors that
> would not be difficult to retrofit.

Sounds interesting.  Since Allelectronics has some sort of Hall effect
sensor for 50 cents each, I just ordered a few.  I wonder if the Ocelot will
be able to read them directly or whether I need some additional drive
circuitry?  Have you seen any sample circuit designs?

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/SS-19T/search/HALL-EFFECT_MAGNETI
C_POSITION_SENSOR_.html

--
Bobby G.