A LOW-COST EMBEDDED SYSTEM FOR INTERNET BASED POWER MEASUREMENT

This paper introduces a low-cost (i.e. economically competitive, yet functionally robust) embedded system known as the InterDAQ (i.e. Internet Data AcQuisition). The current energy savings technology relies on conventional data logging systems, in which two major barriers exist. Foremost is the fact that retrieving the energy data is not convenient, and the cost of the data logging equipment is high. The interdisciplinary solution presented here to accomplish these goals is to include a miniature web server in a remote-logging module, which we designed as part of our device, thus allowing data to be accessed more frequently, via the Internet. To illustrate a state-of-the-art application in which remote, low-cost monitoring is needed, it is worth mentioning that distributed power generation is gaining national and international attention.1–3 The main energy source of distributed power is derived from a fuel cell, a micro-turbine, or a photo-voltaic cell. Distributed power systems offer a potential increase in efficiency by localizing power generation and eliminating the need for transmission.1 Distributed power also offers increased reliability, uninterruptible service, and energy cost savings.2If an energy savings program is to be implemented, then a low-cost energy monitoring strategy is paramount. Our Internet appliance provides such a solution, and this paper summarizes our implementation details and provides a computer screen-capture of the data posted on the Web.