Abstract

The paper proposes an IoT controlled platform to remotely monitor and control appliances in the residential sector. An IP-based synchronized wireless mesh network is implemented through IoT hardware (based on a NodeMCU) and Google Sheets to monitor and schedule the operation of aggregated domestic refrigerators under a Model Predictive Control (MPC) scheme. Benefits afforded by the proposed technique are investigated through experimental trials from VonShef 13/291 (50W), iGENIX IG 3920 (55W) and Russell Hobbs RHCLRF17B (50W) domestic refrigerators sited in three different domestic locations in the city of Lincoln, UK. Results demonstrate the ability to monitor and control widely distributed networks of refrigerators and adaptively schedule the appliances to reduce peak operational loads and facilitate Demand Side Response (DSR). Further widespread expansion of the proposed technique would allow for a rapidly deployed regional DSR strategy to aid grid stability. Ultimately the underlying principles also could be used for the co-ordinated scheduling of other distributed appliances and equipment, both domestic and industrial.