Exploration on Load Signatures

Abstract

Knowledge of electric load signatures is the foundation of practical technologies for load monitoring, which involves the identification of an electric appliance and the determination of its operating state. Such knowledge can provide benefits to utilities, customers, appliance manufacturers and other stakeholders. Many approaches can help to understand the load characteristics of electrical appliances and equipment. This research focuses on the two core components of these approaches: (1) methods to measure and represent load characteristics, and (2) the development of signal processing techniques and estimation algorithms for signal filtering, signal disaggregation and load recognition. This paper presents the methodology and observations of the load signatures in their operation modes. The current and voltage of typical appliances are measured, and characteristics of the waveform signatures so obtained are analyzed. By studying the collected data, it is planned to develop an algorithm that can provide a basis of a taxonomy of electrical loads and an archive for stakeholders’ reference.