The public lecture series “Sustainability in Computer Science” continues on December 16, 2024.

Wilfried Elmenreich is Full Professor and heads the Research Unit Smart Grids at University of Klagenfurt. He will hold his lecture on “Electric Load Disaggregation as a Means for Increasing Energy Awareness and Reducing Energy Consumption”.

Abstract

When the EU introduced smart meters, the idea was to give consumers more information about their power consumption, thus raising energy awareness. Tailored appliance-level feedback is expected to lead to more careful use of energy and thus to savings of around 12%. Despite the potential benefits, implementing a network of small measurement devices, each per appliance/socket has raised concerns due to the added energy consumption and intrusive visibility of smart adapters impacting user experience. Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring employs computer algorithms to extract appliance consumption data from a single, smart meter measuring the entire system’s consumption. While this concept has been around since 1985, when George W. Hart (MIT) proposed it in a report for the Electric Power Research Institute, recent advancements in computer science have propelled its potential. This talk explores the significance of load disaggregation and its relevance in today’s context, where smart meters and small embedded devices like the Raspberry Pi offer sufficient computational resources. The presentation delves into the evolution of load disaggregation algorithms, from traditional bin-packing techniques and Hidden Markov Models to the cutting-edge application of deep neural networks powered by machine learning. As these techniques continue to evolve, the talk also addresses the pressing need to address privacy issues and develop comprehensive, long-term interfaces that engage consumers in a captivating manner to monitor their power consumption effectively. In conclusion, the talk highlights the potential of Electric Load Disaggregation in increasing energy awareness and reducing energy consumption. Leveraging advancements in computer science, this technology promises to substantially impact sustainable energy practices, empowering consumers to conserve energy and promote a greener future.

Join us

Whether you’re a student, a professional looking to expand your knowledge, or a citizen interested in sustainability issues – this lecture series is open to anyone. Switch on your laptop and join us via Zoom!

About Lecture Series “Sustainability in Computer Science”

With climate change rapidly advancing, Sustainability is no longer an option, but a must. Targeting economic, social, and ecological issues through sustainable development has to become our top priority - a priority that’s underpinned by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Computer Science (CS), and more recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI), has been hailed as the solution to many sustainability problems (and yes, it is!). Still, ensuring energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions are crucial to guarantee the responsible and equitable use of our reseources. The relationship between informatics and sustainability has two key dimensions: Sustainability with CS, often called “Computational Sustainability,” and Sustainability for CS, also known as “Sustainable CS.”

This Public Lecture Series is the first of its kind in Austria, with all Austrian CS departments and faculties participating under the auspices of Informatik Austria. After a successful first iteration, the lecture series will continue this fall. We want to raise awareness for the importance of Sustainability in CS, demonstrate research solutions to various problems, and trigger developments for a sustainable future.

The lecture series will be held in the winter semester 2024/2025, every Monday from 17:00-18:00. All lectures will be offered online and will be recorded. We also have one hybrid lecture which will be held on-site at TU Wien and online on November 4, 2024.

Students from participating universities can register to get credits for the series. Please refer to your respective institution for registration.

TU Wien students can register for VU 194.155 “Sustainability in Computer Science” via TISS. Depending on your study program, the lecture series is a free elective or a “Wahlpflichtfach”; please refer to TISS for further information.

Curious about our other news? Subscribe to our news feed, calendar, or newsletter, or follow us on social media.