Our public lecture series “Sustainability in Computer Science” continues…

Wilfried Elmenreich is Professor for Smart Grids at University of Klagenfurt.

His lecture is 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.

Slides

• Wilfried Elmenreich: Electric Load Disaggregation as a Means for Increasing Energy Awareness and Reducing Energy Consumption
  PDF / 2 MB / 2025-10-13-Slides-Wilfried Elmenreich.pdf

Online Event

Switch on your laptop and join us via Zoom! 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 everyone.

Public Lecture Series “Sustainability in Computer Science”

Sustainability is not an optional feature. Targeting economic, social, and ecological issues through sustainable development has become a must, not least since the publication of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. Computer Science (CS), and more prominently and recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI), is hailed as the solution to many sustainability problems (and yes, it is!). Still, energy efficiency and CO2 reduction must be considered to ensure fair and ecological use of resources. Hence, dealing with CS and sustainability involves two faces of the same coin: Sustainability with CS, and Sustainability for CS.

This public lecture series is unique in Austria, with basically all Austrian CS departments and faculties participating under the auspices of Informatik Austria. We want to raise awareness for the utmost importance of sustainability in CS, demonstrating research solutions to various problems, and triggering developments for a sustainable future.

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