Wireless sensor network for power consumption reduction in information and communication systems

This paper presents prototypes of wireless sensor nodes and network system for monitoring the power consumption of information and communication devices. Nowadays, carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission in the information and communication technology (ICT) field is increasing enormously due to the high electric power consumption in ICT devices, e.g., in Internet data centers (IDC) as well as offices and homes. In order to reduce CO₂ emission from the ICT devices, it is very important to introduce energy management systems taking the advantages of wireless sensor network technology. In this study, we have developed the prototypes of a wireless current clamp probe integrated with a thermometer and a network system that enables simultaneous monitoring of 50 power lines. Using the sensor nodes and system, power consumption monitoring of several typical ICT appliances in home has been successfully demonstrated.