Domestic Power Efficiency using Sensors and a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)

A well designed sensors – PLC based domestic power efficiency system is developed. This system allows the user semi–automatic control over time usage of systems commonly used in the home on a daily basis and thus control of consumption rates and costs. Use was made of four kinds of sensors, light, occupancy, motion and fire cum smoke sensors and a Trilogi–programmed PLC software. A centralised system of protection against in-bound system voltage fluctuations was incorporated. Efficient and effective maintenance and diagnosis of the system are achieved using an easily manageable PLC software tool. Costing the new system gave GH¢ 1182.69. Aside, computations of consumed power units and the associated cost for a two to five year period confirmed superiority of the PLC managed system over the existing system giving a breakeven point of 3 years, 7 months.