Research - Existing Energy Monitoring Devices

There are literally hundreds of already existing energy monitoring devices, and most are very boring and and have very little output. However there are some that are very informative and efficient but not so interesting and some that are very creative and both are very good examples of what this project is looking for.

A good example of an good efficient energy monitoring device is the TED 5000 series.
According to the TED website it has been proven to help reduce electricity by an average of 12.6%.        (How TED works (right) >)
It also says that the system...

• Is sensitive to one watt of electricity.
• Is accurate to within 2%.
• Can project monthly bills.
• Has an optional wireless display.
• Stores up to 10 years worth of data.
• Measures voltage and kw/hr.
• Data can be viewed remotely.
• Provides charting, graphing and trending.

This device is an example of efficient data collection and sufficient output info to help you make changes in your electrical usage, It provides good interaction but not in a way that I think will keep people interested for very long.

A good example of good user interaction in a power monitoring device is the Wilting Flower.
The Wilting Flower is a device that resembles that of a flower. The flower changes colour and shape according to the energy consumption, The less power you use the taller the flower stands, as you use more power, the colours will change and the more it begins to droop.

This is a well thought out product made for fun interaction. it doesn't give you the figures that are needed to actually cause change in your lifestyle. It provides no real incentive, no cost indicator which I think is essential.

With the creativity of the Wilting Flower combined with the informative response of the TED 5000 series, you could be looking at the future of power saving and some great inspiration for this project.