FPGA-Based Spectral Envelope Preprocessor for Power Monitoring and Control

Abstract

Smart Grid and Smart Meter initiatives seek to enable energy providers and consumers to intelligently manage their energy needs through real-time monitoring, analysis, and control. We have developed an inexpensive FPGA implementation of a spectral envelope preprocessor. This FPGA permits cost-effective and richly detailed power consumption monitoring for individual loads or collections of loads. It permits a flexible trade-off between data transmission, storage, and computation requirements in a power monitoring or control system. The information from the FPGA can be used to coordinate the operation of power electronic controls.