Any Device, Any Mode: Measuring All Residential Low-Power Mode Energy Consumption

摘要

In recent years there has been increasing interest and attention to ?standby power? ? the minimum power mode of a device while plugged in. However, an increasing number of products have multiple low-power modes, often defined by electronic components, and many spend little or no time in typical use in the lowest mode. Traditionally, most energy savings efforts have aimed to reduce power levels in particular modes, but savings can also be attained by shifting the operating time so that more time is spent in lower power modes. This shift can be accomplished in similar ways across a wide variety of product types. For these reasons, a focus on all low-power modes for all devices is appropriate. While some studies have assessed standby power for individual devices, homes, or regions, no prior study has comprehensively addressed all low-power consumption. A precondition to such assessment is an adequate measurement protocol for power levels; this paper presents the development and content of one. While most protocols are for a specific type of device in a controlled laboratory setting, we had the challenge of crafting one for any device that could have a low power mode (including products not yet invented) in real usage settings. The protocol therefore had to encompass a wide range of products and modes, and evolve according to the results of measurements made under the protocol as they accumulate. We review relevant background information, including other test procedures, key principles underlying the protocol, the structure we developed, insights gained from applying it to hundreds of individual products, and results for eight houses.