Instead of using a passive AC power grid for low power
applications, this paper describes a smart plug for DC
networks that is capable of providing the correct power
to a device (up to 100W) and that allows for
communication between different plugs and monitoring
of energy consumption across the DC network using the
Ethernet protocol in conjunction with a signal
modulator to adapt the signals to the DC network. The
ability to monitor consumption on a device-per-device
basis allows for closer monitoring of in-house energy
use and provides an easily scalable platform to monitor
consumption at a macro level.

In order to make this paper attractive for the consumer
market and easily integrable with existing consumer
devices, a generally compatible solution is needed. To
meet these demands and to take advantage of the trend
of charging consumer devices through USB, we opted
for the recently adapted USB Power Delivery standard.
This standard allows devices to communicate with the
plug and demand a specific voltage and current needed
for the device to operate.
The purpose of this paper is to give the reader insight in
the development of a proof of concept of the smart
DC/DC power plug.

10.1109/DUE.2014.6827761