I want to monitor power usage at my home. I'm some smart receptacles that plug in between the wall and whatever other device (dishwasher), that sends data wirelessly to an arduino. Ideally, data logged daily in the form of how many KWH were consumed at each outlet.
Did some web search but could not find any 'smart' receptacle.
Any leads?
I have similar interests, but I don't know if such a product is on the market. That aside, the traditional practice is to research the specs of the various devices we use, factor in known powered time and build something of a profile. For instance, the TV will always draw the same amount of current, you just need to get a good estimate of how long it's been on to figure out KWh.
Products like the Efergy Ego or Belkin WeMo insight appear to do what you want- quite expensive though. I've got a cheaper non-wireless version that gives power consumption and duty cycle which is usually sufficient to compute the total power usage over the year (doesnt have real-time graphs though). If you get one of those and take it around your major appliances a week at a time it gives you a pretty good idea of what is costing you the most.
Most home energy monitoring schemes tend to focus on the whole household using one of the following schemes
Current transformers clipped onto the feeder wires in your switchboard (eg CurrentCost)
Photoelectric sensors that count the flashes/dial revolutions from your existing meter.
Sounds like there is an opportunity in the market for this. Granted, I've seen contraptions that 'connect' to the overall meter and log overall usage. What I'm after is things that get in between the electrical appliance (TV, dryer, computer) and the wall/outlet, and logs electricity consumption over few days.
I have reduced the amount of electricity I use on lights (by switching to LEDs), the next step for me is to identify what are the power 'hogs' and go after them. I bet it's the dryer/washer but need to confirm. WOuld be nice to have a monthly summary that says: You've used so much while watching TV, this amount for washing/drying clothes ... etc.
Take a look at some of these and see if they have the features you want.
Otherwise, make your own current sensor to monitor your devices.
Make your own. Instructions are at OpenEnergyMonitor.org