The stability of the power grid is dependent on the predictable and coordinated interactions of its two major constituents: the generators that provide power, and the loads that consume it. Generators must produce the exact amount of power that the loads need; however, the number of loads and the amount of power they consume is constantly in flux.

Magic Inertia is an embedded system that provides a method of load-side power monitoring and adjustment of residential loads. It accomplishes this by acting as an interface between the grid and a home. First, its onboard digital signal processor monitors the grid’s frequency to determine if the home is consuming an amount of power that the grid can sustain. Then, it sends control signals to its integrated circuitry to adjust the amount of voltage the home draws from the grid. By doing so, MagicInertia allows for homes to collectively contribute to grid stability by adjusting power consumption to match the amount of power the grid is able to produce.