IoT-Based Energy Consumption Monitoring System - Electrical Engineering Guide
1. Introduction
The IoT-Based Energy Consumption Monitoring System is designed to track the energy usage of electrical devices in real time using sensors, microcontrollers, and wireless communication. It helps in efficient energy management and provides insights into consumption patterns.
2. Objectives
• Measure and record energy usage in real time.
• Provide remote access to consumption data.
• Enable data visualization via IoT platforms.
• Generate alerts for abnormal energy usage.
3. Components Required
• Microcontroller (ESP8266/ESP32/Arduino)
• Current Sensor (ACS712/CT Sensor)
• Voltage Sensor (ZMPT101B)
• Wi-Fi Module (ESP8266 if not onboard)
• LCD/OLED Display
• IoT Platform (ThingSpeak, Blynk, Firebase)
• Power Supply Module
• Connectors, Enclosure
4. System Architecture
The system consists of sensors to measure electrical parameters, a microcontroller to process the data, and a Wi-Fi module to send the data to an IoT cloud platform for monitoring.
5. Sensor and Data Acquisition
• Use ACS712 to measure current flow.
• Use ZMPT101B to measure AC voltage.
• Calculate power and energy by integrating power over time.
6. Microcontroller and IoT Platform
• Program the ESP32/ESP8266 to read sensor values.
• Establish communication with the chosen IoT platform.
• Use APIs or MQTT protocols to transmit data.
7. Communication Protocols
• Wi-Fi for data transmission.
• MQTT/HTTP protocols for publishing data.
• Secure communication with SSL/TLS where supported.
8. Data Processing and Visualization
• Process raw sensor data into readable units (Watts, kWh).
• Visualize trends using graphs on the IoT dashboard.
• Store historical data for analysis.
9. Circuit Design
• Include appropriate voltage dividers and filtering
circuits.
• Use opto-isolation for safety.
• Design for low noise and stable sensor readings.
10. Firmware and Software Development
• Use Arduino IDE or PlatformIO.
• Write code for sensor reading, calculations, and data posting.
• Include OTA update capability if required.
11. Power Supply Design
• Use a 5V/3.3V regulator or power adapter.
• Ensure clean and regulated power for the microcontroller.
• Add protection diodes and capacitors.
12. Safety and Calibration
• Calibrate sensors using known loads.
• Ensure isolation from AC mains.
• Use enclosures to prevent accidental contact.
13. Implementation Steps
• Assemble components on a breadboard or PCB.
• Test sensor readings and connectivity.
• Deploy and monitor data on the IoT platform.
• Mount the system in a secure enclosure.
14. Testing and Troubleshooting
• Verify sensor accuracy against a standard meter.
• Monitor Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Debug data transmission and display issues.
15. Applications
• Home energy monitoring
• Industrial load monitoring
• Campus or office energy dashboards
• Smart grid integration
16. Benefits and Limitations
Benefits:
• Real-time data
• Improved energy efficiency
• Remote access
Limitations:
• Dependent on internet connectivity
• Sensor accuracy may vary
• Requires calibration
17. Future Scope
• AI-based consumption prediction
• Integration with smart appliances
• Battery backup support
• Mobile app integration
18. Conclusion
The IoT-Based Energy Consumption Monitoring System provides a practical solution for energy management. It aids users in understanding their energy usage patterns, promoting efficiency and sustainability.