Wireless Energy Metering System - Electrical Engineering Guide
1. Introduction
The Wireless Energy Metering System is designed to measure electrical energy consumption and transmit the data wirelessly to a monitoring station. It eliminates the need for manual meter reading and provides real-time access to energy usage data.
2. Objectives
• Accurately measure energy consumption.
• Transmit usage data wirelessly.
• Enable remote monitoring and billing.
• Provide real-time feedback to users.
3. System Overview
The system uses a microcontroller to interface with a current sensor and voltage sensor to calculate energy consumption. A wireless module (such as GSM, Wi-Fi, or LoRa) is used to transmit data to a central server or mobile app.
4. Components Required
• Microcontroller (Arduino, ESP32, etc.)
• Energy metering IC (ADE7757 or equivalent)
• Current transformer (CT) sensor
• Voltage divider circuit or voltage sensor
• Wireless module (GSM/GPRS, Wi-Fi, or LoRa)
• LCD or OLED display
• Power supply circuit (AC to DC converter)
• Resistors, capacitors, PCB or breadboard
• Enclosure box
5. Block Diagram and Working Principle
The energy metering IC takes current and voltage readings and calculates the power usage. The microcontroller reads this data and sends it wirelessly to a server. It may also display the data on a screen.
6. Circuit Design and Schematic
Design includes interfacing the CT sensor and voltage sensor to the metering IC, which outputs pulses proportional to energy usage. These pulses are counted and processed by the microcontroller.
7. Microcontroller Programming
Code includes reading pulse data from the energy IC, calculating total energy usage (in kWh), and sending data via the wireless module. Use interrupts for accurate pulse counting.
8. Wireless Communication Setup
Configure GSM or Wi-Fi module to send data to a cloud server or web dashboard. For GSM, use AT commands; for Wi-Fi, use HTTP or MQTT protocols.
9. Data Display and Logging
Display real-time energy usage on a screen. Optionally, log data to an SD card or cloud platform for analysis and reporting.
10. Power Supply Design
Use a regulated DC supply (5V or 3.3V) for microcontroller and peripherals. Ensure electrical isolation where needed.
11. Implementation Steps
1. Connect sensors and components on breadboard.
2. Upload code to microcontroller.
3. Test individual modules (sensors, wireless).
4. Integrate and calibrate full system.
5. Mount in enclosure and deploy.
12. Safety Considerations
• Ensure isolation between high-voltage and control
circuits.
• Use fuses and protective enclosures.
• Avoid direct contact with AC mains during setup.
13. Testing and Calibration
Compare readings with a standard energy meter. Adjust calibration factors in software if needed. Test wireless transmission for reliability.
14. Applications
• Smart home energy monitoring
• Industrial energy management
• Utility billing systems
• Renewable energy monitoring
15. Advantages and Limitations
Advantages:
• Real-time monitoring
• Wireless access
• Improved billing accuracy
Limitations:
• Initial setup cost
• Wireless signal range limitations
16. Cost Estimation
• Microcontroller: $10–$20
• Energy IC and sensors: $15–$25
• Wireless module: $5–$15
• Miscellaneous: $10–$20
• Total: $40–$80
17. Future Enhancements
• Mobile app integration
• Over-the-air firmware updates
• AI-based usage forecasting
• Integration with smart grid
18. Conclusion
The Wireless Energy Metering System enables efficient energy management through real-time data acquisition and wireless reporting. It offers a scalable and intelligent solution for smart homes and industrial applications.