Wireless Energy Metering System: Computer Engineering Guide
1. Introduction
Overview of the project.
Objectives of the system: Develop a wireless system to monitor and manage energy consumption in real time.
Scope of the system: Suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial settings to promote efficient energy use.
2. Requirements Analysis
Functional Requirements:
· - Real-time monitoring of energy consumption.
· - Wireless data transmission to a central server or mobile application.
· - Billing system to calculate energy costs based on usage.
· - Alerts for abnormal energy usage or faults.
· - Historical data visualization for analysis and optimization.
Non-Functional Requirements:
· - High accuracy in energy measurement.
· - Reliable wireless communication.
· - Secure data handling and privacy compliance.
3. System Design
Architecture:
· - Sensor nodes for energy metering connected wirelessly to a central server or cloud.
· - Mobile or web application for user interaction and data visualization.
Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs):
· - Level 0: Overview of data flow from energy metering to user dashboards.
· - Level 1: Detailed processes for data collection, transmission, and processing.
Database Design:
· - Tables: Users, Energy Readings, Billing Information, Alerts.
4. Technology Stack
Hardware:
· - Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino, ESP32) for energy metering.
· - Sensors for voltage, current, and power measurement.
· - Wireless communication modules (e.g., Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or LoRa).
Frontend:
· - Mobile or web app using React Native, Flutter, or Angular.
Backend:
· - Python (Flask/Django) or Node.js for API development.
· - Integration with cloud platforms for data storage and processing.
Database:
· - SQL (PostgreSQL, MySQL) or NoSQL (MongoDB, Firebase).
Cloud Services:
· - AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure for hosting and scalability.
5. Implementation
Energy Metering:
· - Develop hardware modules for accurate energy measurement.
· - Calibrate sensors for voltage, current, and power readings.
Wireless Communication:
· - Use Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or LoRa modules for data transmission.
· - Ensure reliable communication in various environmental conditions.
Data Management:
· - Store energy readings securely in the database.
· - Enable real-time data processing for alerts and billing.
User Interface:
· - Provide dashboards for real-time and historical data visualization.
· - Include features for billing, alerts, and energy optimization tips.
Alerts and Notifications:
· - Implement a system to notify users of abnormal energy usage or faults.
· - Allow customization of alert thresholds.
6. Security
Encrypt data during transmission using secure protocols like TLS.
Implement secure authentication for user accounts.
Comply with privacy laws like GDPR or CCPA.
7. Testing
Unit Testing: Validate individual modules like energy metering and wireless communication.
Integration Testing: Ensure smooth communication between hardware, backend, and frontend.
System Testing: Test the system for accuracy and reliability in real-world scenarios.
Performance Testing: Evaluate system scalability and latency under high usage.
8. Deployment
Deploy the system on cloud platforms for scalability and reliability.
Provide user manuals and setup instructions for hardware installation.
Set up monitoring tools for system performance tracking.
9. Maintenance and Updates
Monitor system logs and address issues promptly.
Regularly update the application with new features and security patches.
Incorporate user feedback to enhance functionality and user experience.
10. Appendix
Glossary of terms.
References and additional resources.