IOT BASED ENERGY METER

MINI PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by
HARISHPRABHU R (312423105026
)
HEJEENA DAISY H
(312423105027
BHUVANA V )

STEFFIN RAJ R (312423105008

)

(312423105057
)
(312423105031
)
JINO J V
(312423105045
MUKESH J )

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING

in

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

St. JOSEPH’S INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

OMR, CHENNAI

(AN AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTE)

MARCH 2025
 TABLE OF CONTENT
S.NO TITLE

1 ABSTRACT
2 INTRODUCTION
3 PROPOSED METHDOLOGY
4 BLOCK DIAGRAM
5 HARDWAREREQUIREMENT
5.1 BREAD BOARD
5.2 VOLTAGE SENSOR
5.3 CURRENT SENSOR
5.4 I2C-DISPLAY

5.5 ESP-32

5.6 BULB HOLDER

5.7 BULB

5.8 CONNECTING WIRES

6 SOFTWAREDESCRIPTION
6.1 BLYNK APPLICATION
7 RESULT AND OUTPUT
8 CONCLUSION
ABSTRACT
This project presents the design and implementation of an IoT-based energy
meter that enables real-time monitoring and management of electrical energy
consumption. The system is built using a microcontroller, energy metering IC,
Wi-Fi module, and cloud integration to measure and transmit energy usage
data. By leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the energy meter
provides users with instant access to consumption statistics via a web or mobile
interface. This not only enhances transparency and user awareness but also
enables efficient energy management and early detection of unusual usage
patterns. The project aims to contribute to the development of smart grid
infrastructure and promote energy conservation by empowering consumers
with actionable data.

INTRODUCTION
With the growing demand for electricity and the need for efficient energy
utilization, real-time monitoring of energy consumption has become crucial.
Traditional energy meters only record usage and require manual reading, which
is time-consuming and prone to human error. To overcome these limitations,
this project introduces an IoT-based energy meter that offers a smart and
automated solution for monitoring power consumption.

The Internet of Things (IoT) integrates sensors, embedded systems, and

internet connectivity to create a network of smart devices. In this project, IoT
technology is applied to the energy metering system to continuously measure
and transmit power usage data to a cloud-based platform. Users can access this
data remotely through a web dashboard or mobile application, allowing them
to track energy usage in real-time, set alerts, and optimize consumption.

The system is designed using components such as a microcontroller (e.g.,

NodeMCU or ESP32), energy metering IC (such as the HLW8012 or ADE7753),
and a Wi-Fi module for connectivity. By enabling remote access and automated
logging, the IoT energy meter supports smarter electricity usage, reduces
wastage, and aligns with the objectives of smart grid systems and sustainable
energy management.

Proposed Methodology

The proposed IoT-based energy meter system is designed to measure, monitor,

and transmit real-time energy consumption data using a combination of
hardware and software components. The methodology involves the following
key steps:

1. Measurement of Electrical Parameters

An energy metering IC (e.g., HLW8012, ADE7753, or similar) is used to
accurately measure voltage, current, power, and energy consumption. These
readings are then sent to a microcontroller for processing.

2. Microcontroller Unit
A microcontroller such as NodeMCU (ESP8266) or ESP32 is used as the core
controller of the system. It collects data from the energy metering IC and
processes it for transmission.

3. Wi-Fi Communication
The microcontroller is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, enabling it to
send the processed data to a cloud server or IoT platform (e.g., Blynk,
ThingsBoard, or Firebase) over the internet.

4. Cloud Storage and Dashboard

The collected energy data is stored in the cloud and visualized through a web-
based dashboard or mobile application. Users can view real-time and historical
consumption data, receive alerts, and generate reports.
5. User Interface
A user-friendly interface is developed to allow users to monitor energy usage,
receive notifications (e.g., in case of overload), and control devices remotely if
needed (in advanced versions).

6. Power Supply and Protection

A stable and isolated power supply is used to ensure the safety and reliability
of the system. Circuit protection features are added to safeguard components
from electrical faults.

BLOCK DIAGRAM

Power Source: Supplies electricity to be monitored.

Energy Metering IC: Measures voltage, current, and calculates power
consumption.
Microcontroller: Collects data from the metering IC, processes it, and handles
Wi-Fi connectivity.
Wi-Fi Module: Sends data to the cloud platform over the internet.
Cloud Platform: Stores data and provides analytics/visualization.
User Interface: Allows users to access real-time and historical energy data
remotely.

Breadboard
A breadboard is a solderless platform used for prototyping electronic circuits.
In this project, the breadboard is utilized to assemble and test the circuit
components before finalizing them on a PCB. It allows for easy adjustments,
debugging, and component placement without permanent connections.
Uses in This Project:

1. Component Placement:
Microcontroller (ESP8266/ESP32), sensors (voltage and current), and the
metering IC can all be mounted and connected on the breadboard for initial
testing.

2. Ease of Wiring:
Jumper wires are used to make quick and flexible connections between
components like the energy metering IC, sensors, and power supply.

3. Testing and Troubleshooting:

It allows easy swapping of components and real-time debugging during
development.

4. Safety in Prototyping:
Reduces the risk
Voltage Sensor
In this project, a voltage sensor is used to measure the AC mains voltage, which
is critical for calculating real-time power consumption along with the current
sensor. The most commonly used voltage sensor module is the ZMPT101B,
designed specifically for accurate AC voltage measurement with isolation.

ZMPT101B Voltage Sensor Module

Key Features:
High accuracy and stability.
Built-in isolation transformer for safety.
Adjustable gain via potentiometer.
Analog output compatible with microcontrollers (ESP8266/ESP32/Arduino).

Working Principle:
The ZMPT101B module uses a transformer to step down and isolate the AC
mains voltage.
It outputs a scaled-down analog signal that represents the real-time voltage.
The microcontroller reads this analog signal via an

Current Sensors
Current sensors are essential in energy metering systems to measure the
current flowing through a load. They work alongside voltage sensors to
calculate power consumption. Two common types used in IoT energy meter
projects are the ACS712 and SCT-013.

1. ACS712 Hall-Effect Current Sensor

Key Features:
Measures both AC and DC current.
Available in 5A, 20A, and 30A versions.
Outputs an analog voltage proportional to the current.
Galvanic isolation between the high-current side and signal side.
Working Principle:
Uses the Hall Effect to detect the magnetic field generated by current flow.
Outputs a voltage that varies linearly with current (e.g., 2.5V at 0A, lower for
negative current, higher for positive current).

Pros:
Compact and easy to integrate with microcontrollers.
No need for external resistors or burden resistors.

Cons:
Less accurate for small AC current readings.
Sensitive to electrical noise.

2. SCT-013 Non-Invasive CT (Current Transformer) Sensor

Key Features:
Measures AC current only (up to 100A depending on the model).
Non-invasive: clips around the live wire—no cutting or direct connection
needed.
Requires a burden resistor to convert current to voltage for microcontroller
input.

Working Principle:
Works on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
Converts the magnetic field of AC current into a proportional voltage.
Pros:
Very safe to use (no direct contact with high voltage).Ideal for household or
industrial current monitoring.

Cons:
Only works with AC current.
Needs proper calibration and external circuitry.

Usage in Project:
Choose ACS712 for low current or combined AC/DC monitoring.
Choose SCT-013 for higher current, non-invasive AC monitoring.
The sensor output is read by the microcontroller’s ADC and processed to
compute real-time current and power.
I2C Display
An I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) LCD display, typically a 16x2 or 20x4 LCD with
an I2C adapter module, is used to display real-time voltage, current, power, and
energy consumption values directly on the device. This allows users to view
data locally, without needing a phone or internet connection.
Key Features:
Requires only 2 wires (SDA and SCL) for communication, saving GPIO pins.
Compatible with most microcontrollers like ESP8266, ESP32, and Arduino.
Typically based on the PCF8574 I/O expander chip.
Backlight and contrast can be adjusted via onboard potentiometers.

Wiring (ESP8266 Example):

> For ESP32, you can use GPIO 21 (SDA) and GPIO 22 (SCL) by default.

Display Example:
Voltage: 230V
Current: 1.25A
Power: 287.5W
Energy: 1.5 kWh
Bulb Holder
The bulb holder in this project serves as a load connected to the energy meter.
It allows you to safely test and demonstrate how the system monitors power
consumption by connecting a standard light bulb (or any other electrical
device) to the circuit.
Purpose in the Project:
Acts as a practical and visible load for testing current and voltage
measurements.
Helps in verifying real-time energy consumption displayed on the LCD or IoT
dashboard.
Demonstrates how the system responds to changes in load (e.g., when bulb is
turned ON or OFF).

Types of Bulb Holders You Can Use:

1. B22 or E27 Standard Socket Holder – Common for household bulbs.
2. Panel-Mount Holder – Easy to fix in an enclosure or testing board.
3. Wire-Lead Holder – Comes with attached wires for easy
breadboard/prototyping.

Connection Tips:
Connect one terminal of the bulb holder directly to the AC live or neutral.
The other terminal should go through the current sensor (e.g., ACS712 or SCT-
013) to measure the current.
Make sure all high-voltage wiring is properly insulated and done with caution.
Use a fuse or circuit breaker for safety, especially when working with 230V
mains power.
Safety Warning:
Working with AC mains can be dangerous. Always double-check connections,
insulate exposed wires, and consider using a low-voltage test setup (like a 12V
bulb with a transformer) if you're not experienced with handling 230V.

Bulb
The bulb functions as the primary electrical load in the energy meter circuit. It
provides a simple and visual way to demonstrate the real-time monitoring of
power consumption. When the bulb is turned on, the energy meter measures
the voltage and current to calculate power and energy usage, which is then
displayed or sent to the cloud.

Common Bulb Types Used:

1. Incandescent Bulb (e.g., 60W, 100W):
Offers a resistive load, which is simple and predictable for testing.
Consumes more current, making it easier to see the sensor readings.
2. LED Bulb (e.g., 9W, 12W):
Energy-efficient, but introduces a non-linear load.
Good for testing real-world usage and for demonstrating low power
consumption.

3. 12V Bulb (Automotive Bulb):

Safe for testing when used with a 12V DC supply.
Ideal for beginners or indoor lab testing without handling high-voltage AC.

Connecting Wires
Connecting wires are essential for linking all components in your circuit,
including the microcontroller, sensors, power supply, and load (bulb). The
quality and type of wire you use directly impact the safety, stability, and
performance of the system.
Types of Wires Used:
1. Jumper Wires (Male-Male, Male-Female, Female-Female):
Ideal for breadboard connections.
Used for low-voltage signal connections (e.g., between ESP32 and I2C display).
Available in various lengths and colors for organized wiring.

2. Solid Core Wires:

Easy to insert into breadboards.
Suitable for short connections and testing circuits.

3. Stranded Wires:
Flexible and good for long-term use or enclosures.
Preferred for connections between sensors and microcontroller or for AC loads.

4. High-Voltage Wires (for AC Mains):

Thick, insulated wires (e.g., 16 AWG or 18 AWG).
Used to connect high-voltage components like bulb holders and AC supply.
SOFTWAREDESCRIPTION
Blynk IoT Platform
Blynk is a powerful and beginner-friendly IoT platform that allows you to create
apps for controlling and monitoring hardware over the internet. In the context
of your energy meter project, Blynk can display real-time data such as voltage,
current, power, and energy consumption directly on your smartphone or web
dashboard.

Real-time data monitoring on mobile or web.

No need to build your own backend/server.
Supports ESP8266, ESP32, Arduino, and more.
Drag-and-drop widgets for gauges, charts, buttons, etc.
Easy integration with Wi-Fi-enabled microcontrollers.

Steps to Set Up Blynk:

1. Create a Blynk Account:
Sign up at https://blynk.cloud and create a new template/project.

2. Add Widgets:
Gauge: To show voltage or current.
Value Display: For power and energy values.
Chart (optional): To show trends over time.

3. Configure Data Streams:

Assign virtual pins (V0, V1, etc.) to each sensor value.
4. Get Authentication Token (Auth Token):
Found in your Blynk template/device settings.
Used to connect your ESP8266/ESP32 to your Blynk project.

5. Install Blynk Library:

In Arduino IDE: Install Blynk and BlynkESP8266_Lib or BlynkESP32_Lib via the
Library Manager.

6. Example Arduino Code (ESP8266):

#define BLYNK_TEMPLATE_ID "Your_Template_ID"

#define BLYNK_DEVICE_NAME "EnergyMeter"
#define BLYNK_AUTH_TOKEN "Your_Auth_Token"
#include <ESP8266WiFi.h>
#include <BlynkSimpleEsp8266.h>
char ssid[] = "Your_WiFi_Name";
char pass[] = "Your_WiFi_Password";
void setup() {
Blynk.begin(BLYNK_AUTH_TOKEN, ssid, pass);
}
void loop() {
float voltage = 230.0;
Result and Output
The IoT-based Energy Meter was successfully designed, implemented, and
tested. The system was capable of accurately measuring real-time electrical
parameters including voltage, current, power, and energy consumption, and
displaying the data both locally (on an I2C LCD) and remotely (via the Blynk IoT
platform).

Key Results:
1. Real-time Monitoring:
The system accurately displayed live voltage and current readings using sensors
like ZMPT101B and ACS712.
Power (P = V × I) and energy usage were calculated and updated every second.
2. LCD Display Output:
The 16x2 I2C LCD showed parameters like:
Voltage: 230V
Current: 1.25A
Power: 287.5W

3. Blynk Dashboard Output:

Voltage, current, and power readings were streamed to the mobile app in real
time.
Users could monitor energy usage from anywhere using Wi-Fi.
Dashboard included:
Gauges for voltage and current.
Value displays for power and total energy.
Optional graph widget to visualize changes over time.
CONCLUSION
The IoT-based energy meter developed in this project successfully
demonstrates the integration of hardware and IoT technology for real-time
energy monitoring. By using sensors to measure voltage and current, and
calculating power and energy consumption, the system provides accurate and
continuous tracking of electrical usage.

The implementation of the Blynk IoT platform enables remote monitoring

through a smartphone or web dashboard, making it user-friendly and
accessible. The use of an I2C display further enhances usability by allowing