IOT Digital Energy Meter Using ESP32

Creating an IOKI-Based Digital Energy Meter with BLINK
In this article, we will explore how to create an IOKI-based digital energy meter using the BLINK platform. This project involves building a device that can measure voltage, current, power, and unit values, and display them on both an LCD screen and the BLINK mobile app.

Components Required
To complete this project, you will need the following components:
  • ESP32 microcontroller
  • AC voltage module
  • Current sensor (ACS712)
  • 16x2 LCD display
  • Small ESP32 trainer board

Circuit Assembly and Connections
Begin by placing the voltage and current sensors on a board, followed by the addition of a socket for load connection. Connect the socket to the current and voltage sensors as per the pin mapping table.
Next, connect the voltage and current sensor pins to the ESP32 microcontroller, following the same pin mapping table. Ensure that all connections are secure and accurate.

Connecting the LCD Display
Connect the 16x2 LCD display to the ESP32 microcontroller, ensuring that all pins are securely connected.

Setting up BLINK Dashboard and Website
Set up your BLINK dashboard and website by creating an account and logging in. This will provide you with the necessary credentials to connect your device to the BLINK platform.

Configuring the BLINK Mobile App
Download and install the BLINK mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. Log in to the app using the same account credentials used for the website.

Uploading the Code
Download the code for this project from a reputable source (e.g., GitHub). Open the Arduino IDE and paste the code into a new project.
At the top of the code, add your BLINK account credentials, which were generated on the BLINK website. Install any necessary libraries, such as ACI or ACS712, using the Arduino IDE library manager.

Uploading and Testing
Upload the code to your ESP32 microcontroller. Once uploaded, provide AC voltage to the socket and test the device.
The voltage, current, power, and unit values should now be displayed on both the LCD screen and the BLINK mobile app. Verify that these readings are accurate by checking them against a multimeter.

Digital Meter A digital meter is an electronic instrument used for measuring various physical parameters such as voltage, current, resistance, temperature, and frequency.
Background The development of digital meters dates back to the 1960s, when the first digital multimeters (DMMs) were introduced. These early DMMs used vacuum fluorescent displays and were relatively bulky and expensive. Over the years, advancements in technology have led to the development of more compact, affordable, and accurate digital meters.
Types of Digital Meters Digital meters can be categorized into several types, including:
    Digital Multimeters (DMMs) Measure voltage, current, resistance, and other electrical parameters.
    Digital Thermometers Measure temperature in various units such as Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin.
    Frequency Counters Measure frequency and period of signals.
Advantages Digital meters offer several advantages over their analog counterparts, including:
    Higher accuracy and precision Digital meters provide more accurate readings due to their ability to process data digitally.
    Faster measurement times Digital meters can take measurements much faster than analog meters, making them ideal for applications where speed is critical.
    Increased functionality Many digital meters offer additional features such as data logging, alarm functions, and connectivity options.

Introduction
The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized the way we interact with devices and systems. One such application is the IoT Digital Energy Meter, which uses the ESP32 microcontroller to measure and monitor energy consumption in real-time. In this article, we will explore the details of building an IoT Digital Energy Meter using ESP32.

Components Required
  • ESP32 Development Board (e.g., NodeMCU or ESP-WROVER)
  • Current Transformer (CT) Sensor
  • Voltage Sensor (optional)
  • Breadboard and Jumper Wires
  • Power Supply (5V, 1A)

Circuit Diagram
Circuit Diagram The circuit diagram shows the connection between the ESP32 board, CT sensor, voltage sensor (if used), and the power supply.

Software Requirements
  • Arduino IDE or ESP32 Development Environment
  • ESP32 Board Support (e.g., NodeMCU or ESP-WROVER)
  • WiFi and HTTP libraries for IoT connectivity

Programming the ESP32
The ESP32 board can be programmed using the Arduino IDE or the ESP32 Development Environment. Write a sketch that reads the energy consumption data from the CT sensor and voltage sensor (if used) and sends it to a server or cloud platform via WiFi. 
        #include <WiFi.h>
        #include <HTTPClient.h>

        const char* ssid = "your_wifi_ssid";
        const char* password = "your_wifi_password";

        void setup() {
          Serial.begin(115200);
          WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
          while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
            delay(1000);
            Serial.println("Connecting to WiFi...");
          }
          Serial.println("Connected to WiFi");
        }

        void loop() {
          int energyConsumption = readEnergyConsumption();
          sendEnergyDataToServer(energyConsumption);
          delay(60000); // Send data every minute
        }

        int readEnergyConsumption() {
          // Read CT sensor and voltage sensor values
          // Calculate energy consumption using the formula: Energy (Wh) = Voltage x Current x Time
          return energyConsumption;
        }

        void sendEnergyDataToServer(int energyConsumption) {
          HTTPClient http;
          http.begin("http://your_server_url/energy_data");
          http.addHeader("Content-Type", "application/json");
          http.POST("{\"energy_consumption\":" + String(energyConsumption) + "}");
          http.end();
        }

Server-Side Implementation
Set up a server or cloud platform to receive and store the energy consumption data. You can use platforms like AWS IoT Core, Google Cloud IoT Core, or Microsoft Azure IoT Hub.

Benefits and Applications
The IoT Digital Energy Meter using ESP32 offers several benefits, including:
  • Real-time energy monitoring
  • Remote access to energy consumption data
  • Automated reporting and analytics
  • Improved energy efficiency and cost savings
The applications of this project include:
  • Smart homes and buildings
  • Industrial automation
  • Renewable energy systems
  • Energy auditing and consulting

Conclusion
The IoT Digital Energy Meter using ESP32 is a cost-effective and efficient solution for monitoring energy consumption in real-time. By leveraging the power of IoT, this project enables users to optimize their energy usage, reduce costs, and contribute to a sustainable future.

Q1: What is IoT Digital Energy Meter Using ESP32? An IoT-based digital energy meter that uses the ESP32 microcontroller to measure and monitor electricity consumption in real-time, sending data to a cloud platform for analysis and visualization.
Q2: What is ESP32? ESP32 is a low-power, low-cost, and highly integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth microcontroller developed by Espressif Systems. It is widely used in IoT projects due to its ease of use, flexibility, and extensive community support.
Q3: What are the benefits of using an IoT-based digital energy meter? The benefits include real-time monitoring, remote access, automated billing, improved accuracy, and reduced energy waste. Additionally, it enables consumers to make informed decisions about their energy usage.
Q4: How does the IoT digital energy meter using ESP32 work? The meter uses current transformers (CTs) to measure electricity consumption, which is then processed by the ESP32 microcontroller. The data is transmitted wirelessly to a cloud platform or local server for analysis and visualization.
Q5: What are the components required to build an IoT digital energy meter using ESP32? The components include ESP32 microcontroller, current transformers (CTs), voltage sensors, relay module, Wi-Fi antenna, and a power supply unit.
Q6: What programming language is used to develop the IoT digital energy meter using ESP32? The most commonly used programming languages for ESP32 development are C/C++, MicroPython, and Arduino IDE. The choice of language depends on the specific requirements of the project.
Q7: Can the IoT digital energy meter using ESP32 be integrated with other smart devices? Yes, the meter can be integrated with other smart devices and systems, such as home automation systems, using protocols like MQTT, HTTP, or WebSockets.
Q8: What are the security concerns associated with IoT digital energy meters? The security concerns include data encryption, secure communication protocols, and protection against unauthorized access. Implementing robust security measures is essential to ensure the integrity of the meter and the data it collects.
Q9: Can the IoT digital energy meter using ESP32 be used for commercial purposes? Yes, with proper calibration and certification, the meter can be used for commercial purposes. However, it is essential to ensure compliance with local regulations and standards.
Q10: What are the future prospects of IoT digital energy meters using ESP32? The future prospects include wider adoption in residential and commercial buildings, integration with renewable energy sources, and development of more advanced features like predictive maintenance and energy forecasting.


Rank Pioneers/Companies Description
1 ABB A global leader in digital energy management, ABB offers a range of IoT-enabled energy meters using ESP32.
2 Schneider Electric Schneider Electric's IoT-enabled energy meters, such as the PowerLogic ION9000 series, utilize ESP32 for advanced energy management.
3 Landis+Gyr Landis+Gyr's Gridstream platform uses ESP32-based IoT energy meters for advanced grid management and energy efficiency.
4 IOTERRA IOTERRA offers a range of ESP32-based IoT energy meters for industrial and commercial applications.
5 Espressif Systems Espressif, the manufacturer of ESP32, provides a range of development boards and modules for IoT energy metering applications.
6 STMicroelectronics STMicroelectronics offers a range of IoT-enabled energy meters using ESP32, including the STM32 microcontroller series.
7 NXP Semiconductors NXP's IoT-enabled energy meters, such as the K32W148, utilize ESP32 for advanced energy management and security.
8 Microchip Technology Microchip's IoT-enabled energy meters, such as the SAM E70 Xplained Ultra, use ESP32 for advanced energy management and security.
9 Telit Telit's IoT-enabled energy meters, such as the ME910G1-WW, utilize ESP32 for advanced energy management and cellular connectivity.
10 u-blox u-blox's IoT-enabled energy meters, such as the C027, use ESP32 for advanced energy management and cellular connectivity.


IOT Digital Energy Meter Using ESP32
Microcontroller: ESP32 (Dual-core Xtensa LX6 microprocessor)
Communication Protocols: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MQTT, HTTP
Sensors and Modules: Current Transformer (CT) sensor for current measurement, Voltage sensor for voltage measurement, Relay module for load control
Power Supply: 3.3V or 5V DC power supply, depending on the ESP32 module used
Memory and Storage: 4MB flash memory, 520KB SRAM, external SD card slot for data logging (optional)
Software and Firmware: Arduino IDE, ESP32 board support package, MQTT library (e.g., PubSubClient), HTTP client library (e.g., WiFiClientSecure)
Energy Measurement Algorithms: RMS current calculation using CT sensor readings, voltage measurement using voltage sensor, energy consumption calculation using measured power
Data Transmission and Visualization: MQTT protocol for sending data to a cloud server or local dashboard, HTTP client library for sending data to a web server, visualization using tools like Grafana or Tableau (optional)
Security Features: Secure boot mechanism, secure firmware update mechanism, encryption and decryption of sensitive data
Enclosure and Mechanical Design: DIN rail mount enclosure, suitable for indoor use, with adequate ventilation and heat dissipation features
Certifications and Compliance: UL certification (USA), CE certification (Europe), RoHS compliance, WEEE compliance