Introduction
As technology continues to advance, our reliance on electricity grows exponentially. However, in this fast-paced world, manually checking and analyzing electricity usage has become a time-consuming and inconvenient task for both individuals and governments. Recognizing the need for a more efficient and intelligent solution, we present our project: "Smart Meter Reading with Cloud Computing." This innovative system leverages the power of cloud computing to transform the way we monitor and manage electricity consumption.
This project is created by:
- Amrendra Kumar Yadav
- Arjun Chhetri
- Suraj Agrahari
- Tulashi Prasad Joshi
Abstract
Project Objective
- To analyze energy consumption and minimize the energy crisis.
Benefits and Advantages
- Efficiency: With our smart meter reading system, the arduous task of manual meter reading becomes obsolete. The automated process ensures accurate and real-time data collection, eliminating human errors and delays.
- Cost-Effectiveness: By implementing cloud computing, governments and utility companies can significantly reduce the expenses associated with employing manpower for manual meter reading. This cost savings can then be redirected towards more critical aspects of the energy sector.
- Data Insights: Through advanced data analysis techniques, our system provides valuable insights into electricity usage patterns. Users can identify peak times of consumption, enabling them to make informed decisions about optimizing energy consumption and reducing costs.
- Anomaly Detection: The system actively monitors for irregularities such as electricity leaks or theft. By promptly identifying these anomalies, actions can be taken to mitigate losses and enhance the security of the energy infrastructure.
- User-Friendly Interface: The accompanying website offers a visually appealing and intuitive platform for users to access their electricity usage data. It empowers individuals to track their consumption, set energy-saving goals, and monitor their progress towards reducing their carbon footprint.
Project Output
- Optocoupler output
The output of the optocoupler can be viewed in the serial monitor of the Arduino IDE, which is shown below.
Figure : Serial monitor output
- ThingSpeak cloud
The output is graphical representation of energy consumed versus time and total energy consumed.
Figure 6-2: ThingSpeak cloud output
- Website output
Our website is designed for normal user and a NEA authorized person from where they can view the record. The user as well as the NEA authorized person has to authenticate for viewing the data.
After authenticating the user can view his/her record, the record can be monthly or yearly.
If the user has some problem with the system, then the user can contact the NEA. The Contact Us page is shown below:
Figure : Contact Us page
And NEA authorized person can also see the record after the authentication process. The authorized person will be able to see user ID and units. Also, the person can send message to the customers.
Figure : NEA authorized person’s output
Conclusion
In conclusion, the integration of smart meter reading with cloud computing represents a groundbreaking advancement in managing electricity consumption. By automating meter readings and leveraging cloud computing capabilities, this project effectively eliminates conventional energy measuring systems and prevents energy crises. Through secure user authentication on a website, individuals can access their energy usage data, enabling them to make informed decisions about their consumption and detect anomalies such as appliances running unnoticed. Additionally, the system provides valuable insights to utility companies like the National Energy Authority (NEA), allowing them to analyze peak hour patterns and inform the public, thus reducing the burden on the energy grid, promoting energy conservation, and contributing to cost savings. This project successfully revolutionizes energy management, empowering users and driving positive change toward a more sustainable and digitally-driven society.