Smart Energy Meter and Data Logger

Abstract

The paper is aimed at discussing the coming technological trends in smart energy monitoring and tracking and to suggest any possible improvements in the same. The paper showcases an economical Rasberry Pi based model for smart energy metering and automatic data logging. The system under study uses a PQ analyzer for data monitoring, DHT22, pyranometer sensors for data acquisition. The various communication protocols for data transfer like Modbus, I2C, RS485 are studied with regard to the system. The sample size of data is from a 5kW, 302.2 V solar panel system. A three-phase solar inverter provides the electrical power output. A Meco solar analyzer present at University lab has been used to log electrical data. A major drawback of the same is its inability to measure data while the panels are connected to a load. Thus, a smart energy meter that constantly monitors electrical data as well as ambient environmental conditions has been implemented with the help of raspberry pi. Data such as irradiance, temperature, voltage and current are taken. Data is automatically logged into a SQL database. The aim of this paper is to study the current technological trends and propose possible areas of improvement in the current technology.