Objective
The Smart Energy Monitor is a small, plug-in device that helps people track how much electricity their appliances use without needing to mess with the circuit breaker. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to cut down on your electricity bill, a renter who wants to monitor usage without modifying the home, or a student living in a dorm, this device makes it easy to see where your power is going. By identifying appliances that use a lot of energy, users can make smarter decisions about their electricity use and potentially save money.
Background
Many people don’t realize how much electricity their appliances consume until they receive a high bill at the end of the month. Existing energy monitors can help, but they often come with drawbacks as they’re either too expensive or require installation at the circuit breaker, which can be complicated and unsafe for the average person. Our goal is to create a simple, affordable, and safe solution that anyone can use. This Smart Energy Monitor will plug into a standard outlet, measure the power consumption of any connected device, and display real-time data on a mobile or web dashboard. With this information, users can identify appliances that are using excessive energy and take action, whether that means unplugging devices when not in use or upgrading to more efficient alternatives.
Methodology
Study existing energy monitors to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and pricing
Define key features
Real-time monitoring
Cost analysis
Safety measures
Plan hardware and software requirements, ensuring the project remains affordable and user-friendly
Select the appropriate microcontroller, sensors, and power modules
Design how the hardware components will interact
Plan software architecture, including data collection, processing, and visualization on a mobile/web dashboard
Assemble the hardware: microcontroller (ESP32), current sensor (ACS712), and plug module
Develop and test the firmware to read energy consumption data
Begin work on the user interface, ensuring that data is easy to read and understand
Verify that the device accurately measures power consumption
Optimize the mobile/web dashboard for usability, ensuring users can track their energy data effortlessly
Improve performance, safety, and durability based on test results
Showcase the working prototype and demonstrate its features
Document findings, including cost analysis, energy savings potential, and possible future improvements
Expected Results
The plug-level energy monitor will measure real-time power consumption, displaying data on a user-friendly mobile or web dashboard. It will help users identify energy-hungry appliances, reduce costs, and operate safely without circuit breaker modifications. Designed for affordability, the system will also support future features like scheduling and smart alerts.
Costs
Microcontroller (ESP32) --------------------------------------- $10
Current Sensor (ACS712) -------------------------------------- $5
Plug Module / Enclosure --------------------------------------- $15
Miscellaneous (Wires, Connectors, Breadboard) ---------- $10
Power Supply (if needed) --------------------------------------- $5
Software Development --------------------------------------- Free (using open-source tools)
Labor Costs (~ 8 hours) ------------------------------------------$ 124
Total Estimated Cost ------------------------------------------- $ 169