Energy Management of a Low-Cost Power Meter using ESP8266 and PZEM-016

Abstract


 
 
 The burgeoning significance of the Internet of Things (IoT) lies in its capacity to configure interconnected environments and facilitate human-object interactions through collaborative services. This study proposes an efficient energy management approach leveraging cost-effective technologies like the ESP8266 microcontroller and the PZEM-016 Modbus RTU energy monitoring module. Tailored towards wireless connectivity, this solution is purposefully crafted for diverse sectors operating within constrained budgets, obviating the need for intricate infrastructure. A systematic deployment of the forward engineering research methodology is undertaken to discern the requisites and hurdles inherent in energy management. The amalgamation of ESP8266, PZEM-016, and the MQTT protocol, with RabbitMQ serving as a message broker, forges an efficacious framework for inter-device information exchange. The solution's instantiation entails the interconnection of power meter devices using the MQTT protocol, transmitting data in JSON format. The PZEM-016 sensor constitutes the crux, adeptly measuring voltage, current, frequency, and power with precision. Furthermore, the solution encompasses a prototype Smart Meter fortified with Wi-Fi connectivity to the internet, thus extending network coverage ubiquitously. Economic scrutiny reveals that the resultant power meter device costs less than 100 USD, competitively positioning it against analogous market offerings. This economically optimized design advocates for widespread adoption across multifarious sectors constrained by budgetary limitations, assuaging the complexities inherent in energy management through a trifecta of efficiency, reliability, and affordability.