Design and Development of a Power and Energy Monitoring Device

Real-Time Energy Management Using PZEM-004T, OLED Display, and Arduino Nano

Category: Microcontroller, Embedded Systems, Energy Monitoring
Tools & Technologies: Arduino Nano, PZEM-004T, OLED Display, Veroboard, 5V Charger Power Supply, Jumper cables, Connecting wires, Cable ties, single pattress box casing and its cover, Arduino IDE, Fritzing

Status: Completed


Introduction

Energy management is a pressing global concern, and I aimed to address this challenge with a personalized solution. I designed and developed a Power and Energy Monitoring Device that offers real-time insights into energy consumption. By leveraging the functionality of the PZEM-004T module and an OLED display, I created a device that is user-friendly, compact, and reliable, empowering individuals and small businesses to make informed energy decisions.

System Overview System Overview


Aim and Objectives

Aim:
Create a compact, cost-effective, and accurate energy monitoring device for real-time power and energy management.

Objectives:
The objectives of the project are outlined below:

  • Measure real-time electrical parameters such as voltage, current, power, frequency, power factor, and energy consumption.
  • Display real-time data on a 0.96” OLED screen for easy readability.
  • Provide a portable and durable solution for residential and small-scale applications.
  • Validate system performance under varying load conditions.

Features & Deliverables

  • Real-Time Monitoring: Displays voltage, current, power, frequency, power factor, and energy usage in real-time.
  • User-Friendly Display: OLED screen ensures clear visibility of all parameters.
  • Compact and Portable: Enclosed in a single pattress box casing for durability and portability.
  • Cost-Effective: Designed with readily available and affordable components.
  • Plug-and-Play: Simple setup with minimal wiring for quick deployment.

Process / Methodology

Hardware Assembly

Components: Arduino Nano, PZEM-004T, OLED 0.96”, 5V power supply, Jumper cables, Connecting wires, Cable ties, Veroboard, and single pattress box casing and its cover.

  • Mounted components on a veroboard for stability and integrated into the pattress box casing.
  • Secured components with cable ties and arranged wiring neatly.

Arduino Nano Arduino Nano PZEM-004T PZEM-004T OLED 0.96” OLED 0.96” 5V power supply 5V power supply Jumper cables Jumper cables Connecting wires Connecting
                        wires Cable ties Cable ties Veroboard Veroboard Pattress patress Pattress cover patress cover

Hardware Assembly Hardware Assembly

Software Development

  • Developed code in Arduino IDE for real-time data acquisition from PZEM-004T and display on OLED.
  • Implemented libraries to control the OLED display using I2C communication (SDA - Serial Data, SCL - Serial Clock) and to interface with the PZEM module via UART communication (TX - Transmitting, RX - Receiving).
  • Utilised Fritzing Software for the design of the Circuit Diagram.

Testing & Calibration

  • Connected to varying loads to measure voltage, current, and power.
  • Validated accuracy by comparing readings with a standard multimeter.

Casing and Finishing

  • Fitted the assembled system into a single pattress box for safety and aesthetics.

Challenges & Solutions

  • Challenge: Ensuring accurate communication between the PZEM-004T and Arduino Nano.
    Solution: Calibrated UART settings and verified data transmission protocols.
  • Challenge: Power supply stabilization for continuous operation.
    Solution: Used a regulated and a reliable 5V power supply to maintain consistent power delivery (A phone charger will do just fine, too).
  • Challenge: Compact assembly within the pattress box.
    Solution: Optimized component layout on the veroboard and used cable ties for neat wiring.

Results & Impact

  • Accuracy: Achieved a 99.8% correlation with standard energy measurement tools.
  • Visibility: OLED display provided clear and concise real-time data, even in low-light conditions.
  • Portability: Compact design allowed for easy relocation and setup.
  • Energy Awareness: Empowered users to monitor and manage energy consumption effectively.

Results - Voltage, Current, & Power Result-Voltage-Current-Power

Results - Energy, Frequency, & Power Factor Results - Energy, Frequency, & Power Factor


Future Enhancements

  • Add Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity for remote monitoring.
  • Expand to three-phase energy monitoring for industrial applications.
  • Integrate data logging capabilities for historical analysis of energy usage.
  • Include mobile app integration for advanced user interaction.

Demonstation / Access

Circuit Diagram circuit diagram

Code Snippet code snippet


Thank You for Visiting My Portfolio

I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to explore my portfolio and learn about my work and expertise. It is my hope that these projects and insights have demonstrated my passion for innovation, my technical skills, and my dedication to delivering impactful solutions.

If you have any questions, require further information, or wish to discuss potential collaborations, I would be delighted to connect. Please feel free to reach out via the Contact section. Your feedback and inquiries are highly valued and will be addressed promptly.

Thank you once again for your interest in my work. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and contribute meaningfully to your projects or organization. Together, let us innovate and achieve excellence.

Best regards,
Damilare Lekan, Adekeye.