Building Your Own Smart Meter: A DIY Guide

What is a Smart Meter?
A smart meter monitors energy usage in real time, providing data about voltage, current, and power consumption. In this project, we’ll use IoT technology to send this data to the cloud, where it can be analyzed and visualized.What is a Smart Meter?r?**
A smart meter monitors energy usage in real time, providing data about voltage, current, and power consumption. In this project, we’ll use IoT technology to send this data to the cloud, where it can be analyzed and visualized.
What You’ll Need

• ESP32 Board
• Current Transformer (CT) Sensor (SCT-013-000)
• Voltage Sensor (ZMPT101B)
• Jumper Wires and Breadboard
• Resistors and Capacitors
• Power Supply

Step 1: Assemble the Components
Using the wiring diagram below, connect the sensors to the ESP32 microcontroller.

Current Transformer (CT) Sensor:

Connect the signal wire to the analog pin (A0).
Add a burden resistor (33Ω) across its terminals to convert current into voltage.
Voltage Sensor (ZMPT101B):

Connect the signal wire to another analog pin (A1).
Power the sensor using the 5V and GND pins on the ESP32.
Step 2: Write the Code

Step 3: Test the System
Connect your ESP32 to your PC and upload the code using the Arduino IDE.
Open the Serial Monitor to verify that the power readings match your expectations.
Set up Kafka to receive data from the ESP32.
Step 4: Visualize the Data
Use tools like Grafana or Kibana to display real-time energy consumption trends. You can also create a mobile app or dashboard for users to interact with.
**
Conclusion**
By building this smart meter, you’ve created a functional IoT device that monitors energy usage and sends data for analysis. Whether you’re exploring energy-saving techniques or building a larger IoT system, this project is a great foundation.