Candidates’ Declaration

This is to certify that the report which has been presented here entitled
“Prepaid Energy Meter” in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the
award of the degree of Bachelor of Technology and submitted in the
Department of Electrical Engineering of H.B.T.U., Kanpur is an authentic
record of our own work carried out under the guidance of Dr. Archana Singh,
Assistant Professor, the Department of Electrical Engineering of H.B.T.U.,
Kanpur.

The matter embodied in this report has not been submitted by us for the award
of any other degree or diploma.

Mayank Mishra (169/16)

Mohit Ojha (171/16)
Puru Bhatnagar (167/16)
III B.Tech. Electrical Engineering

This is to certify that the above statement made by the candidates is correct to
the best of my knowledge.

Date : _______________ Dr. Archana

Singh
Supervisor

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 Acknowledgement

We owe a great many thanks to a great many people who helped and
supported us during the writing of this report.
Our deepest thanks to Dr. Archana Singh, the Guide of the project for
guiding and correcting various documents of ours with attention and care.
She has taken pain to go through the project and make necessary
correction as and when needed.
We would also thank our Institution and the faculty members without
whom the completion of this seminar topic would have been a distant
reality.

Mayank Mishra (169/16)

Mohit Ojha (171/16)
Puru Bhatnagar (167/16)
III B.Tech. Electrical Engineering

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 Abstract

A scheme of Electricity billing system called PREPAID ENERGY METER

WITH TARIFF INDICATOR can facilitate in improved cash flow
management in energy utilities and can reduces problem associated with
billing consumer living in isolated area and reduces deployment of
manpower for taking meter readings.
Prepaid meters technologies can be of 3 types, namely Smart card based
Prepaid Energy Meter, RFID based Prepaid Energy Meter and GSM/GPRS
based Prepaid Energy Meter.

In Smart Card based meter, every consumer can buy a memory card (is
nothing but an EEPROM IC) with a password stored inside it using a MC
(Micro Controller) program. The memory card is available at various
ranges (i.e. Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs 200 etc).
When the consumer insert a smart card into the card reader which is
connected in prepaid energy meter with tariff indicator kit. The card reader
will read the stored information and delete the information from the
EEPROM IC (smart card) using the MC program. So that the smart card
cannot be reused by others. Suppose if a consumer buys a card for Rs.50/-
so on. He / She can insert this amount through the card reader so that
prepaid energy meter with tariff indicator kit will be activated. According to
the power consumption the amount will be reduced. When the amount is
over, the relays will automatically shut down the whole system. In our
project we also have a provision to give an alarm sound to consumer before
the whole amount is reduced.

Similarly a consumer can opt for Radio Frequency Identification based

meter in which a RFID tag (which is nothing but a credit card sized card
with electromagnetic strip) is given to the consumer which have a unique
Identification code. When system is to be used, recharge is done on this
RFID tag and this tag is then shown to the RFID system in the meter which
stores the recharged amount and the units of energy consumption through
this amount. When the amount reaches to zero, the supply is turned off
through relay system in the meter itself.

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And in GSM based meter consumers are expected to reload their mobile
account and send a SMS to the energy meter using GSM network. Then the
meter holds the purchased energy units corresponding to the recharged value
and let the consumer to use electricity until the purchased units are exhausted.
If the available energy units are exhausted then the electricity supply is cut-off.
After the next recharge occurs the microcontroller pulls the SMS sent by the
mobile, decodes it, recognizes the Mobile no. and then makes the power supply
connection again. After successful operation, controller sends back the
acknowledgement to the consumer's mobile through SMS

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 Table of Contents
Candidate’s Declaration…………………………………………………………………
1
Acknowledgements……………………………………………………………………....2
Abstract…...………………………………………………………………………………3
Table of Contents……………………………………………………………………...…4
List of Figures…………………………………………………………………………….6
List of Tables……………………………………………………………………………..7
1. Introduction………………………………………………………………………………8
1.1 About the Energy
Meter…………………………………………………………....8
1.2 Types of Energy Meter
……………………………………………………………..8
1.2.1 Electromechanical Energy
Meter…………………………………...8
1.2.2 Electronic Energy
Meter…………………………………………....9
1.3 Need of Prepaid Energy Meter
…………………………………………………......11
1.4 Concept of Prepaid Energy
Meter……………………………………………….....11
1.5 Literature Survey………………………………………………………………..
….12

2. Classification of Prepaid Energy Meter...

………………………………………………13
2.1 Types of Prepaid Energy
Meter……………………………………………………13
2.2 Smart card based prepaid energy
meters…………………………………………....14
2.2.1 Planning and Formulation…………………………………………
14
2.2.2 Methodology………………………………………………………14
2.2.3 System Requirement for Smart Card based prepaid energy
meter….14
2.2.4 Working Principle…………………………………………………22

2.3 RFID based Prepaid Energy

Meters…………………………………………….....24
2.3.1 Design Of The RFID-Based Prepaid Power
Meter…………...........24
2.3.2 Result……………………………………………………………..28
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59
 2.3.3 Inference drawn from the RFID based prepaid energy
meter……..32
2.4 GSM/GPRS based Prepaid Energy
Meters……………………………………......32
2.4.1 Planning and
Formulation………………………………………...32
2.4.2 Energy Metering
Device………………………………………......33
2.4.2.1 Current Sensing…………………………………………..34
2.4.2.2 Voltage Sensing……………………………………….….35
2.4.2.3 Operation of the Energy Metering
IC………………….....36
2.4.3 Prepaid Module…………………………………………………..38
2.4.4 GSM/GPRS Module……………………………………………..38
2.4.5 Operation of the Micro
Controller……………………………......38
2.4.5.1 Serial
communication…………………………………......38
2.4.5.2 Active energy
calculation……………………………….....38
2.4.5.3 Active real power calculation……………………….....
…...39
2.4.6 Main Server and Updating
Processes…………………………........39
2.4.6.1 Database………………………………………………......40
2.4.6.2 Updating the server…………………………………….42
2.4.6.3 Data Backup…………………………………………....43
2.4.7 Meter Display…………………………………………………..43
2.4.8 Controlling Power Supply to the
Consumer…………………….44
2.4.8.1 Solid state relay…………………………………………44
2.4.8.2 Generating notifications………………………………...46
2.4.9 Recharging Unit………………………………………………...46

3. Meter Calibration And It’s

Implementation………………………………………………48

3.1 Meter Calibration…………………………………………………………......48

3.1.1 Prepaid energy meter using smart card
……………………….48
3.1.2 Prepaid Energy Meter Using GSM
Module…………………...48
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 3.1.3 Market Drivers and Constraints……………………………....51
3.1.3.1 Market Drivers……………………………………….51
3.1.3.2 Market Constraint…………………………………….54
3.1.4 Implementation And Its Measures……………………………54
3.1.4.1 Issues Related To Implementation Of………………...54
prepaid metering Systems
3.1.4.2 Measures And Check
Points………………….55
3.2 Advantages of Prepaid Energy
Meters………………………………………..57
3.3 Disadvantages of Prepaid Energy
Meters……………………………………..58
3.4 Applications of Prepaid Energy
Meters……………………………………….58
Conclusions……………………………………………………………………………..59
References……………………………………………………………………………....60

List of Figures:

Figu Figure Page

re Name Num
ber
Num
ber
1.2 STRUCTURE OF ELECTROMECHANICAL ENERGY METER 09

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 1.2.2 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF ELECTRONIC ENERGY METER 10
3.3.1 LCD DISPLAY 16
3.3.2 POWER RELAY 17
3.3.3 SCREENSHOT OF KIEL µ-VERSION SOFTWARE 19
3.3.4 SCREENSHOT OF PROTEUS SOFTWARE 20
3.3.5 LDR 21
3.3.6 VOLTAGE REGULATOR 21
3.4.1 BLOCK DIAGRAM 22
3.4.2 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM 23
4.1(a) CONNECTION OR TOP-UP THE CREDIT IN THE RFID CARD 24
4.1(b) BLOCK DIAGRAM OF RFID BASED PREPAID ENERGY 24
METER
4.2 BASIC RFID ELECTRICAL POWER METER CIRCUIT DESIGN 25
4.3 SYSTEM ALGORITHM FOR THE MICROCONTROLLER 26
WORK IN THE RFID POWER METER
4.4 THE FEEDBACK SYSTEM TO DETERMINE THE CURRENT 27
7.0 THE RFID TOP-UP GUI WINDOW 28
8.0 THE TOP-UP GUI WINDOW 28
9.0 TEST THE RFID POWER METER CIRCIT ON PCB 29
10.0 THE SMS MESSAGE RECEIVED ABOUT LOW CREDIT 29
11.0 THE OPERATION OF 600W LIGHT BLUB COMPARED TO 31
25,15W LIGHT BULB
12.0 THE PLOT OF TABLE 2 32
5.1 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF GSM PREPAID ENERGY METER 33
5.2 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF PREPAID ENERGY METER 34
5.3 CURRENT DETECTION 35
5.4 SIGNAL PROCESSING BLOCK DIAGRAM 36
5.5 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM OF GSM BASED PREPAID ENERGY 38
METER
5.6 COMMUNICATION PROCESS 40
5.7 STRUCTURE DATABASE 41
5.8 LCD DISPLAY OF PREPAID ENERGY METER 43
5.9 PIN DIAGRAM OF LCD DISPLAY 44
5.10 SOLID STATE RELAY 45
5.11 CONNECTION OF SOLID STATE RELAY WITH ARDUINO 46
5.12 BUZZER 47
5.13 FLOW DIAGRAM OF THE RECHARGING PROCESS 47
9.1 CONNECTION DIAGRAM 48
9.2 NTL[NON-TECHNICAL LOSSES] STATISTIC 52

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 List of Tables

Table Table Page

Number Name Numb
er.
1. Experimental test on light bulbs under RFID Power 30
Meter Control
2. Voltage representing the current for different 31
light bulbs
3. AT commands used to instruct GPRS/GSM 39
command function

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 About the Prepaid Energy Meter

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An electricity meter, electric meter, electrical meter, or energy meter is a device
that measures the amount of electric energy consumed by a residence, a
business, or an electrically powered device.

Electric utilities use electric meters installed at customers' premises for billing
purposes. They are typically calibrated in billing units, the most common one
being the kilowatt hour (kWh). They are usually read once each billing period.

When energy savings during certain periods are desired, some meters may
measure demand, the maximum use of power in some interval. "Time of day"
metering allows electric rates to be changed during a day, to record usage during
peak high-cost periods and off-peak, lower-cost, periods. Also, in some areas
meters have relays for demand response load shedding during peak load periods.
[1]

1.2 Types of Energy Meter

1.2.1 Electromechanical Energy Meter

The most common type of electricity meter is the electromechanical watt-hour

meter.

On a single-phase AC supply, the electromechanical induction meter operates

through electromagnetic induction by counting the revolutions of a non-magnetic,
but electrically conductive, metal disc which is made to rotate at a speed
proportional to the power passing through the meter. The number of revolutions
is thus proportional to the energy usage. The voltage coil consumes a small and
relatively constant amount of power, typically around 2 watts which is not
registered on the meter. The current coil similarly consumes a small amount of
power in proportion to the square of the current flowing through it, typically up to
a couple of watts at full load, which is registered on the meter.

The disc is acted upon by two sets of induction coils, which form, in effect, a two
phase linear induction motor. One coil is connected in such a way that it produces
a magnetic flux in proportion to the voltage and the other produces a magnetic
flux in proportion to the current. The field of the voltage coil is delayed by 90
degrees, due to the coil's inductive nature, and calibrated using a lag coil. This
produces eddy currents in the disc and the effect is such that a force is exerted on
the disc in proportion to the product of the instantaneous current, voltage and
phase angle (power factor) between them. A permanent magnet acts as an eddy

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current brake, exerting an opposing force proportional to the speed of rotation of
the disc. The equilibrium between these two opposing forces results in the disc
rotating at a speed proportional to the power or rate of energy usage. The disc
drives a register mechanism which counts revolutions, much like the odometer in
a car, in order to render a measurement of the total energy used. [2]

Figure 1.2
Structure of Electromechanical Energy Meter

1.2.2 Electronic Energy Meters

Electronic meters display the energy used on an LCD or LED display, and some
can also transmit readings to remote places. In addition to measuring energy
used, electronic meters can also record other parameters of the load and supply
such as instantaneous and maximum rate of usage demands, voltages, power
factor and reactive power used etc. They can also support time-of-day billing, for
example, recording the amount of energy used during on-peak and off-peak hours.

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The meter has a power supply, a metering engine, a processing and
communication engine (i.e. a microcontroller), and other add-on modules such as
RTC, LCD, communication ports/modules and so on.

The metering engine is given the voltage and current inputs and has a voltage
reference, samplers and quantisers followed by an ADC section to yield the
digitized equivalents of all the inputs. These inputs are then processed using a
digital signal processor to calculate the various metering parameters.

The largest source of long-term errors in the meter is drift in the preamp,
followed by the precision of the voltage reference. Both of these vary with
temperature as well, and vary wildly because most meters are outdoors.
Characterizing and compensating for these is a major part of meter design.

The processing and communication section has the responsibility of calculating

the various derived quantities from the digital values generated by the metering
engine. This also has the responsibility of communication using various protocols
and interface with other add-on modules connected as slaves to it.

RTC and other add-on modules are attached as slaves to the processing and
communication section for various input/output functions. On a modern meter
most if not all of this will be implemented inside the microprocessor, such as the
real-time clock (RTC), LCD controller, temperature sensor, memory and analogue
to digital converters. [3]

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 Figure 1.2.2
Block Diagram of an Electronic Digital Energy Meter

1.3 Concept of Prepaid Energy Meter:

Over the last few years, Prepaid Energy Meter has been proposed as an
innovative solution aimed at facilitating affordability and reducing the cost of
utilities. This mechanism, essentially, requires the users to pay for the
electricity before its consumption. In this way, consumers hold credit and then
use the electricity until the credit is exhausted. If the available credit is
exhausted then the supply of electricity is cut off by a relay.

But their use is still controversial. On the one hand, those that support the
diffusion of prepaid meters claim that they benefit both consumers and
utilities because they help users to consume more efficiently and to improve
the management of their budget, while allowing firms to reduce financial
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59
costs, as well as the costs of operation and bad debts. On the other hand,
those that are against prepaid meters argue that their adoption is expensive
for firms and risky for low income consumers, as the insecurity and volatility
of their income may force them to make little use of the service, or ultimately,
bring about involuntary self-disconnection.

Prepaid meters are usually installed by electricity supplier, if it feels that the
customer cannot keep up payments on their energy bill. However, they can
also be requested by the customer themselves - and are often seen as a good
method of budgeting. Generally speaking they are used by lower income
households, such as people on welfare benefits, lone parents or those with no
bank account.

From a technological point of view, the prepayment system consists of three

well differentiated components. The first is a service meter installed at the unit
where energy will be consumed, such as a household dwelling or a store. In
general, these meters are of the “two-gang” type, and consist of a user’s
interface unit and a current measuring set. The interface unit is a device
installed inside the building, which allows the user to “interact” with the
meter. The metering unit, on the other hand, is the intelligent component that
stores credit and consumption information, and makes up the element that
either clears or switches off electricity supply. The second component of the
system is the so-called credit dispensing unit, which is the vending machine
where consumers can purchase electricity credit. In general, these sales
outlets are located at the utility’s commercial offices, as well as in stores with
long opening hours. The third component is the supporting device that links
the various sales outlets to the utility’s management system. [3]

1.4 Need of Prepaid Energy Meter

The conventional method of electricity billing involves a person from the

distribution unit reading the number of units of electricity consumed in the
energy meter, conveying this information to the distribution unit and then
preparing the bill according to the units consumed for a fixed amount of time.
This can prove quite tedious as it involves various tasks like reading, then
preparing the bill. Still accuracy cannot be guaranteed as there can be errors in
human reading. Even though digital meters are being replacing conventional
electromechanical meters and provide much accurate readings, still the problem
of deliberately making a false reading can exist (political reasons). Despite this,
the task of billing for every consumer is a time consuming job for the distribution

59
grid. Also the consumer can deliberately consume more amount of power than
required and still refrain from paying the bill and nothing can be done to severe
the electric power supply.

The existing technology in energy meters is very easy to tap. The

electromechanical type meters can easily be modified as to slow down the speed
of the disc with the help of magnets. The terminals of the coils can be reversed to
reverse the direction of rotation the disc. In the electronic meters, a simple
microcontroller chip with a bug can be added to the circuit to malfunction the
meter and produce malicious readings. Since there is no vigilance and not a
possibility of the same in future, the issue of theft of electrical power remains a
major issue. [2]

Therefore there are multiple fronts on which the prepaid energy meter had to
conquer, some of them namely:

 Consumer escaping from paying the electricity bill and the State Electricity
Board getting deeper in debts.
 On the consumer front, the tedious task of paying the bill and waiting
anxiously for the bill has to be eliminated.
 Wastage of energy would be diminished and only the required energy
should be consumed as allotted.
 The power grid are unable monitor the overall energy consumption and
tampering attempts are made and cannot be detected.
 The human errors are persistent, both co-incidental and deliberate. [2]

1.5 Literature Survey:

Over 40 countries have implemented prepaid meters in their markets. In

United Kingdom the system, has been in use for well over 70 years with about
3.5 million consumers. The prepaid program in South Africa was started in
1992, since then they have installed over 6 million meters. The concept has
found ground in Argentina and New Zealand with few thousands of
installations.
Countries such as Thailand, Bangladesh, Singapore, and Iran have been
showing increased interest in adopting prepaid system.
In India, the State of West Bengal has decided to introduce the smart card
operated prepaid energy meters in remote islands of Sunderbans. In
Mumbai, pre-paid power is provided by the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply
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59
and Transport (BEST) Undertaking. Tata Power plans to introduce pre-paid
electricity in Delhi. Tata Steel is likely to install prepaid electricity meters at
its employee township in Jamshedpur. [3]

2. Classification of Prepaid Energy Meter

2.1 Types of Prepaid Energy Meter

There are three types of prepaid energy meters based on the technologies
currently in use:

a) Smart card based prepaid energy meters

Smart card is a credit card sized plastic card embedded with an integrated circuit
(IC) and usually it consists of a ROM, EEPROM and a CPU. A smart card provides
both the memory capacity and the computational capability. Access to data stored
on the card is under the control of the smart card operating system. In this
method consumer have to have the smart card recharged for the amount he
choose and enter the card into the card reader of the energy meter. Then the
meter store the number of units recharged and start to measure the energy
consumption. When purchased units are used up, the meter disconnect the power
supply until the next recharge. [3]

b) RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) based prepaid energy meters

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is an automatic identification method,

relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or
transponders. The technology requires some extent of cooperation of an RFID
reader and an RFID tag. An RFID tag is an object that can be applied to or
incorporated into a product, animal, or person for the purpose of identification
and tracking using radio waves. Some tags can be read from several meters away
and beyond the line of sight of the reader.
In this method RFID cards which are issued by the electricity suppliers to
individual consumers are used. This RFID card is unique with a code in it and
consumers are free to make flexible recharge. When the consumer wants to use
the system, he needs to show the card to the reader, then the unique code inside
the card is recognized by the reader, and starts deducing the amount of the RFID

59
card as per the quantized unit charge. When the usage completes the consumer
has to recharge the RFID card again. [11]

c) Prepaid energy meters with GSM technology

In this method consumers are expected to reload their mobile account and send a
SMS to the energy meter using GSM network. Then the meter holds the
purchased energy units corresponding to the recharged value and let the
consumer to use electricity until the purchased units are exhausted. If the
available energy units are exhausted then the electricity supply is cut-off. After
the next recharge occurs the microcontroller pulls the SMS sent by the mobile,
decodes it, recognizes the Mobile no. and then makes the power supply
connection again. After successful operation, controller sends back the
acknowledgement to the consumer's mobile through SMS. [17]

2.2 Smart card based prepaid energy meters

2.2.1 Planning and Formulation:

At first an energy meter is to be made. The output of the energy meter works
as the input to the next circuit for prepaid services. The prepaid circuit
consist of a Microcontroller and a memory reading circuit. The memory
reading circuit is for putting in the credit.
The microcontroller will act as the brain of the circuit. It will constantly check
the credit and accordingly provide the power. [3]

2.2.2 Methodology:

 At first we will get a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) layout of the whole
circuit and the layout will be etched on to the PCB. We will be using
Proteus Software to create the layout.

 Once the PCB is etched we will mount the components checking

regularly for the
 Once all components are mounted correctly we will test the circuit. [3]

2.2.3 System Requirement:

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The system requirements for smart card based prepaid energy meters are

Components Used:
a) Hardware Used:
1. Microcontroller AT89S52

2. Energy Metering IC AD7752

3. EEPROM IC AT24C02

4. Voltage Regulator

5. Relays

6. LDR

7. LCD display.

Microcontroller AT89S52:

The AT89S52 is a low-power, high-performance CMOS 8-bit microcontroller

with 8K bytes of in-system programmable Flash memory. The device is
manufactured using Atmel’s high-density nonvolatile memory technology and
is compatible with the industry- standard 80C51 instruction set and pin out. [5]

Features:

1) 8K Bytes of In-System Programmable (ISP) Flash Memory

2) Endurance: 1000 Write/Erase Cycles

3) 4.0V to 5.5V Operating Range

4) 256 x 8-bit Internal RAM

5) 32 Programmable I/O Lines

6) Full Duplex UART Serial Channel

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7) Fully Static Operation: 0 Hz to 33 MHz

Vital role of Micro controller-AT89S52:

1) It will acts a master to communicate with memory

2) Whenever command is sent to reset the memory ,controller resets the

memory

3) Controller takes the pulses from the energy meter and increments the
Unit which depends upon the calculations and stores in memory.
4) Microcontroller also switches off the energy meter whenever the
command is sent from the server. This happens when the owner has not paid
the bill. [5]

External EEPROM memory (2/4/8/32/64 Kbytes)

These memory devices are used to store the data for off line process. The
AT24C02A / 04A/ 08A/ 32/64 provides 2048/4096/8192/32,768/65,536 bits of
serial electrically erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM)
organized as 56/512/1024/4096/8192 words of 8 bits each. The device is
optimized for use in many industrial and commercial applications where low
power and low voltage operation are essential. The AT24C02A/04A/08A is
available in space saving 8-pin PDIP. [5]

Features:

Internally Organized 256 x 8 (2K), 512 x 8 (4K) or 1024 x 8 (8K)

2-Wire Serial Interface (I2C protocol)

High Reliability

Vital role of External EEPROM memory:

1) Used to store the amount of unit the user consumed. [5]

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LCD (Liquid Crystal Display):

(Fig 3.3.1) LCD Display [27]

LCD’s can add a lot to your application in terms of providing a useful interface
for the user, debugging an application or just giving it a "professional" look.
The most common type of LCD controller is the Hitachi 44780, which provides
a relatively simple interface between a processor and an LCD. Inexperienced
designers do often not attempt using this interface and programmers because
it is difficult to find good documentation on the interface, initializing the
interface can be a problem and the displays themselves are expensive.
LCD has single line display, Two-line display, four line display. Every line has 16
characters. [5]

Vital role of LCD:

Used to display the status of device [5]

Relay Driver IC ULN2003:

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(Fig 3.3.2) Power Relay [27]

The ULN2003 is a monolithic high voltage and high current Darlington

transistor arrays. It consists of seven NPN darlington pairs that features high-
voltage outputs with common-cathode clamp diode for switching inductive
loads. The collector-current Rating of a single darlington pair is 500mA. The
darlington pairs May be paralleled for higher current capability. Applications
include Relay drivers, hammer drivers, lamp drivers, display drivers (LED gas
discharge), line drivers, and logic buffers. The ULN2003 has a 2.7k series base
resistor for each Darlington pair for operation directly with TTL or 5VCMOS
devices. [5]

Features:

500mA rated collector current (Single output)

High-voltage outputs: 50V

Inputs compatible with various types of logic.

Relay driver application

Role of Relay Driver:

 To control the triggering of the Relays [5]

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b) Software Used:

1. Keil µ-Vision

2. Proteus Software

Kiel µ-Vision:

Keil Software is used provide you with software development tools for 8051
based microcontrollers. With the Keil tools, you can generate embedded
applications for virtually every 8051 derivative. The supported
microcontrollers are listed in the µ-vision. [5]

(Fig 3.3.3) Screenshot of Keil µ-vision software [27]

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Proteus Software:

The Proteus Design Suite is a proprietary software tool suite used primarily for
electronic design automation. The software is used mainly by electronic design
engineers and technicians to create schematics and electronic print for
manufacturing printed circuit boards. [5]

(Fig 3.3.4) Screenshot of Proteus software [27]

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 (Fig 3.3.5) LDR[27]

(Fig 3.3.6) Voltage Regulator [27]

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2.2.4 Working Principle

Every consumer can buy a memory card (is nothing but an EEPROM IC) with a
password stored inside it using a MC program. The memory card is available at various
ranges (i.e. Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs 200 etc)
In our project we have given the name for memory card as smart card. [6]

When the consumer insert a smart card into the card reader which is connected
in prepaid energy meter with tariff indicator kit. The card reader will read the
stored information and delete the information from the EEPROM IC (smart card)
using the MC program. So that the smart card cannot be reused by others.
According to the power consumption the amount will be reduced. When the
amount is over, the relays will automatically shut down the whole system.
Microcontroller AT89S52 acts as the primary controller. The primary controller
collects information from energy meter as well as from the smart card which is IC
AT24C02 (EEPROM chip). Smart card gives information about the limitation of units.
The energy meter reading is compared with the smart card information by the
primary controller. Depending on the result the Primary Controller will activate the
buzzer if the credit is low and the Controller will trigger the Relay if the credit goes
very low.
Once the Relay is triggered, the electricity Supply will be cut. The supply will start
again only when the meter is recharged with enough credit. The Block diagram is
shown in figure 3.4.1 and the circuit diagram is shown is figure 3.4.2 [6]

(Figure 3.4.1) Block Diagram

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 Referred From: www.elprocus.com

(Figure 3.4.2) Circuit Diagram

Referred from www.electronicsforu.com.

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2.3 RFID based Prepaid Energy Meters

2.3.1 Design of the RFID-Based Prepaid Power Meter

The diagram of designing the electrical power meter using RFID read/write reader is
shown in Figures 4.1 and 4.2 [11]

Figure 4.1(a) Connection or top up the credit in the RFID card. [14]

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Figure 4.1(b) Block Diagram of RFID based Prepaid Energy Meter [12]

Figure 4.2 Basic RFID electrical power meter circuit design [12]

Figure 4.1 shows the connection diagram to communicate with RFID read/write device.
The implementation shown in Figure 4.1 is mainly for top up the credit into the RFID
card. Notice that in the top up process, no microcontroller is required. The
communication between the device and the computer is via a direct connection to
MAX232 IC. The MAX232 regulates the voltage level between the output of the RFID
read/write device and the computer. The arrows shown in Figure 4.1 indicate the
direction flows of data. The communication between the device and the computer is in
duplex or bi-direction.

Figure 4.2 shows the basic RFID electrical power meter designed to read the RFID card
and supplies electricity to the loads.

The working principle of the RFID power meter begins from the AC 240V power source.
From the block diagram, the transformer steps down the AC 240V into AC 12V. The

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diode connected in bridge converts 12V AC sine wave into full wave rectifier waveform.
With capacitor connected at the output, the full wave rectifier waveform is converted
into DC. The capacitor actually acts as filter which removes the ripple content in the
DC. With voltage regulator connect across at the output of the capacitor, the DC voltage
is regulated down into 5V. The 5V is then used by microcontroller, relay, MAX232 IC and
LCD display.

When the RFID reader is activated or read the correct RFID card, the data from the
card is transferred to the microcontroller. The microcontroller will compute the power,
credit and trigger the relay so that the AC load is connected to the AC source. Both the
power and credit are displayed in the LCD screen. As the credit is low, the buzzer will
be activated and an SMS message will send out to the hand phone through GSM
modem.

The proposed RFID power meter works very much relying on the program embedded
into the microcontroller. The algorithm of C language used to detect the RFID card and
activate the power meter is designed and shown in Figure 4.3

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 Figure 4.3 System algorithm design for the microcontroller work in the RFID power
meter. [16]

From the algorithm, there are two I/O ports configurations, one is for the LCD display
and the other is for microcontroller. The I/O ports configuration is very important to
read and write the data.

Once the microcontroller knows the I/O ports and where the data flows, the next
algorithm is read the RFID card from the RFID reader. The microcontroller computes
the credit deduction, displays the power and the credit, and makes decision or
comparison to trigger the buzzer and the relay and GSM modem to send the SMS
message. The algorithm is then repeated from the beginning when the power is cut off.

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By referring to Figure 4, there is a feedback path connected at the load. This feedback
is used to determine the current in the AC circuit. In other words, the feedback is
actually a current sensing circuit.

For most of the digital RFID power meters, a shunt resistance method is commonly
used method to determine the current. The shunt resistance will be connected in series
with the load and its value is small compared to the load resistance. When the current
varies, the voltage across the shunt resistor also varies. The variation of voltage gives
information of the current. Figure 6 shows the shunt resistance method used as
feedback system to detect the current and convert it into equivalent voltage.

From the feedback system, there is a transformer connected in shunt across the shunt
resistor. The voltage drops across the shunt resistor and input to the transformer is
given by:

V = IR shunt (1)

The capacitor connected at the output of the transformer is used to convert the AC
voltage into DC voltage. This DC voltage is representing the current values and it has a
unit of ampere per volt. The ampere meter “A” connected in the circuit is used for
calibration and observes the output Vout in relation to the current.

Figure 4.4 The feedback system to determine the current. [16]

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The calibration can be done by using different AC loads. The calibration will form a
reference table for the programmer to refer to. The computation of power in the
microcontroller can be written by:

P = 240*I (2)

where I refers to the table for different values of voltage. A value of 240 is a single
phase AC source and P is an active power.

2.3.2 Result

Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10 show the experimental test on the RFID prepaid power meter.
The circuits are constructed on the PCB and the testing was performed.

Figure 7 shows the RFID top up system, Figure 8 shows the GUI window designed to
top up any values on the RFID card.
Figure 9 shows the RFID power meter and Figure 10 shows the SMS received when
credit is low. [17]

Figure 7. The RFID top up circuit [17]

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 Figure 8. The top up GUI window. [17]

Figure 9. Test the RFID Power Meter circuit on the PCB. [17]

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 Figure 10. The SMS message received about low credit. [17]

Table 1 shows the results of testing on the power cutoff time for the 60W, 25W and 15W
light bulbs. Figure 11 shows the graphs plotted for Table I. [17]

TABLE I. EXPERIMENTAL TEST ON LIGHT BULBS UNDER RFID POWER METER

CONTROL
[17]

Power consumption testing on

Time (s) three different light bulbs
Light bulb1 Light bulb 2 Light bulb 3

5 57 14 24

10 57 14 24

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 15 57 14 24

20 57 14 24

25 57 14 24

30 57 14 24

35 0 14 24

40 0 14 24

45 0 14 0

50 0 0 0

55 0 0 0
60 0 0 0

[17]

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From the experimental test results, it is seen that within 1 minute, the light bulb of 60W
is cutoff first. This is because the power consumption is higher compared to 25W and
15W light bulbs. The 60W light bulb takes 30 seconds to operate whereas the 25W light
bulb takes 40 seconds to operate and 15W light bulb takes 45 seconds to operate. This
shows that the higher the power consumed, the faster the meter will deduct the credit.
In the experiment, RM 5 Ringgit is programmed for the testing.

Figure 12 shows the current sensing results for different light bulbs in the experimental
test. The observation output is the DC voltage where it is important for the
microcontroller to look up the current table and identify the equivalent values. [17]

TABLE II VOLTAGE REPRESENTING THE CURRENT FOR DIFFERENT LIGHT

BULBS [17]

Voltage representing
Current
25W 15W
60W light light
light bulb bulb bulb

3.5 2.2 1.2

Figure 12. The plot for Table II. [17]

It can be seen that, the higher the load used, the more output voltage will be produced.
From the graph, the connection of 60W light bulb gives 3.5V where its current is
250mA. For the 25W light bulb, the voltage produced is 2.2V and its current value is
104.2mA. The 15W light bulb gives 1.2V at the output of the current sensing circuit and
its current value is 62.5mA. [17]

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2.3.3 Inference drawn from the RFID based prepaid energy meter

From the experimental test, it can be seen that the operation of the RFID power meter
based on the amount of credit top up is successful. This will enable the users to have
control over the usage of their electric energy.
As additional feature, when the credit is about to finish, the RFID power meter will
alert the users via his GSM hand phone. The electricity power supply will be cut
automatically when the credit is finished. [17]

2.4 GSM/GPRS based Prepaid Energy Meters

In this method consumers are expected to reload their mobile account and send a SMS
to the energy meter using GSM network. Then the meter holds the purchased energy
units corresponding to the recharged value and let the consumer to use electricity until
the purchased units are exhausted. If the available energy units are exhausted then the
electricity supply is cut-off .After the next recharge occurs the microcontroller pulls the
SMS sent by the mobile, decodes it, recognizes the Mobile no. and then makes the
power supply connection again. After successful operation, controller sends back the
acknowledgement to the consumer's mobile through SMSs. [18]

2.4.1 Planning and Formulation:

• First stage - Developing the prepaid module

• Second stage - Developing the metering device

The working scheme of the integration of the both modules is shown in the Fig.5.1.
Utility power supply is fed to the energy meter and the prepaid module provides a
control signal to the local contactor according to the remaining energy. Whenever the
remaining energy goes below the disconnection threshold it provides a disconnection
signal to the contactor so that the power supply gets disconnected and consumer
receives a SMS verifying his supply is disconnected. When the consumer recharges his
account above the reconnection threshold the prepaid module sends a reconnection
signal to the contactor so the supply gets reconnected and consumer receives a SMS
verifying his supply is reconnected. [19]

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 Figure 5.1 Block Diagram of GSM based Prepaid Energy Meter [19]

2.4.2 Energy Metering Device

Metering device of this prepaid energy meter is designed according to the IEC1036
(1996-09) Alternating Current Watt-Hour Meters for Active Energy (Classes 1 and
2).Main function of the energy metering device is measuring consumed energy and it is
carried out using an AD7755 energy metering IC. This IC is highly accurate with an
error of less than 0.1% in active energy over the selected current and voltage range and
surpasses the accuracy requirements as quoted in the IEC1036 standard. [19]

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 Figure 5.2 Block diagram of the prepaid energy meter [19]

As shown in the figure 5.2 voltage signals come from voltage and current transducers
are applied to the AD7755 metering IC and it provides average real power information
on two low frequency outputs (F1 and F2) and instantaneous real power information on
a high frequency output (CF).One of the Low frequency outputs are supplied to the
microcontroller for energy calculations and high-frequency output is made available at a
LED which is used to speed up the calibration process and used for real power
calculations. [19]

2.4.2.1 Current Sensing:

For the function of the energy metering IC a voltage output from the current transducer
should be connected to the current channel (V1) of the metering IC. There are two
inputs (V1P, V1N) for the current channel and V1P is the positive input with respect to
V1N.The maximum peak differential signal on Channel 1 should be less than 470 mV
(330 mV RMS for a pure sinusoidal signal) for specified operation. Current-to-voltage
conversion needed for the operation of the metering IC of this energy meter is carried
out using a shunt resistor. This shunt resistor is connected in series with the phase wire
of the load supply and the voltage signal needed for the IC is taken by the voltage
across the resistor as shown in the figure 5.3 [19]

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 Figure 5.3 Current Detection [19]

Shunt Selection:
In this meter a 350 µΩ resister which has been manufactured from Manganin was
selected as the shunt resistor. When selecting the size of the shunt resister there are
some important facts that should be considered. First, the power dissipation in the
shunt should be minimized. The maximum rated current for this design is 40 A,
therefore, the maximum power dissipated in the shunt is (40A) 2×350 μΩ = 560 mW.
According to IEC1036 maximum power dissipation of the meter including power supply
should be less than 2 W. But the higher power dissipation may make it difficult to
manage the thermal issues. Although the shunt is manufactured from Manganin
material which is an alloy with a low temperature coefficient of resistance, high
temperatures may cause significant error at heavy loads. The next consideration is the
ability of the meter to resist attempts to tamper by shorting the phase circuit. With a
very low value of shunt resistance the effects of externally shorting the shunt are very
much minimized. Therefore, the shunt should always be made as small as Possible. [19]

If the shunt is made too small it will not be possible to meet the IEC1036 accuracy
requirements at light loads. Therefore a shunt value of 350 μΩ was considered a good
compromise for this design. [19]

2.4.2.2 Voltage Sensing:

Output from the voltage transducer should be connected to the voltage channel (V2) of
the metering IC. There are two inputs (V2P, V2N) for the voltage channel and these
inputs provide a fully differential input pair. The maximum differential input voltage is
660 mV for specified operation. The maximum signal level at these pins is 1 V with
respect to AGND (AGND pin provide ground reference for the analog circuitry) and
overvoltage of 6 V can also be sustained on these inputs without risk of permanent
damage. [19]
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2.4.2.3 Operation of the Energy Metering IC:

Figure 5.4 Signal processing block diagram [20]

As shown in the figure 5.4 voltage signals come from the voltage and current sensors
are digitized using two analog-to-digital converters (ADCs).Then they are subjected to
amplification with user selectable gain of 1, 2, 8 or 16 in the current channel and it
facilitates easy transducer interfacing.
The instantaneous power signal is generated by directly multiplying the digitized
current and voltage signals and the real power component (DC component) is extracted
by sending through a low pass filter. [20]
Let,

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V(t)= Vcos(ωt)

I(t)=Icos(ωt)

Then,
Power=V(t) ×I(t)
= Vcos(ωt)×Icos(ωt)

This operation is valid even when the voltage and current signals are non-sinusoidal and
not in phase. Then the IC generates two frequency outputs (low and high) using
extracted real power component. The low frequency output is generated by
accumulating real power component over a long accumulation time period and
therefore the low frequency output is proportional to the average real power. But the
high frequency output is generated accumulating real power information over a short
time period and this frequency output is proportional to the Instantaneous real power.
This high frequency output (CF) is used for meter calibration purpose. [20]

Sometimes the voltage and current signals comes from transducers may have offsets
and it contributes a DC component after the multiplication introducing a constant error
to the real power calculation as shown by the calculation below. [20]

{Vcos(ωt)+VOS} × {Icos(ωt)+IOS} =

Where,
VOS -Offset of the voltage signal
IOS -Offset of the current signal
V -Rms value of the voltage signal
I -Rms value of the current signal

This problem is avoided by connecting a high pass filter (HPF) to the current channel.
By removing the offset from at least one channel, the error DC component generated in
multiplication can be eliminated. [20]

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2.4.3 Prepaid Module

Figure 5.5 Circuit Diagram of GSM based Prepaid Energy Meter [20]

Prepaid module of the digital prepaid energy meter has been developed as a separate
devise and it can be connected to an existing digital energy meter and convert it into a
prepaid energy meter. Microcontroller of the prepaid module integrates the
functionalities of the metering device and the prepaid module. Communication between
prepaid module and the outer world is carried out by the GPRS/GSM module. [19]

2.4.4 GSM/GPRS Module

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In the implemented prepaid meter, SIM900 GPRS/GSM shield is used as the
communication device among prepaid module, utility server and the consumer. [19]
Communication with the GPRS/GSM module and the microcontroller is carried out
using AT commands.
AT commands are instructions used to control MODEMs. Some of the AT commands
used to instruct the GPRS/GSM module of the energy meter through the microcontroller
are mentioned in the table III. [19]

Table III AT commands used to instruct the GPRS/GSM Command Function [19]

2.4.5 Operation of the Micro Controller

For the implementation of the energy meter, an Arduino UNO microcontroller is used.
Energy measuring IC generates average real power information on two low frequency
outputs (F1 and F2) and high frequency pin (CF) as mentioned before and one of the
Low frequency outputs and the CF pin are connected to the microcontroller through
interrupt pins. [20]

Microcontroller detects pulses generate by the metering IC using attach Interrupt

function. Energy calculation is carried out through the F1 pin and power calculation
and calibration is carried out through the CF pin. Microcontroller communicates with
the GPRS/GSM module allowing the prepaid energy meter to connect with the utility
server through serial communication. [20]

2.4.5.1 Serial communication:

Serial communication is the process of sending data one bit at a time, sequentially, over
a communication channel. All Arduino boards have at least one serial port and Arduino
UNO has four serial ports. [20]

2.4.5.2 Active energy calculation:

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Whenever the microcontroller detects a pulse from the F1 pin consumed active energy
increases by 0.01 kWh. Simultaneously remaining energy units reduces by 0.01 and
monthly consumption increases by 0.01 kWh.

Meter constant used for energy calculation = 100imp/kWh

kWhs per pulse = 1÷100 = 0.01kWh/pulse

Then the server and the LCD display for the user is updated. [20]

2.4.5.3 Active real power calculation:

Meter constant used for power calculation=3200imp/kWh

Average frequency per kW = 3200 ÷ 3600 =0.8889 Hz

Variable “power counter” counts the number of pulses generated by the FC pin over 15
min time period. Then,

[20]

2.4.6 Main Server and Updating Processes

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 Figure 5.6 Communication Process [19]

As shown in the figure 5.5 the main server consists of a database, utility webpage and a
consumer web page. It stores all the information related to the prepaid metering
system using a database. Database is updated once in every fifteen (15) minutes by all
the prepaid meters connected to the server. This server stay connected with the
vending stations and maintains a system to exchange data with these stations. [19]

2.4.6.1 Database:

As shown in the figure 3.4 data base of the energy metering system consist of 6 data
tables. They are:
1. User information table
2. Tariff table
3. Recharge information table
4. User consumption table
5. Recharge table
6. Dismonth table [19]

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 Figure 5.6 Structure of Database [19]

User information table keeps records of user ID, user name, user password, and user
contact number and tariff category of all the consumers. Every consumer of the prepaid
metering system is given a unique identity number called user ID and the Phone
number relevant to the SIM card which has been inserted in to the GSM module of the
prepaid energy meter is used as this user ID.
Passwords which are used by the consumer s for logging into their accounts are also
stored in this table. And also the tariff category which they belong to is kept in this
table. [19]

Tariff table is used to store tariff rates relevant to the different types of tariff categories.
The categories of domestic, hotel, industrial, religion and general have been stored in
the database of the implemented energy meter. [19]

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Recharge information table contains pin numbers and recharge amount of all the
recharge cards supplied to the all vender stations. In addition to that recharge
information table keeps a record called tag. Initially the value of the tag for a recharge
card is zero and whenever this card is used by a consumer value of the tag is made one.
[19]

Three data tables (User consumption table, Recharge table, Dismonth table) are
assigned for every ID number or every consumer of the user information table.

User consumption table keeps the records of timestamp, monthly consumption, total
consumption, remaining units and instantaneous power. Timestamp column shows the
time and the date of each record of the user consumption table. This table is updated
once in every 15 minutes according to the data come from prepaid energy meters. [19]

Recharge table keeps records of timestamp, recharged rupees, recharged units and tag.
Whenever the consumer recharge his/her account this table updates and make the
value of the tag record one. After the prepaid meter made a request for updating the
server, recharged number of units is sent to the prepaid meter back as a response and
then the value of the tag column is made zero. [19]

Dismonth table keeps records of monthly reset and disconnection. Cron file make the
value of the monthly reset record one at 0000h on the last day of every month. Cron file
(Cron tab) are used for scheduling tasks to run on servers. A program called daemon
initiated by the system runs in the background all the time. This cron daemon is
responsible for launching these cron jobs on schedule. After the prepaid meter made a
request for updating the server, a notification is sent to the prepaid meter back as a
response informing the meter about the start of the new month. Then the value of the
monthly reset is made zero. Utility can disconnect the power supply to the consumer by
making the value of the disconnection record zero. When the consumer utilizes the
power supply this value should be kept as one. [19]

2.4.6.2 Updating the server:

As mentioned before prepaid energy meters send an http request to the server once in
every 15 minutes. This request includes the values of the variables of user Id, supply
current, supply voltage, supply power factor, remaining units, total consumption,
monthly consumption and average power in the form of a string. After the server
receives the request it calls for the request handler.php file. Then the request handler
extracts the data from the string and directed them to correct position of the database.
After that the server issue a response which contain recharged amount, monthly reset
value ,disconnection, tariff rate and the tariff category in the form of a string. This

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string is received by the GPRS/GSM module and the microcontroller extracts and
updates the values of the variables. [19]

2.4.6.3 Data Backup

The EEPROM available in the Arduino microcontroller is used to store the data
recharged amount, remaining units, total consumption, monthly consumption and
variable values required to continue the metering process. In the event of a failure,
previously accumulated data can be retrieved and resumed the process. [19]

2.4.7 Meter Display

16×4 Liquid Crystal Display module is used for displaying the

• Remaining number of units
• Amount of last recharge
• Total consumption
• Monthly consumption
• Tariff Category
• Tariff rate at the prepaid digital energy meter as shown in the figure 5.7 [20]

Figure 5.7 LCD Display of Prepaid Energy Meter [20]

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 Figure 5.8 Pin diagram of LCD display [20]

Figure 5.8 shows the pin positions of the LCD display and function of each pin is
discussed briefly. [20]

The pin at the right top corner of the LCD display is ground pin and it is connected to
the ground and the second pin is connected to the 5V power supply of the Arduino
board. Third pin is for controlling the brightness of the backlight of the LCD and it is
connected to the middle pin of a10k potentiometer (other two pins of the potentiometer
is connected to the 5V and GND of the arduino). RS pin allows a user to select the
instruction mode or the character mode of the LCD. When the instruction mode is
selected, the data that the LCD receives on the 8 data pins (D0 to D7) will be
interpreted as instruction data. These data can be instructions such as "clear the
display", "moves the cursor", etc. When the character mode is selected, the data that
the LCD receives on the 8 data pins (D0 to D7) will be interpreted as character data and
they will be shown on the LCD screen. This RS pin is connected to a digital pin of the
arduino. The next pin, RW pin (Read/Write) pin enables a user to write to the LCD so
that it displays characters or to read the characters from the LCD. For “high” signal
level it enables read mode and for “low” signal level it enables write mode. In this
meter the RW pin was connected to a digital pin of the arduino. The next pin is enable
pin and it enables the clock of the LCD to be triggered such that the LCD can execute
instructions that are given it. This pin also connected to a digital pin of the arduino. In
this LCD we use 4 bit mode and neglect the 0,1,2,3 data pins connecting 4,5,6,7 data
pins to the arduino. Last two pins are connected to the 5V power supply and ground of
the arduino for supplying LED backlight to the LCD.
This LCD screen is controlled by using the Liquid Crystal Library of the Arduino. [20]

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2.4.8 Controlling Power Supply to the Consumer

Within the main user program of the Arduino the variable “remaining units” is
maintained. The value of the “remaining units” reduces by 0.01 whenever the energy
metering IC generates a pulse at the frequency output pin.
When the remaining number of units reaches 5 it generates a notification to the
consumer through his/her mobile phone informing to recharge the account. If the
account is not recharged and remaining number of units reach 3 it generates a buzzer
alarm and a SMS notification through the mobile phone. Whenever the remaining
number of units reaches 1 it provides the disconnecting signal to the contactor and
contactor disconnect the power supply to the consumer. Then consumer has to make a
reestablishing request to the utility by recharging his/her account. [21]

2.4.8.1 Solid state relay

Figure 5.9 shows the solid state relay that we used for the digital prepaid energy meter
to control (disconnect and connect) the power supply to the consumer according to the
remaining number of energy units. [21]

Figure 5.9 Solid state relay[27]

Main features of this solid state relay are:

• Control voltage is in the range of 3V to 32V DC

• Output voltage is in the range of 24V to 380VAC
• Rated load current is 40A [21]

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 Figure 5.10 Connection of solid state relay with Arduino [21]

According to the figure 5.10 Solid state relay is connected within the energy meter. By
making the power level at the digital pin of the Arduino low, power supply to the
consumer can be disconnected and by making the power level at the pin high, power
supply to the consumer can be disconnected. [21]

2.4.8.2 Generating notifications

This power supply system generates SMS notifications for the consumer when,

1. Remaining number of units reaches 5

2. Remaining number of units reaches 3
3. Just after the power supply is disconnected
4. Just after the account is recharged
5. Just after the power supply is reconnected

These messages are generated by the Arduino and send through the GSM/GPRS
module. In addition to that microcontroller generate a buzzer notification when the
remaining number of units reaches 3.The figure 5.11 shows an image of the buzzer
used for the implemented prepaid meter. [21]

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 Figure 5.11 Buzzer[27]

One pin of the buzzer is connected to the ground and the other pin is connected to a
digital pin of the Arduino. [21]

2.4.9 Recharging Unit

This unit mainly consists of a GPRS/GSM module and a UNO arduino microcontroller.
Whenever a recharging message is sent by a vendor station to the recharging unit it
decode the message and update the server with the correct recharged amount as shown
in the flow diagram of the figure 5.12. [19]

Figure 5.12 Flow diagram of the recharging process [19]

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 3. Meter Calibration And It’s Implementation

3.1. Meter Calibration

3.1.1. Prepaid energy meter using smart card

In this there is one time useable EEPROM and a slot for the smart card is made, it is
directly calibrated with energy meter and the smart card is put in that slot after making
recharge of necessary amount. [6]

3.1.2. Prepaid Energy Meter Using GSM Module

The meter is carried out using a simple resistor divider network connected to the
voltage channel of the energy metering IC (AD7755) as shown in the figure 9.1.
This network allows the line voltage to be attenuated and adjusted with a resolution of
10 bits. This is achieved by using the binary weighted resistor chain R5 to R14. This will
allow the meter to be accurately calibrated using a successive approximation technique.
[19]

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 Fig 9.1 connection diagram
[19]

The voltage which should be appearing on the divider network can be calculated as
below. According to the AD7755AAN data sheet the equation that relates the low
frequency output on F1 and F2 to the product of the RMS signal levels at current
channel (V1) and the voltage channel (V2) is given by the equation (1) [19]

Frequency = {8.06 ×�1×�2×𝐺𝑎𝑖�×�1−4}/ �𝑟𝑒�×�𝑟𝑒� ………………...…………….(1)

Where,

V1 - Differential RMS Voltage signal on channel 1.

V2 - Differential RMS Voltage signal on channel 2.

Gain -1, 2,8or16 depending on the gain selected using two logic inputs to
the IC.

Vref - Reference voltage

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 F1-4 - One of the four possible frequencies selected by using the logic
inputs to the
IC (Identified as S0 and S1 in the data sheet of (AD7755AAN)

Design parameters: [19]

QUANTITY VALUES
1. Line voltage 230 V (nominal)
2. IMAX 40 A
3. Base current (Ib) 5A
4. Counter 100 imp/kWh
5. Meter constant 3200 imp/kWh
6. Shunt size 350 µΩ
7. F1{4 frequency } 3.4
8. Gain 16 (selected using the AD7755 data sheet)

Then,

100 imp/hour = 100/3600 sec = 0.027777 Hz

Meter is calibrated at Ib=5A.

Power dissipation at Ib = 230 V × 5 A = 1.15W.

Frequency on F1 and F2 at Ib = 1.15 × 0.027777 Hz =

0.03194355 Hz

Voltage across shunt (V1) at Ib = 5 A × 350 µΩ = 1.75 mV

Frequency = {8.06 ×�1×�2×𝐺𝑎𝑖�×�1−4}/ �𝑟𝑒�×�𝑟𝑒�

0.03194355 Hz = { 8.06×1.75𝑚� ×�2×16×3.4𝐻�}/ 2.5� ×2.5�

From above

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 V2 = 260.19 mV Rms

Therefore, in order to calibrate the meter the line voltage needs to be attenuated down
to 260.19 mV by varying resistance across the voltage channel. [19]
In the reference paper they measure the error of the implemented energy meter by
using the pz4000 power analyzer. [19]
A load of 2300W was supplied for 30 min time period through the power analyzer and
obtained the readings. [19]

QUANTITY VALUES

 Voltage: 228.623V
 Current: 10.153A
 Power factor: 0.99
 Power: 2.298 kW
 Energy: 1.15kWh

Then the load was connected across the prepaid energy meter and obtained the
consumed energy reading as 1.13kWh.Then, Error of the energy meter= 𝑒�𝑒𝑟𝑔�
𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒� 𝑏�𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 –𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑒�𝑒𝑟𝑔� 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑒�𝑒𝑟𝑔� ×100 = 1.13−1.15 1.15 ×100 = 1.739 %<
2%. [19]

3.1.3. Market Drivers and Constraints

3.1.3.1 Market Drivers

a) Increasing Losses :
[23]

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In a recent study carried by SBI capital markets, The Transmission and Distribution
losses have been estimated as 58%.The Transmission and Distribution losses in the
advanced Countries of the world ranging from 4-12% [25]

2 -Types of Losses
1 Technical Losses.
2 Non-Technical Losses [NTL].

1. Technical Loss: [23]

Technical losses are regarded as the electrical system losses which are caused by
network impedance, current flows and auxiliary supplies. The sources of technical
losses may be directly driven by network investment or by network operation.

(i) Copper losses those are due to I2R losses that are inherent in all inductors
because of the finite resistance of conductors
(ii) Dielectric losses that are losses that result from the heating effect on the
dielectric material between conductors.
(iii) Induction and radiation losses that are produced by the electromagnetic fields
surrounding conductors.
The following are the causes of technical losses:
(i) Harmonics distortion
(ii) Improper Earthing at consumer end
(iii) Long single phase lines
(iv) Unbalanced loading
(v) Losses due to overloading and low voltage
(vi) Losses due to poor standard of Equipment.

2. Non-Technical losses(NTL) [23]

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On the other hand, are caused by actions external to the power system or are caused by
loads and condition that the Technical losses computation failed to take into account.
Non- Technical losses are more difficult to measure because these losses are often
unaccounted for by the system operators and thus have no recorded information. Non-
technical losses (NTL), on the other hand, occur as a result of theft, metering
inaccuracies and unmetered energy. NTLs, by contrast, relate mainly to power theft in
one form or another. Theft of power is energy delivered to customers that is not
measured by the energy meter for the customer. This can happen as a result of meter
tampering or by bypassing the meter. Losses due to metering inaccuracies are defined
as the difference between the amount of energy actually delivered through the meters
and the amount registered by the meters.

The most probable causes of Non -Technical Losses (NTL) are:

(i) Tampering with meters to ensure the meter recorded a lower consumption
reading
(ii) Errors in technical losses computation
(iii) Tapping (hooking) on LT lines
(iv) Arranging false readings by bribing meter readers
(v) Stealing by bypassing the meter or otherwise making illegal connections
(vi) By just ignoring unpaid bills
(vii) Faulty energy meters or un-metered supply
(viii) Errors and delay in meter reading and billing
(ix) Non-payment by customers.

NTL=Total Loss - Technical Losses

[23]

Fig.9.2 NTL Statistics [24]

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b) Power sector reforms:

The upcoming competitive and customer focused deregulated power distribution

market will force the market participants to make the existing metering and billing
process more competent. This is likely to drive the prepaid market. [5]

c) Opportunities in the emerging electrifying markets

Most of the Asian countries do not have 100 percent electrification; hence new
markets are being created by the increasing generating capacity. Prepaid systems
can be more easily introduced in such new markets rather than the existing ones.
[5]

According to the ICICI Securities report, the country reported peak power demand
of 177 GW in September, an increase of 13 GW over FY18 peak demand — the
highest year-on-year growth since 1993-94. The report also pointed out that with
improvement in financials after debt transfer or re-pricing under UDAY (Ujwal
Discom Assurance Yojana) and the Central Government’s push for ‘24×7 Power for
All’, there had been 32 per cent reduction in declared load shedding in 2017-18
over FY17 to 7.7 hours per month from 11.3 hours per month[25]

d) Previous Equipment Can’t Match Today’s Demand [5]:

Change of the accuracy of electromechanical energy meters with age. Since digital
energy meters don’t have moving parts, they are considered better than
electromechanical energy meters. But digital energy meters are failed in preventing
some of the issues within the electricity system. Some of them are:

• A large number of inspectors have to be employed for meter reading and bill payment
related tasks
• Incorrect meter readings, billing errors and errors due to estimated bills
• Reluctance of consumers for paying electricity bills on time.
• Uncontrollable demand growth sector has paid their attention towards the “prepaid
energy metering” concept. “Prepaid electricity” concept has become a new escalating
trend in the world. According to a report from Navigant Consulting (formerly Pike
Research), the global installed prepaid meters are expected to grow from 31.7 million in
2014 to 85.2 million in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.4%
.Europe and parts of the US have already powered a number of successful prepaid
focused suppliers.

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3.1.3.2 Market Constraint

a) Consumer behavior:

Consumers have not had any major problems with the existing post-paid system,
and hence it is likely to be difficult to convince them to change over to prepaid
system. Consumers might not appreciate the concept of "pay and use" as far as
electricity is concerned because it might be perceived as an instrument to control
common man’s life style.

b) Initial investment:

Utilities might be discouraged by the huge initial investment, which includes the
cost of instrument, marketing campaign, establishing distribution channel, and
other management costs.

c) Rapid technology changes:

The rapid technology changes happening in the metering market are expected to
delay the decision to go for prepaid system.

d) Uncertainty over the success:

Prepaid system is not as proven a concept in all the markets as South Africa; hence
there is bound to be uncertainty over its success, if implemented. The success of
the system depends on the commitment by utilities and for this they need to get
convinced on the real benefits of prepaid meter.

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3.1.4. Implementation And Its Measures

3.1.4.1. Issues Related To Implementation Of Prepaid Metering Systems:

A study of a survey [26], results are as follows

a. Almost everyone is using postpaid type energy meter

.
b. 69% People are ready to opt for prepaid energy meter.

c. 31% Are Still Saying no.

d. Still the credit card or recharge through mobile is major choice of people.[26]

Assertion:

1. When a prepaid metering system is installed it replaces the billing system, the
reading of meters and the administration of revenue collection.
2. Implementing a prepaid meter is a change of mindset, a change in the way the
revenue collection is managed, a change in IT procedures, a change in customer
service, a change in metering and a change in consumer behavior.

Therefore all the parties should understand the benefits and accept the change. The
most important task in implementing the meter is planning the implementation.
Detailed program, schedules, including resource allocation, distribution of
responsibilities and the setting of milestones are very essential.[26]

3.1.4.2. Measures and Check Points:

1. Marketing & Training:

Most people in the society see anything new with suspicion and therefore marketer’s
task is to offer a package which best suits the consumer’s needs, make people aware
about this new technology or procedure and show them the benefits of the new
approach. [21]

Important points which should be considered in this context are:

 Installation teams must be trained on meter installation and also they should be
trained to train the customers to operate and maintain the meters.

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 Training the customer service staff to operate the Help Desk with good manners,
the completion of the registration of new consumers etc.

 Training vendors so that they can give the customer good service and create the
image the utility wishes.

 Training the SMS manager, supervisors and operators. The success of any system
relies on the acceptance of all the players within the utility as well as on consumer
acceptance.

2. Maintenance Management:

Before the system has been installed, authorities should have a procedure to manage
the system from a maintenance point of view.

In this case following issues should be considered:

 Authorities have to decide what procedures will be followed if a meter fails. If a

consumer complains regularly that his/her meter is not working the maintenance team
has to regularly replace the meter and the result will be a high maintenance cost to the
utility.

 Utility has to decide what procedures will be followed if the utility server fails. In
such a case a back-up system should be available.

 The procedure used to back up and archive data is important and good
housekeeping is required for any database.

 The controls and procedures for collection of revenue from vendors and the
transfer of data between utility server and vending station are important

 The selection criteria for venders should be considered.

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3. Customer Education:

With prepaid meters consumers are in control of their electricity budgets they decide
for themselves how often they wish to purchase electricity and to what value. Customer
education assumes top priority for success of the scheme.
The points to be considered here are:
 Consumers must know how and where to purchase credit.

 Consumers must be able to read the meter and receive notifications so they know
when they need to re-purchase credit.

 Consumers must know how much credit they have available at any time.

 Consumers must know how to clean the meter

 Consumers must know what to do or who to contact if they experience problems with
the meter.

Brochures should be available at each vending site. Vendors should be trained both in
the use of the vending equipment and in the use of the meters and the benefits of the
system, so that they are able to promote it. Prepaid meter manufacturers should
provide marketing and training videos which can be used to show the consumer how to
use the system and what the benefits are and a help line should be set up to get help if
they are unclear on any issue.

4. Regulatory and Ethical Issues:

Prepaid Meters Automatic service disconnection is an integral part of prepaid electric

service. But over the years electricity came to be regarded as a right more than a
privilege in every society and hence regulators and law makers have found it difficult to
accept the automatic disconnection feature of the prepaid meters. In the USA,
regulatory rules evolved to protect customers from service interruption. Before
terminating service to a customer whose payment is seriously past due, the utility must
pursue an array of measures to secure payment. But prepaid electric service with
automatic disconnection when the prepayment runs out is incompatible with the
protective measures. Because of that only a few thousand customers are being served
through prepaid metering in the US, mostly in municipal and cooperative utilities.
Therefore in developing a prepaid electricity system, ethical issues in use of prepaid
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electricity should not be treated as an injustice to the society at initial stages of
development. However, caution may be exercised while choosing areas for deployment
of prepaid meters. [21]

3.2 Advantages of Prepaid Energy Meters

The prepaid energy meters has the following advantages over the postpaid energy
meters:- [2]

 Pay before use

 Recover money owed (debt)
 Lower Overheads
 No bill production
 No bill distribution
 No need to chase payments
 No further actions such as disconnections

3.3 Disadvantages of Prepaid Energy Meters:

1.) The main disadvantage of the system is, because of huge electronic hardware
involved in the system, the overall system consumes more electric energy [2]
Remedy: When the system is converted into engineering module, the bulky
hardware can be converted into a small-integrated chip. When the hardware is
minimized naturally the system consumes less power.

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2.) Since it is a prototype module, because of huge hardware the system occupies
more space [2]

3.) The consumer or the electrical department has to spend more amounts for
installing this kind of smart energy meters. Economically it is not advised. [2]

3.4 Applications of Prepaid Energy Meters:

1.) In Homes

2.) In Festivals where electricity is required just for a few days.

3.) Rental accommodation

4.) Industries and Factories

5.) In Malls.

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 Conclusions

Prepayment systems have been proposed as an innovative solution to the

problem of affordability in utilities services. In spite of being a popular
system in European and African countries, the use of such mechanisms
remains controversial. Among the main arguments in favor of its
dissemination are the advantages concerning lower costs of arrears,
running costs and finance charges for the service provider and the better
allocation of resources it implies for users. The arguments against
prepaid meters are based on the higher cost of the technology and the
possibility of self-disconnection of low-income users.
The monopolistic power distribution market in Asia is gradually
transforming into a competitive marketplace. Differentiation in service is
going to be the key competitive factor to improve market share in the
deregulated power markets. Prepaid meters with their advantages over
conventional ones are likely to help power distributors to differentiate and
offer value-added services to consumers. Encouraging consumers to opt for
prepaid meters on a voluntary basis and offering tariff or non-tariff
incentives to those consumers who prepay their power charges, would help
the utilities to implement this system.

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REFERENCES:

[1] Devidas, A.R., Ramesh, M.V. “Wireless Smart Grid Design for Monitoring
and Optimizing Electric Transmission in India,” 2010 Fourth International
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[2] Md. Mejbaul Haque “Microcontroller Based Single Phase Digital Prepaid
Energy Meter for Improved Metering” International Journal of Power
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[3] Ling Zou, Sihong Chu and Biao Guo.,“The Design of Prepayment Polyphase
Smart Electricity Meter System,” International Conference on Intelligent
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[5] Loss, P et al., “A Single Phase Microcontroller Based Energy Meter,” IEEE
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[5] www.8051projects.net/download-d134 prepaid energy- meterat89s52
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[6] Prepaid Energy Meter (AT89S52) 8051 Microcontroller
indianengineer.wordpress.com/.../prepaid-energy-meter at89s52.
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[8] Irfan Quazi, Sachin Kumar Gupta, Rajendra Prasad, “Pre-paid Energy
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[9] Atmel Corporation - Atmel AT89S52 8- and 32- bit Microcontrollers
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[13] H. Huang, “The Read Only RFID Reader Implementation”, IEEE Transl.
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Ray and H. Smith, Eds. New York: Academic, 2009, pp. 71–82.
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[18] Ten Predictions for Prepaid energy in future. [Online]
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[20] Design and Simulation of Single Phase Intelligent Prepaid Meter.
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[21] Sanogo, Hamed. EDN Network. Use-Near-Field-Communications and a
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[27] Google Images
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