Prepared Smart Digital Energy Meter based on GSM and Theft

Detection
A Project Synopsis submitted to the
Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education, Mumbai
For the Degree of
Diploma
In
Electrical Engineering
Under the Faculty of Engineering
By

1) Akash Hanumant Bhosale

2) Pratik Krushna Wangdare

3) Atharv Santosh Mashalkar

Under Guidance of
Mr.R.S.Patil

Department of Electrical Engineering

SVERI’s COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING (POLY.), PANDHARPUR
2024-2025
1
 CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the synopsis entitled, “Prepared Smart Digital
Energy Meter based on GSM and Theft Detection”

Submitted by

1.Akash Hanumant Bhosale

2.Pratik Krushna Wangdare
3.Atharv Santosh Mashalkar

are hereby approved in partial fulfillment of the Diploma in Electrical

Engineering

Mr.R.S.Patil Mr.S.M.Ghodake
(Guide) (HOD)

(Project Co-Ordinator) (Principal)

Department of Electrical Engineering

SVERI’s COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING (POLY.), PANDHARPUR
2024-2025

2
 DECLARATION

I declare that this synopsis entitled, “Prepared Smart Digital Energy Meter
based on GSM and Theft Detection” will be the result of my own research except as
cited in the references. The synopsis has not been accepted for any degree and is not
concurrently submitted in candidature of any other degree.

1)Akash Hanumant Bhosale

2)Pratik Krushna Wangdare
3)Atharv Santosh Mashalkar

3
 SYNOPSIS

1. Name of the College SVERIs College of Engineering(Polytechnic), Pandharpur.

2. Name of the Course Diploma (Electrical Engg.)

3. Name of the Student with 1) Akash Hanumant Bhosale

2) Pratik Krushna Wangdare
3) Atharv Santosh Mashalkar

4. Date of Registration August 2024

5. Name of the Guide Mr.R.S.Patil

6. Proposed Topic of Diploma Project Name:-Prepared Digital Energy Meter based on

GSM and Theft Detection
Research Project
7. Type of Diploma Non-Sponsored
Research Project
8. Name of Organization /
Industry (If sponsored)
9. Facilities Available and Lab with internet
Requirement (In College/
Industry)
10. Expected Cost of the
Rs.6500/-
Dissertation Work

(Student) (Guide)
1) Akash Hanumant Bhosale (Mr.R.S.Patil)
2) Pratik Krushna Wangdare
3) Atharv Santosh Mashalkar

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 List of Components

Sr.No Name of Component Rating Quantity Price

1. AC Single Phase Energy Meter 230V , 50Hz 1 1,600/-

2. Arduino Uno 7-12V 1 2,500/-

3. 16*2 LCD Display 4.7V to 5.3V 1 200/-

4. I2c Module 3.3V 1 250/-

5. SIM900A GSM Module 2.5A to 3A 1 1,200/-

6. 1 Channel Relay Module 5V 1 190/-

7. Optocoupler 4N35IC 1 15/-

8. Limit Switch 230V 1 190/-

9. Resistor 10k 1 2/-

10. Buzzer 1.5 to 220V 1 60/-

11. Holder 250V , 16A 3 105/-

12. Lamp 2,500W 3 30/-

13. Board 2 220/-

Total Price 6,562/-

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 INDEX

Sr.No. Content Page No.

Abstract 7

1 Chapter 01 8

1.1 Introduction 8

1.2 Problem Statement 9

2 Chapter 02 10

2.1 Objective 10

2.2 Scope of the project 11

3 Chapter 03 12

3.1 Methodology 12

3.2 List of Component 14

4 Chapter 04 25

4.1 Conclusion and Future 25

4.2 References 26

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 ABSTRACT

It is realized that one of the defective subsystems adding to the tremendous budgetary loss
in Power Supply Company is the conventional metering and charging framework. Mistakes get
presented at each phase of charging the energy rates, similar to blunders with conventional meters,
reading errors by human while noticing the consumed energy; and blunder during the preparation of
paid and the due bills. The solution for this downside is a prepaid charging or billing framework of
consumed energy. Most of the developing countries are shifting their conventional energy
management practices to the modern one by replacing the old and conventional energy meters with
the smart meters outfitted with the prepaid facility to quantify the power consumption so as to
decrease the income deficits looked by utilities because of customer unwillingness to make
consumed energy payments on time. Our proposed design embedded with Arduino and GSM
technology is advancement over conventional energy meter, which enables consumer to effectively
manage their electricity usage. The system performance is good with the acquired results. An earlier
charging will undoubtedly get rid of the issues of unpaid bills and human mistakes in meter
readings, along these lines guaranteeing justified income for the utility

Keywords:- Arduino , Energy Meter, Smart Meters ,RFID, GSM

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 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Electric energy consumed by the power devices is measured by a gadget known as an energy
meter. Since 1980s, the energy meter’s journey started. When there were large energy meters which
have been made with lots of innovations in energy meters to reduce its size and also the weight.
Particularly, enhancement in accuracy, specifications and features of energy meters has been a topic
of discussion. In India, electromechanical energy meters were used for a long time. These meters
work by checking and figuring the quantity of turns of an electrically directing metal plate which is
made to rotate at a speed in respect to the power experiencing the meter. Those electromechanical
energy meters are being supplanted by the newly digitized meters due to different problems like
there is no way to upgrade those energy meters, its accuracy was limited and those meters were
easy to manipulate because direction of revolving disc can be easily reversed. Nowadays, digital
energy meters can measure voltage, current and power also but electromechanical energy meters
can only measure active power. Digital meters measure energy usage by highly integrated circuits,
by capitalizing the voltage and current that gives the instantaneous power in watts. Digital meters
show usage of electricity in digits on a liquid crystal display and those meters are highly accurate,
inexpensive, theft reluctant, etc. This work is intended to gather the information about the data
which is consumed energy of a specific user or consumer through a wireless communication system
(not required to visit consumer premises), and the system is called as AMR (Automatic Meter
Reading). The AMR system is proposed to remotely accumulate the meter readings of a locale
using a relating remote wireless system without individuals physically going to and taking note of
the readings of the meters

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 PROBLEM STATEMENT
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
As we mentioned above several advantages of digital energy meters, but always there are chances
of innovation or modification in different instruments for ease of consumer and supplier. Following
are some problems observed in those energy meters which should be rectified:
 Meter reading and other related tasks like bill payment are performed by a large number of
staff i.e., large number of employees are required.
 An expansive number of staff is utilized for meter reading and other related assignments like
bill payment.
 Billing errors due to carelessness of meter readers during meter reading and sometime
billing estimation.
 Consumer has to stand in queue for hours for bill payment.
 Careless usage of electricity by consumer who is unaware of its cost.
 Consumers are not bound to pay bill on time.

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 2. OBJECTIVE
2.1 OBJECTIVE: -

This GSM based system enables the electricity department to get the meter readings
regularly while avoiding manual meter reading. The work also enables prepaid billing,
electricity management, energy saving and implements a mechanism for electricity theft
detection.

2.2 SUB OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT-

1. Remote Monitoring: Enable real-time monitoring of energy consumption from a

distance, allowing users to check their usage anytime via SMS or a mobile app.
2. Data Transmission: Use GSM technology to send usage data and alerts to the utility
provider for efficient monitoring and management.
3. Automated Billing: Facilitate automatic billing based on actual consumption, reducing
the need for manual meter readings and minimizing errors.
4. Prepaid Options: Support prepaid energyconsumption, allowing users to top up their
balance and receive notifications when it's running low.
5. Demand Response: Enable demand-side management by allowing users to adjust their
consumption during peak hours based on notifications or pricing signals.
6. Alerts and Notifications: Provide timely alerts for unusual consumption patterns, outages,
or maintenance needs via SMS or mobile notifications.
7. Fraud Detection: Implement features to detect tampering or unauthorized usage,
enhancing security and reducing losses for utility providers.
8. Environmentally Friendly: Encourage the use of renewable energy sources and energy-
efficient practices through data-driven insights.

Software tool used: - MATLAB / SIMULINK

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 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

2.2 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

The proposed for the provides alert about over usages and theft detection byusing GSM
technology be carried as follows

 Billing and monitoring: The meter can communicate with the electricity company to
collect data for billing and monitoring energy usage.
 Prepaid billing: The meter can support prepaid billing.
 Energysaving: The meter can help with energysaving.
 Electricity theft detection: The meter can detect electricity theft and report it to the
central authority.
 Alerts: The meter can send alerts for low or zero balance, or when slab-based
consumption changes.
 Power outages: The meter can be useful during power outages.
 Dynamic pricing: The meter can enable dynamic pricing, which adjusts the cost
of electricity based on demand.
 Online billing: The meter can provide online billing.
 Automatic meter reading: The meter can provide automatic meter reading.
 Line status: The meter can provide the status ofthe line to the customer.

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 3. METHODOLOGY

3.1 METHODOLOGY
Below is the modular approach for the proposed project synopsis-
The entire Circuit diagram has been shown below in Fig. 2. The power is measured by the energy
meter with respect to time and is calculated by multiplication of voltage and current signals. The IC
of energy meter generates pulses according to real power utilization. This energy meter calculates
1KWh for 3200 impulses, so rated as 3200imp/KWh, and there will be blinking of an LED for its
every pulse. An Optocoupler has been connected to this LED so Optocoupler will be switched
whenever LED blinks. We cannot directly connect energy meter’s LED with Arduino because LED
possesses analogue signals while we are feeding Arduino on the digital side. The pin number(D8)
of Arduino is attached to the switching side of an Optocoupler for detecting pulses coming from
energy meter. When a pulse occurs from energy meter, optocoupler is switched, pin D8 of Arduino
detects a digital 0, otherwise it is not active and is in undefined state. There will be a count 1 to a
data when there will be change on the state of the pin from digital 1 to 0. We have interfaced GSM
module with Arduino UNO. The data communication pins are RX and TX, Arduino’s RX pin is
connected with GSM module’s TX pin and vice-versa. Before connecting GSM module with
Arduino, a valid SIM card must be installed in SIM card port of GSM module. All ground pins
GND are connected together. For switching purpose (ON/OFF) to supply a relay is being used. We
cannot connect Arduino directly with relay because as Arduino has ATMEGA328P processor and
its pins can supply roughly 25mA, Processor pins have large effective resistance and a high voltage
will "drop" as increasing current is drawn and a low voltage will rise as load increases. Pins may be
specific with a maximum short circuit current but at that point a high pin will be pulled low and a
low pin will be pulled high so short circuit current has limited applicability. So, relay is connected
with Arduino through ULN2003 IC or relay driver, ON/OFF instructions are sent over to relay
driver by Arduino and it can turn ON/OFF relay. LCD is also interfaced with Arduino digital pins
(7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2) on which we can see how much units are purchased, remaining units and balance,
etc. .

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Fig.1.Circuit Diagram of Prepared Energy Meter

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 3.2 List Of Components

1. AC Single Phase Energy Meter

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

Electric utilities use electric meters installed at customers' premises for billing and monitoring
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. Rating of this meter is 230V

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.

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 2. Arduino Uno

The Arduino Uno is an open-source microcontroller board based on

the Microchip ATmega328P microcontroller (MCU) and developed by Arduino.cc and initially
released in 2010. The microcontroller board is equipped with sets of digital and
analog input/output (I/O) pins that may be interfaced to various expansion boards (shields) and other
circuits. The board has 14 digital I/O pins (six capable of PWM output), 6 analog I/O pins, and is
programmable with the Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment), via a type B USB
cable. It can be powered by a USB cable or a barrel connector that accepts voltages between 7 and 20
volts, such as a rectangular 9-volt battery. It has the same microcontroller as the Arduino Nano board,
and the same headers as the Leonardo board. The hardware reference design is distributed under
a Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike 2.5 license and is available on the Arduino website.
Layout and production files for some versions of the hardware are also available.

The word "uno" means "one" in Italian and was chosen to mark a major redesign of the Arduino
hardware and software. The Uno board was the successor of the Due milanove release and was the 9th
version in a series of USB-based Arduino boards. Version 1.0 of the Arduino IDE for the Arduino Uno
board has now evolved to newer releases. The ATmega328 on the board comes preprogrammed with
a boot loader that allows uploading new code to it without the use of an external hardware
programmer.

While the Uno communicates using the original STK500 protocol, it differs from all preceding boards
in that it does not use a FTDI USB-to-UART serial chip. Instead, it uses the Atmega16U2
(Atmega8U2 up to version R2) programmed as a USB-to-serial converter.

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 3. 16*2 LCD Display

A 16*2 LCD Display is a type of display based on sixteen segments that can be turned on or off to
produce a graphic pattern. It is an extension of the more common seven-segment display, adding four
diagonal and two vertical segments and splitting the three horizontal segments in half. Other variants
include the fourteen-segment display which does not split the top or bottom horizontal segments, and
the twenty-two-segment display that allows lower-case characters with descenders.

Often a character generator is used to translate 7-bit ASCII character codes to the 16 bits that
indicate which of the 16 segments to turn on or off.

Sixteen-segment displays were originally designed to display alphanumeric characters (Latin letters
and Arabic digits). Later they were used to display Thai numerals and Persian characters. Non-
electronic displays using this pattern existed as early as 1902.

Before the advent of inexpensive dot-matrix displays, sixteen and fourteen-segment displays were
used to produce alphanumeric characters on calculators and other embedded systems. Later they were
used on videocassette recorders (VCR), DVD players, microwave ovens, car stereos, telephone Caller
ID displays, and slot machines.

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 4. I2c Module

I2C stands for Inter-Integrated Circuit. It is a bus interface connection protocol incorporated into
devices for serial communication. It was originally designed by Philips Semiconductor in 1982.
Recently, it is a widely used protocol for short-distance communication. Very useful module to
interface serial connection to parallel data, specially used for LCD displays etc. I2C Module has inbuilt
PCF8574 I2C chip that converts I2C serial data to parallel data for the LCD display.

I2C modules are currently supplied with a default I2C address of either 0x27 or 0x3F, you can check
which version by verifying underside of the module. If there a 3 sets of pads labelled A0, A1, & A2
then the default address will be 0x3F. If there are no pads the default address will be 0x27.

The module has a contrast adjustment pot on the underside of the display. This may require adjusting
for the screen to display text correctly.

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 5. SIM900A GSM Module

SIM900A GSM Module is the smallest and cheapest module for GPRS/GSM communication. It
is common with Arduino and microcontroller in most of embedded application. The module offers
GPRS/GSM technology for communication with the uses of a mobile sim. It uses a 900 and 1800MHz
frequency band and allows users to receive/send mobile calls and SMS. The keypad and display
interface allows the developers to make the customize application with it. Furthermore, it also has
modes, command mode and data mode. In every country the GPRS/GSM and different
protocols/frequencies to operate. Command mode helps the developers to change the default setting
according to their requirements.

Specifications:

 Operating Voltage: 3.4V to 4.4V (typically powered by 4.0V)

 Current Consumption:
o Idle: ~20 mA
o Transmit: ~2A (during GSM transmission)
 Communication Interface: UART (Serial communication)
 Data Transmission: Supports GPRS Class 10 (up to 85.6 kbps)
 Frequency Bands:
o GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
 Antenna: SMA or IPEX connector for external antenna
 Dimensions: Typically around 24mm x 24mm x 3mm

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 6. Channel Relay Module

The relay uses the current supply for opening or closing switch contacts. Usually, this can be done
through a coil to magnetize the switch contacts & drags them jointly once activated. A spring drives
them separately once the coil is not strengthened.

By using this system, there are mainly two benefits, the first one is, the required current for activating
the relay is less as compared to the current used by relay contacts for switching. The other benefit is,
both the contacts & the coil are isolated galvanically, which means there is no electrical connection
among them.

A relay module acts as a switch, allowing low-powered digital electronics to control high-powered
devices. Inside the relay, there are two metal contacts that are normally not connected. When a voltage
or power current is applied to one side of the circuit, an electromagnetic coil is powered, which pulls
the metal contacts together and completes the circuit.

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 7. Optocoupler

The 4N35 optocoupler consists of gallium arsenide infrared LED and a silicon NPN phototransistor.
The couplers are Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed to comply with a 5300 VRMS isolation test
voltage.

This isolation performance is accomplished through double molding isolation manufacturing process.
Comliance to DIN EN 60747-5-2(VDE0884)/ DIN EN 60747-5-5 pending partial discharge isolation
specification is available for these families by ordering option 1.

These isolation processes and the ISO9001 quality program results in the highest isolation
performance available for a commecial plastic phototransistor optocoupler. The devices are available
in lead formed configuration suitable for surface mounting and are available either on tape and reel, or
in standard tube shipping containers.

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 8. Resistor

A resistor is a passive two-terminal electrical component that implements electrical resistance as a

circuit element. In electronic circuits, resistors are used to reduce current flow, adjust signal levels,
to divide voltages, bias active elements, and terminate transmission lines, among other uses. High-
power resistors that can dissipate many watts of electrical power as heat may be used as part of motor
controls, in power distribution systems, or as test loads for generators. Fixed resistors have resistances
that only change slightly with temperature, time or operating voltage. Variable resistors can be used to
adjust circuit elements (such as a volume control or a lamp dimmer), or as sensing devices for heat,
light, humidity, force, or chemical activity.

Resistors are common elements of electrical networks and electronic circuits and are ubiquitous
in electronic equipment. Practical resistors as discrete components can be composed of various
compounds and forms. Resistors are also implemented within integrated circuits.

The electrical function of a resistor is specified by its resistance: common commercial resistors are
manufactured over a range of more than nine orders of magnitude. The nominal value of the resistance
falls within the manufacturing tolerance, indicated on the component.

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 9. Buzzer

The buzzer is a sounding device that can convert audio signals into sound signals. It is usually
powered by DC voltage. It is widely used in alarms, computers, printers and other electronic products
as sound devices. It is mainly divided into piezoelectric buzzer and electromagnetic buzzer,
represented by the letter "H" or "HA" in the circuit. According to different designs and uses, the
buzzer can emit various sounds such as music, siren, buzzer, alarm, and electric bell.

The piezoelectric buzzer uses the piezoelectric effect of the piezoelectric ceramics and uses the pulse
current to drive the vibration of the metal plate to generate sound. Piezoelectric buzzer is mainly
composed of multi-resonator, piezoelectric plate, impedance matcher, resonance box, housing, etc.
Some of the piezoelectric buzzers are also equipped with light-emitting diodes. The multi-resonator
consists of transistors or integrated circuits. When the power supply is switched on (1.5~15V DC
operating voltage), the multi-resonator oscillates and outputs 1.5~2.5kHz audio signal. The impedance
matcher pushes the piezoelectric plate to generate sound. The piezoelectric plate is made of lead
zirconate titanate or lead magnesium niobate piezoelectric ceramic, and silver electrodes are plated on
both sides of the ceramic sheet. After being polarized and aged, the silver electrodes are bonded
together with brass or stainless steel sheets.

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 10. Holder

A light bulb socket, light bulb holder, light socket, lamp socket or lamp holder is a device which
mechanically supports and provides electrical connections for a compatible electric lamp base. Sockets
allow lamps to be safely and conveniently replaced (re-lamping). There are many different standards for
lamp holders, including early de facto standards and later standards created by various standards bodies.
Many of the later standards conform to a general coding system in which a socket type is designated by a
letter or abbreviation followed by a number.

The most common type of sockets for mains electricity are Edison screws, used in continental Europe
and North America, while bayonet mounts dominate in the Commonwealth countries, except Canada, and
in the automotive industry. Fluorescent lamps typically require a two-pin, unthreaded socket.

Not all lamps require a socket; for example, some miniature lamps have wire leads suitable for direct
connection to screw terminals or other wires, and some reflector lamps provide screw terminals for
electrical connections.

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 11. Lamp

An incandescent light bulb, incandescent lamp or incandescent light globe is an electric light with
a filament that is heated until it glows. The filament is enclosed in a glass bulb that is either evacuated or
filled with inert gas to protect the filament from oxidation. Electric current is supplied to the filament by
terminals or wires embedded in the glass. A bulb socket provides mechanical support and electrical
connections.

Incandescent bulbs are manufactured in a wide range of sizes, light output, and voltage ratings, from 1.5
volts to about 300 volts. They require no external regulating equipment, have low manufacturing costs,
and work equally well on either alternating current or direct current. As a result, the incandescent bulb
became widely used in household and commercial lighting, for portable lighting such as table lamps,
car headlamps, and flashlights, and for decorative and advertising lighting.

Incandescent bulbs are much less efficient than other types of electric lighting. Less than 5% of the
energy they consume is converted into visible light; the rest is lost as heat. The luminous efficacy of a
typical incandescent bulb for 120 V operation is 16 lumens per watt (lm/W), compared with 60 lm/W for
a compact fluorescent bulb or 100 lm/W for typical white LED lamps.

Incandescent bulbs typically have short lifetimes compared with other types of lighting; around 1,000
hours for home light bulbs versus typically 10,000 hours for compact fluorescents and 20,000–30,000
hours for lighting LEDs. Most incandescent bulbs can be replaced by fluorescent lamps, high-intensity
discharge lamps, and light-emitting diode lamps (LED). Some governments have begun a phase-out of
incandescent light bulbs to reduce energy consumption.

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 4. CONCLUSION

4.1 Conclusion and Future Scope

The advancement in power distribution system is non-stop process and new

technology is always in progress. In this project, an Arduino and a GSM based smart prepaid
energy meter has been proposed. Units are purchased by using GSM technology and those units are
deduced according to electricity usage. This project presents a single-phase energy meter for
domestic consumers with prepayment billing method. The significant preferred standpoint is the
capacity of this system to update the current conventional meters into smart prepaid meters with a
connection of Arduino and GSM (Prepaid Module). This kills the need of totally supplant the
energy meters. Cost is the main important factor of this work which is quite high but will reduce
from 3 to 4 times after implementation of this project.

Nowadays as power supply companies need labour for meter reading after
implementing this, there will be no need of so many meter readers and lots of money will be saved.
The idea of prepayment electricity bill prior its usage is being gradually accepted around the world,
and that’s why the market for prepaid energy metering is growing. After having many advantages,
this project still needs more safety check and modification especially the GSM module for the
network coverage of SIM which is being used, should be strong so that the GSM can work
properly..

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 REFERENCES
4.2 References

[1] Dike, Damian O., et al. "Minimizing household electricity theft in Nigeria using GSM
based prepaid meter." American Journal of Engineering Research (AJER) 1 (2015): 2320-0936.

[2] https://www.navigantresearch.com/newsroom/prepaid-electric-metersareexpected-to-have-an-
installed-base-of-more-than-85-million-from2014-to-2024

[3] M. W. Raad, T. Sheltami2 and M. Sallout, "A SMART CARD BASED PREPAID
ELECTRICITY SYSTEM," in Pervasive Computing and Applications, 2007. ICPCA 2007. 2nd
International Conference, Birmingham, 2007

[4] Omijeh, B. O., and G. I. Ighalo. "Modeling of gsm-based energy recharge scheme for prepaid
meter." IOSR Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering 4.1 (2013): 46-53.

[5] R. Teymourzadeh, M. I. S and A. J. A. Abueida, "RFID-BASED Prepaid Power Meter," in 2013

IEEE Student Conference on Research and Development (SCOReD, Putrajaya, 2013.

[6] Sheelasobanarani, Dr K., et al. "A Prepaid Energy Meter for Efficient Power Management."
International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering 4.3 (2014): 593-595.

[7] Rodrigo, W. D. A. S., et al. "A prepaid energy meter using GPRS/GSM Technology for
improved metering and billing." International Journal of Computer Science and Electronics
Engineering (IJCSEE) Volume 4 (2016)

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