Design and Implementation of a GSM and Wi-Fi Based Low Cost Smart Prepaid Energy Meter

This paper presents a GSM and Wi-Fi based Low Cost Single phase Smart Prepaid Energy Meter with some functionalities such as keypad and screen implemented in embedded software. The design was borne out of the desire to ensure that smart prepaid meters are made available at a reduced cost. The methodology involves hardware and software. The hardware made use of integrated circuits (ICs) and discrete components. At the heart of the design is Atmega644P microcontroller which was interfaced to ADE7755 energy meter IC, GSM800L modem, Wi-Fi module, tamper switch, buzzer and other components. The microcontroller is used for monitoring and controlling the activities of the meter especially the ADE7755 used in producing pulses from consumption which are then measured and recorded by the microcontroller as Energy measurement. SIM800L was used to achieve communication between the meter and the web server. The Wi-Fi is used to access the meter for recharging. The software aspect involved the programming of the microcontroller using C++ and the use of a webpage with an associated web server for meter administration and control as well as meter token recharge validation. The prototype performed satisfactorily under different loads. Other functionalities such as tampering detection, token recharge, meter registration and meter information viewing on the webpage were successfully executed. Again, the cost of the meter is less than the cost of commercially available meters in Nigeria by N18,313.39. The GSM and Wi-Fi low cost smart energy meter designed and implemented worked satisfactorily and it is effective.