Web-Based Two-Way Electricity Monitoring System for Remote Solar Mini-Grids
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Date
2019-11-08
Authors
Omary, Shaban
Sam, Anael E.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Modern Education and Computer Science Press
Abstract
Electricity usage monitoring systems play a vital role towards raising energy utilization awareness for
consumers. Existing solar mini-grid infrastructure, however, lacks a user-friendly two-way platform to allow
consumers to access information about electricity consumption. This paper proposes a cloud-based, two-way
energy usage monitoring system that will allow both utility companies and consumers to access energy
consumption data in a user-friendly way through a web platform. The system requirements were collected
via questionnaires, interviews, and observations conducted at two solar mini-grids centres located at Arusha
and Kilimanjaro regions in Tanzania. The system uses a Low Power Area Network (LPWAN) and the
existing GPRS network to monitor electricity consumption data between smart meter units and the cloud
server. Also, a virtual bill payment module and usage status feedback functionality have been integrated into
the system to increase awareness of the cost-effective use of electricity and hence, achieve the sustainability
of solar mini-grids. By using both white-box and black-box system testing approaches, findings show that the
system will not only raise awareness among customers about the economical usage of electricity, but it can
also be used by mini-grid companies as a source of data to determine current and future energy demands to
minimize large investment costs.
Sustainable Development Goals
This research article published by Modern Education and Computer Science Press, 2019
Keywords
Smart Meter, Internet of Things (IoT), Energy Monitoring, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN), Solar Mini-Grids, ATmega2560