Implementation and Feasibility Analysis of GSM Based Smart Energy Meter for Digitalized Power Consumption with Advanced Features

Abstract

In this modern era of digitalization, with the aim to digitalize electric power consumption and billing procedures, we have proposed prepaid smart energy meter having additional features with a broad feasibility analysis for practical applicability ensuring efficient use of electrical energy. Smart functionality of the system includes effective communication with user via Short Message Service (SMS) in which prepaid credit system is implemented where users can recharge electricity balance by sending an SMS conveying a secret pin number obtained from the purchased prepaid card. The pin number will be decoded in the central server and corresponding amount of energy will be delivered until the balance ends. The energy flow will then be automatically shut down until the next recharge. Furthermore, the system comes with added features like critical alert and power saving mode in the event of low balance. A useful advantage of the system is its scalability i.e. it can be integrated with larger systems without increasing system complexity too much. The availability and performance of the proposed small-scale system have been investigated in some critical cases such as network problem, recharge trouble, equipment defects and other unwanted events. The system has been shown to provide a satisfactory and low-cost alternative to the existing manual power consumption system.