🚀 Weekly Embedded Systems Challenge: Smart Energy Monitor
Challenge Overview:
Design and build a Smart Energy Monitor that can measure and display real-time power consumption of a household appliance. The system should be capable of measuring voltage, current, and power consumption and display the data on an LCD screen or send it wirelessly to a mobile app.
Core Objectives:
✅ Use a microcontroller (ESP32, Arduino, STM32, etc.) to read data from a current and voltage sensor (ACS712, INA219, ZMPT101B, etc.).
✅ Calculate power consumption using P = V × I.
✅ Display real-time readings on an LCD screen, OLED display, or serial monitor.
✅ Ensure safe electrical isolation while measuring voltage and current.
Extra Credit (Advanced Challenges):
⭐ Wireless Connectivity: Transmit data via Wi-Fi (ESP32), Bluetooth, or LoRa to a mobile app or cloud dashboard.
⭐ Data Logging: Store power consumption data in an SD card or an online database for later analysis.
⭐ Power Optimization: Implement sleep modes to reduce power consumption when not actively measuring.
⭐ Overload Detection & Alerts: Set a threshold and trigger an alarm, LED indicator, or mobile notification if power usage exceeds a certain level.
Real-World Application:
🏠 Monitor energy usage to optimize power consumption and reduce electricity bills.
🔧 Identify inefficient appliances and prevent overloads or potential fire hazards.
📊 Use logged data to analyze patterns and integrate with home automation systems.
💡 How to Participate:
- Build it, test it, and document your results!
- Share your project with a video demonstration, GitHub repo, or blog post.
- Post your progress and findings on forums like Reddit, Hackaday, or LinkedIn.
- Discuss improvements, alternative sensor choices, and power optimization techniques with the community.