2018 International Seminar on Intelligent Technology and Its Applications (ISITIA)

Implementation and Feasibility Analysis of GSM

Based Smart Energy Meter for Digitalized Power
Consumption with Advanced Features
Abdul Ahad, Shuva Mitra1, Ovishek Morshed, Imtiaj Khan, Rohan Sarker, Sayeed Shafayet Chowdhury
Dept. of Electrical and Electronic Technology
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
Dhaka, Bangladesh
1
svm2787@gmail.com

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.
Keywords— digitalization; automated energy metering;
smart power distribution; SMS based service; GSM.
I. INTRODUCTION
Power crisis is an issue of great concern for
underdeveloped countries. This crisis can be minimized
by ensuring efficient means of power consumption. A
compact digital model for power consumption for
domestic use is the motivation of our work. In the present
era of digitalization, people are more comfortable getting
things done sitting in their homes which removes the toil
of going out physically. They would rather choose to pay
their bills by recharging through their mobile phone rather
than standing in queue in banks which is not only
painstaking but also time consuming. Adding to this, bill
corruption is also a common fact for underdeveloped
countries. A smart energy meter ensures not only comfort
and efficient use of electric energy but also an accurate
billing system. Furthermore, illegal use of electricity may
happen in various ways such as using mechanical objects
to prevent revolution of the meter, using a fixed magnet to
change the electromagnetic field of the current coil,
switching the energy cables at the meter connector box so
that the current does not pass through the current coil of
the meter. All these methods of meter tampering can be
prevented by such GSM based smart energy meter [1] -
[3].
The concept that is buzzing around the globe in
present times is Internet of things (IoT) known as the
inter-networking of physical devices, vehicles, buildings
and other items which is embedded with electronics,
software, sensors and network connectivity that enable
these objects to collect and exchange data [4]. The inter-
connectivity of devices and network marks the essence of
a digitalized power consumption and billing procedure,
ushering automation in power sector, enabling advanced
applications like a smart grid [5] and expanding to areas
such as smart cities [6]. For remote control of a system,
Global System for Mobile (GSM) can be a handy tool.
With the GSM SMS, it is possible to send a message via
phone to control the relay ON and OFF [7]. Our proposed
model is not developed for the complete replacement of
the existing system, rather is meant to be a partial
improvement of the conventional manual system in some
selected areas to analyze the reliability and feedback to
upgrade it to the next stage.
A smart meter is an electronic device that records
consumption of electric energy in intervals of an hour or
less and communicates that information at least daily back
to the utility for monitoring and billing, necessitating two-
way communication between the meter and the central
system [8]. Energy meter system can be interfaced with
embedded controllers like GSM modem to transmit the
data over the mobile network [9] - [10]. These data are
stored and monitored centrally, generating the appropriate
command for the power distributors.
Our proposed model aims at small-scale
implementation of digitalized energy consumption process
with a broad feasibility analysis. But the viability to use
this system for larger scale has also been discussed. Some

978-1-5386-7654-7/18/$31.00 ©2018 IEEE 403

propositions have been done previously in this topic. matrix, LED and other advanced displays. The LCD
Rahman et al. [10] and Ashna et al. [11] have shown a display serves quite well for our prototype as it is easy to
similar approach but a complete reliability analysis is not configure. For this system, a monochromatic 20 4
present in these papers. We have demonstrated a rigorous alphanumeric LCD is used.
feasibility analysis where our system underwent test
repetitions of 5000 times and we have calculated success
and failure rate and pointed out some errors and problems
along with their remedy. So, this paper basically proposes
a low-cost alternative to the present system with proper
investigation of feasibility along with system analysis.

II. PROPOSED WORKFLOW

The system proposed in this paper can be represented
by the process diagram shown in Fig. 1. Upon receiving a
SMS with pin number, the GSM module transmits the
number to the Arduino. The Arduino checks the validity
of the number by comparing it with the numbers stored in
the central database. After a successful validation, the pin
number is then decoded and the Arduino module
generates corresponding amount of energy required to
deliver at the user end. We have used a modulo-50
decoding method with a pin number of 4 digits for
simplicity. Advanced encoding techniques can be used for
future large- scale implementation.
The smart power consumption process starts when the
Arduino sends signal to the relay, as shown in Fig. 1. The
relay is energized so that power starts flowing from the
line to the load. The available balance is displayed in the Fig. 1. Proposed workflow for the prototype
meter monitor immediately. A timer starts simultaneously
with the relay. The readings from the Current Transformer B. GSM Interface
(CT) and the Potential Transformer (PT) are continuously GSM module is used to communicate as it is
fed to the Arduino circuit. With the help of the readings convenient to interface with the microprocessor. SIM-
from CT, PT and the timer, corresponding power 900A GSM module is used which supports
consumed by the load is calculated. Then calculated communication in 900 MHz band. The module can be
power is multiplied by time to determine the energy configured using various AT commands which are the
consumed at the user end [12]. instructions used to control a modem. The Tx and Rx pins
of GSM module are used to transfer and receive data from
As Arduino cannot read current, an intermediate
one to another.
current to voltage converter is used [13]. For our
prototype, we have used a simple converter comprising of
a series of power resistors. More accurate converters can C. Current Transformer and Potential Transformer
also be used to improve the accuracy of the system. The Since the microprocessor unit handles very small
energy consumed is added continuously and at the same magnitude of voltage and current, voltage and current
time, it is continuously subtracted from the available which are needed to be standardized have to be stepped
balance. When the remaining balance goes down below a down before being sent to the microprocessor. In this
critical point set previously, a cautionary message is sent system, a current transformer which gives output to a
to the customer informing them to recharge their account maximum of 2.5 mA is used to take the samples of current
or to avail one of the two options which are to turn off values. Its specification can be found in the device
their unimportant devices or to enter in ‘Power Saver datasheet [14]. For stepping down the main supply
Mode’ (PSM). If the remaining balance falls to zero, the voltage, a potential transformer is used. It steps down the
signal which was sent to the relay is cut off so that relay is supply voltage to 12 V, the specification of which can be
de-energized and power stops flowing from lines to user found in [15].
end. All the quantities are displayed in monitor so that
customers can know their balance status; ensuring the D. Current to Voltage Converter
proper operation of the system. For this case, a simple current to voltage converter
using simple 1 kΩ, 5W power resistors are used for
III. SYSTEM DESIGN Arduino compatibility.

A. LCD Interface E. Relay

LCD display shows the current status of the meter which Relay is an electrically operated switch used to control
includes voltage, current, power and energy readings at the on/off state of a circuit using a low power signal. In
the user end for proper operation of the system. The LCD this prototype, a 1-channel 5 V relay is used to cut off the
display can be replaced by other types of displays like dot power connection when necessary condition is fulfilled.

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F. Microprocessor Unit
Arduino Uno is used as a microprocessor unit. It is a
microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P. It has
14 digital input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as
PWM outputs), 6 analog inputs, a 16 MHz quartz crystal,
a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header and a
reset button.

G. Switchboard
We have used a switchboard as the prototype load
model which facilitates both resistive and reactive
variation of loads representing a small-scale power
system. A demonstration of our proposed prototype can be (d)
found in [16]. Fig. 2. Experimental set-up for smart energy meter a) before
The experimental set-up of our proposed model is recharging, b) after recharging, c) the load which consmues
shown in Fig. 2. power and d) current to voltage converter using resistor. The
detailed experiment can be found at YouTube [16]
In Bangladesh, there are currently some prepaid meters
available [17] but possess some problems like users can
only recharge by physically entering cards into the
system. Our proposed model offers some significant
improvements over these meters and similar systems [10]
- [11], including the introduction of automated ‘Critical
Alert’ feature. Also, we have included “Emergency
Balance” system which will enable users to have
electricity up to a certain limit even if their balance is
finished.

(a)

(b )

Fig. 3. Flow chart algorithm of the proposed system.

When the available balance goes down below a certain

(c)
point i.e. critical point (in our case 1 Wh), the system will

405
deliver an automated message to the customer to recharge
immediately. If unable, users can enter ‘Power Saver
Mode’ which delivers power for a user defined time
interval. These two options are selected by sending a
special text to the system. A flow chart algorithm of our
proposed system is shown in Fig. 3.
IV. FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
In the previous discussion, the structure of proposed
GSM based Smart Energy Meter model has been
described. Now, to implement it in the industrial level,
reliability and cost effectiveness are two important factors
which are yet to be analyzed. Few analyses have been
done in this work to address these.
During the rush hours like the beginning of the
months, there may be failure in the recharging and billing
process. Because a huge sum of recharge request will be
put through during rush hours, as a result mobile
companies won’t be able to serve this tremendous amount
of request. In the proposed model, there have been 211
cases of failure due to the problem in network service
provider out of 5000 attempts (availability for roughly
~95.8% cases).
Another case such as back to back recharging can
occur which refers to the situation of recharging an
amount of balance before the previous recharging attempt
has been completed successfully. This back to back
recharging may override the data from previous recharge.
As a result, faulty power calculation may occur at the
distribution side. This the case which can also be linked
with the first problem described above. 193 cases have
been reported having this problem (satisfactory
performance for roughly ~ 96.14% cases).
There have been cases when recharging too fast after
each billing process causes the system to shut down. Out
of 5000 attempts, we have encountered this problem 107
times (running smoothly for roughly ~97.86% cases). In
some cases, errors have been encountered because of the
defects in the electrical home equipment. In these cases,
the data have been received and corresponding actions
have been taken by the control unit. But due to the defects
in the instruments, the main process cannot be started in
such cases. As a result, error occurs in the reading and
system may show ‘No Balance’ earlier than expected. In
this work, 203 cases have been reported in which the
system failed due to the defects in the equipment
(perfectly working for roughly ~95.94% cases).
There may be a rare incident when there is no balance
but the system is still running. In such cases, unwanted
load consumption occurs which causes loss in the power
system. 38 cases have experienced this problem. Also
during the peak demand period, there have been cases
when the system undergoes shut-down due to higher
demand, but the balance is still active at the consumer
end. This phenomenon has been encountered in 132 cases.
Of the aforementioned problems, the network error
and back to back recharging problem can be reduced by
setting up a bi-directional contract with network
companies for an exclusive connection between two
parties. The response time and instrumental error depend
406
on the components used and this situation can be
ameliorated using better system components. Unwanted
operational failure and unwanted interruption also depend
on the efficacy of the components and can be reduced
replacing by better components. Though it will increase
device unit price, the performance boost will be too high
to ignore.
V. COST ANALYSIS
One of the most significant aspects of our proposed
energy meter model is the fact that it is extremely cost
effective. The cost synopsis of different equipment
required to implement the system in a small scale is
proposed in Table I. The equipment used in this model are
easily available, reducing transportation
TABLE I. COST ANALYSIS
Price Quantity Subtotal
Equipment
(USD) (USD)
SIM 900A GSM Module 27 $ 1 27 $
(GGG 00033)
1 Channel 5V Relay 0.8 $ 1 0.8 $
Module (MOD-00059)
Potential Transformer 12 1.1 $ 1 1.1 $
V (600 mA) (MIS
00006)
Current Transformer 1.7 $ 1 1.7 $
YHDC TA1309-200 (5
A-2.5 mA)
5W Resistors 0.1 $ 4 0.4 $
Total = 31 $
cost. Furthermore, the intimal cost is also composted. All
these factors contribute to making GSM an economical
and lucrative alternative to the existing power distribution
system.
One major advantage of our proposed system is its
scalability. Our model can be scaled for larger power
systems just by upgrading the individual components to
their appropriate ratings without introducing further added
expenditure for system complexity.
VI. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING MODEL
Currently, in Bangladesh there exists a Prepaid Metering
System which has been commissioned and controlled by
DPDC (Dhaka Power Distribution Company). The code
can be obtained after paying prepaid bill to some specified
banks. On the other hand, the scratch cards proposed in
our paper will be available almost all over the country. In
this method, the scratch card will be more easily
accessible for mass people than the one of DPDC. It will
also be more convenient because in banks one has to wait
in a long queue to obtain the cards. But this hustle can be
avoided in our proposed system. Also there are chances of
nepotism and corruption in the currently available system
because it can be available at only some certain points,
which can be avoided in our mode.
 VII. CONCLUSION
The smart energy meter introducing automation in
electric power consumption is an excellent step towards
boosting the power system performance and efficiency,
specially required for underdeveloped countries. The
incorporation of GSM module not only provides a
comfortable alternative for the consumer but also removes
technical complexity as it is easily viable. The system can
be made more user friendly by introducing features like
‘Emergency Balance’ where users can have access to
electricity in case of urgent need. Future improvement
also includes ensuring uninterrupted electricity by
implementing automated payment system linking user’s
credit account with the system server. Further extension
includes connection with smartphones where users will be
able to monitor the status of their electricity balance from
a remote location and take actions accordingly. A mobile
application can be developed in this regard for ease of
access. We focused mainly on the critical cases of failure
and estimated reliability performance by real time running
of the small-scale system repetitively. Satisfactory
performance with advanced features, feasibility and lower
cost provide the potential to make such digitalized model
a better alternative to the present power consumption
system.
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