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The Raspberry Pi Power Monitor is a combination of custom hardware and software that will allow you to monitor your unique power situation in real time (<0.5 second intervals), including consumption, generation, and net-production. The data are stored to a database and displayed in a Grafana dashboard for monitoring and reporting purposes.
This project is derived from and inspired by the resources located at https://learn.openenergymonitor.org.
This code accompanies DIY circuitry (see the references above) that supports monitoring of up to 6 current transformers and one AC voltage reading. The individual readings are then used in calculations to provide real data on consumption and generation, including the following key metrics:
- Total home consumption
- Total solar PV generation
- Net home consumption
- Net home generation
- Total current, voltage, power, and power factor values
- Individual current transformer readings
This Wiki serves to document my project in depth so that others can adapt it to meet their own personal needs. Throughout the Wiki, there are discussions of electrical theory, optional suggestions, and important requirements that must be followed. Before proposing a quick-start path through this project, a disclaimer is required:
This project (indirectly) interfaces with high voltage electrical systems and discusses working in and around a main electrical panel. I would recommend hiring a licensed electrician to install the CTs on your high voltage lines. Any processes outlined in this project are taken at your own risk and I cannot be held liable for personal injury or property damage.
The table of contents below is in an order meant to be followed from beginning to end. (Note: Wiki is under construction as of May 2020).
- Getting Started
- Acquire the Hardware
- Install the Software
- Assemble the Components
- Customizing the Software
- Calibration & Phase Correction
Feel free to jump right in to the Getting Started section linked above. The rest of the Introduction is not vitally important.
I created this project for several reasons. First and foremost, the current data sources I have access to through my local energy utility company and solar PV inverter is not real time. I wanted something I could watch in real time and see the effects of turning on various appliances/systems. I was not impressed by any of the commercially available systems' "bang for the buck", and my searches for DIY projects found unanswered question after unanswered question.
I, too, had questions to ask throughout the project, and I was fortunate to stumble upon the OpenEnergyMonitor forum where I received guidance and support from generous electrical engineers. What was initially a distant and challenging goal of mine at the beginning of 2020 turned into a seemingly huge undertaking that I didn't quite expect. After two months of prototyping, tweaking, and massive amounts of learning, I have something I feel comfortable about sharing. My forum post is here - and I think it serves as a great snapshot in time of the work that went into this project, along with discussions around the theory, design choices, and problems that came up in the process.
I hope that by sharing my work you will find the same fascination and inspiration that I did.