ENERGY MONITORING

SYSTEM USING ARDUINO

AND BLYNK
Design and Prototype

Abstract
Energy monitoring plays a crucial role in achieving energy efficiency and
sustainability. The development of an energy monitoring system using
Arduino provides a cost-effective and accessible solution for monitoring
energy consumption. The objective of this research paper is to present the
design and implementation of an energy monitoring system using Arduino
and Blynk. The system aims to provide users with real-time information about
their energy consumption, enabling them to make informed decisions for
energy conservation. This paper outlines the hardware components, software
implementation, and the integration of Blynk, an IoT platform, for remote
monitoring and control. The system's effectiveness and potential applications
are also discussed.
 Energy Monitoring System Using Arduino and Blynk
By Pilla Krishna Satwik(21BPS1439) and Pranith Reddy(21BPS1627)
Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai
Abstract: Energy monitoring plays a crucial role in achieving energy efficiency and
sustainability. The development of an energy monitoring system using Arduino provides a
cost-effective and accessible solution for monitoring energy consumption. The objective of
this research paper is to present the design and implementation of an energy monitoring
system using Arduino and Blynk. The system aims to provide users with real-time
information about their energy consumption, enabling them to make informed decisions for
energy conservation. This paper outlines the hardware components, software
implementation, and the integration of Blynk, an IoT platform, for remote monitoring and
control. The system's effectiveness and potential applications are also discussed.

1. Introduction
1.1 Background
The increasing global demand for energy, coupled with the pressing need for sustainability
and conservation, has heightened the importance of monitoring and managing energy
consumption effectively. Energy monitoring systems have emerged as a vital tool in
achieving these objectives. By providing real-time information on energy usage, these
systems empower individuals and organizations to make informed decisions and take
necessary actions to optimize energy efficiency and reduce wastage.
Traditional energy monitoring systems often require complex and expensive infrastructure,
making them inaccessible for many users. However, advancements in technology,
particularly in the fields of microcontrollers and Internet of Things (IoT), have opened new
possibilities for developing cost-effective and user-friendly energy monitoring solutions.
Arduino, an open-source microcontroller platform, has gained significant popularity due to
its versatility and ease of use. It offers an ideal platform for developing energy monitoring
systems as it can interface with various sensors and communicate with external devices.
Additionally, Arduino's vast community support and extensive library of pre-built functions
make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced developers.
Blynk, on the other hand, is a widely-used IoT platform that enables remote monitoring and
control of connected devices. It provides a user-friendly mobile app interface that allows
users to visualize data, set thresholds, and receive notifications. Blynk's simple drag-and-
drop interface and extensive integration options make it an excellent choice for integrating
with Arduino-based energy monitoring systems.
This research aims to leverage the capabilities of Arduino and Blynk to design and
implement an energy monitoring system that is affordable, accessible, and capable of
providing real-time energy consumption data to users. By enabling users to track their
energy usage patterns and identify areas of inefficiency, the system facilitates more
informed decision-making and encourages sustainable energy practices.
By understanding their energy consumption patterns, individuals can take proactive steps to
optimize energy usage and reduce their carbon footprint. Similarly, businesses and
industries can identify energy-intensive processes and implement energy-saving measures
to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. Ultimately, the development of an
energy monitoring system using Arduino and Blynk holds great potential in promoting
energy conservation, sustainability, and responsible energy management at various levels.
1.2 Objectives:
The primary objective of this report is to design and implement an Energy Monitoring
System that leverages the capabilities of Arduino, Blynk, and VSPE to provide real-time
energy monitoring, data visualization, and remote-control functionality. The specific
objectives of the system are as follows:
1)Real-time Energy Monitoring:
The system aims to accurately measure and monitor energy consumption in real-time. It
utilizes appropriate sensors and measurement techniques to capture data related to energy
usage, such as voltage, current, and power consumption. The collected data is processed
and transmitted to the monitoring interface for visualization and analysis. The objective is to
provide users with up-to-date information about their energy consumption patterns and
enable them to identify energy-intensive areas or devices.
2) Data Visualization through a Mobile Application:
To facilitate user interaction and provide an intuitive interface for data visualization, the
system integrates the Blynk platform. Blynk offers a user-friendly mobile application that
allows users to access energy consumption data from anywhere, at any time. The objective
is to present the energy usage data in a visually appealing and easily understandable
format, such as graphs or charts, enabling users to track their energy consumption trends
and patterns conveniently.
3) Remote Control of Electrical Devices:
In addition to monitoring energy usage, the system aims to provide remote control
functionality for electrical devices. By integrating appropriate control mechanisms, such as
relays or smart switches, users can remotely turn on or off electrical devices through the
Blynk mobile application. This objective allows users to manage their energy consumption
actively and adjust device usage, thereby promoting energy efficiency and conservation.
4) Integration of Arduino, Blynk, and VSPE:
Another objective of this research is to demonstrate the successful integration of Arduino,
Blynk, and VSPE in an energy monitoring system. The system leverages Arduino's
capabilities as a microcontroller for data acquisition, processing, and communication. Blynk
serves as the platform for data visualization, remote access, and control. VSPE facilitates the
establishment of a reliable virtual serial communication link between Arduino and the Blynk
application. The objective is to showcase the seamless integration of these technologies to
develop a comprehensive energy monitoring solution.

2. Literature Survey
[1] "Landi, C.; Department of Computer Engineering, Second University of Naples, Aversa,
Italy; Merola, P.; Ianniello, G.", "ARM-based Management System using Smart Meter and
Web Server", 2011.
In this paper, the authors present a low-cost real-time ARM-based energy management
system designed as part of a distributed system. It measures key power system quantities,
enabling comprehensive management of the entire power plant. The integrated web server
facilitates the collection of statistics on power consumptions and power quality, allowing
interface with devices for load displacement. The device, featuring easy access to
information, combines a smart meter and data communication capability, enabling both
local and remote access. This approach effectively manages power consumption, leading to
an overall reduction in consumption and costs.
[2] "Garrab, A.; Bouallegue, A.; Ben Abdallah", "A new AMR Approach for Energy Saving
in Smart Grids using Smart Meter and Partial Power Line Communication", 2012.
This paper addresses the increasing demand for energy, capacity limitations in energy
management, one-way communication issues, the need for interoperability among different
standards, communication security, and greenhouse gas emissions. To address these
challenges, the authors propose a new infrastructure grid called Smart Grid. They focus on
Smart Meters as a solution and introduce an AMR solution based on an energy meter with a
low-power microcontroller (MSP430FE423A) and Power Line Communication standards. The
aim is to achieve real-time pricing through the proposed communication infrastructure,
emphasizing its economic and low-carbon society benefits.
[3] "B. S. Koay, S. S. Cheah, Y. H. Sng, P. H. Chong, P. Shum, Y. C. Tong, X. Y. Wang, Y. X. Zuo,
and H. W. Kuek", "Design and Implementation of Bluetooth Energy Meter", 2012.
This paper discusses the continuous replacement of electromechanical meters with
electronic energy measurement technology, particularly in China and India. The authors
propose a wireless digital energy meter using Bluetooth technology to enhance meter
reading convenience. The design and implementation of a Bluetooth-enabled energy meter
are presented, allowing the energy reader to collect consumption readings wirelessly.
[4] Darshan Iyer N, Dr. KA Radhakrishna Rao M Tech. student, Dept. of ECE, PES College of
Engineering, Mandya, Karnataka, India, "IoT-Based Energy Meter Reading, Theft
Detection, and Disconnection using PLC modem and Power Optimization," Vol. 4, Issue 7,
July 2015.
This paper describes a PIC18F46k22 Microcontroller-based design and implementation of an
energy meter using the IoT concept. The system design aims to eliminate human
involvement in electricity maintenance, allowing users to pay for electricity usage on
schedule. In case of non-payment, the electricity transmission can be autonomously turned
off from a distant server. The user can monitor energy consumption through a web page by
providing the device's IP address. The system includes a theft detection unit notifying the
company when tampering occurs, sending theft detection information through a PLC
modem. The Wi-Fi unit performs IoT operations by sending energy meter data to a web
page accessible via an IP address.
[5] Li, X., et al. (2015). An IoT-enabled energy management platform for smart buildings.
In 2015 IEEE International Conference on Internet of Things (IoT), pp. 1319-1324.
This paper describes the design of an enterprise energy monitoring system based on the
Internet of Things (IoT) is presented. The system uses a B/S structure and integrates various
technologies such as digital instrumentation, communication networks, software, and
databases. The goals of the system are centralized management, decentralized control, and
remote monitoring. The system has been tested in China Automotive Technology and
Research Center and the results show that it meets the design requirements and achieves
real-time monitoring of the devices.With the increasing demand for energy conservation
and emission reduction, enterprise energy monitoring systems have become increasingly
important. Traditional energy monitoring systems are often limited in their ability to provide
real-time data and insights. IoT-based energy monitoring systems can overcome these
limitations by providing real-time data, remote monitoring, and automated control.
[6] Wang, L., et al. (2016). An IoT-based energy monitoring system for industrial
applications. In 2016 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Informatics (INDIN), pp.
1093-1098.
This paper describes the number of studies on the design and implementation of IoT-based
energy monitoring systems. For example,
• Proposed an IoT-based energy monitoring system for smart buildings. The system
uses sensors to collect data on energy consumption and then uses a cloud platform to
store and analyse the data. The system can be used to identify energy-saving
opportunities and to optimize energy consumption.
• Proposed an IoT-based energy monitoring system for industrial applications. The
system uses sensors to collect data on energy consumption, temperature, and
vibration. The system then uses a machine learning algorithm to predict energy
consumption and to identify potential equipment failures.
 • Proposed an IoT-based energy monitoring system for smart cities. The system uses
sensors to collect data on energy consumption, traffic, and air quality. The system
then uses a big data analytics platform to analyze the data and to provide insights into
how to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
[7] An IoT-based energy monitoring system for smart cities. IEEE International Conference
on Green Computing and Communications, Wesley Tyler Hartman; Alexander Hansen; Erik
Vasquez; Samy El-Tawab; Karim Altaii
This paper talks about the energy consumption which is a major global challenge, and there
is a growing need for more efficient ways to manage energy use. IoT-based energy
monitoring and control systems can help to address this challenge by providing real-time
data on energy consumption, enabling remote monitoring and control of devices, and
automating energy-saving measures.
Improved energy efficiency: IoT-based systems can provide real-time data on energy
consumption, which can help businesses and households to identify areas where they can
save energy. For example, a business can use an IoT system to monitor the energy
consumption of its HVAC system and make adjustments to optimize its efficiency. Reduced
costs: By improving energy efficiency, IoT-based systems can help businesses and
households to reduce their energy costs. Additionally, IoT systems can automate tasks such
as scheduling equipment operation and controlling lighting levels, which can further reduce
costs.Increased comfort and convenience: IoT-based systems can be used to control devices
remotely, which can increase comfort and convenience. For example, a homeowner can use
an IoT system to control their thermostat and lighting from their smartphone.Improved
sustainability: By reducing energy consumption, IoT-based systems can help to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts.
[8]Energy monitoring and control using Internet of Things (IoT) system
Wesley Tyler Hartman; Alexander Hansen; Erik Vasquez; Samy El-Tawab; Karim Altaii
This paper talks about the rising energy demands and environmental concerns necessitate
efficient energy management solutions. IoT, with its interconnected web of devices, offers
significant potential for revolutionizing energy monitoring and control. Here, we explore the
current state of knowledge in this domain.
Benefits of IoT for Energy Monitoring and Control:
• Real-time Data Acquisition: IoT sensors collect accurate, granular data on energy
consumption, enabling detailed analysis and identification of inefficiencies.
• Remote Monitoring and Control: Remote access to devices allows for adjustments
based on real-time data, optimizing energy use across geographical boundaries.
• Automation: Automated scheduling and control based on pre-defined parameters or
AI algorithms further optimize energy use and reduce human intervention.
 • Improved Efficiency: Enhanced data-driven insights lead to targeted
interventions, improving overall energy efficiency for homes, businesses, and
industries.
• Cost Reduction: Reduced energy consumption translates to lower energy bills for
individuals and organizations.
• Sustainability: Lower energy consumption translates to reduced greenhouse gas
emissions and environmental impact.

3. Simulator/Software used and System Architecture:

Software tool: Proteus
Cloud: Blynk
Communication: VSPE
3.1 Overall System Overview:
• The energy monitoring system architecture consists of three main components: the
hardware components, the software components, and the communication protocols.
These components work together to enable energy data acquisition, transmission,
visualization, and remote-control functionality.
3.2 Hardware Components:
• The hardware components of the system include an Arduino microcontroller, energy
sensors (such as current transformers or power meters), and relays or smart switches
for device control. The Arduino serves as the central processing unit responsible for
data acquisition, processing, and communication. The energy sensors are connected
to the Arduino to measure and capture energy consumption data from the electrical
system. The relays or smart switches enable remote control of electrical devices,
allowing users to turn them on or off through the system.

• Fig 1. Arduino microcontroller

3.3 Software Components:
• The software components of the system encompass the programming logic and the
user interface. The Arduino is programmed using Arduino IDE or compatible software
to read sensor data, perform calculations, and communicate with the Blynk platform.
The Blynk platform provides a user-friendly mobile application that enables data
visualization, remote control, and notifications. Users can customize the Blynk
application's interface and functionality to suit their specific energy monitoring
requirements.

Fig 2. Blynk Application

3.4 Communication Protocols:

• To establish communication between the hardware and software components,
appropriate communication protocols are utilized. The Virtual Serial Port Emulator
(VSPE) software plays a crucial role in establishing a virtual serial communication link
between the Arduino and the Blynk application. VSPE creates virtual COM ports,
allowing data transmission between the Arduino and Blynk through the serial
communication protocol. This ensures reliable and seamless data transfer, enabling
real-time monitoring and control. The overall system architecture follows a client-
server model. The Arduino acts as the client, responsible for data acquisition and
transmission. It communicates with the Blynk server, which hosts the mobile
application interface and manages data visualization and control requests.
• The communication between the Arduino and the Blynk server is facilitated through
the virtual serial communication link established by VSPE. The system architecture
ensures a streamlined flow of data, starting from energy sensors connected to the
Arduino, which collects and processes the data. The Arduino then transmits the
processed data to the Blynk server via the virtual serial communication link. The
Blynk server receives the data and updates the mobile application's interface to
display energy consumption information. Users can access the mobile application
 from anywhere, allowing them to monitor energy consumption, visualize data, and
remotely control electrical devices.

Fig 3. VSPE (Virtual Serial Port Emulator)

The system architecture provides a scalable and adaptable framework that can be expanded
to accommodate additional sensors, devices, or functionalities based on specific energy
monitoring requirements. The software development aspect of the energy monitoring
system involves programming the Arduino microcontrollers to collect data from the sensors,
perform necessary calculations, and transmit the information to the monitoring station.
Arduino's integrated development environment (IDE) provides a user-friendly platform for
coding and uploading the necessary firmware. The firmware reads the analogue data from
the sensors, applies calibration factors, and processes the data before transmitting it via
Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

4. Design and Implementation

4.1 Sensor Interface and Data Acquisition:
• The energy monitoring system utilizes various sensors to measure energy
consumption. These sensors can include current sensors, voltage sensors, and power
sensors. The sensors are connected to the Arduino microcontroller, which acts as the
central processing unit for data acquisition. The Arduino is responsible for reading the
sensor values and converting them into meaningful energy consumption data.
• To interface the sensors with the Arduino, appropriate signal conditioning circuits
may be required. These circuits ensure that the sensor signals are compatible with
 the Arduino's input requirements. The sensor values are sampled at regular intervals
and processed by the Arduino for further analysis and transmission.
• In this project, a current sensor has been used in the circuit to detect and measure
the amount of energy consumed. Along with the current sensor, other devices like
capacitors, resistors and transformers were used in the circuit. Capacitors were used
to stabilize voltage signals and delay/timing purposes. Resistors are used to adjust
signal levels, provide impedance matching and reduce noise interference.

4.2 Arduino Microcontroller Programming:

• The Arduino microcontroller plays a crucial role in the energy monitoring system. It is
responsible for receiving sensor data, processing it, and transmitting the relevant
information to the Blynk platform. Arduino programming languages such as Arduino
IDE (Integrated Development Environment) or C/C++ can be used to develop the
firmware. This project has been made with the help of Arduino IDE code which is
based off C++.
• The programming logic involves reading the sensor values, performing calculations to
derive energy consumption, and updating the data to the Blynk platform. The Arduino
code should be optimized for efficient data processing and ensure accurate readings.
The code is written to connect the Blynk application and the Arduino which is to be
simulated through Proteus and display the final readings. The code also contains logic
to display the readings of Power, Voltage, Current and Energy consumed in an LCD
screen which can be viewed while the circuit is simulated in Proteus.
4.3 Blynk Mobile Application:
• Blynk is a popular IoT platform that enables easy integration of hardware devices with
mobile applications.
• In the energy monitoring system, the Blynk mobile application provides a user-
friendly interface for visualizing energy consumption data and controlling devices
remotely.
• The Blynk mobile application can be customized to display real-time energy
consumption values, historical data graphs, and alerts for high energy usage.
• The application can also include features like device scheduling and energy-saving
tips. Blynk provides a range of widgets and widgets customization options, allowing
users to create a personalized and intuitive user interface.
 Fig 4. Datastreams for the circuit in Blynk

4.4 VSPE Configuration:

• Virtual Serial Port Emulator is a software tool used to create virtual serial ports on a
computer. In the energy monitoring system, VSPE is employed to establish a virtual
communication channel between the Arduino microcontroller and the Blynk
platform. VSPE allows the Arduino to transmit data to the Blynk mobile application
using the virtual serial port. The configuration involves creating a virtual serial port
pair, where one end is connected to the Arduino's serial output, and the other end is
linked to the Blynk platform. This setup ensures seamless data transmission and
synchronization between the hardware and software components of the system.

Fig 5. Initializing ports to connect Blynk application and Arduino

5. Experimental Evaluation
• The system's performance, accuracy in energy monitoring, and remote-control
functionality were assessed to determine its effectiveness in achieving the project
objectives.
• To evaluate the system's performance, several tests were conducted to measure its
response time, reliability, and overall stability. The response time was measured by
sending commands from the Blynk mobile application to control electrical devices
connected to the system. The system exhibited minimal delay in executing the
commands, ensuring near real-time control. The reliability of the system was
assessed by running the system continuously for extended periods, during which it
consistently maintained stable operation without crashes or significant performance
degradation.
• Accuracy in energy monitoring was evaluated by comparing the readings obtained
from the system with a calibrated energy meter. The energy meter was connected in
parallel with the monitored electrical circuit to ensure accurate measurement. The
system's readings were found to be within an acceptable range of error,
demonstrating its reliability in providing accurate energy consumption data.

6. Applications
• Smart Homes: IoT energy monitoring systems can be used in smart homes to track
and optimize energy consumption. They provide real-time data on energy usage,
allowing homeowners to identify energy-intensive appliances or behaviours and make
adjustments to reduce energy waste.
• Industrial Energy Management: In industrial settings, IoT energy monitoring systems
help monitor and manage energy consumption in factories, warehouses, and other
facilities. By collecting data from sensors installed on equipment and machinery,
these systems enable businesses to identify energy inefficiencies, optimize
operations, and reduce costs.
• Building Automation: IoT energy monitoring systems play a crucial role in building
automation and energy management. They collect data on energy usage, occupancy
patterns, and environmental conditions to optimize heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting, and other building systems for improved
energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
• Renewable Energy Integration: IoT energy monitoring systems are used to integrate
and manage renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines. By
monitoring the energy production and consumption in real-time, these systems
ensure efficient utilization of renewable energy and facilitate grid integration.
• Energy Grid Management: IoT energy monitoring systems enable utility companies to
monitor and manage energy distribution across the grid. By collecting data on energy
demand, supply, and distribution, these systems help utilities optimize energy
 generation, detect faults or outages, and improve overall grid reliability and
efficiency.
• Electric Vehicle Charging: With the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), IoT
energy monitoring systems are used to manage and optimize EV charging. These
systems provide real-time data on charging station availability, energy consumption,
and billing information, ensuring efficient use of resources and seamless charging
experiences for EV owners.
• Agriculture: IoT energy monitoring systems find applications in agricultural settings
for optimizing energy usage in irrigation systems, greenhouse operations, and
livestock management. By monitoring energy consumption and environmental
conditions, these systems help farmers make informed decisions to reduce energy
waste and improve productivity.

7. Conclusion
7.1 Summary of Contributions:
The design and implementation of the Energy Monitoring System using Arduino, Blynk, and
VSPE presented in this research paper has successfully addressed the need for efficient
energy management and monitoring. The system incorporates various hardware and
software components to provide real-time energy consumption data, data visualization
through a mobile application, and remote-control capabilities. By utilizing Arduino
microcontroller, Blynk platform, and VSPE, the system offers an accessible and user-friendly
solution for energy monitoring and management.
7.2 Implications and Future Work:
The Energy Monitoring System presented in this paper has significant implications for
energy conservation, as it enables users to monitor and control their energy usage
effectively. The system can be implemented in various settings, including residential,
commercial, and industrial sectors, to promote energy efficiency and reduce wastage.
Additionally, improvements can be made in terms of system scalability and security. Scaling
the system to handle a larger number of devices and data points would enable its
deployment in larger buildings or even in smart cities. Strengthening the security measures
to protect the system from potential cyber threats and unauthorized access is also an
important aspect to consider.
REFERENCES:
• Home Electric Energy Monitoring System: Design and Prototyping João Gil Josué, João
Murta Pina, and Mário Ventim Neves -
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• Leverage IoT for Energy Efficiency in Building Management -
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• Blynk documentation - https://docs.blynk.io/en/
• VSPE documentation - https://eterlogic.com/Products.VSPE.html
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• https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7532219
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