Smart Clamp Power Meter

//Smart Clamp Power Meter

Smart Clamp Power Meter

About the Product
  • Current Measurement: The clamp mechanism allows you to measure current without having to disconnect or modify the circuit. This is done using a current transformer or Hall effect sensor within the clamp.
  • Voltage Measurement: It can measure voltage directly by connecting the voltage probes to the circuit.
  • Power Measurement: Advanced models can calculate real power (in watts), apparent power (in volt-amperes), and reactive power (in volt-amperes reactive), providing insights into the power usage and efficiency of the system.
  • Energy Measurement: Some meters can measure energy consumption over time, useful for tracking and managing electrical usage.
  • Frequency Measurement: Measures the frequency of the electrical signal, which can be important for diagnosing issues in certain types of equipment.
  • Harmonic Analysis: High-end models may offer harmonic analysis to evaluate the distortion in the electrical waveform, which can be useful for diagnosing power quality issues.
  • Data Logging and Connectivity: SMART CLAMP POWER METERS feature data logging capabilities and connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi  for transferring data to a mobile device for further analysis.
  • Safety Features: Designed with safety in mind, these devices often include features like overload protection, insulation, and safety certifications to handle high-voltage and high-current measurements.
Client

Singh and Sons Private Limited, Pune

Specification
  • Clamp Sensor: This is the primary component that wraps around a conductor to measure current. It uses a current transformer (CT) or Hall effect sensor to detect the magnetic field generated by the current flow.
  • Voltage Probes: These are used to measure the voltage across a circuit. They are often included in the form of detachable leads or integrated into the clamp meter.
  • Microcontroller: This processes the signals from the clamp sensor and voltage probes. It performs calculations to determine power, energy, and other electrical parameters.
  • Display: A digital or analog display that shows the measured values. Modern meters often use LCD screens for clarity and additional features.
  • Battery: Powers the device. Rechargeable batteries.
  • User Interface: Buttons or dials that allow the user to select different measurement modes, configure settings, and navigate through the device’s functions.
  • Communication Interface: Bluetooth or WiFi for data transfer and remote monitoring.
  • Protection Circuitry: Ensures that the device operates safely and protects against overvoltage, overload, and other electrical hazards.
  • Enclosure: The outer casing that protects the internal components and provides durability for field use
Mobile Apps
  • Data Visualization: Display real-time measurements, trends, and historical data in graphical formats. This helps in understanding power consumption patterns and identifying issues.
  • Data Logging: Automatically record measurements over time for later review. You can export this data in formats like CSV or Excel for detailed analysis.
  • Remote Monitoring: Allows you to monitor and analyze measurements from a distance. This can be particularly useful for large installations where direct access to the meter may be challenging.
  • Alerts and Notifications: Set up alerts for specific thresholds or anomalies in measurements. For instance, you can receive notifications if current or voltage exceeds a certain limit.
  • Calibration and Configuration: Adjust settings and calibrate the device remotely. This can simplify the process of configuring the meter for different measurement scenarios.
  • Reporting: Generate and share reports directly from the app. This can include summaries of measurements, charts, and analysis, which are useful for documentation and communication with stakeholders.
  • Integration with Other Tools: Sync data with other software or systems, such as energy management systems or building management systems, for more comprehensive analysis and control.
  • User Management: For apps used in multi-user environments, manage access levels and permissions for different users
Technology Used

Conceptual Design

  • CAD Software (CATIA): Used for designing the physical components of the clamp meter, including the casing, clamps, and internal layout.

Hardware Development

  • Current Transformers (CTs): The core sensor component that measures AC current by detecting the magnetic field around a conductor. These are the actual clamps that go around the wire.
  • Microcontrollers (ESP32): Serve as the main processing unit, collecting data from sensors, processing it, and communicating with the mobile app.
  • Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs): Convert the analog signals from the current transformers into digital data that the microcontroller can process.
  • Power Management ICs: Ensure efficient energy consumption, particularly if the device is battery-powered.
  • Communication Modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth): Enable the device to send data to the mobile app for real-time monitoring.
  • Display Modules (optional, LCD): For showing real-time readings directly on the device.

Embedded Systems Development

  • Programming Languages (Python): For writing the firmware that controls the microcontroller and processes the data from the sensors.
  • Embedded Development Platforms (Arduino IDE): For coding, testing, and deploying the embedded software on the microcontroller.

Signal Processing

  • Signal Conditioning Circuits: To prepare the analog signals from the current transformers before they are fed into the ADCs.
  • Digital Signal Processing (DSP): For accurate measurement of electrical parameters like current, voltage, power factor, and energy consumption.

Mobile App Development

  • Development Frameworks (React Native): For creating cross-platform or native mobile apps that allow users to monitor power consumption and receive alerts.
  • Backend Services (Firebase): To manage user authentication, data storage, and real-time updates.
  • Bluetooth/Wi-Fi SDKs: For integrating communication protocols into the app, allowing it to connect to the Smart Clamp Power Meter device.
  • UI/UX Design Tools (Sketch): For designing intuitive interfaces for data visualization and user interaction.

Cloud Integration and Data Management

  • IoT Platforms (Things Board): To manage device connectivity, data collection, and storage in the cloud.
  • MQTT/HTTP Protocols: For secure and efficient communication between the device and the cloud.
  • Real-Time Databases ( Firebase Realtime Database): For storing and retrieving time-series data, such as power consumption logs.

Testing and Quality Assurance

  • Simulation Tools (LTspice): For simulating electronic circuits before hardware deployment.
  • Mobile App Testing Tools (Appium): To ensure the app works smoothly across different devices and platforms.
  • Field Testing: Deploying prototypes to test real-world performance, accuracy, and reliability.

Manufacturing and Assembly

  • PCB Design Software (Altium Designer): For designing the printed circuit boards (PCBs) that integrate all the electronic components. (Outsourced)
  • 3D Printing: For creating the device casing and any custom parts needed for the clamps or enclosures.

Deployment and Maintenance

  • Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: For remotely updating the firmware of the device to add new features or fix bugs.
  • User Support and Documentation: Providing users with guides, troubleshooting tools, and customer support