Inspiration
The aim of the project is to minimize the queue at the energy meter billing counters and to restrict the usage of energy meter automatically, if the bill is not paid. The project also aims at proposing a system that will reduce the loss of power and revenue due to power thefts and other illegal activities. The results obtained shows good system performance. A prior billing is bound to do away with the problems of unpaid bills and human error in meter readings, thereby ensuring justified revenue for the utility.
What it does
The work system adopts a totally new concept of "Prepaid Energy Meter". The GSM technology is used so that the consumer would receive messages about the consumption of power (in watts) and if it reaches the minimum amount, it would automatically alert the consumer to recharge. This technology holds good for all electricity distribution companies, private communities, IT parks and self-containing housing projects.
How we built it
A GSM-based Energy Recharge Interface which contains a prepaid card equivalent to a mobile SIM card. The prepaid card communicates with the power utility using GSM communication network. Once the prepaid card is out of balance, the consumer load is disconnected from the utility supply by the latching Relay (contactor). The power utility can recharge the prepaid card remotely through GSM/SMS mode base on customer requests.
Challenges we ran into
Insufficient financial resources
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Having many people see the value of the idea
What we learned
Hard work and commitment pays
What's next for Improved prepaid electricity/water token meter
Scale up the project for adoption of new technologies.
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