2

I saw online some cheap hardware ~10$ that can measure Volt, Amps, Watt and Kwh and display the results on an LCD screen.

enter image description here

I could buy and plug these on my 12V solar panel system to monitor it. (5 of them)

But thinking about it, I wish to use my RPI to monitor these numbers. - Trigger some events on specific values.
And display all of it in a web interface or whatever. (That won't be a problem.)

My question is : What kind of hardware can I use to simply measure the Volt, Amps, Watt and Kwh and send the value to my RPI ? (in 5 different places in the circuit.)

bob dylan
  • 131
  • 2

2 Answers2

2

Get yourself a ADC with a range that suits you(plenty of hats) with enough inputs to measure voltages and currents. You can measure currents multiple ways, with current clamps(that doesn't require another hat) or use a current meter.

These hats mostly work with i2c, and come with python / c examples.

I expect you to know how to use the voltage and current to calculate the watts and from that kWh.

You can add some cool power quality measurement routines on your data as well. The pi is powerful enough.

Dr_Bunsen
  • 496
  • 3
  • 11
1

Answering my own question, so you can tell me if it's a good idea.

I already made a working system with an ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) that can convert the voltage to an LED with a potentiometer with some C code. - PCF8591

enter image description here

  • Can i simply buy an ACS712 and send 4 different analog signals to the PCF8591 ? (It does have 4 analog inputs)

enter image description here

And then I should be able to use I2C to send to my Raspberry Pi.

bob dylan
  • 131
  • 2