Smart MCB with Metering Ability to Optimize Electricity Usage

Abstract

Electricity is billed based on time-of-use schemes to reflect the generation becoming more expensive during peak hours of power usage. For countries where smart meters are not installed, a miniature circuit breaker with power usage metering capability is proposed in this work. The smart metering MCB transmits real time energy consumption data, so that the user can graphically know power consumption of each sub circuit of the dwelling as well as daily, monthly summaries. These visual indicators can assist end users to improve their electricity usage at strategic times, ensuring financial savings. The grid benefits from reduced peak load, thus stability. The proposed design was constructed and implemented for a single-phase sub circuit. Experimental test results and calibration data are presented together with the design overview.