RBgrid Use Cases and Application Scenarios

Overview

The RBgrid enables comprehensive electrical energy monitoring systems with support for:

• Consumption and generation measurement
• Multi-tariff billing
• Statistics accumulation
• Various sensor types

Primary Use Cases

Scenario 1: Basic Consumption Monitoring

Application: Apartment or small office with single-phase power supply

Configuration

Component	Description
Input	Main Supply (220/110V grid connection)
Measurement	Total premises consumption
Sensors	ZC&Voltage sensor, current sensor SCT-013 or ACS-712
Storage	Storage memory module

Functionality

The system provides:

• Real-time power consumption (W)
• Accumulated energy (kWh)
• Power quality metrics (voltage, frequency)
• Historical consumption patterns

Tariff Application

Tariff Type	Time Period	Description
Day rate	7:00 AM - 11:00 PM	Standard daytime rate
Night rate	11:00 PM - 7:00 AM	Reduced off-peak rate

Features:
- Automatic cost calculation by time zones
- Monthly billing reports

Scenario 2: Prosumer with Solar Generation

Application: Private house with solar panels and grid feed-in capability

Configuration

Component	Description
Input 1	Main Supply (220/110V grid) - bidirectional metering
Input 2	Alternative Supply (solar panels)
Measurement	Consumption, generation, grid feed-in
Sensors	ZC&Voltage sensor, current sensors SCT-013 or ACS-712
Storage	Storage memory module

Functionality

The system tracks:

• Grid consumption and feed-in
• Solar generation output
• Energy balance and self-consumption
• Net Metering calculations
• Return on investment metrics

Net Metering Tariffs

Tariff Type	Application
Consumption	Standard time-based rates
Generation	Green tariff for feed-in
Balance	Automatic credit/debit calculation

Reporting:

• Monthly and annual balance reports

Scenario 3: Smart Load Management

Application: House with solar panels and controllable water heater

Configuration

Component	Description
Input 1	Main Supply (grid connection)
Input 2	Alternative Supply (solar panels)
Output	Heater (2-10 kW water heater)
Sensors	ZC&Voltage sensor, current sensors SCT-013 or ACS-712
Storage	Storage memory module

Functionality

Smart control features:

• Priority use of solar energy
• Heater activation during excess generation
• Night tariff optimization
• Grid feed-in prevention
• Load balancing algorithms

Consumption Optimization

Sensor Connection Methods

Current Sensors

Sensor Type	Application	Advantages
SCT-013	General monitoring	Easy installation, non-invasive
ACS712	Precision measurement	Bidirectional, direction detection

Voltage Sensors

Sensor Type	Function
ZC&Voltage	Zero-crossing detection and voltage measurement

Statistics Management

Data Accumulation - Storage Module

The system collects:

• Settings and configuration data
• Hourly energy consumption and generation
• Peak and average power values
• Operating hours and cycles
• Power quality events

Report Types

Report Period	Data Aggregation	Purpose
Minute aggregates	Averaged values	Real-time monitoring
Hourly statistics	Accumulated energy	Detailed analysis
Daily reports	By tariff zones	Cost tracking
Monthly summaries	For utility billing	Invoice verification
Yearly summaries	5 years data	Long-term trends

Telemetry

Data transmission options:
- Protocol: MQTT, HTTP API
- Format: JSON for web interface

Tariff Plans

Two-Zone Tariff

Standard residential plan with:

Zone	Price Level	Time Period
Day rate	Higher	Peak hours
Night rate	Reduced	Off-peak hours

Features:

• Automatic switching at defined times
• Seasonal adjustments support

Three-Zone Tariff

Advanced plan featuring:

Zone	Price Level	Time Period
Peak rate	Highest	Maximum demand hours
Semi-peak rate	Moderate	Transitional periods
Night rate	Lowest	Off-peak hours

Features:

• Flexible scheduling by weekday/weekend

Net Metering

Prosumer billing with:

Rate Type	Application
Consumption rate	Standard grid price
Feed-in rate	Purchase price for excess

Features:
- Monthly or annual billing periods
- Credit carry-over options

Practical Recommendations

Configuration Selection

Sensor Selection

Requirement	Recommended Sensor	Reason
Easy installation	SCT-013	Non-invasive, clip-on design
High precision	ACS712	Accurate bidirectional measurement
Comprehensive system	Both types	Complete monitoring solution

Calibration

Typical Applications

Apartments

Use cases:
- Total consumption monitoring
- Energy-intensive appliance identification
- Tariff zone optimization
- Cost reduction strategies

Private Houses

Use cases:
- Multi-input monitoring
- Heater and AC management
- Solar panel integration
- Energy independence tracking

Small Business

Use cases:
- Department/zone accounting
- Peak load control
- Energy cost optimization
- Power quality monitoring

Integration Options

Local Systems

Component	Functionality
ESP32 web interface	Real-time monitoring and control
LCD display	Current readings display
Load relay control	Automatic load management
Local automation	Rule-based automation

Cloud Platforms

Compatible platforms:

• Home Assistant - Open-source home automation
• Blynk IoT - Mobile app control
• ThingSpeak - Data analytics platform
• Custom MQTT brokers - Flexible integration

Safety Considerations

Electrical Safety

Data Security

Security Layer	Implementation
MQTT encryption	TLS/SSL protocols
Web interface	Password authentication
Critical data	Local secure storage
Firmware updates	Signed and verified

Advanced Features

Demand Response

Capabilities:
- Dynamic load shifting
- Peak shaving capabilities
- Grid stability support
- Time-of-use optimization

Predictive Analytics

Features:
- Consumption pattern learning
- Anomaly detection
- Maintenance predictions
- Cost forecasting

Energy Management

Advanced control:
- Real-time optimization
- Renewable integration
- Battery storage support
- EV charging coordination

Benefits

Economic Benefits

Benefit	Impact
Reduced energy costs	15-30% savings typical
Optimal tariff utilization	Maximize off-peak usage
ROI tracking	Monitor solar investment returns
Prevention of upgrades	Avoid unnecessary service increases

Environmental Benefits

Technical Benefits

Benefit	Description
Power quality monitoring	Detect voltage/frequency issues
Equipment protection	Prevent damage from power events
Preventive maintenance	Schedule maintenance before failures
System optimization	Continuous performance improvement

Conclusion

The RBgrid for ESP32 provides a flexible platform for implementing energy monitoring systems of any complexity - from simple consumption meters to comprehensive energy management systems with renewable source support and tariff optimization.

Ready to start? Choose your scenario and begin optimizing your energy consumption today!