SMART HOME ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM USING IOT TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

The growing global demand for energy has underscored the urgent need for enhanced energy efficiency, particularly in developing regions. Energy challenges stem from losses in transmission and distribution systems, as well as inadequate demand-side management. While demand-oriented systems, such as Smart Home Energy Management Systems (SHEMS), have been proposed, they are typically limited to already-smart devices and are unsuitable for areas with non-IoT-capable appliances. Addressing this gap, we introduce Homergy, a cutting-edge IoT-based Home Energy Management Solution, designed for both advanced and developing markets. Homergy integrates the Homergy Box (an IoT device with internet connectivity, microcontroller, and opto-coupled relays), a NoSQL cloud database with streaming capabilities, and a secure cross-platform mobile app (Homergy Mobile App). Deployed in three diverse scenarios—a low-consuming house, a single-user office, and a high-consuming house—Homergy demonstrated significant energy savings. Results included 0.5 kWh weekly savings for the low-consuming house, 0.35 kWh for the office, and an impressive 13 kWh improvement over existing smart-only systems in the high-consuming house.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
A Smart Home Energy Management System (SHEMS) using IoT technology enables efficient energy monitoring and control in residential settings. It integrates IoT devices like sensors, smart meters, and appliances, allowing real-time tracking of energy consumption, optimizing usage, and reducing costs. The system automates energy-saving actions, provides user insights, and supports sustainable practices, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
The increasing demand for energy, coupled with the need to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints, has led to the development of Smart Home Energy Management Systems (SHEMS). With advancements in Internet of Things (IoT) technology, traditional homes can now be transformed into energy-efficient environments. In conventional households, energy usage is often inefficient, with users unaware of consumption patterns or ways to optimize energy use. Additionally, the reliance on non-renewable energy sources and the absence of real-time energy monitoring contribute to higher energy costs and environmental impact.
The integration of IoT in home energy management offers a solution to these challenges. IoT devices, such as smart meters, sensors, thermostats, and appliances, allow continuous monitoring of energy usage and provide real-time data to homeowners. These devices can communicate with a central system to analyze energy consumption patterns, detect inefficiencies, and automate control of home appliances to optimize energy use. For instance, IoT-based systems can regulate lighting, heating, cooling, and appliance operation based on occupancy, time-of-day, or environmental factors, ensuring energy is only used when necessary.

SHEMS also provide users with insights into their energy usage, empowering them to make informed decisions and adopt energy-saving behaviors. By incorporating renewable energy sources like solar power and leveraging battery storage systems, IoT-enabled smart homes can further enhance energy efficiency and contribute to sustainability. Overall, the background of this invention reflects the need for smarter, greener, and more cost-effective energy management solutions in the face of growing environmental and economic concerns.
The patent application number 201941004621 discloses an IOT fog - based power distribution system for smart energy management and a method thereof.
The patent application number 202111056238 discloses a system and method for providing energy management in communication network.
The patent application number 202221011559 discloses a system and method for facilitating smart energy management in a network.
The patent application number 202244020945 discloses a energy demand forecasting and sustainable energy management using machine learning.
The patent application number 202241071227 discloses an energy management system in an electric vehicle.
SUMMARY
The Smart Home Energy Management System (SHEMS) using IoT technology is an innovative solution designed to optimize energy usage in residential homes. By integrating various IoT devices such as smart meters, sensors, thermostats, and appliances, SHEMS enables real-time monitoring and control of energy consumption. This system collects and analyzes data on household energy use, providing insights into consumption patterns and identifying inefficiencies.
The invention enables automated energy management by adjusting lighting, heating, cooling, and appliance operations based on factors like occupancy, time-of-day, and environmental conditions. For example, the system can automatically dim lights when rooms are unoccupied or adjust thermostat settings based on the temperature outside, thus reducing unnecessary energy consumption. This dynamic control ensures energy is used more efficiently, leading to lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact.
Furthermore, SHEMS supports the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, and the use of energy storage solutions, enabling homes to rely more on sustainable energy and less on non-renewable sources. The system can also provide users with detailed energy consumption reports, helping them make informed decisions and adopt more energy-efficient habits.
The Smart Home Energy Management System enhances convenience, comfort, and sustainability while offering significant cost savings for homeowners. By leveraging IoT technology, this invention represents a step towards smarter, more eco-friendly homes, addressing the growing need for energy efficiency in modern residential living.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Energy efficiency has emerged as a critical priority, perhaps even surpassing the growth of energy capacity itself. In nations like Ghana, a burgeoning population has exacerbated electricity supply challenges, costing the country an average of US $2.1 million in daily production losses. Despite expanding generation capacity from 1,730 MW in 2006 to 3,795 MW in 2016, these challenges persist, underscoring the urgent need for efficient and sustainable energy practices. Efficient energy consumption offers a balanced approach to managing energy supply and demand, while energy conservation efforts yield benefits such as enhanced financial capital, improved environmental quality, and greater human comfort.
Historically, energy management efforts have focused on supply and distribution, but research suggests a more effective strategy is to empower users to manage their electricity usage through informed decision-making. This paradigm shift is especially vital for low-income economies, where adopting sustainable energy practices and leveraging advanced technologies can significantly improve energy efficiency.
This paper explores the transformative potential of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in achieving energy efficiency. IoT enables seamless integration of household devices, facilitating data-sharing and control over networks, and empowering users to monitor and manage energy consumption. However, non-IoT devices-prevalent in many households-remain excluded from this ecosystem, hindering broader energy conservation efforts.
The novelty of this work lies in the design of the Homergy Box, an innovative IoT device that bridges the gap between smart and non-smart appliances. By connecting these devices to the IoT network, all household appliances, regardless of their smart capabilities, can be controlled remotely via an internet-connected mobile app, revolutionizing energy management and contributing to global sustainability goals.
It is widely acknowledged that demand-oriented solutions and management systems offer superior energy efficiency compared to traditional supply-side management approaches. Studies demonstrate that demand-side strategies provide higher efficiency, reduce capital costs, minimize failure probabilities, and improve risk management. Building on this premise, a "smart domestic energy management system" connects local appliances to a user interface over the Internet, utilizing an internet-enabled mote installed on each appliance.
There is a broad consensus that user involvement is essential for optimizing energy management and enhancing efficiency. In response, various approaches to implementing demand-oriented home energy management systems have been proposed. For instance, a 'smart home scheduling scheme' uses simulation software and an end-user application interface, enabling users to visualize and control home energy usage through hourly schedules. This approach effectively prevents energy wastage through planning, monitoring, and controlling daily consumption.
An intelligent agent-based Home Energy Management System integrates electricity pricing, smart metering, and IoT-capable appliances, allowing users, network operators, and energy suppliers to benefit from dynamic pricing mechanisms. Providing real-time energy statistics to users is a crucial step in improving energy efficiency, as seen in systems that send real-time meter readings to both suppliers and consumers via intuitive user interfaces. Additionally, smart meters report energy readings to service providers over the cloud, adjusting household energy usage based on electricity price fluctuations.
Researchers propose an IoT-based system where a NodeMCU controls relays connected to household appliances. While this solution is not limited to smart devices, it has yet to be deployed in a real-world environment and lacks exhaustive implementation details for voice control. Unlike web interfaces, native mobile apps would provide a more convenient user experience.
Smart Home Energy Management Systems on the Market
This section reviews some of the prominent Smart Home Energy Management Systems currently available. Manufacturers of smart home devices typically develop proprietary control systems and apps for managing their appliances. For instance, the ecobee app is used to control ecobee devices. Over time, many manufacturers have expanded their ecosystems, allowing integration with broader systems. Platforms like Google Home and Amazon Alexa are designed to unify control of supported smart devices, and systems like Samsung SmartThings and Google Assistant offer central control points for various smart devices within their ecosystems.
In addition, dedicated hardware devices, such as "smart hubs," have been introduced to facilitate integration of smart devices, enabling more convenient user interfaces (e.g., voice control through smart speakers) and multi-step automation. For example, systems can automatically turn off lights and air conditioners when a user leaves the house, offering enhanced convenience and energy efficiency.
From the extensive literature review, it is evident that significant strides have been made in the realm of Smart Home Energy Systems. However, the majority of these studies focus primarily on pre-existing smart appliances, overlooking a crucial segment of devices-those that lack inherent IoT capabilities, i.e., appliances that do not possess the ability to sense and communicate with their environment. As defined, smart devices are "autonomous physical/digital entities equipped with sensing, processing, and networking capabilities. They are endowed with application logic that allows them to comprehend their surroundings, interact with human users, and autonomously sense, record, and interpret both internal and external conditions. These devices can take actions independently, communicate with one another, and exchange information with people."
A 2020 estimate highlights that only 0.6% of households in Africa own at least one smart device, a stark contrast to 69% in the United States. This disparity suggests that regions with low smart device penetration-such as much of Africa-would not benefit from the solutions presented in existing studies. One notable limitation of the architecture proposed for integrating non-smart appliances into the IoT ecosystem is the necessity of installing an IoT mote on each non-smart appliance. This solution proves cost-prohibitive, particularly for low-income households that would stand to gain the most from energy efficiency improvements. For instance, research indicates that the average electricity usage efficiency in Ghana is only 63%, highlighting a significant untapped potential for energy efficiency initiatives.
Driven by the need to address these challenges, we are motivated to develop and implement a Smart Energy-Efficient IoT-Based Home Energy Management Solution that extends beyond the confines of smart appliances. This system is designed to cater to the energy needs of households in developing regions, ensuring that energy efficiency is achievable for all types of devices, both smart and non-smart.
Our objectives are therefore as follows:
• To design and develop an innovative Home Energy Management System that seamlessly integrates non-smart appliances into the energy-efficient IoT framework, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all devices within the home.
• To implement the proposed system in realistic testing environments, simulating various use-case scenarios to ensure its robustness and practicality in real-world applications.
• To assess the effectiveness of the IoT-based solution in significantly enhancing energy efficiency, especially in regions with limited access to smart technologies, thereby contributing to sustainable energy practices.
Through these objectives, we aim to bridge the gap between advanced smart technology and underserved communities, fostering widespread adoption of energy-efficient practices in homes that lack access to conventional smart devices.

Fig. 1. Penetration of Smart Devices

Fig. 2. System Model.

Fig. 3. General System Architecture.
System Overview
To enhance the usability of home automation in spaces with traditional non-smart appliances, the "Homergy Box" has been developed as a bridge between smart technologies and conventional home devices. Serving as a gateway, the Homergy Box connects the "smart side" (the internet and the Homergy application) to the "non-smart side" (household appliances), thus enabling seamless integration. This model is illustrated in the architecture diagram.
The core components of the Homergy Box include an Arduino Mega microcontroller, a NodeMCU, relay modules, and an AC-DC converter. The AC-DC converter is responsible for transforming the input 240V AC to a stable 5V DC, which is required to power the electronics such as the microcontroller, NodeMCU, and relays. The NodeMCU, equipped with built-in Wi-Fi, establishes a wireless connection to the internet, allowing remote control and monitoring of the system via the Homergy mobile application.
Once the NodeMCU receives commands from the app, it processes the data and communicates the necessary instructions to the Arduino Mega. The Arduino Mega then manages the relays that control the home appliances. Although the NodeMCU has microcontroller capabilities, its limited number of input/output pins and insufficient power output make it inadequate for controlling the Homergy Box's sixteen relay modules. Thus, the relay modules serve as the interface between high-voltage AC appliances and the low-voltage electronic circuitry of the system.
Communication Protocols
The communication framework within the Homergy system utilizes a combination of I2C, HTTP, WebSocket, and TCP/IP protocols to ensure efficient data exchange across different system components.
• I2C Communication:
I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) is a serial communication protocol widely used in microcontrollers, sensors, EEPROMs, and analog-to-digital converters. It operates with two wires: a Serial Data (SDA) line and a Serial Clock (SCL) line. I2C is a multi-master and multi-slave system, meaning multiple devices can communicate simultaneously under the control of a master device. The communication begins when the master sends a start signal, followed by the clock pulses for synchronization. Data is exchanged in 8-bit packets, and each device is identified by a unique address.
• HTTP Protocol:
The Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) governs the request-response interaction between the client (user's mobile app) and the server (cloud database). The client initiates the process by sending an HTTP request to the server, which in turn responds with the required data or an error message. This connection remains open only during the transaction, closing once the data transfer is complete.
• WebSocket Protocol:
WebSocket is a communication protocol that facilitates real-time, full-duplex communication over a single TCP connection. Unlike HTTP, where the connection is closed after each exchange, WebSocket allows the server and client to continue communicating continuously without closing the connection. This persistent link ensures that any updates or events from the server can be instantly communicated to the client, enabling near-instantaneous command execution.
Together, these protocols work in unison to deliver an efficient, reliable, and responsive home automation experience. The Homergy Box, through its robust communication structure, ensures that users can effortlessly control and monitor their household appliances from anywhere, enhancing both convenience and energy efficiency.

• The user powers on the Homergy system.
• The Homergy system retrieves data from the database and applies the existing settings to the appliances through the relays, while establishing a real-time connection with the database.
• While active, the Homergy mobile app creates a streaming connection with the Realtime Database.
• A virtual stream is established between the Homergy mobile app and the Homergy Box via the Firebase Realtime Database, allowing phone commands to be transmitted to the database.
• The Realtime Database promptly forwards any relay changes (initiated from the app) to the Homergy Box's relays.
• The relays execute the commands to control the connected appliances.

Fig. 4. Hardware Components of the Homergy Box

Fig. 5. Internals of Homergy Box with (B) and without (A) Relay Wiring
Tools Used
1. Arduino IDE
The Arduino IDE was utilized to program Atmel-based microcontrollers. Specifically, the Arduino Mega 2560 board was programmed using this IDE, as well as the NodeMCU, with the help of the open-source ESP8266 Core for the Arduino IDE library.
2. Android Studio
The mobile application for the system was developed using Android Studio, employing the Dart programming language and the Flutter framework to ensure cross-platform compatibility.
3. Cloud Platform
A NoSQL database with real-time streaming capabilities was selected to manage user and device data. For this implementation, Firebase Realtime Database was chosen due to its robust documentation and support for Android, iOS, web, and NodeMCU platforms. The database's streaming feature facilitated real-time command transmission between the Homergy Mobile App and the Homergy Box. While Firebase was used here, other cloud-based platforms supporting real-time communication, such as MQTT, are also compatible.
Hardware Design
The physical design of the Homergy Box is depicted in Figures 5 and 6, illustrating both its exterior and internal components. The key hardware features include:
1. Four-Channel Relay Board
o The box contains four relay modules, each providing 16 relay channels in total. These relays bridge the high-voltage home circuit and the low-voltage Homergy Box circuit, with opto-coupling for signal isolation.
o Specifications:
 Contact capacity: 10A at 250V AC / 10A at 30V DC
 Digital circuit operation: 5V, 20mA
 Fully compatible with the Arduino's GPIO pins and standard household appliances.
o Configuration: The relay's Normally Closed (NC) port connects the power source and load, allowing current flow even when the box is off. A "High" signal from the Arduino GPIO activates the relay, switching off the appliance.
2. Arduino Mega 2560
o The microcontroller's properties are detailed in Table I:
 Operating voltage: 5V
 Input voltage: 7-12V (20V max)
 Digital I/O Pins: 54
 Memory: 8kB (Flash), 4kB (EEPROM)
 Clock speed: 16 MHz
3. 16x04 I2C LCD
o This LCD serves as a user interface, displaying the system's status, configuration steps (e.g., Wi-Fi setup), and error messages (e.g., connectivity issues). The LCD is managed by the NodeMCU.
4. NodeMCU (ESP8266)
o The NodeMCU's specifications are listed:
 Operating voltage: 3.3V
 Input voltage: 7-12V
 Silicon-on-a-Chip (SoC): ESP8266 (LX106)
 GPIO Pins: 17
 Memory: 64kB (SRAM), 4MB (Flash)
 Wi-Fi Band: 2.4 GHz
 Operating Modes: Simultaneous Access Point (AP) and Station (STA) modes
Software Design
The system comprises three core software components:
1. Arduino
• The Arduino communicates with the NodeMCU using the SoftwareSerial library over a serial connection.
• It listens for commands transmitted as JSON objects with two fields:
o Command: Boolean indicating whether to read or update relay states.
o Payload: Data representing user-defined relay states or null for state requests.
• The Arduino processes these JSON commands and executes relay operations accordingly.
2. NodeMCU (ESP8266)
• The NodeMCU connects to the Firebase Realtime Database on startup, subscribing to child nodes corresponding to the relay states of a specific Homergy Box.
• Relay states, stored as boolean values (True or False), are updated in real time based on user commands from the mobile app.
• Firebase's streaming capability ensures immediate synchronization between the database, NodeMCU, and the Arduino for seamless relay control.
3. Homergy Mobile App
• Developed using Flutter, the mobile app is cross-platform compatible (Android, iOS, Web).
• Features include:
o A user-friendly interface for relay control, allowing users to rename relays (e.g., from "Relay 1" to "Microwave" or "Projector").
o A reward system (H-points) to encourage user engagement and energy efficiency.
o Real-time updates via Firebase for instant relay control.
Cloud Integration
Google Firebase Realtime Database was selected for its ability to stream data in real time and handle JSON-based data structures. Key features include:
• Notifications for data changes to subscribed clients, enabling direct communication between the Homergy Box and the mobile app.
• A secure, efficient structure for managing device states and user interactions.
Security Measures
To ensure data and device security:
• Authentication: Users must log in using email and password credentials. Reauthentication is required after app resets or suspicions of malicious activity.
• Box Identification: Each Homergy Box has a unique Homergy Box ID and an encrypted Access Code (encoded as a QR code).
o Upon purchase, users scan the QR code to gain control of the box.
o The Access Code can be reset with email verification, invalidating the previous QR code for enhanced security.
• Shared Access: Other authorized users can control the box by scanning the QR code or entering the Box ID and Access Code manually.
This structured approach integrates robust hardware design, efficient software architecture, and real-time cloud communication, delivering a user-centric, secure, and scalable solution for home auto Results and Discussion
This section explores the outcomes of implementing the proposed Homergy system as a Home Energy Management System (HEMS). The effectiveness of Homergy was evaluated in three different environments:
1. Lifeline Consumers: Consumers whose monthly electricity consumption is below 50 kWh, as defined by Ghana's Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission.
2. Non-Lifeline Consumers: Consumers with monthly electricity consumption above 50 kWh.
3. Single-User Office with Air Conditioning (A/C): A common energy usage scenario in workplaces.
The primary performance indicator used to assess the system was weekly power consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This metric has been widely applied by researchers to measure energy efficiency across various consumer groups. Data were collected over an eight-week period. During the first four weeks, Homergy was not installed, while in the subsequent four weeks, Homergy was introduced. Users were given one week to familiarize themselves with the Homergy Box before measurements were taken.
For the non-lifeline consumer, comparisons were also made with an existing Smart Home Energy Management System (HEMS), which relied on smart devices such as smartphone-controlled A/C, motion-activated smart lighting, and energy-efficient refrigerators.
The findings, demonstrate that all three environments experienced a reduction in weekly kWh consumption following the introduction of Homergy. Key results include:
• Lifeline Consumer: Weekly energy savings of 0.5 kWh, equivalent to annual monetary savings of approximately USD 1.3.
• Single-User Office with A/C: Weekly energy savings of 0.35 kWh.
• Non-Lifeline Consumer: Weekly energy savings of 18 kWh, translating to yearly monetary savings of USD 121.
The reduction in energy consumption is attributed to increased efficiency enabled by Homergy. Since the number of users and appliances remained constant during the test period, these improvements demonstrate the system's impact on energy efficiency.
This study successfully developed and implemented a modular IoT-based Home Energy Management System (Homergy), providing users with a modern approach to controlling and optimizing energy consumption. The system allows for:
• Remote control of appliances,
• Integration of non-smart devices into the IoT ecosystem, and
• Enhanced energy management for both urban and rural areas.
The deployment of Homergy in real-world scenarios demonstrated measurable improvements in energy efficiency, including a 25-kWh reduction in energy usage within the first month for high-energy consumers.
1. Cost and Complexity Reduction: The Arduino microcontroller could be removed entirely, as the NodeMCU microcontroller is capable of handling the required switching functions. Additional GPIO pin requirements can be addressed using pin-extension modules or shift registers.
2. Smarter Automation: Leveraging Machine Learning could make the Homergy system smarter. By learning user habits, the system could automatically control appliances, provide reminders for forgotten tasks, and further enhance efficiency.
This work highlights the potential of Homergy as a versatile, cost-effective, and energy-efficient HEMS solution.
mation.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DIAGRAM
Fig. 1. Penetration of Smart Devices
Fig. 2. System Model.
Fig. 3. General System Architecture.
Fig. 4. Hardware Components of the Homergy Box
Fig. 5. Internals of Homergy Box with (B) and without (A) Relay Wiring , Claims:1. Smart Home Energy Management System Using IoT Technology claims that the system optimizes energy consumption by monitoring and controlling household appliances, leading to measurable reductions in power usage.
2. Users can track energy usage in real-time through IoT-enabled devices, enabling informed decisions on energy consumption.
3. The IoT-based system allows users to control appliances remotely via mobile applications or web interfaces, providing convenience and flexibility.
4. Non-smart devices can be integrated into the IoT ecosystem, transforming them into energy-efficient systems.
5. By reducing unnecessary energy consumption, the system lowers electricity bills, making it cost-effective for users in the long run.
6. The system supports programmable schedules and rules, enabling automatic switching on/off of devices based on user preferences or energy usage patterns.
7. The modular design ensures compatibility with a wide range of appliances and allows easy scalability for homes of varying sizes and requirements.
8. Advanced versions can incorporate machine learning to analyze user behavior, predict energy needs, and optimize energy usage further.
9. By reducing energy wastage, the system promotes environmentally sustainable practices, lowering the carbon footprint of households.
10. The system is adaptable for various use cases, including low-energy consumers, high-energy households, and workplaces, demonstrating its applicability across different environments.

Documents