CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

The study’s methodology is presented in this chapter. It is created to make sure

that the objectives of the study are accomplished as it depicts the process on what actions

the researchers can take to complete the study. Figure 3.1 shows the specific actions to

reach

the desired output.

Figure 3.1 General Flow Chart

3.1.1 Data Gathering

In order to obtain information, the researchers need to gather data such as the

energy consumption of each building on the campus and rank them from highest to

lowest then choose five that consume energy the most and the researchers will also need

the vicinity map of the campus. The researchers will also acquire data of the chosen

building such as the position and distance from the base station, location and ampere

rating of the main panel board, the riser or single line diagram.
3.2 System Design Consideration

3.2.1 Selection of Building

The researchers will determine which building is to be chosen for implementation

of the Energy Monitoring System. The researcher will then acquire the location and

positioning of the selected building from the base station. The selected buildings have

different distances and positioning in the campus. The researchers must consider the

obstacles of data transmission because this can affect the overall performance of the

system. These includes trees, windows, and walls. Hence, the researchers must create a

configuration of data transmission and provide a data transmission path for stable data

acquisition.

Table 3.2.1 Circuit Breaker Ampere Rating (MDP)

 Start

Select Building to be Implemented of the Energy

Monitoring System

Determine the Location Site of Each Building

Determine the Location of the Main Panel Board of

Each Building

Select Data Transmission Configuration

Create a Data Transmission Path Troubleshooting

Is Data Transmission
Successful? No

Yes

End

Figure 3.2.1 Site Location Assessment

3.2.1.1 Selection of Building for Implementation

The researchers will inquire data needed for the study from the Electrical

Engineering Department of the campus such as the monthly energy consumption from

past years of each building and rank them from highest to lowest and select five buildings

that consume energy the most.

3.2.1.2 Determination of the Location Site of the Selected Building

The researchers will coordinate with the organization of USTP - University

Digital Arts (UDA) and ask for the updated vicinity map of the campus in order to

determine the location and positioning of each selected building from the base station.

3.2.1.3 Determination of the Location of the Main Panel Board

The researchers will seek for assistance and approval letter from the department

heads of MEWS of the university authorized electrical personnel of the building to assess

and visually check the location of the Main Panel Board of the building.

3.2.1.4 Selection of Data Transmission Configuration

The researchers will visually inspect the design and positioning of the building

from the base station. The researchers will check if there is available route for wired data

transmission from main panel board to the building’s rooftop. The researchers will

employ wireless data transmission from main panel board up to building’s rooftop.
3.2.1.5 Creation of Transmission Data Path

The researchers will create a data transmission path in order to avoid unstable data

acquisition and successful data transmission rate. The researchers will use the vicinity

map of the campus and pin locations for possible adding of nodes for point-to-point

transmission.

3.2.2 Current Sensor Rating

The rating of the current transformer sensor is essential for designing of the

system. The selection requires calculation for accuracy of the data to be collected.

Buildings have different main panel board ratings so the diameter of the wires are not the

same and the current transformer sensor must have a rating compatible to the size of the

wire. The current transformer sensor must have a turns ratio that will be compatible with

the smart meter and the main panel board. Figure below presents the steps on choosing

current transformer to be utilized on the system.

 Start

Determine the Location of the Electrical Line

Source of Each Building

Acquire the Ratings of the Main Panel Board and

Size of Wires on Service Entrance of Each
Building

Select Type of Current Transformer Sensor to be

Used

Choose Measuring Range of the Current

Transformer Sensor that is compatible to Main
Panel Board and Smart Meter

End

Figure 3.2.2 Method for choosing Current Transformer

3.2.2.1 Determination of the Location of Electrical Line Source of Each Building

The researchers will seek for assistance from electrical staff in charge of the

building and visually inspect the location of the line source of the building. This is

important part for the mounting and installation of the current transformer sensor and the

sensor must be secured and not prone to water exposure.

3.2.2.2 Acquiring of Ampere Rating of Main Panel Board of Each Building

The researchers will seek for assistance and coordinate with the department heads

of MEWS of the university or authorized electrical personnel of the building to ask and

acquire the ampere rating of main panel board of each building and ask the size of the

wires used.

3.2.2.3 Selection of Current Transformer to be Used

Current transformer sensors come in various types. The researchers must consider

the size of the wire and the effort of installing the sensor. The researchers must avoid less

hassle installation of the sensor and the most suitable one is the split core or the clamp

type Current transformer.

3.2.2.4 Selection of Measuring Range of the Current Transformer Sensor

The researcher will choose the measuring range of the current transformer that is

compatible with the main panel board rating and the smart meter. It must have a turns

ratio or input and output values close to the ratings of the main panel board and smart

meter for better accuracy and compatibility.

 Measuring Range Ampere Rating of the Selected Current

Main Panel Board of the Transformer

Building

1000/5 A

1200/5 A

1500/5 A

Table 3.2.2.4

The table 3.2.2.4 above presents on how to select measuring range of the current

transformer. For better accuracy, option 1200/5 A is the best option. The 1250 A rating

is the max or the full operating current and when on steady operating condition, this

range is -80% of its full operating current so 1200/5 A can be utilized. 1500/5 A can also

be used since it has a larger measuring range or rating.

3.2.3 Smart Meter Specifications

The researchers must acquire the phase source measurement of each building. The

researchers must know if the building uses three-phase or single-phase source. The

researcher must also choose a smart meter with a communication protocol. Then, the

researcher must also choose a smart meter that has a current capacity rating that is

designed to use a current transformer sensor. The researcher must also consider the

accuracy of the smart meter. Cost must also me considered of the smart meter, including

installation expenses. Additionally, assess the long-term cost effectiveness, considering

factors such as
maintenance, upgrades, and the potential for future scalability. Figure 3.2.3 presents the

steps on choosing smart meter to be utilized on the system.

Start

Determine the Phase Source Measurement of Each

Building

Determine the Location of the Main Panel Board

of Each Building

Select Smart Meter with Communication Protocol

(RS485)

Select Smart Meter with Current Rating that is

Compatible to the Selected Current Transformer
Sensor

End

Figure 3.2.3 Method for choosing Smart Meter

3.2.3.1 Determination of the Phase Source Measurement of Each Building

The researchers will seek for assistance and coordinate with the department heads

of MEWS of the university or authorized electrical personnel of the building to ask the

phase source measurement of the building or to visually inspect and count how many

wires are connected to the service entrance of the building to determine what type of

meter to be used.

3.2.3.2 Selection of Smart Meter with Communication Protocol

In order for the electrical parameters to be transmitted from the building to the

base station, the smart meter must have a communication protocol. The researchers will

visually check the smart meter by scanning through the specifications if it features

communication protocol or by checking the available ports of the smart meter for

communication purposes.

3.2.3.3 Selection of Smart Meter for Current Transformer Sensor Compatibility

The researcher must visually check the specification of the smart meter and must

consider the operating current. The operating current must be in range of the output of the

current transformer sensor for compatibility. By Scanning through the specifications, the

researcher can determine the compatibility of the component.

3.3 System Design

With all the gathered data, the researchers can now proceed in creating a system

design. This comprises selecting the appropriate sensor together with their corresponding

circuitry, a suitable microcontroller to be utilized and the required software to set it up to

program the sensors. With the system design, the researchers came up with a system that

only had the monitoring system as a component. The figure shown below is the general

system design.

Figure 3.3 Overall Block Diagram of the System

Figure 3.3 depicts the general process of the suggested Energy Monitoring model

through a block diagram. This could aid in putting the idea of conveying the raw data

from arbitrary structures (node stations) to the base station or central node.

3.4 Device Implementation

The researchers will physically install the hardware and software components of the

system, such as the sensors, microcontrollers, and LoRa transceivers. Installing the

transceiver in the proper location to gather data on energy consumption, coupling the

sensors with the microcontroller, and setting up the microcontroller to process, send and

visualize the data.

3.4.1 Components Selection Process

It is very important to emphasize the selection of hardware components because

this would help the researchers as a prelude to designing the energy monitoring system

for USTP-CDO Campus. This is the essential and crucial stage of designing of the system

for compatibility. The figure 3.4.1 provides a general overview on the actual selection

process which considers functionality and cost-effectiveness in such a way that the main

objective will be achieved without compromising the quality of the entire system.
 Start

Selection of Microcontroller

Selection of Smart Energy Meter

Selection of Current Transformer Sensor

Selection of Transmission Module

Selection of Web Server

Selection of Enclosure

End

Figure 3.4.1 Selection Process of Components

3.4.1.1 Selection of Microcontroller

Selecting the right microcontroller can be a daunting task. Not only are there a

number of technical features to consider. At the start of a prototype there is a great

temptation to jump in and start selecting a microcontroller before the details of the system

has been hashed out. This is of course a bad idea. Before any thought is given to the

microcontroller. Selecting the right microcontroller is essential to ensure the functionality,

cost-effectiveness, development ease, power consumption, and compatibility of the

system. In selecting a microcontroller, the researcher will consider the following

criteria,as shown in the table below.

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3

Accuracy
Communication

Cost

Availability

Table 3.4.1.1 Selection of Microcontroller

In the selection process, the researcher will consider various microcontroller

available in the market.

3.4.1.2 Selection of Energy Meter

Selecting an energy meter that is appropriate for your system’s size and energy

requirements can help the researcher identify areas where you can prove energy

efficiency. Selecting a compliant energy meter can help you avoid penalties and

ensurethat your system is safe and efficient. In selecting energy meter, the researcher will

consider the following criteria, asshown in the table below.

 Option 1 Option 2 Option 3
# of Phase

Accuracy

Communication

Cost

Availability
Table 3.4.2.1 Selection of Energy Meter

In the selection process, the researcher will consider various energy

meteravailable in the market.

3.4.1.3 Selection of Current Transformer

Selecting the right current transformer is important to ensure safety, accuracy,

load requirements, frequency response, and reliability in measuring high currents in

power system and electrical equipment.

In selecting a current transformer, the researcher will consider the following

criteria, as shown in the table below.

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3

Accuracy

Communication
Cost
Availability
Table 3.4.3.1 Selection of Current Transformer
In the selection process, the researcher will consider various current transformer

available in the market.

3.4.1.4 Selection of Transmission Module

Selecting the right transmission module is necessary to ensure compatibility,

range, data rate, power consumption, security, and regulatory compliance in wireless

communication for the system.

In selecting a transmission module, the researcher will consider the following

criteria, as shown in the table below.

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3

Range
Communication
Cost
Availability
Table 3.4.1.4 Selection of Transmission Module

In the selection process, the researcher will consider various transmission

module available in the market.

3.4.1.5 Selection of Web Server

The researcher also needs to identify the requirements of using an open-source

software that can be used in Energy Monitoring System. Selecting the right web serveris

important to ensure performance, security, compatibility, scalability, and ease of

management for a website.

3.4.1.6 Selection of Enclosure

The researcher will select the right enclosure to ensure protection, size, material,

customization and aesthetics of the electrical and electronic components. The researchers

will consider durability, availability and cost-effective.

3.5 Calibration of Components

The researchers will calibrate the components used in the system such as the

smart meter, LoRa and the microcontroller to obtain accurate data and avoid

discrepancies.

3.5.1 Calibration of Smart Meter

The researchers will follow the instructional manual provided by the

manufacturer in order to configure the baud rate, address and current ratio of the current

transformer. The smart meter must have the same baud rate and address programmed on

the ESP32. Furthermore, the researchers must know the ratio of the current transformer

being utilize in order to set the values on the smart meter.

3.5.2 Calibration of LoRa

The researchers will set a program configuration on each lora module. The

configuration of each lora module is different. The base and the nodes must not have the

same AddL values but they must have the same AddH values. This process is crucial in

order for the LoRa modules to send and receive data to specific nodes.

3.5.3 Calibration of ESP32

The researchers will configure the program on each ESP32 microcontroller. The

researcher will modify the txaddress of each microcontroller on the eMon_structs file.
The researchers will then modify the name of each assigned building. The base and nodes

per building have different configured codes.

3.5 Testing of Components

In this section, the researchers must determine the requirements needed in testing

and evaluating the effectiveness of the components in operation of the energy monitoring

system specifically the accurate transmission of data gathered from the sensors through

the modules.
 Start

Sensor and Smart Meter Testing

Communication Testing

Transmission Testing

Range Testing

Data Reliability Testing

Accuracy Testing

Interference Testing

Security and Privacy Testing

End

Figure 3.5 Process of Testing Components

3.5.1 Sensor and Smart Meter Testing

The researchers will test the selected compatible current transformer sensor and

connect it to the smart meter. Then tap the current transformer sensor to the main panel
board of the building. The researchers will then observe the performance of the

components and acquire the measured electrical parameters on the smart meter.

3.5.2 Communication Testing

The researchers must select a smart meter with communication protocol. The

researchers must determine the type of communication protocol of the smart meter in

order to select a component for conversion. The researchers will connect the smart meter

to the ESP32 using a RS485 to TTL converter in order for the smart meter and

microcontroller to communicate with each other. In order for the electrical parameters or

holding registers to be called and determined, a list of holding registers is provided and

located at the smart meter manual guide.

 Start

Select Smart Meter with Communication Protocol

Determine the Type of Communication Protocol

Select Component with Communication Protocol

Determine Holding Registers of Electrical Parameters on

Smart Meter Manual Guide for Program Configuration

End

Figure 3.5.2 Selection Process of Communication Protocol Component

3.5.2.1 Selection of Smart Meter with Communication Protocol

The researchers will visually check the smart meter by scanning through the

specifications if it features communication protocol or by checking the available ports of

the smart meter for communication purposes.

3.5.2.2 Determination of Communication Protocol of the Smart Meter

The researchers will visually check the type of communication protocol available

of the selected smart meter by looking at the port and identify what type of

communication protocol is used based on the construction of the port.

3.5.2.3 Selection of Communication Protocol Component

The researchers will select the communication protocol component based on the

specification or construction of the port of the smart meter. The researchers will also

determine the type of conversion of the communication protocol by checking the required

input of the ESP32 microcontroller.

3.5.2.4 Determination of the Holding Registers

The researchers will check and scan the user’s manual guide of the smart meter in

order to determine the values or holding registers of the smart meter and in order for the

electrical parameters be recognized by the ESP32 microcontroller and to be transmitted

and visualized on the base station.

3.5.3 Transmission Testing

The locale of the study is a university and the path of data transmission is blocked

by obstacles such as a high-rise buildings and trees. The data transmission rate is not

stable and the researchers must design a system that can transmit data successfully

through mentioned obstacles.

3.5.3.1 Wired Data Transmission Configuration using Ethernet Cable

The researchers will utilize the length of the ethernet cable. A wired

configuration from the main panel board up to the building’s rooftop is possible for

stable data

transmission from the building to the base station. This can be done by using two wires of
the ethernet cable as A and B for it to transmit signal. This configuration also lessens the

overall cost of the system. But, the routing of the wire must also be considered.

Figure 3.5.3.2 Point-to-Point Configuration of Data Transmission

3.5.3.2.1 Determination of Height of the Building

The researchers will have a site visit of the building and estimate the height and

distance of the rooftop from the main panel board. The researchers can also coordinate to

the departments of the campus that knows the height and dimensions of the buildings.

3.5.3.2.2 Routing of the Ethernet Cable

The researchers will have a site visit of the building and assess the possible

routing of the Ethernet cable from the main panel board to the building’s rooftop. The

researchers must select a route that will not be exposed for security of the wiring.

3.5.3.2.3 Placement of the Node on the Building’s Rooftop

The researchers will choose a placement for the node on the rooftop and ensure

that the node is having a line of sight to the base station in order to achieve data

transmission and have a stable connection. Then the researchers must also consider the

safety of the node in order to be immune and resistant from environmental factors.

3.5.4 Range Testing

The researchers will test the LoRa’s transmitting and receiving capabilities from

the main panel board of each building to the base station. This involves testing the range

of the system by placing sensors at different distances from the gateway and measuring

the success rate of data transmission. This test can be done in an open field or a

controlled environment with obstacles such as walls and trees. The researchers will

employ wireless and wired configuration of data transmission. The researchers will

position on the location

of the main panel board and rooftop of each building and another researcher will position

on the base station to test the transmission and observe the communication of the nodes.

3.5.5 Data reliability testing

The researcher will measure the packet loss rate and the success rate of data

transmission under different operating conditions. This measures the reliability of the data

transmission from the sensors to the gateway. The researchers will also ensure the safety

of the node by placing it in a plastic or weather proof junction box where the electronic

components are integrated. The researchers will also use a Stepdown AC-DC 24-5V

transformer to supply power of the system.

3.5.6 Accuracy testing

The researcher will compare the data visualized on the platform from the actual

reading on the sensors on the main panel boards. This involves measuring the accuracy of

the energy measurements provided by the sensors. This can be done by comparing the

sensor readings from the measuring instruments and data visualized on the base station.

Figure 3.6.3 shows the flow chart of the accuracy testing.

3.5.7 Interference testing

The researchers will test the susceptibility of the system to interference from other

wireless devices or sources of electromagnetic interference. This can be done by

introducing known sources of interference and observing the performance of the overall

system.
3.5.8 Security and Privacy testing

The researchers will enclose the smart meter and place it on a room where

authorized electrical personnel are allowed to enter for security purposes since the data is

confidential. The researchers will implement encryption and other security measures as

well as testing for vulnerabilities of the system. This involves testing the security of the

system to prevent unauthorized access to energy data. Figure 3.5.5 shows the flow chart

of the testing.

TEST REQUIREMENTS DESIGN SYSTEM

Range
Data Reliability

Accuracy Testing

Scalability Testing

Security Testing

Table 3.5 Criteria for Data Gathering

3.6 Integration of Script for Future Planning Expansion

In this section, the researchers will identify how to develop a plan expansion and

the requirements need to gather and execute a script as a guide in implementing an

additional building for an energy monitoring system. The researcher must gather data

such
as determining the location site of the building, location of the main display panel of the

building, ampere rating of the buildings circuit breaker.

The researcher will then identify the materials specification after the gathering of

data to use in selecting suitable measuring parameters, sensors, and modules that are

needed in implementation for system compatibility. After selecting the materials, the

researcher will create a design of a Program Modification as follows:

- Data Path of the transmission system

- Add-on Software Programs:

 Energy Monitoring System Program Configuration

 Radio Frequency Module Program Configuration

After all the updated configurations of the energy monitoring system, the

researcher then conducts a Test and Evaluation of the system has some analysis of results

as an end.
 Start

Site Data to be Gathered for System Designing

Selection or Modification of Components

Software Modification

Provide Data Transmission Path

End

Figure 3.6 Process for Integration of Future Expansion

3.6.1 System Design Consideration

The researchers will instruct the future researchers what data are needed to be

gathered and things to consider for the designing of the system. The researchers will also

provide ways to improve the design of the system.

3.6.2 Modification of Components

 The researchers will suggest components after test and evaluation or when the

results are obtained of the system in order to further improve the overall performance of

the system.

3.6.3 Software Modification

The researchers will provide a software modification for the future researchers to

lessen the duration of implementation of the system. The researchers will give

instructions or steps to modify the software of the system such as the storing and

visualization of the data.

3.6.4 Providing Data Path Transmission

The researchers will develop or create a data path after range and transmission

testing. Then the researchers will utilize the vicinity map of the campus and pin location

for possible point-to-point data transmission