Current clamp measurement with RaspberryPI Domoticz

[danoussh]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone has a working setup that measures house current using a current clamp directly connected to Raspberry PI. I want to make it simple, I don't want to use any radio for this as the Raspberry PI will be place close to the fuse box where I will be placing the current clamp.

So idealy it would like something like:

[Current Clamp]=====[MPC3002]======[RasppberyPI[Domoticz]]

After a bit of research, I found that one needs to a use a MP3002 analog-to-digital converter (ADC) chip in order to read analog values with Raspberry Pi. The MCP3002 is a 10-bit ADC chip, so it converts the analog signal into a 10-bit digital value.
How to Connect an MP3002 ADC Chip to a Raspberry Pi:
http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com ... rry-Pi.php

How do I setup Domoticz to read value from ADC chip in order to measure and monitor current/power consumption?

Will I need to install extra library to communicate with MP3002 or will the default Domoticz image work out of the box?


Is this doable or am I missing something?
Best regards,

EDIT: Just realised something, how can I get W/h consumption if I don't have a voltage value. How do OWL meters work? Do they just calculate amp measure with static voltage value (ex: 230V)? Because my grid voltage is always fluctuating.

[danoussh]

So has no one ever trying measuring current with raspberry pi board directly without the need of arduino?

[domoticzag]

Bump,

Exactly what i am looking for aswell. Only so little information about this subject implemented in domoticz.

Just need a way of saving the HEX. Adress value (raw data of the ADC) into a user variable of some sort i guess?

[cdunne]

I'd also be interested. When I get it sorted it Domoticz will know what my solar panels are generating and what my electricity meter is drawing from the grid but it will have no way of telling what electricity is being consumed by the house.

For example if the panels are generating 1kW and the meter is showing no import from the grid then can a 1kW load appliance be switched on (there must always be background consumption). I'm thinking failing this trial and error would have to work, if the 1kW load is switched on and the grid import goes above 0.2 kW then turn it off. But I've still got problems with my zwave set up.

[NickHead]

I use a Raspberry Pi with a PiFace for my Home & solar measurements.
The PiFace takes the readings from the flashing leds (1000 impulses /kw).
I also read the RS422 Data from the inverters and convert with python to show more info
and double check the impulse readings.

You have to separate the readings, taking the current sensor measurements will give you errors as
they cannot tell which way it is flowing. ( some can, but I ain't paying out any more when what
I have is pretty accurate).