Telemetry System for Remote Monitoring of Utility Usage in Commercial and Residential Structures

Abstract

The system described in this paper can monitor utility usage in commercial and residential structures, and send an alert message over conventional cell phone networks when it detects an anomalous condition. Such a condition could indicate a utility outage, structure failure, HVAC system failure, water leak, etc. The microcontroller-based system can measure electrical current, carbon monoxide, methane, liquid propane, temperature, barometric pressure, and altitude using a wired and wireless sensor network. The microcontroller displays the measurements on local and external graphical user interface, and sends SMS alert messages when necessary. The system may be retrofitted into existing structures.