Virtual Power Plant Node Kit with ESP32 + Relay
Virtual Power Plant Node Kit with ESP32: Build a Demand Response System for Grid Stability
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Imagine your ESP32 node acting as a distributed energy resource, listening for MQTT signals from a virtual power plant aggregator. When a peak demand event arrives, your system intelligently sheds non-critical loads via the 8-channel relay, measures the energy reduction with PZEM-004T precision, and logs the savings—all while displaying real-time metrics on an OLED screen.
What You'll Build
You'll assemble and program a DIN rail-mounted control unit that sits between your appliances and the grid. The node monitors AC voltage, current, power, and energy through the PZEM-004T sensor, receives demand response commands over MQTT, and actuates up to eight relay channels based on priority rules. It timestamps events using DS3231 RTC and writes CSV data to a MicroSD card for post-event analysis.
What You'll Learn
- Configuring ESP32 as an MQTT client for real-time grid event processing
- Interfacing PZEM-004T energy meter via Modbus-RTU for precise power monitoring
- Designing relay logic with fail-safe states for load shedding under grid stress
- Logging time-stamped energy data to MicroSD and displaying live OLED dashboards
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| ESP32 Dev Board | 1 |
| PZEM-004T | 1 |
| 8-ch Relay Module | 1 |
| DS3231 RTC | 1 |
| MicroSD Module | 1 |
| LM2596 Buck Converter | 1 |
| 0.96in OLED | 1 |
| 100nF Caps | 10 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 3 |
| DIN Rail Enclosure | 1 |
| 12V 5A PSU | 1 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
This kit is built for B.Tech (EEE/ECE) students crafting final-year projects on demand side management, participants in Smart India Hackathon energy track, and freshers targeting energy IoT roles or power systems research. It suits makers who have basic soldering and Arduino experience and want to delve into Modbus, real-time energy analytics, and MQTT-based grid interactions.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code for your AI companion, which has been trained on every connection and line of code in this kit. It can answer your questions in real time, and you can switch to WhatsApp support for human help.
Does this kit work with Indian 230V AC supply?
Yes, the PZEM-004T sensor operates from 80V to 260V AC, and the included 12V power supply accepts 100-240V input, making it perfectly suited for Indian household electricity.
Can I monitor three-phase power with this kit?
The PZEM-004T is a single-phase meter. For three-phase demand response, you may add two more sensors (not included). The relay board controls single-phase loads, ideal for residential and small commercial setups.
What MQTT broker do you recommend?
You can use the free Mosquitto test broker or set up your own on a Raspberry Pi. The AI companion walks you through configuring AWS IoT Core, HiveMQ, or a local Mosquitto broker, so you can get started quickly.
ESP32 participates in demand response events triggered by MQTT signal. Sheds loads and reports energy saved.
What's in this kit
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
Other projects you can build
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items