Sense Link

Abstract

1. Introduction

SenseLink is a tool that emulates the energy monitoring functionality of TP-Link Kasa HS110 Smart Plugs, and allows you to report "custom" power usage to your Sense Home Energy Monitor based on other parameters.

Configuration is defined through a YAML file, that should be passed in when creating an instance of the SenseLink class. See the config_example.yml file for examples of how to write configurations (note the example config itself is not a valid demo config!).

At the moment, dynamic power plugs can source data from the Home Assistant (Websockets API) and MQTT. Plus, other integrations should be relatively easy to implement!

2. Objective

A tool to create virtual smart plugs and inform a Sense Home Energy Monitor about usage in your home

This project demonstrates how Python, Docker, MQTT can be applied to a real-world Internet of Things (IoT) problem.

4. Technology Stack

5. System Requirements

General requirements for this technology stack — check the README for exact versions.

• Python 3.8 or later
• pip / virtualenv for dependencies
• VS Code, PyCharm or Jupyter Notebook
• Git (to clone the repository)

6. Installation & Setup

git clone https://github.com/cbpowell/SenseLink.git
cd SenseLink

Full setup instructions are in the project README.

7. Future Enhancements

Suggested extensions you can add to make this your own project.

• Add a mobile dashboard using Blynk or Firebase
• Store readings in a cloud database for history charts
• Add alerts via SMS / Telegram when thresholds are crossed

8. Viva / Review Questions

Common questions examiners ask for projects in this domain.

1. Which microcontroller / board and sensors are used and why?
2. How does the device send data (Wi-Fi, MQTT, HTTP, Bluetooth)?
3. Where is the sensor data stored and visualised?
4. How is power consumption managed?
5. How would you secure the device and its communication?

9. Source Code & License

This project is developed by cbpowell and published on GitHub under the MIT License. Please follow the license terms and credit the original author when you use or modify this code.