Hi all. Longtime dabbler, first time poster.
Been using HA for about 4 years and would say that I’m fairly competent. However, I’m not too big to admit that I’ve finally found myself out of my depth. I tried to detail my intentions below and any help would be most appreciated as I’ve hit a bit of a wall.
Aim - I would like to track the power consumption of a tumble dryer by person.
The Idea:
Use an NFC reader that each person can activate using their phone. An automation then turns on the power switch of the dryer at the plug for a predetermined time (maybe 3 minutes) allowing for users to select and start the dryer programme require. The automation waits for the power consumption to stop (end of programme), waits for a predetermined time just to make sure and then turns the power switch off at the plug.
How far I’ve got so far:
I have built an NFC reader using Youtube vids from BeardedTinker, ResinChem Tech and Smart Home Junkie based on the yaml from Adonno’s original NFC reader project. It uses a PN532 connected to a D1 mini, a buzzer and tricolour LED. I have a tumble dryer plugged into a Knightsbridge SN9KW double socket. I’ve managed to turn the socket on and off triggered by the NFC reader for a set amount of time using my phone, a tag and the card that came with the 532.
Why I’m asking for help:
I am struggling to work out where to start with building an automation that records the power used between the NFC triggering the plug ON and the automation detecting that the power usage has dropped so the cycle has probably finished and triggering the plug to turn OFF. Then, i would like to be able to pull a record of which NFC ID (phone, card or tag) triggered the automation and how much power was consumed by the dryer during that time.
Could someone start me off and point me in the right direction please?
Loads of thanks for all the info that I’ve used from this forum for my HA fun to date and thanks in advance for any help people can give with this latest project.