Electrical power metering for load management applications using multi function power meters provides customers with the ability to measure and monitor their power energy usage. Advancements in power metering include features such as interval data logging complete with real time clock for date/time stamping. These features enhance the functionality of the power metering deployed when interval data logging functions are supported, allowing automatic capture and storage of data on board the device. Interval data logging values include Voltage, Current, Energy, KW, KVA, KVAR, Frequency, kWh, Power Factor along with Harmonics which can be recorded for data analysis and profiling of loads for various time periods.
Interval Data Logging
Load profiling of electrical values can be configured for any period from 1 minute to 60 minutes, provided there is memory on board the power meter. In addition, having memory on board provides added back up of data when communications to the network are interrupted.
Interval data logging data also improves profiling of loads with a higher resolution and provides a better level of analysis for daily, weekly, monthly review of the load activity during normal and/or outside working hours such as evenings, weekends, public holidays.
When using power metering for energy efficiency and bench marking, it becomes invaluable having interval data logging within the boundaries of the power metering complete with real time clock (RTC).
Generally, utility meters focus on interval data measurements for energy (KwH) consumption, while power metering expands beyond this measurement to include many other electrical parameters which can be selected by the user. Typical interval meter data is recorded at 15-minute or 30-minute intervals, but time intervals can be user selected proving greater flexibility for the customer. This flexibility provides better insight for the customer’s pattern of usage and decision process.
All SATEC power meters include on board memory for profiling with non-volatile memory (memory size will vary, subject to the model).
While having all the benefits of power metering with on board memory for interval data logging, the next phase is the ability to read this invaluable data with communications becoming a key element.
When there is a network outage or loss of communication to the metering devices, the use of on board data logs with non-volatile memory prevents loss of critical data. After communications have been restored, the memory information retained in the interval data logs is able to be recalled into the software database.
Communications
Communications will vary subject to the manufacturer’s design and lack of communication advancements for Automatic Meter Reading (AMR). All SATEC power meters encompass RS485 communications with Modbus protocol as standard, enabling the meter to communicate with any 3rd party software platform that supports Modbus registers. Most power metering will only provide real time reads to 3rd party software solutions. Unique to SATEC is the Interval data logs which can be read via Modbus registers with any 3rd party software platform that recognises Modbus registers, these registers will need to be written and recognised by the 3rd party software platform.
Enhancements to SATEC power metering communications can include Ethernet TCP/IP, Modem, WiFi, additional serial communications including RS232 and/or RS485 with add on expansion modules.
All SATEC devices can be provided with dual communications ports with the add on expansion modules. These communication ports are independent of each other which can provide for communications simultaneously from both ports. These communication ports also allow for two (2) independent software platforms to communicate with SATEC power metering devices.
Power Metering Software
SATEC power meters are supported with software solutions such as Power Analysis Software “PAS” which is a free licensed software platform providing programming, forensic analysis, download of Interval data logs via Excel or .mdb format. In addition, real time downloads can be provided with resolution down to 1 second records with date/time stamping. The “PAS” software can also be set-up for periodical automatic reads from SATEC devices.
Additional software platforms with SATEC power meters can be supported with eXpertPower™ server version or SATEC’s cloud Software as a Service (SaaS).
