Monitoring export energy with GSM smart meters

//Monitoring export energy with GSM smart meters

Monitoring export energy with GSM smart meters

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Using the latest generation of electric smart meters it is possible to accurately measure how much energy is being exported to and imported from the grid using a single metering point.  Most modern single and three phase meters can measure bi-directional energy flow.  There are 2 meter readings for storing the total energy import and export.  Meters with 4 quadrant energy measurement, such as the Elster A1140 and Iskra MT385, store a half-hour profile of import and export energy flow.  This data is sent to the Openmetrics web portal where you can view both sets of energy data.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]The Openmetrics web portal clearly plots both datasets to show when energy is being imported from the grid, and when there is surplus energy from the solar photovoltaic energy generation which is exported to the grid.  Total meter readings and daily totals, along with CO2 and energy expenditure (or revenue) are shown on the same page.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][image_with_animation image_url=”4129″ animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_self”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][image_with_animation image_url=”4128″ animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_self”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]The last 30 days show how much energy has been exported and imported to the grid over a longer time period. Weekly and monthly totals can also be displayed.  Or the readings can be downloaded to a CSV file for further analysis in Excel.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Why monitor the export?

There are several reasons why you would install an export meter with remote monitoring:-

  • Find out how much of the energy is being used from the solar power plant
  • Measure how much surplus energy is being exported to the grid.
  • Adjust energy usage behaviour to fully utilise all the energy being generated throughout the day and minimise energy import from the grid.
  • Helps to decide if the solar installation should be expanded, or if other technologies could be used to better utilise all the energy being generated, such as battery storage.
  • If you have a solar system larger than 30 kWp you need to have an export meter fitted.

Any accredited electrical engineer will be able to install an export check meter.  The meter should be installed in series as near as possible to the existing utility billing meter.  Three phase meters can be connected directly or indirectly via current transformer clamps.

Meters can be purchased from our store here.  Meters come with GPRS communications modem and network roaming SIM for automatic meter readings on the Openmetrics web portal.  Get in touch with us if you require further information or would like a demonstration of the web service.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

By |2016-06-20T09:53:25+00:00June 20th, 2016|Uncategorized|