What Is an Energy Monitor?
An energy monitor is a product that visualizes energy status by reflecting it on a monitor screen.
It is often used to refer to devices that measure electricity usage, mainly in homes and buildings. They are widely used from industrial to household products. Typical examples of use include checking the usage status of motors and engines of hybrid cars and displaying the power usage status of facilities with power generation systems such as solar power generation systems.
Applications of Energy Monitors
Energy Monitors can be used to monitor infrastructure energy usage, such as electricity and gas. This makes it possible to monitor usage by time of day and by device, which is useful for energy conservation.
It contributes to lower running costs by limiting the use of equipment with high power consumption and introducing energy-saving equipment. Companies may also reduce CO2 emissions to improve their image. It also has advantages such as early detection of abnormal usage.
Principle of Energy Monitor
Energy monitors, like electricity meters, are often designed based on accuracy class 1 electricity measurement technology. Accuracy class is a standard defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and is divided into five levels, from Class 0.1 to Class 3. Class 0.1 is the most accurate, and Class 3 is the least accurate.
For power-related monitors, power consumption is calculated based on current and voltage measurements. Therefore, it consists of a voltage sensor for measuring AC power supply voltage and a current sensor for measuring AC power supply current. These sensors are attached to the equipment’s mains power cable for measurement. The voltage sensor measures the supply voltage from the charging unit with an alligator clip or similar, while the current sensor often measures the current through the cable sheath with a clamp or similar.
The measured current and voltage are calculated by an internal microcomputer board or other control unit. Models with communication functions will also have a communication module.
The above calculated values are used to calculate power consumption, which is displayed on a monitor in real time or stored in a data log. In large factories, the ON/OFF status of various connected machines may be displayed, and real-time power details may be displayed numerically.
Types of Energy Monitors
Various types of Energy Monitors are available for different applications. The following are examples of types of Energy Monitors:
1. Stand-Alone Type
Stand-alone Energy Monitors are energy monitors that can be used by themselves. These monitors have built-in voltage and current sensors to measure power consumption. However, a separate power supply for driving the Energy Monitor is often required.
2. Smart Meter Type
These Energy Monitors are installed as meters provided by the power company, just like regular electricity meters. It is compatible with the smart grid and real-time communication, and can provide real-time notification of electricity usage. This type may be used when a solar system or internal combustion private power generation equipment is present.
When installed in a solar system, it is used to measure power generation and power consumption. It is also used to monitor electric power consumption of lighting equipment, air conditioners, etc.
3. In-Line Type
Energy Monitors can be mounted directly on a switchboard or control panel. These monitors are typically used for industrial or commercial energy management. Because the products are linked to control equipment, they are often sold by instrumentation manufacturers.
4. Portable Type
These Energy Monitors are designed as small portable devices. They are used to measure energy use locally or for short periods of time. Products with built-in batteries, etc., are also available, in which case measurements can be made without the need for a power supply. They can also be used to measure the power consumption of household appliances and office equipment.