Electricity Measurement
Electricity measurement in buildings involves monitoring and analyzing the electricity consumption of the entire building or different parts of it, which can be crucial for identifying energy-consuming processes, optimizing operations, and reducing costs. With modern systems, electricity measurement can be both detailed and automated, and in many cases, consumption is measured down to the department or unit level for better control. Here are examples of where electricity measurement is used and why it is important:
Examples of Electricity Measurement in Buildings
Office Buildings. In office buildings, electricity measurement is used to keep track of electricity consumption for lighting, IT equipment, and ventilation. By monitoring consumption per department or tenant, building managers can identify inefficient usage areas and improve energy management. This can lead to reduced costs and more sustainable energy habits.
Industrial Premises and Factories. In industrial buildings and factories, it is common to monitor electricity consumption for machines and production processes, as these can be significant energy consumers. By measuring electricity consumption in real-time, production management can adjust processes to minimize energy costs, identify unnecessary downtime, and maintain machines optimally.
Shopping Centers and Stores. Shopping centers and stores use electricity measurement to monitor energy consumption for operations, lighting, cooling systems, ventilation, and heating. Stores can use this data to optimize operating hours and turn off equipment when not in use, which can significantly reduce energy costs.
Residential Buildings. Electricity measurement in multi-family homes allows property owners to monitor consumption in common areas, such as lighting, elevators, and heating systems. In some residences, individual meters are installed for each apartment, encouraging residents to keep track of their consumption and become more energy-conscious.
Hotels and Conference Facilities. Hotels and conference facilities use electricity measurement to control electricity consumption in hotel rooms and meeting rooms. With automated meters, energy usage can be minimized when rooms are not in use, for example, by lowering the temperature or turning off the lights. This can reduce energy costs and contribute to more sustainable operations.
Schools and Universities. In schools and university buildings, electricity measurement is used to optimize electricity use in classrooms, libraries, and other facilities. When there are few people in the building, such as in the evenings and on weekends, energy consumption can be minimized by turning off lighting, heating, and other energy-consuming systems.
How is Electricity Measurement Performed?
Electricity measurement is performed using the following techniques and methods:
Digital Meters. Modern meters record electricity consumption in real-time and can send data to a central system. This provides detailed information about consumption and allows for remote monitoring of usage.
Sub-Meters. Sub-meters are often installed for specific parts of the building, for tenants, or for specific equipment. This allows for monitoring electricity consumption for individual departments or systems, facilitating analysis and optimization.
Smart Grid Technology. Some buildings are connected to smart grids where meters not only record consumption but can also communicate with the energy supplier. This can help balance the load on the grid and offer the opportunity to adjust electricity consumption according to periods of low energy prices.
Enkey's Solution for Electricity Measurement
Enkey's electricity meters and HAN port converters connect wirelessly to Enkey Building Insight®, allowing real-time readings of power, current, voltage, and energy consumption. This is cost-effective and facilitates analysis and optimization, as measurement data is collected and visualized automatically. Enkey Building Insight®