What is a power meter and what are the benefits?
A power meter, or energy meter, is a measurement device, which is able to measure the voltage and the current of an electrical consumer, for example a compressor. By measuring these values, the power meter is able to calculate the power consumption of the consumer. Typically, it outputs the Current, Voltage, Frequency, Active and reactive power, active and reactive energy, power factors and more.
The benefits of a real power meter is, that it actually measures the system's power consumption, it does not rely on constant assumed factors, but really measures the electrical characteristics. By this, it offers a reliable and true power measurement.
Why are power meters used in compressed air systems?
Compressed air is an expensive energy form, since it's produced by compressors, which have a low efficiency factor. Designing a compressed air system is mostly done by summing up all machines on the demand side and adding some safety volume to that. But that means at the same time, the bigger compressor will then use more electrical energy.
In the end, every cubic meter of air will have its specific cost, and every bar of pressure will increase or decrease the compressed air costs. If operators want to know their compressed air costs, they must measure the electrical consumption of the compressors, only by this the efficiency can be monitored and optimized.
Why is it important that a power meter always measures the voltage and current on all phases?
In many installations, measurement providers are measuring only the voltage and current on a single phase. By then assuming power factors, without knowing the actual phase shift, the measurement providers then specify the electrical power consumed by compressors. But this can not be considered as a real power measurement, as assumed factors are taken into place, which is not what operators want to have.
SUTO power and energy meters are always measuring the current and voltage of all phases, only by this the onsite changes, the frequency changes or phase shifts can be considered in the measurement.
How can power meters in compressed air system reduce maintenance costs?
A brand-new compressor will have a defined electrical energy consumption at a certain air flow output. But as a compressor is a machine which wears off, it is likely that at a certain age the compressor will deliver less air flow at the same rate of energy consumption. This means, the electrical costs are the same or even higher, but the air flow output gets less.
By monitoring the electrical energy consumption of the compressor and comparing it with the flow output, users of a compressed air system are able to know when it is time to maintain the compressor. Degrading components can be identified, repaired and possibly safe a lot of operating costs.
How are SUTO current sensors installed on site?
SUTO current sensors are Rogowski current coils. The advantage is, that the Rogowski coils are easily installed by simply clamping them around the cables or wires. This is possible without interrupting the process. The wire will then induce a current into the coil, which is then transformed to an electrical signal.
The advantage compared to typical current transformers is, that the position of the cable inside the coil is not that important, still offering a high grade of accuracy. Besides that, the rogowski current coils are very compact and light-weight, which makes them the prefect equipment used in energy audits.
A portable SUTO solution for power measurements is set up within minutes, just clamping the current coils around the cables and connect the voltage to the power meter.