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Multi-Function Power Meters

Multi-Function Power Meter -

Smart MetersWhat will a Multi-Function Power Meter do for me?
Multi-Function Power Meters replace the requirement for use of separate instruments such as Ammeters, Voltmeters, Frequency and kWh meters. They are used for monitoring power distribution and come equipped with various types of outputs to be able to integrate into today’s Building Management Systems (BMS) for gathering historical data. They offer a more comprehensive insight into the condition of the electrical supply, including the efficiency of the consumption and its quality (Harmonics).

  • * Single-phase network 50...290V
  • * Three-phase network 80...500V (phase - phase)
  • * Active energy class 1 (EN62053-21)
  • * Reactive energy class 2 (EN62053-23)
  • * Voltage, Current, Neutral current, Average current, Peak current (resettable), Frequency, Active and reactive apparent power, Phase active and reactive apparent power, Average power, Peak power (resettable), Power factor, Partial active energy (resettable), Hours run, Phase sequence diagnostics
  • * Integrated Communication Protocols are RS485 Modbus RTU
  • * True RMS value measurement

Multi-Function Power Meter

What is Active & Reactive power?
Active Power is the power used to do the job, to run the server or turn the fan. It is measured in Watts and is only part of the overall consumed energy.

Reactive Power is a measure of unproductive power. In most electrical circuits, Reactive Power comes from the creation of an electro-magnetic field, necessary in motors and transformers and adds to the overall level of consumption. By analysis of these figures, the efficiency of equipment can be recorded.

What will Harmonic Distortion do for me?
Consideration should be given to the effect on equipment caused by excessive harmonic distortion. Harmonic distortion is an impurity of the electrical waveform. It can be introduced into your facility by neighbouring factories and travels through the common connection to the grid. The effects can differ between various types of equipment.

Induction motors in fans found in chillers and cooling systems are over heated by harmonics, causing accelerated degradation and premature failure. Harmonics will degrade capacitors and transformers in server power supplies, again resulting in premature failure and can also lead to excessive currents in the neutral line causing over heating of the cabling, leading to a possible fire risk. As everything shares the same copper cabling, there is no escaping harmonics issues, but if you don’t have the means of measuring for it, you won’t be aware of the problem until it’s too late.

For further reading on Harmonics, look at: http://www.thegreengrid.org/en/Global/Content/white-papers/Executive_Summary-WP55-DataCenterPowerSystemHarmonics