[Bldg-sim] Electric sub-meter

Chris Yates Chris at zed-uk.com
Thu Apr 30 02:42:52 PDT 2009


I've been trying to think of a "cheap" option for logging legacy meters 
(i.e. those with no inherent logging). My concept was to use a wireless 
CCTV network to take "stills" at set time intervals from the meter.
Issues to think about:
- Even a cheap setup with 2 x cameras will cost $200 + then there's the 
network cost (a cheap laptop perhaps)
- Processing the stills could be time consuming. However, a clever 
person with some scripting knowledge and OCR software could speed things 
up. Or, using a junior could render the stills into a useful spreadsheet 
format at minimal cost.
- Picture quality - if the cameras use their own lamp it is likely to 
glare. This could be overcome with a polarising filter perhaps.
- The range of inputs is limited to those displayed on the meter itself

The reason for investigating this is because calibrated energy models 
are becoming more popular on older buildings as a means of identifying 
potential energy savings.

Cramer Silkworth wrote:
> Abaza,
>
> The 'kill-a-watt' is probably the cheapest household wattmeter out there, http://www.amazon.com/P3-International-P4400-Electricity-Monitor/dp/B00009MDBU/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1240766534&sr=8-1
>
> but it doesn't record hourly info, just current wattage, voltage, etc, and total kWh used since it was plugged in. and no memory - if it loses power, it's gone.
>
> somewhat fancier is the 'watts up', http://cableorganizer.com/electricity-power-meter/
> with the better models having memory and even internet connectivity.
>
> fancier yet are some whole-house models like: http://www.bluelineinnovations.com/
>
> hope that helps,
> cramer
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Abaza Hussein <ahussein at spsu.edu>
> Sent: Sun, 4/26/2009 12:29am
> To: bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
> Subject: [Bldg-sim] Electric sub-meter
>
> Could any one help in recommending a multi circuit sub-meter to monitor energy consumption in houses. and also low-cost submeters to monitor the HVAC compressor electric consumption (since I need many of them).
> Thank you
> H. Abaza
> SPSU
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