How an Energy Meter Works and When To Use One Professionally

Energy meters are important tools used in a range of industries to measure energy output, monitor energy consumption and manage electricity currents in different settings. They are crucial devices for a range of reasons which we will dive into in this blog! We’ve created an in-depth guide to how energy meters work and how they are used in professional settings to give you the information you need to know. To find out more, keep on reading!

What Is An Energy Meter And How Does It Work?

There are different kinds of energy meters that you may come across. Each of these devices is used to measure the consumption, output and other parameters of the energy in a building. Some energy meters are wired into homes, which you may have encountered before. You can also find plug in energy meters which simply plug into a mains socket and then tell you how much energy is being consumed. Another type of energy meter that you may have come across are smart meters! Many homes now have smart meters to help them manage their daily, weekly and monthly energy consumption.

 

Handheld energy meters are used in a range of different industries as a useful tool for measuring and monitoring the electrical output or energy consumption in different situations. Unlike traditional energy meters, which are typically wired into a building or property, handheld energy meters are much more convenient as they are portable and can be applied to a range of different situations.

How Do Energy Meters Work?

This is a basic rundown of how energy meters work, however it is important to note that there are different types of energy meters. For example, digital meters function in a different way to analog meters which use mechanical components and rotating discs. Electronic meters will use digital methods to measure voltage and current. However, the basic principle and information these meters are reading are the same.

 

• Measuring Voltage - Energy meters are usually connected to an electrical supply or a power source. The meters then use voltage transformers to reduce the voltage to a safe level that can be measured.

 

• Measuring The Current - Energy meters have a current coil which the electrical current flows through. This allows the device to measure the electrical current that is passing through.

 

• Calculations - Once this measurement has been taken, the amount of instantaneous power must be calculated. This is the power consumed at any given moment. To calculate this, the meter multiples the voltage and current together to work this out, using an electromagnetic or an electronic mechanism. This will depend on the type of energy meter being used.

 

• Power Over Time - The instantaneous power is measured continuously over time to work out the amount of energy being consumed.

 

• Displaying Data - Energy meters will then display the data as cumulative energy consumption, which is usually measured in kWh (kilowatt-hours) or in Wh (watt-hours). Some energy meters have analogue dials while others have digital displays. Many modern energy meters have data logging abilities, which is useful if data needs to be stored and collected over time.

 

• Reports - More advanced energy meters are capable of communicating wirelessly, which is useful for delivering real-time energy data. This also allows for more accurate monitoring, billing and energy management.

Where Are Energy Meters Used?

Energy meters can be used for a range of different applications. We’ve outlined some of the most common situations you might encounter an energy meter being used.

Commercial Settings

Commercial businesses such as office spaces, retail shops and even educational institutions such as schools will use portable energy meters to track energy consumption and manage their bills.

 

They can use the data provided to optimise efficiency in lighting, refrigeration, HVAC systems, classrooms…etc. While maintaining a comfortable environment for employees, customers and students. With the rising energy bills we have been experiencing in 2023, keeping an eye on business spending and utility bills is an effective way to stay within budget and not overspend.

Industrial Sector

Many areas of the industrial sector use energy meters and other energy management tools in their practices.

 

Manufacturing plants rely on a steady and safe supply of electricity to power large, industrial tools and machines. Energy meters are useful for plant managers and engineers to monitor energy usage safely and spot any problems. They can also use the data to improve the efficiency of their operation.

 

Construction sites also use energy meters to monitor and measure electricity on site. Construction sites usually have a temporary power source for tools and equipment, and using an energy meter will track the energy consumption as well as the cost of the power usage, helping them to stay within their budget.

 

Oil and gas facilities also use energy meters to measure output and consumption on remote drilling sites. They are useful for detecting quality issues and energy wastage. Energy meters can be essential to maintaining a stable power supply in these businesses.

Renewable Energy Industries

Renewable energy companies rely heavily on energy meters in a range of different ways.

 

Solar power companies, for example, use portable energy meters during installation and maintenance services. They help engineers to make sure that the solar panels are creating the right amount of energy and that the systems are efficient.

 

Wind farms are another alternative energy source that require energy meters to help them function properly. Energy meters can be used to measure the output of individual turbines as well as the entire wind farm. This data helps employees working at the wind farm to assess the health of the wind turbines and optimise the energy they are producing.

Utility & Energy Providers

Utility companies and energy providers also rely on energy meters to help provide them with the correct data for their clients. Energy consultants use portable energy meters to conduct energy audits for commercial and domestic properties. These audits are carried out to identify any problems or energy wastage. Energy consultants can then use this data to recommend energy-efficient solutions to clients.

 

Utility companies also use energy meters to monitor the power quality and manage peak power consumption. They help utility companies to bill properties the right amount for their energy bills and they can be helpful in improving the overall performance of the electric grid.

Contractors

Electrical contractors or technicians may be called to a property for a repair or installation and energy meters will be used to help them complete the job. The meters help to identify problems or irregularities and contractors can use the data from the energy meter to ensure that devices are complying with energy safety regulations.

 

Additionally, when there are electrical problems in residential areas, housing estates or in commercial buildings, energy meters are used by technicians to help identify the problem and find a resolution. Because the energy meters provide real-time data, professionals can use this data to identify the issue and solve it quickly.