Three-phase performance measurement module for energy monitoring

Rising energy costs urgently require sustainable energy management. The aim is to tailor the operation of individual machines and processes or even whole plants to optimise energy usage. This means recording and analysing the consumption data for all relevant components.

The new u-remote performance measurement module from Weidmüller is used to record and process data from single- or three-phase AC consumers up to a measured voltage of 300 Veff AC (L-N). The u-remote module measures and/or records reactive, apparent and active power, energy consumption, phase angles and many other electrical indices. Moreover, the module transfers the process data to superordinate controllers or control systems with a free choice of communication protocol. The power measurement module can easily be integrated into existing automation solutions using u-remote, the remote I/O system from Weidmüller. Via the module, currents of up to 1A and/or 5A can be measured directly and higher currents indirectly with corresponding current transducers. If using conversion current transformers, energy recording can even be retrofitted without any intervention in the existing electrical installation of the consumer in question.

The new u-remote performance measurement module doesn’t just transfer a random flood of data; instead it ensures integrated preprocessing of the measurement data. There are parameters configured on an application-specific basis to allow the measurement, evaluation and further processing of the raw data measured. Pre-processing with set parameters directly in the module allows the desired, consumer-specific characteristics to be provided and/or depicted clearly and directly in the process image. This gives users transparency regarding the consumption data of their machines and systems.

U-remote integrates individual data recording into the relevant plant automation system. Users can also position the u-remote power measurement module anywhere within a u-remote station. An individual consumer can be connected to the module, which is just 11.5mm wide, to record measured values for voltages and currents - with a free choice of communication protocol.

LEDs on each channel and status indicators on each u-remote module make for simple diagnostics. They show whether data transmission is underway or whether there is an error. This ensures secure system start-up and rapid plant maintenance.

One further benefit is that the integrated u-remote web server allows users to display the current consumption data of the connected consumers in any standard web browser – without the need for additional software. Access is either via the Ethernet or a USB port on the coupler. This equally improves transparency, simplifies configuration, makes machine and/or plant maintenance easier and reduces sources of error.