with non-invasive, clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters
Efficiency is the key to responsible and cost-effective energy management. Whether it involves achieving more with less, or reducing the expenditure of financial, human or natural resources, efficiency requires a well-considered approach.
BUILDINGS AND OPERATING COSTS
We live in an environment full of buildings. The energy consumption involved with providing the levels of suitable comfort (temperature, humidity and air quality) is often a major cost item in the operating budget of buildings. This is where the need for accountability and efficiency comes into play. It is important for the building stakeholders to have knowledge regarding the rates, energy consumption, and efficiency of the output delivered per unit of input energy.
THE ROLE OF HVACR IN ENERGY MANAGEMENT
An HVACR system (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) generates thermal energy and distributes it throughout an enclosed space. Thanks to innovative technology, it is now possible to accurately measure this thermal energy. This measurement is known as BTU (British Thermal Unit) measurement and offers interesting benefits:
- Real-time equipment performance monitoring
- Submetering to identify specific consumption areas
- Ability to directly bill multiple tenants in one building for their thermal energy usage
- Monitoring and balancing of energy flows
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BTU MEASUREMENT
BTU measurement involves measuring the inlet and outlet temperatures of heat transfer fluids, along with their flow rates. While the principle is simple, the accuracy and reliability of measurement data greatly depend on the methods and equipment used. Also, adding additional instrumentation to a complex system may require more maintenance and calibration to maintain the desired accuracy and functionality. The goal of BTU measurement is therefore to optimize performance data and minimize additional maintenance burdens.
NON-INVASIVE BTU MEASUREMENT WITH CLAMP-ON ULTRASONIC FLOWMETERS
An efficient solution for simultaneously measuring fluid flow rates and temperature is the use of clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters. These instruments facilitate the necessary calculations and provide reliable technical data. A key characteristic of clamp-on flowmeters is their non-invasive nature, allowing for easy installation without disrupting existing pipelines. Further benefits of clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters include:
- Traceable accuracy of flow and temperature measurements
- Simple installation in new and existing systems without disruption
- Reliable operation, no maintenance
- Accurate measurements from near 0 to maximum system flow
- Stable detection without zero deviation
- Communication protocol tailored to the building management system
- Large data storage cache (in case of communication failure)
- Compatible with common output signals such as 4-20 mA
RELIABLE DATA TO MAKE EFFECTIVE DECISIONS
Reliable data is indispensable in order to make targeted decisions. Choosing the right instrumentation is the most important step towards improving efficient energy management. With clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters, HVACR systems can be accurately monitored and building managers are able to make informed decisions and optimize costs.
