Cem Güler  
Monitoring Device Product Engineer  
Aktif Mühendislik

The structures established as systems vary. In time, the hardware used varies according to ambient conditions and system requirements. In such cases, it is easier to add or change the required feature than a complete hardware replacement. At the same time, new equipment costs and complete disassembly-installation costs are saved.

Electricity measurement systems are expensive systems that require continuity (systems do not follow long-term interruptions). For example, any change in the electricity meter of a plant can cause production processes to stop working. This means that production stops and therefore money is lost.

Modularity is very important here and solves many problems. I will try to talk about these situations as I have mentioned below.

Energy Meter malfunctions

Communication equipment

The meter may be included in a central monitoring system, either wired or wireless. Continuity in such monitoring systems is of great importance. In particular, billing and reporting operations are carried out via communication lines. Failure of the device communication input causes loss of time (via the optical port) even if this and similar operations can not be done remotely and by going to the side of the device. Sometimes even all the required data cannot be retrieved even if you go to the device. In such situations where the meter is intact but communication equipment fails, the complete meter changing causes the loss of time, money (new meter cost, production stoppage) and data (reporting, etc …). Instead, only t change communication module in modular meters prevents such losses.

Customized modules for wired or wireless communication methods are a quick solution.

I / O hardware

There can be monitoring and control systems like SCADA in the network where the meter is used. Analog and digital inputs and outputs can be used from the meters. Meters can play a significant role in specified operation scenarios. In such environments, the fault conditions of the energy meter inputs / outputs will stop all this operation. Just as it is in communication, maintaining the measurement task, which is the main task of the meter, and changing the module is a solution that will prevent the loss of time and money.

Battery Problems

Meter boxes can not be opened due to sealed structures. This means that the internal battery can not be replaced by the user. If the battery runs out, the meter’s technical service will cause the user to have an additional meter and waste time. If the meter has a battery that can be mounted in modular construction, it can be easily changed by the user and such losses can be avoided.

Energy Control Equipments

Energy control equipments are used for line controls, especially in direct connection meters. The energy on the line can be controlled as on-off automatically or manually. The control part can be damaged without a fault in the measuring part of the meter. If the circuit breaker is integrated with the meter, it must be removed for meter change or technical service. Circuit Breakers in modular construction are used more often to prevent such situations.

Change of Communication Infrastructure

Systematic solutions are organized according to needs and possibilities. Especially selected communication systems can be installed wired or wireless. On the contrary, the need may vary (from cabling to wireless or wireless to cabled). In such cases, changing the communication modules is a big advantage for energy meter change. Changes in the operating scenarios of automation systems such as SCADA may require changes to the equipment used in the system. If the energy meters have a role in this system, the I / O module feature provides great convenience. Thanks to the modular system, the system can be adjusted as desired.

Modularity always provides easy adaptation and functionality. According to the need, the solution is real modular structure.

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