Post by Suzy Abbott on Jun 20, 2008 8:11:48 GMT -5
Hardware Terms
Software Key: The interface, or “black box” to the PC where the right energy software is. It takes the rs485 data from the IDR’s, and converts it to rs232 that most PC’s use in their serial ports.
Communication Cables: Cat3, Cat5, or other multiple conductor data cables that the IDR’s use to communicate to each other and the PC through the software key.
Current Sensor: See “Sensor”
Daisy Chain: A method of wiring a group of IDR’s together. The method of taking the communication cables, and “chaining” them front to back through their rs485 ports, and terminating them at the softwarekey.
IDR: Interval Data Recorder. It is the the “data collector” that interfaces with the meters and stores energy data until downloaded by the software.
Meter: The device that reads power usage and consumption. Stand-alone meters read and display the reading independent of anything else. Multiple meter configurations can be plugged into IDR’s for automatic reading.
Meter Multiplier: The number which you multiply the reading off of the meter display by, to get the actual usage in kWh. It is tied into the sensor size.
Meter Reading: The act of reading your meters. Can be done manually, or through automated meter reading systems.
Meter, Single Phase: A meter that is built to monitor only one phase.
Meter, 2 Phase: A meter built to monitor 2 power phases at once.
Meter, 3 Phase: A meter built to monitor 3 power phases at once.
Meter with demand: A meter that stores the peak kW reading during preset intervals (usually every 15 minutes). kW peak readings are normally reset at the end of each month.
MMU: Multiple Meter Unit. Compact enclosure that houses multiple meters. Reduces size requirements and simplifies installation and reading.
PC: Personal Computer (also used interchangeably with laptop.)
Pulse: The electronic signal sent to the IDR from a meter. It is how the IDR itself reads the meter.
E-Mon Energy: E-Mon’s automated meter reading software.
RS232: Recommended Standard 232. A communication standard for serial transmission between computers and peripheral devices (modem, mouse, etc.) The “language” that the PC uses to speak to the outside world, through its serial port.
RS485: Recommended Standard 485. A communication standard that Emon metering products employ. The “language” that the IDR uses to speak to the outside world.
Sensor: Devices that are wired into the meters, and “sense” the amount of current running through the line they are monitoring. They are how the meter determines the amount of power it is reading.
Sensor Phase: What power phase the sensor is monitoring on a 2 or 3 phase meter. Can be A phase, B phase, or C phase. Must correspond to the phase that the meter power connections are.
Sensor Size: The maximum amount of amperage a sensor is “rated”, or able to read.
Serial Port: The 9 pin communication port in the back of a PC which uses rs232 to communicate with peripheral devices (modem, mouse, joystick, etc.)