Metering and datacollection:
You cannot manage what you don't measure

Smart Meters

For electrical metering Building Sustainability recommends smart meters from Aidon Oy, which are robust - made for the Nordic harsh climate - and MID approved. There are single phase meters, three phase direct connect meters, and current transformer meters for three and single phase. The meters have integrated communication modules for local wireless mesh radio in clusters of meters and GPRS/3G for communication with the central Workplace Footprint Tracker software via the GSM/3G network and the Internet. All communication is encrypted for maximum data security and integrity. The whole system with smart meters, wireless communication, and data collection software makes a true Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system, which delivers billing quality data.

The radio mesh system designed by Connode AB is:

• Robust: Each meter in a cluster is able to communicate with any other meter within the cluster which allows multiple routes for communication with the Workplace Footprint Tracker. More than one GPRS/3G link can be used for each cluster although one link is usually sufficient.
• Scalable: It is possible to link up meters within and between different buildings within a specified range e.g. a campus site
• Cost Effective: Easy to install as no wired network connection is required; particularly beneficial for retrofitting. The meters connect automatically to the Workplace Footprint Tracker when they are powered up.

Data loggers and Building Management Systems

In the case of existing electrical meters and for water and gas meters, which are pulse output enabled, the Workplace Footprint Tracker either uses data loggers to count pulses and collect data over GPRS and the Internet, or a radio solution which is available in the UK market.

When energy and sensor data are available in a Building Management System (BMS) the Workplace Footprint Tracker will get the data via a SOAP interface or via BacNet over IP.

Footprint Intelligent Power Strips

Building Sustainability also offers the opportunity to collect data on personal energy use at the desktop level through the use of the Footprint Intelligent Power Strip.

This is a collaboration with CMD, specialists in office power and cable management. The strips provided by CMD contain smart meters and monitor in real time energy use from attached PCs, docking stations, monitors and printers.

The Workplace Footprint Tracker collects energy data from the strips and presents this on graphical dashboards through the Internet and digital signage. This allows individuals to view their own personal energy use.

The Footprint Power Strips also have scheduling features to allow organisations to manage power supply to equipment. This allows organisations to reduce wasted energy as a result of equipment left on when not in use, especially ‘out of hours’. The control of energy use is achieved by the ability to set switch-off thresholds when the energy use drops below a certain level, or at certain times.

To view the DECC Intelligent Power Strip Case Study click here.

Download our Workplace Footprint Tracker Product Brochure