What Is A Power Monitoring System?

Posted by Jimmy Hovey on Thu, Aug 18, 2011 @ 15:08 PM

Power Monitoring Is A Proactive Approach To Energy Efficiency and Prevention of Malfunctioning Equipment.

"Invisible and fleeting power disturbances can be silent killers-the electronic equivalent of high blood pressure"

Eaton Corporation, Power Xpert Meters
Power-monitoring-equivalent-to-measuring-high-blood-pressure


Power Monitoring Is a System Of Measurement

How can you measure what you can't see?  The only way to measure something is with some type of instrument.  Power Monitoring has been around for a long time. The process was very involved and technical and was typically used by large manufacturers to control and monitor their power.

With advancements in technology, and the increase in Broad Band connectivity, the ability to utilize this technology in regular businesses has now become a reality.

How Does Power Monitoring Work?

A Power Monitoring System is a network of meters connected to the Internet to provide real time data on the power system in your facility.  The meters feed an on line software system that allows the owners and service providers to identify potential problems with the electrical systems.  All electrical equipment in your facility is hooked to a meter. 

The meter is essentially a monitoring tool that is connected to the Internet. Like a computer, the tool has tremendous storage capacity and continually monitors the power , even events up to one millisecond can be captured.    

The information is fed directly to a software management system that is made available in real time.  Alarms can be set and email notifications sent out if your power systems functions outside of its normal parameters.

A Power Monitoring system allows you to see what you can’t see.  This creates a proactive approach to energy management rather than waiting for the bill to arrive at the end of the month. 

With out a way to monitor and measure you electrical system, there is no guidance there to help you determine where your energy resources are going.

Why Should I Care About A Power Monitoring System?

The topic of Power Monitoring has become more relevant due to all of the interest in saving energy and the energy efficiency movement.  Power Monitoring is well suited for managing your energy cost and efficiency because you can see in real time what is going on. 

You can't see power, so the only way you can see it is through a Power Monitoring system. 

Here are some more reasons for a power monitoring system;

  • Identify power quality problems

  • You can increase the life of IT or highly advanced equipment

  • Protect motors from damaging currents and surges

  • Prevent transformers and conductors from overheating

  • Locate and identify equipment malfunction, BEFORE it malfunctions

How Do You Know If Energy Efficiency Is Right For You?

Are you concerned with your energy costs that continue to rise? If you haven't noticed, energy costs are creeping up just costing you more and more over time. If you just look at your bill, you likely won't even notice. 

But if you spreadsheet your history for the past 2-3 years, we can almost guarantee your costs have gone  up.  Let the experts and Hovey Electric analyze your facility and determine if Power Monitoring is right for your facility.

Have Questions about Power Quality?  We use questions generated here to develop future blogs.  If you have the question, someone else likely does as well.  Leave us a question in the comments below.  Thanks!

Topics: Power Monitoring System