"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" – Leonardo da Vinci
Energy Conservation and Monitoring Question: Why is energy conservation important, and how can it be effectively managed?
Answer: Energy conservation is essential for cost savings and environmental sustainability. However, understanding how to conserve energy starts with knowing exactly how much energy is being used. Monitoring energy consumption allows individuals and businesses to identify inefficiencies and implement strategies to reduce energy waste effectively.
There are many different methods and tools that can be used to measure your energy consumption, depending on your application. In this post, we will focus on thermal energy measurement and management in hydronic systems. In keeping true to Da Vinci’s quote, we will keep our explanation as simple and straightforward as possible.
The purpose of measuring thermal energy in a hydronic heating or cooling system is to understand how much energy the system is consuming. From there, adjustments can be made to maximize system efficiency.
Thermal energy is the heat absorbed or released by a system and is typically measured in British Thermal Units (BTU). The main components of a thermal energy system are a fluid flow sensor, two temperature sensors (one for inlet, one for outlet temperature), and a calculator (which eliminates the need to do the energy calculation by hand). The energy equation stems from the first law of thermodynamics and is used to calculate thermal energy. This equation is quite complex, but it basically states that if you know the characteristics of the fluid, the volume flow rate, the inlet temperature, and the outlet temperature, then you can determine the thermal energy.
There are two methods of hydronic thermal energy measurement. The traditional method uses a separate flowmeter and temperature sensors to capture reading and then uses a building management system to calculate thermal energy. The alternative complete system method, uses one unit that contains a flow sensor, temperature sensors, and a calculator. Typically, these three components are calibrated together as a system.
Traditional vs. Complete Thermal Energy Measurement Question: What are the potential sources of error in thermal energy measurement, and how can they be minimized?
Answer: Measurement errors in thermal energy calculations can arise from factors such as resolution, specific heat, and media density. Both traditional and complete system methods are subject to these errors, but traditional systems have a greater margin of error due to separate calibration of individual components (flow sensor, temperature sensors, and calculator). Temperature errors can be compounded if the sensors are calibrated separately.
The main advantage of a complete system is that all components are calibrated together, reducing the risk of calculation errors. A complete system also offers improved resolution, specific heat corrections, and density correction. Understanding the accuracy and potential errors of each method is crucial when selecting a system that meets precision requirements.
In 2002, the International Organization of Legal Metrology (or OIML) was the first organization to define a heat metering standard, OIML R75. Since then, other international bodies have established their own heat metering standards based on OIML’s recommendation and regional requirements.
These global measurement standards regulate general performance of hydronic heat meter instrumentation in order to promote quality and uphold performance expectations. When someone purchases a product that meets accuracy standards defined by OIML, they can be confident in the readings and calculations they receive. This confidence is key for energy, financial, and environmental tracking purposes. Of all the international standards, the European Commission's EN1434 is the most commonly specified or required in applications.
There are three accuracy classes for heat metering that meet EN1434/ASTM E3137/ CSA 900.1-13: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3.
Class 1 is the most accurate and Class 3 is the least accurate. As you can see from the table above, only the complete method can achieve Class 1 accuracy because all three measurement components are calibrated together, eliminating the sources of error associated with each measurement.
In addition to these international metering standards, there are related energy certifications that incentivize buildings and businesses to conserve energy.
While the recommendations set by these energy organizations are not requirements, there are impressive advantages to abiding by them, including lower utility costs and potential tax breaks. Some examples of these organizations and certifications can be seen in the map above.
Insertion Thermal Energy Meter, Series IEFB Question: What are the features and benefits of the Series IEFB Insertion Thermal Energy Meter?
Answer: DwyerOmega recently introduced the Series IEFB Insertion Thermal Energy Meter, a complete system that includes a hot tap insertion flowmeter, paired temperature sensors, calculator, and a field-configurable setup display. This meter offers accuracy options tailored to various applications.
High-accuracy units comply with EN1434, ASTM E3137, and CSA C900.1-13 class 2 standards, while standard accuracy units meet class 3 requirements. These options allow users to select the level of precision needed for monitoring and optimizing hydronic energy systems efficiently.
The IEFB is one simple, compact unit that is simple to install and easy to interact with. Much like Da Vinci said, the sophistication of this product is in its simplicity. To learn more about the Series IEFB, visit the DwyerOmega website or call us at 219-879-8000.
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