EC: Energy Portal Module with E-Allocation software

Power — Energy, Power Protection: Eaton's Energy Portal Module allows users to benchmark the effectiveness of energy reduction efforts and identify loads within a facility that consume the most energy, while the E-Allocation software enables accurate billing. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice finalist.

By Control Engineering October 20, 2014

Originally launched July 2013, the Power Xpert Multi-Point meter builds on Eaton’s portfolio of metering solutions to help facilities of all sizes increase the effectiveness of energy management programs.

The product offering was expanded in August 2014 with an Energy Portal Module, which incorporates a built-in Web server for remote access to view live data and graphical trending displays without the need for additional software.

Shown in the Web portal is a dashboard view, which displays the load trend of "this week versus last week." Also included is a summary table of energy values and live energy and voltage values per phase.

Trended and graphed phase voltages, phase currents, and power factor metrics are also available for individual and system meters. The graphed data points can also be cut and pasted for deeper analyzing by highlighting the data values.

The Energy Portal Module is paired with Eaton E-Allocation software. This software resides on a PC and provides remote access to the PXMP. The E-Allocation software allows the customer to accurately see which meters are using what percentage of the energy consumed. A total assigned cost is then entered, and based on the usage proportion, individual tenants’ costs can be accurately assigned.

Individual allocation costs for energy, water, gas and steam can also be generated, with individual meter reports created by the E-Allocation software.

By utilizing the software throughout a power distribution system, plant managers are able to benchmark the effectiveness of energy reduction efforts and identify loads within a facility that consume the most energy. This real-time insight into energy usage allows users to begin prioritizing energy reduction efforts including shedding non-critical loads, shifting loads to an off-peak rate period, and targeting inefficient operations for further action—while ensuring all energy usage is allocated accurately for separately operating departments.

Eaton, www.eaton.com