Re: Accurate Power (Electricity and Gas) Monitoring

["b_weijenberg" <b_weijenberg@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ben,

The RFXMeter is a device that can have 3 modules installed for real=20
power metering (P=3DU*I) and/or pulse metering and transmits RF data=20
packets. http://www.rfxcom.com/sensors.htm=20

You would need an RFXPwr module for each power phase. These modules=20
measure the line voltage and the current and calculate the real power=20
usage with an accuracy within 3%.
Or if the utility meter has a blinking LED that indicates the power=20
usage you can use an RFXPulse with photo-sensor.

Some gas meters in the UK have a small mirror on the least=20
significant digit. With an RFXPulse and reflective-optical sensor it=20
is then possible to measure the gas usage too.
There are also water meters that have a turning wheel that has a half=20
reflecting metal surface on it. These meters can also be read using=20
the RFXPulse with reflective-optical sensor.

The 433.92MHz RFXCOM receiver is used to receive the RFXMeter.=20
Besides the RFXMeter this receiver can also receive Oregon Scientific=20
temperature, humidity, wind speed, barometer, body weight scales. And=20
HomeEasy remotes, BBSB, DomiaLite and X10 RF.
As software you can use for example xPL, Heyu, Domotiga,=20
Homeseer+RFXCOM plug-in, HouseBot.

Bert
--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, Ben McCormack <yahoogroup@...> wrote:
>
> All
>=20
> I have been thinking of buying a CurrentCost unit but with the=20
recent=20=20
> reports that the accuracy is not great I have starting looking
for=20=20
> other options.
>=20
> To be more accurate it seems like you need to replace or add a=20
meter=20=20
> with a pulsed output. Once you have this pulse you can capture and=20
do=20=20
> things with the data.
>=20
> I have found a supplier of the pulsed output meters -=20
http://www.meters.co.uk/=20
>   They sell both Gas and Electric meters. Gas are about =A3200 each=20
and=20=20
> a I can't find a price for Electric.
>=20
> I have not seen or purchased one of these yet but I am sure this=20
is=20=20
> interesting for some people on the list.
>=20
> Ben
>




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