PCE Instruments Power Loggers

PCE Instruments Power Loggers

Power and Energy Loggers measure and save (data log) important parameters, i.e., Voltage, Current, Frequency, Harmonics, Watts, VARS, VA and Energy (kWh and kVAh, kVAh), Power Factor & Displacement Power Factor (DPF), Crest Factor, THD, and waveforms.
 
In these modern days, rising costs of most goods and services force us to continually evaluate and modify our purchasing habits in order to obtain the greatest efficiencies. Having and maintaining this information at our finger tips allows us to react and plan. It is also understandable that as Power and Energy costs increase, we need a mechanism to be able to evaluate our needs and power and energy use. Understanding what is needed and what is being used gives us greater insight into the manner in which we may react and plan our use. The measurement of “how much and when” regarding power and energy is vital and the instruments used are Power and Energy Loggers.

Power loggers are chosen on the basis of information desired and report capability as well as parameters required, length of time for recording values, hand-held, portable, bench top, with or without displays, wiring system (single phase or three phase), and related problems in the system. Many loggers, both Energy and Power, may be programmable and chosen based on the environment capability. There are many alternate displays that may be chosen. Below are examples “only” of a digital display as well as a graphical display. Many Instruments offer both utilizing existing display panels as an integral part of the Instrument as well as software used with a laptop or PC.

Here are examples of a graphical display of a Harmonic distribution. Certainly helpful in determining system problems and establishing a mitigation plan.

• Load Studies. Understanding the system or circuit load capacity before attempting to add increased loads
• Energy Assessments. The ability to evaluate energy used before corrections and after corrections have been made. The establishment of an Energy Profile is required when looking at system data
• Harmonics Measurements. Harmonics existence can be dangerous and damaging. Understanding the existence and possible mitigation required is an advantage
• Voltage Event Capture. Seeking any information that will aid in system evaluation, i.e. surges, sags, swells, transients. etc.

One of the primary factors to consider is the time base and total length of recording for each value. It is common to consider whether the information being recorded is available in real time or in recorded intervals. Data may be collected from a time reference from every second to days and even months. This selection is based on existing problems, intermittent or average values, and costs. Utilizing a logger system offers a comprehensive picture of the Power and Energy Systems and is now available to evaluate and solve Power and Energy problems.

Applications for Power Energy Logging

• Measurement and recording of power system quality (kW, VA, VAR)
• Energy metering (kVAh, VARh, kWh)
• In plant troubleshooting of power distribution panels and individual machinery
• Monitor pad mount transformers
• Determine harmonic problems originating from source or load
• Monitor phase unbalances
• Determine transformer K-Factor
• Setup and troubleshoot variable frequency drives and UPS systems
• Verify correct operation by measuring key power quality parameters
• Harmonics measurements- Uncover harmonic issues that can damage or disrupt critical equipment
• Inrush capture. Check start-up current where spurious resets or nuisance circuit breaker tripping occurs
• Load studies. Verify electrical system capacity before adding loads
• Energy Audits
• Predictive maintenance
• Long Term Intermittent Analysis

Here are additional examples of display options. On the left, the wiring and phase choice are shown, On the right, the details of Voltage, Current and Phase angles are shown on the Phasor Diagram.


Power and Energy Loggers may have a multitude of displays and may be chosen using a variety of formats including Analog Data, Digital Data, Digital Graphics, Multiple Screen, Single Waveform, Multiple Waveforms, General Report generation, and Specific Report generation.  It is important to realize that Power and Energy Loggers may also be chosen for building and system monitoring, as well as residential and overall energy audits. For most data logging systems, all important power and energy data is measured, recorded, and possibly analyzed. This will allow you to understand utility costs, improve efficiency, install energy savings devices, and explore alternative energy solutions. For a complete review of the choices you have, please call one of our Power and Energy Specialists for assistance.