Retrofit energy monitoring: measure current per system
The main meter shows how much the building consumes – but not which system it was. The EnoSense® 3PH Current Sense measures the currents of all three phases on a feeder, a ventilation system or a pump. The current transformers are opened and clamped around the conductors without cutting them; the sensor powers itself from the transformers and transmits the values to the gateway by radio.
What the current measurement shows
The principleEnergy is consumed in many places, and transparency is usually missing at the level of individual circuits and systems. With the current per phase you see when a system runs, for how long and under what load: peak loads, running times, base load at night and at weekends, unevenly loaded phases.
The sensor measures currents, not energy. To estimate power and consumption, the target system calculates with the mains voltage and power factor. Billing and calibrated metering still require a meter according to the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID).
Record individual feeders without additional metering equipment in the cabinet.
Running times and load profile of fans and chillers.
Find out whether pumps and heat generators also run when nobody needs heat.
Three split-core transformers included, energy harvesting from the conductor, internal batteries bridge currents below 1 A.
From the switch cabinet into energy management
Data pathThe sensor transmits the current values of the three phases via EnOcean radio (profile D2-32-02) to the EnoDisc® receivers. The VL-700 BASE 2 gateway handles up to 500 sensors and passes the values on as JSON to an MQTT broker, or via Modbus TCP or KNX to your energy management or building automation.
In the gateway’s ECS Dashboard you see the current values and the history of the last days and weeks; all lists can be exported as CSV or Excel. If you want to analyse years, keep the values in the target system.
What this means for your planning
5 points- Define measuring points by consumer: feeders of the sub-distribution boards, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, pumps, heat and cooling generators.
- Choose the transformer size according to the rated current of the feeder: 80, 200 or 600 A.
- Installation in the switch cabinet by a qualified electrician; the conductors are not cut.
- Metal cabinets attenuate the radio signal: plan an EnoDisc® close to the cabinet, otherwise one per approx. 450 m².
- Define the data path to energy management (MQTT, Modbus TCP or KNX) and store the conversion into power there.
Frequently asked questions
4 questionsDoes the sensor replace an electricity meter?
No. It measures the currents per phase for monitoring and analysis. A meter according to the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) remains necessary for billing and calibrated energy metering.
Does the system have to be switched off for installation?
The conductors are not cut: the transformers are opened and clamped around them. Whether work may be carried out in the live cabinet is decided by the qualified electrician according to the applicable safety rules.
Where does the sensor get its energy from?
From the current transformers themselves, as soon as at least 1 A flows. Internal batteries bridge smaller currents.
Does this help with energy audits and ISO 50001?
The readings show which system draws which current and when – the data basis that an energy audit and energy management according to ISO 50001 need. The assessment is done by your energy consultant or your energy management system.
Shall we plan your measuring points?
Tell us the systems and feeders you want to record, with rated current and target system. You will receive a proposal for sensors, transformers and receivers, a list with order numbers and a quote.