SATEC PM175/PM180 power quality and energy meter

SATEC has enhanced the input design of the standard PM175/PM180 power quality and energy meter to accept the low-level signals provided by the sensors. The upgrade provides the utility industry with a new system to monitor, coordinate and operate distribution systems in real-time mode.

The insulators with sensors replace the standard insulators and incorporate a built-in CT and PT function. These sensors can easily be installed without having to de-energise or cut and terminate the main line wire. They produce a small voltage signal instead of the normal 120 V and 5 A outputs of standard CTs and PTs. Special inputs have been designed into the PM175/PM180 power quality and energy meter to fully interface with the low-level sensor outputs for line voltage and current.

Full measurements and data can be obtained from the meter, including waveforms and harmonics. A custom SATEC enclosure for the PM175/PM180 input connections and a GPRS modem and/or Ethernet for real-time data communication direct to a SCADA system simplify installation. Utilities can process this information to analyse power flow and determine MW-reduction capabilities. They can use this data to execute commands to operate and control equipment such as voltage regulators, capacitor controls, loading switches and system outage reporting. Today, this information is usually limited to just what the voltage regulators can provide from their single source of regulation, which has been deemed insufficient. There is a need to increase monitoring to many critical points along the grid.

The company’s approach can control demand reduction during peak load times to deliver the power needed by the system during high-demand periods. This can help minimise losses on the distribution system and optimise efficiency as well as the quality of the power and locate fault issues.