ABSTRACT
Real-time energy metering opens the door to energy consumption analysis and management. The passive monthly readings of consumption traditionally associated with mechanical meters are now replaced by active real-time energy measurements, including flows, demand, electric phase balance, chilled water differential pressures and temperatures, condensate return temperatures, alarm reporting conditions, etc. Networked electronic meters open the door to integrated management of the production (one or more power plants), distribution (miles of underground utility systems), and consumption of energy (in dozens and even hundreds of buildings). Institutionally, one faces the difficulties inherent both in integrating traditionally separate isles of automation and in changing the institutional culture towards one of energy awareness and interest in managing and reducing building energy consumption.
