In today’s world of smart buildings and intelligent systems, precision energy monitoring is crucial. Organizations are increasingly implementing Techknave clamp-on BTU / FLOW Meter (TKN202B) to manage and optimize energy usage in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. In today’s world of smart buildings and intelligent systems, precision energy monitoring is crucial. Organizations are increasingly implementing Techknave clamp-on BTU / FLOW Meter (TKN202B) to manage and optimize energy usage in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Techknave TKN 202 series flow meters allow accurate measurement of heat energy (in BTU or British Thermal Units), which is key for tracking energy performance and controlling costs. The addition of WiFi gateways, Modbus gateways, TOSIBOX, and protocol converters, such as Modbus-to-MBus converters, further enhances the integration and connectivity of these meters in energy management systems (EMS).
What is a Clamp-on BTU Flow Meter?
A clamp-on BTU flow meter is a non-invasive device used to measure the energy transfer in HVAC systems. Unlike inline meters, clamp-on meters are mounted externally on pipes and use ultrasonic technology to measure the flow rate and temperature difference of liquids (typically water) within the system. This configuration allows easy installation without interrupting the flow or causing pressure drops, making them ideal for retrofit installations and continuous monitoring.
Key advantages of Techknave TKN 202 series meters include:
- Measurement accuracy +-0.5 to 1%
- Non-Invasive with no pipe disturbance and no Maintenance
- Easy installations
- Wide range, pipe size from DN25mm to DN600mm and flow rate of 0.01 to 15m/s
- Suitable for many common pipe materials
- Communication interface - Modbus RTU / TCP, BACNET MSTP / IP and MBus
- 4G / GPRS modem for remote monitoring
- Connectivity to UBILL MACCOUD server for Record & Analyze
- Weather resistance enclosure - IP65
- BTU, MWH, Velocity, Columetric, Totalized flow mesurements
- Internal data logging
“Clamp-on BTU Flow Meters empower facilities with precise, non-invasive energy monitoring, transforming HVAC management into a streamlined, data-driven process. When integrated with smart connectivity solutions like WiFi and Modbus gateways, TOSIBOX, and protocol converters, these meters become powerful tools for optimizing energy usage, reducing costs, and advancing sustainability goals.”– KOTHANDAPANI (KOTHS), IIOT SPECIALIST AT CONNECTME SOLUTIONS
Implementation of clamp-on BTU Flow Meters in Energy Monitoring
For effective energy monitoring, Techknave clamp-on BTU flow meters are installed on both supply and return pipes of HVAC systems. By calculating the temperature difference and the flow rate, these meters provide an accurate measurement of heat transfer, which can then be converted to BTU/hr. This data allows facility managers to identify inefficiencies, track energy consumption, and make data-driven decisions to optimize energy usage.
Secure Remote Access with TOSIBOX
TOSIBOX is a solution for secure, remote access to industrial networks. By using TOSIBOX, facility managers can access real-time data from BTU flow meters and other connected devices remotely. TOSIBOX provides VPN functionality with advanced security features, ensuring that data remains secure and only authorized personnel can access it. This is especially beneficial for multi-site organizations, as it allows centralized monitoring and control of energy data across all locations without sacrificing security.
Protocol Converters: Modbus-to-MBus
In multi-protocol environments, protocol converters, such as Modbus-to-MBus converters, enable seamless communication between devices using different protocols. For instance, if a BTU flow meter communicates via Modbus but needs to send data to an M-Bus network, a Modbus-to-MBus converter can facilitate this interoperability. This capability allows organizations to integrate their BTU meters with a broader range of devices and systems, enhancing scalability and flexibility.
Real-World Application Example
Consider a commercial building aiming to optimize its HVAC system’s energy efficiency. The building installs Techknave clamp-on BTU flow meters on each HVAC system’s chiller and boiler, coupled with WiFi and Modbus gateways for seamless data communication. Using TOSIBOX, the building manager can remotely monitor and analyze energy data across multiple facilities in real-time. With the Modbus-to-MBus converter, the BTU data is integrated directly into the existing BMS, which relies on M-Bus communication.
The result? The building achieves optimized energy usage, reduces waste, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.
Techknave clamp-on BTU flow meters, combined with advanced connectivity solutions like WiFi and Modbus gateways, TOSIBOX, and protocol converters, play an integral role in modern energy monitoring systems. These technologies enable facilities to measure, monitor, and optimize their energy use more effectively, paving the way for improved operational efficiency and sustainability. As more organizations prioritize smart energy management, implementing clamp-on BTU flow meters with robust connectivity options will be essential for achieving data-driven, energy-efficient operations.
