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Data Collection is performed by one or more computers that communicate with end point metering devices, protection devices, and RTUs. The Data Collection system gathers data and then acts on the collected data. Actions include such things as energy calculations, combination of values to present higher level results (such as building totals from individual meters), historical trending, alarms, and control. Control may be achieved either directly or by connection with other systems, such as building automation systems.
The Menu screen is typically related to a site map. Control points on the screen activate menus and other controls that allow users to navigate to the system screens. Buttons activate plain English menus to simplify navigation to all system screens.
Single line screens are graphical representations of the monitored system. Screens usually include active graphics to provide visual indication of system or equipment conditions. Information can be collected from meters, protective relays, switchgear, PLCs, RTUs, and other devices. This single line shows the electrical switchgear that is being monitored.
Equipment graphics can also be included in the system. This graphic portrays an electrical switchgear, providing similar information to that which would be shown on a single line. Other equipment or graphics for any type of equipment can also be included on the screens. Graphics can also be animated to show present states
Large systems can be portrayed to allow operators to see the big picture regarding conditions in the facility. This graphic shows the energy flow into and out of a co-generator. Natural gas inputs are monitored to the turbine and the heat recovery steam generator duct burners. Total energy output as electricity and steam are also displayed.
Trend screens provide historical graphs of selected data. These screens can be scrolled back in time to review historical data. Trend axis values can be changed to provide greater detail if needed. Trend data can also be easily exported to MS Excel for other analysis.
Energy use is normally of interest over a specified time interval. Typical intervals can be as short as 1 minute to a month or even a year. Centric Energy Systems normally calculate energy use of a 5 or 15 minute interval and then combine those values to create daily and monthly energy tracking. This graph shows energy use over a 5 minute interval. The stepped line shows accumulation through the 5 minute interval. The jagged line near the top is kW and the stepped line at about the same level is the total energy use in each 5 minute interval. This type of information is typically calculated for each meter and is very valuable in determining the amount of energy use and the major contributors to that use.
Some clients want to have a visual indication of where power or other site utilities are flowing. This screen gives a very visual indication about how the total power being consumed is divided among the various buildings in the facility.
With the increasing interest in renewable energy, some clients want to see the energy impact of renewables related to their total use and their purchases from the utility. This screen depicts power from a solar installation and compares the solar generated power with the purchased power, providing instantaneous indication of the impact of solar energy at the facility.
The value of any energy system ultimately depends on the ability to actually control the controllable loads within the facility. Lighting is often a good candidate for energy use reduction. This screen demonstrates the present status of lighting in a large manufacturing environment. The system provides automated and scheduled control and the screen allows operator override if necessary.
When load control is important, it may be necessary to track load control against some standard. Increasingly, clients are considering specialty utility contracts that provide lower rates in return for agreeing to reduce use during high load periods. In this system, the Energy System calculates the load benchmark based on the utility contract requirements and compares the actual load to the benchmark. It provides instantaneous feedback to operators on the status of their load control efforts.
When interval energy is calculated, it is necessary to track the various intervals and calculation results. This screen displays the raw data and calculated interval energy use results. Energy interval data is usually stored in database tables to provide historical reporting capability. This storage requirement is normally best handled by a Data Historian.