3
US
HOW THE
WORKS
Overview
This product uses current transformer sensing technology to detect and monitor a tiny magnetic field around your
household electricity power cable. It measures the current (Amps) being used and, by reference to the system
voltage, calculates the amount of power being used, the cost, and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. It then
transmits this information from the Sender Box to a Wireless Remote Monitor on a wireless frequency of 433MHz,
from up to 30 metres (100 feet) away (unbroken transmission).
NOTE
The intention of this
product is primarily as an educational device to aid understanding of the cost of
operating electrical appliances in the home. Hence, there is no intention for the
Wireless Energy Monitor to
replace your accurate electricity revenue meter.
Household Power Cables And Phase
Most UK household electricity supplies use single-phase, but some use three phase. In single-phase supplies, the
current flows to and from your household appliances using a neutral and power line. The neutral line has a voltage
close to zero while the power line carries a fluctuating voltage or phase. The difference between these two lines
makes the current flow through your appliances.
In three phase supplies, current flows to and from a device through a group of three lines - each one carrying a
fluctuating voltage or phase. One sensor should be connected to each of the three phase lines before using the
.
Green House Gas
Fossil fuel power stations emit gases such as carbon dioxide when producing electricity. This causes an atmospheric
imbalance, which in turn has been linked to global warming (global temperature rise).
Every power station has a slightly different ratio of emissions to electricity production, depending on the type of fuel
used to generate electricity. Sustainable energy sources such as hydro, solar and wind power do not create any
emissions.
The default greenhouse gas emission rate on the Remote Monitor is set to 1.27lb (0.58kg) of greenhouse gas for
every 1KWh of electricity produced. This can be changed depending upon the fuel or energy source used by your
power generating authority.
Definitions
•
Voltage
:- is the measure of electrical potential in Volts(V).
•
Current
:- signifies the amount of electricity flowing through a conductive material, such as a wire.
Electrical current is measured in amperes or amps (A).
•
Power
:- is the rate at which electrical energy is converted to another form. Both voltage and current are
necessary to provide electrical power for your household appliances. Power is the product of Volts
times Amps, and the unit of measure is Watts. A Watt is the standard unit of measurement for the amount of
energy (electric or otherwise) being transferred to or from somewhere each second.
o
The voltage is usually constant - so the amount of power used is directly proportional to the
current used.
o
A Kilowatt (kW) is a larger unit of measurement (1000 W = 1 kW).
o
Kilowatt hour (kWh) represents the use of 1000 watts of electricity for one whole hour.
o
1 kWh is the equivalent of ten (10) x 100-watt bulbs operating at the same time for one hour.
