Introduction

Our Energy Management Solution provides a simplified approach to electrical monitoring with single-wire connection technology. This innovative solution enables easy replacement of MCBs one-by-one while maintaining existing wiring configurations.

Key Feature: Single wire connection, Live in Live out

  • Only able to measure current instead of voltage, power or power factor
  • Easy and simple to replace MCB one-by-one
  • Reduce extra rewiring (Neutral), we are maintaining same wiring

The Measurement Challenge

When multiple loads with different power factors are connected to the same circuit, the total current and power cannot be simply calculated by summing individual measurements.

Key Finding: Itotal ≠ I1 + I2 + ... + In & Ptotal ≠ P1 + P2 + ... + Pn

Hence, PFtotal ≠ PF1 ≠ PF2 ≠ ... ≠ PFn

Example Scenario

Consider a circuit with mixed load types:

Measurement A (Current) PF (Power Factor) W (Power)
total 0.281 0.73 46.8
R (Resistive) 0.231 0.98 52.8
C (Capacitive) 0.162 0.11 4.2

Observations:

  • The total current (0.281A) is less than the sum of R and C currents (0.231A + 0.162A = 0.393A)
  • The resistive load has a near-unity power factor (0.98)
  • The capacitive load has a very low power factor (0.11)
  • The total power (46.8W) is less than the sum of individual powers (52.8W + 4.2W = 57W)
Measurement A (Current) PF (Power Factor) W (Power)
total 0.463 0.79 85.3
I (Inductive) 0.238 1.00 54.2
C (Capacitive) 0.265 0.48 30.1

Observations:

  • The total current (0.463A) is less than the sum of I and C currents (0.238A + 0.265A = 0.503A)
  • The inductive load has a perfect power factor (1.00)
  • The capacitive load has a low power factor (0.48)
  • The total power (85.3W) is slightly more than the sum of individual powers (54.2W + 30.1W = 84.3W)
Measurement A (Current) PF (Power Factor) W (Power)
total 0.457 1.00 106.5
I (Inductive) 0.234 0.98 52.9
R (Resistive) 0.234 1.00 54.4

Observations:

  • The total current (0.457A) is slightly less than the sum of I and R currents (0.234A + 0.234A = 0.468A)
  • Both the total and resistive loads have perfect power factors (1.00)
  • The inductive load has a near-perfect power factor (0.98)
  • The total power (106.5W) is slightly less than the sum of individual powers (52.9W + 54.4W = 107.3W)

As shown in the table above, the total values do not equal the sum of individual components due to phase differences between currents.

Theoretical Background

Electrical Load Types

Electrical loads can be categorized into three main types, each with distinct characteristics:

Resistive Load

Current and voltage are in phase (PF = 1). Examples: incandescent lights, heaters.

Inductive Load

Current lags behind voltage (PF < 1). Examples: motors, transformers.

Capacitive Load

Current leads voltage (PF < 1). Examples: capacitor banks, electronic circuits.


Power Calculation Fundamentals

In DC: Power, P = V × I
In AC: Power, P = V × I × PF, when PF ≠ 1

In alternating current (AC) systems, the relationship between voltage and current is more complex due to the phase difference caused by reactive components in the load.

Phase Relationship

When voltage leads current, the circuit is inductive. When current leads voltage, the circuit is capacitive.

Important Insight: The power factor is dependent on the machine or appliance itself and cannot be determined from current measurement alone.

Proposed Solution

To accurately measure voltage, wattage, and power factor, we recommend integrating a power factor meter into the circuit configuration.

Implementation Steps

1

Connect Breakers in Series

Install our breakers in series with a power factor meter as shown in the diagram.

2

Install Power Factor Meter

Connect a certified power factor meter to measure voltage, current, and phase difference.

3

Implement Monitoring System

Integrate with monitoring and control systems for comprehensive energy management.

This configuration enables accurate measurement of all electrical parameters including power factor.

Benefits: With this solution, not only current measurement but also voltage, wattage, and power factor become available. A comprehensive monitoring and controlling system can be implemented for your customers.