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Most searched for brands of measuring and regulation technology
Heat and cold meters are an essential part of heating and air conditioning systems in both residential and commercial and industrial buildings. These meters collect data on thermal energy consumption at individual consumption points, enabling accurate billing and better energy management.
Similar to residential buildings, measuring consumed heat in industry is important for accurate cost allocation and for optimizing the operation of heating and air conditioning systems. Manufacturing plants, factories, companies, or warehouses can use this method to identify areas with potential for cost reduction and manage energy more efficiently.
If a space is shared by several tenants, installing heating meters is fundamental for accurate cost allocation. According to Act No. 318/2012 Coll. § 7 paragraph 4, the builder, building owner, or association of unit owners is obliged to equip the internal thermal equipment of buildings with devices regulating and recording the supply of thermal energy to end users to the extent specified by the implementing legal regulation, and at the same time, they are obliged to ensure that the specific indicators of heat consumption for heating, cooling, and hot water preparation set by the implementing legal regulation are not exceeded during the use of buildings. The end user (i.e., the tenant or unit owner) is obliged to allow the installation, maintenance, and inspection of these devices.
In industrial and other demanding applications, accuracy and reliability of measurement are crucial. For thermal energy meters, accuracy classes 1, 2, and 3 are defined, with the lowest class (3) heating meters allowed only for measuring heat consumption in households – that is, in residential buildings. For measuring heat for commercial purposes or within light industry, the use of class 2 meters is required.
The highest accuracy in measuring heat and cold for industry is ensured by so-called ultrasonic meters, which measure the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid using ultrasonic waves. These devices emit ultrasonic waves of a specific frequency into the fluid and measure the frequency of the reflected waves. The difference in frequencies then determines the exact heat consumption. Ultrasonic heat meters also have a longer lifespan as they contain no mechanically stressed parts.
On the other hand, electronic or turbine heat meters for radiators operate on a mechanical principle – they measure the rotor's rotation speed with blades through which the heat transfer fluid flows. Proportional meters compare the temperature difference between the radiator and the room air. These technologies are cheaper but also less accurate, typically used in residential buildings for allocating consumption among housing units.
Siemens Ultrasonic Heat Meter
Heat consumption meters also differ in the way data is read. This can be visual or radio. Visual readings, where the person performing the reading must transcribe the data from the meter display, are suitable where there is free access to the meters. For heat meters with remote reading, a suitable module is required to enable remote communication of the meters with the reading device. This eliminates the need to access the meters for reading, and remote reading also eliminates the risk of human error in data transcription.
Remote communication can be one-way (the meter continuously transmits data during a set period) or two-way (the meter transmits data only upon request). Remote readings can be conducted:
Measuring devices intended for industry must meet several other parameters to withstand demanding conditions. This includes, for example, the temperature of the fluid and the humidity of the surrounding environment – ensure that the meter you choose has a sufficient temperature range (in the case of cold meters, the temperature range must be different) and IP protection for your needs. If the meters are intended for explosive environments, they must comply with the ATEX directive.
Other important technical parameters include flow rate, type and size of connection, or power supply method. Some heat meters also have practical features, such as recalling past data, error message functions, self-diagnostics, and more. In our e-shop, you can choose from a wide range of ultrasonic heat and cold meters for industry from leading global manufacturers Siemens, ENBRA, and Qundis.
The installation of heat and cold meters, their maintenance, and regular calibration should be handled by professionals – that is, individuals authorized by the Czech Metrology Institute (ČMI). All meters must have ČMI verification and calibration verification. Meters must not be handled unprofessionally. If these conditions are not met, the end consumer may challenge the reading results.
Ultrasonic meters have higher accuracy, longer lifespan, and lower maintenance costs.
They are most commonly used in industrial plants where measurement accuracy and reliability are important.
Quality ultrasonic heat and cold consumption meters are practically maintenance-free, only requiring seal replacement, typically every 4 years.
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