Exploring Energy Meters: Types & Working Principles

The role of energy meters is indispensable in this world. From measuring the consumption of electrical energy to monitoring it and enabling fair billing, these meters perform several functions. Do you know energy meters come in different types? Yes, they do come in different types. This blog will introduce you to everything related to these meters. Starting from what they are to the different types of meters and their working principle. So, start reading below to dive into this comprehensive guide on energy meters. 

What is an Energy Meter?

A device that is utilized to measure the amount of energy consumed in a particular period is known as an energy meter. The primary idea behind these meters is to measure energy consumption to find out the electricity cost of a particular place.

As you now know what an energy meter is, you must be curious to know how it works. Let’s find these out in the next section of this blog. 

Energy Meter Working

How does an energy meter work? Let’s understand. Energy meter working is easy to understand. Its working principle follows Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. This law states that a magnetic field gets generated around a conductor when current flows through it. Electrical energy consumption is measured in these meters using this principle. Its working involves three steps, as explained below. 

Current Measurement

The first step in energy meter working involves measuring the current flowing through it. For this, the meter has a wire that connects its current coil with the power source. Now, whenever the current flows through this coil, a magnetic field is generated around it. 

Voltage Measurement

An energy meter also measures voltage to calculate the electrical energy consumption. To measure voltage, the voltage is directed to the voltage coil of the meter from the power source. This voltage coil creates a magnetic field with a magnitude proportional to the voltage. 

Electric Energy Calculation

Now comes the final step in energy meter working- calculation of electrical energy consumption. This is the core function of an electrical energy meter and is done by establishing an interaction between the magnetic fields created around current and voltage coils. Such an interaction leads to the production of a torque that spins the rotating component of the meter, which is usually a metal disk. The spinning speed of this rotating component is proportional to the product of voltage and current, resulting in the calculation of electrical energy consumption.

After understanding the workings of energy meters in detail, move on to the next part of this blog, which will list the various types of energy meters.

Types of Energy Meter

The main types of energy meters are listed and explained below. 

Single-Phase Energy Meter

Usually, single-phase energy meters are used for home appliances. They are connected directly between the load and line. Single-phase meters have two electromagnets: one is a series magnet, and the other is a shunt magnet. An aluminum disk is present between these two magnets that rotates in a magnetic field. The rotating speed of this disk is directly proportional to the appliance part. 

Three-Phase Energy Meter

Another type of energy is the Three phase energy meter that is used for industrial and commercial applications. The energy consumption in these places is quite high. Therefore, a current transformer is used here to step down the current and protect energy meters from high currents. These energy meters consist of one neutral wire and three phase wires.

Analogue Energy Meter

Next on the list of different types of meters is the Analogue energy meter. These are the oldest kind of meters in India and are also known as electromechanical meters. Analogue energy meters lack connectivity or display facilities. The energy consumption of these meters is displayed on circular scales.

Digital Energy Meter

Digital energy meters are easier to use and read than Analogue electric meters. These meters have an LCD or LED display along with a connectivity feature. Unlike analog meters, operators do not need to calculate the readings on the scales in Digital meters as their LCD or LED screen provides accurate readings. 

Time-of-Use Energy Meter

These meters can either be digital or analogue. Primarily, these energy meters are used by people who register for the time-of-use plan. This plan involves charging electricity based on the peak and off-hours. Two meters are used in this; the first one calculates energy consumption during peak hours and the second one during off-hours.

Read Also -  EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR DIGITAL METER

Characteristics of Energy Meter

• The error curve of the energy meter is flat, and the starting current is small.
• Large overload capacity
• Wide frequency response range
• Stronger anti-stealing ability
• High accuracy level and stability
• Easy to expand
• Does not get affected by external magnetic field
• Easy to use and install

Advantages and Disadvantages of Energy Meters

Advantages of Energy Meter

• Accurate readings
• Requires little maintenance
• Consumes low amount of energy 

Disadvantages of Energy Meter

• The cost and time required to install an energy meter are high
• Electromagnetic interference can alter the energy meter’s sensitivity

Final Thoughts

Energy meters and their technology are evolving rapidly. As a result, various types of energy meters are present today, with each having some unique features, making them suitable for either household or industrial use. Schneider Electric offers all types of energy meters of the most premium quality that provide accurate calculation and make stealing impossible. So, if you are looking for energy meters for your home commercial or industrial use, shop from our online store- https://eshop.se.com/in/. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the different types of energy meters?

Ans: Common types of energy meters are as follows-

• Single Phase Energy Meters
• Three-Phase Energy Meters
• Analogue Energy Meters
• Digital Energy Meters
• Time-of-Use Energy Meters

Q2. What is a Three Phase Meter?

Ans: A Three-phase energy meter is used for measuring electrical energy consumption in a three-phase electrical supply. 

Q3. What are the benefits of Energy meters?

Ans: Energy meters offer several advantages like accurate calculations, reduction of stealing possibilities, energy conservation promotion and low maintenance requirements.