Energy and Indoor Environment Measurement

There are several ways to connect energy meters. Below is a description ranging from the most suitable integration solutions to the replacement of meters with more compatible types.

All prices are approximate and exclude VAT!

Integrating with an existing I&C (Instrumentation and Control) system is often the most technically and financially efficient option. However, several conditions must be met:

• The I&C system must be “open” (allow third-party communication).
• Individual energy meters must already be connected to the I&C system.
• Approximate cost: 5,000 – 25,000 CZK.

The next recommended option is the use of wireless IoT technologies. These technologies allow for both data transfer from energy meters and the measurement of indoor environmental quality. It is important to note that operating costs apply depending on the data reading frequency.

Annual fees must be paid for each device connected to the IoT network:

• Communication every 5 minutes: approx. 450 CZK/year/device.
• Communication every 15 minutes: 370 CZK/year/device.
• Communication every 60 minutes: 150 CZK/year/device.

If an existing meter cannot be integrated, the following methods can be used:

• Meter Replacement: Replacing an existing meter with a type that allows remote communication (e.g., via M-Bus).
  • In some cases, the utility provider may not allow a meter swap. In such instances, a sub-meter can be added to measure the same medium.
• Connection via PLC:
  • For meters with M-Bus output connected directly to a PLC (an M-Bus converter may be required in some cases).
  • Lower-cost PLCs (e.g., UniPi, Domat Mark150) are sufficient for this purpose.
  • Approximate cost: 15,000 – 60,000 CZK.
• Ethernet-Enabled Meters: For electricity, specialized meters (e.g., from KMB) can be used.
  • These connect via Ethernet and store data directly into Mervis DB.
  • Approximate cost: 5,000 CZK.
• Manual Import: CSV files (e.g., data from energy supplier portals) can be manually imported directly into Mervis DB.

Indoor environmental quality is a vital component for optimal workplace performance. Emphasis should be placed on maintaining required environmental values—ideally not just temperature. IoT sensors are an excellent way to measure these metrics.

• Elsys ERS CO2:
  • A comprehensive sensor from the Swedish manufacturer Elsys.
  • Measures temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, light intensity, and motion.
  • Elegant design.
  • Approximate cost: 7,400 CZK (excluding annual fees).
• Elsys ERS-lite:
  • A more economical version focusing on core metrics.