Reverse Flow

Why Monitoring the Accuracy of Power Flows in Net Metering is More Important Than Ever?

Why Monitoring the Accuracy of Power Flows in Net Metering is More Important Than Ever? 150 150 Probewell
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Net metering:
Fostering a fair exchange between utility companies and their customers.

Mariana Napoli | Sales and Marketing Director | Probewell Lab Inc.
Mariana Napoli
Sales & Marketing Director
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The US federal government requires utility companies to purchase surplus energy from independent producers.  Over 40 states have laws in place to ensure credit is given for this excess consumer generation. State regulatory agencies review the rates utilities charge retail consumers to ensure they are reasonable under their ratemaking jurisdiction.

 

Some utility companies still perceive Net Metering policies as lost revenue opportunities, but in most cases, Net Metering allows utilities to better manage their peak electricity load as well as reduce the strain on the distribution system.

[vc_empty_space][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-quote-left”]According to the Statista.com  site   , statistics collected between 2010 and 2019, show that the number of customers turning to alternative energy sources and purchasing power generation equipment such a wind turbine and photovoltaic systems, rose from 155,921 to 2,438,193* representing a 156.3% increase per year.[/vc_message][vc_empty_space]

Measure the power they export back to the grid

Probewell | WT Series | Meter testing | MT-1/WT3

In some case, consumers will produce more electrical power than they consume during peak generating conditions. Net Metering allows these customers to measure the power they export back to the grid, to save on their future electrical bills and benefit the environment by generating renewable energy.

 

Bills based on actual meter readings will reflect the difference between the value of the electricity injected into the grid and the value of the electricity  customers   consumed from the grid.

 

In order to determine how much power is fed back and to ensure a fair exchange between the utility companies and the customers, an accurate meter reading of both the forward and reverse power flow is critical.

[vc_empty_space][vc_message message_box_color=”grey”]Over time, the calibration of the sensors in bidirectional meters may drift one way or another, preventing an accurate reading of the forward or reverse power flow, resulting in loss of revenue for either the customer or the electrical utility provider.[/vc_message][vc_empty_space]

This requires a solution that fits seamlessly into the daily workflow.

 

To prevent this, a simple routine maintenance schedule should be implemented that includes a reverse power flow test. This requires a fast and easy-to-use testing solution that fits seamlessly into the daily workflow.

 

Probewell | WT Series | MT-1/WT3 | How does it work?Probewell offers the WT series wireless meter testers that can quickly detect drifting of forward or reverse power flow accuracy in both Wh and VARh measurement modes as part of their standard

 

operation. No need to change any of the socket connections between tests, just select Reverse Flow Test in the Probewell Connect app. on a mobile device and get live results immediately.

 

Regularly testing their meter population as part of their quality assurance program is a good practice for utility companies . Probewell WT series wireless meter testers are well suited to the task: they are portable, easy to use, compatible with multiple meter forms and offer a wide range of tests that are key to maintaining a healthy power grid and keeping customers happy. Simply put, testing is just good overall business practice.

 

Main features of the MT-1/WT3 wireless meter tester

COMPATIBLE METERS
Single-phase:  1S, 2S, 3S*, 4S, 12S(N) and 25S
Three-phase:  6S, 8S, 9S, 12S, 14S, 15S, 16S, 36S, 46S, 96S and Fitzall™ meters
Class:   10, 20, 100, 200, 320**


COMPATIBLE DEVICES
Smart phone, tablet and PC
Operating systems:  IOS®, Android®, Windows®


TEST SOCKET
Input voltage:  100 – 600VAC
Line frequency:  58 – 62Hz
Power consumption:  75 VA (maximum)
Circuit breakers:  2 x 1 A (press-to-reset mechanism)


CURRENT SYNTHESIZERS
Adjustable current:  0.25 to 50A
Phase angle (Wh):  Unity and 60° lag
Phase angle (VARh):  90° and 30° lag


INTERNAL 3-PHASE WATTHOUR STANDARD
Typical accuracy:  ±0.02%
Guaranteed accuracy:  ±0.05%


Click here to see the full technical specifications

 

Other advantages of using the ultralight WT series wireless meter testers

Manage risk

  • Quickly setup the  testing   device and speed-up the assessment process without ever compromising safety.

Minimize human error

  • Minimize the time spent doing clerical work and other redundant back-office tasks by automating the report process.

Best practices

  • Work “ahead of the game” to save time and money in the long run. Adopt the MT-1/WT3 as a standard tool for quality assurance.

Probewell Connect

  • The advanced, yet simple solution literally at your fingertips. Create reliable reports in CSV or PDF format and share your findings via email.

 

Want to know more about our wireless meter tester? Get in touch!

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