How to choose a submeter for a factory
The choice of an industrial submeter depends on the energies to be measured, as well as how the device is installed, communicates and protects factory data.
Beyond measurement accuracy, four criteria guide the choice of a submeter for a factory. They concern the measurement method, data transmission, data security and the fluids monitored.
Prioritise non-intrusive measurement
NILM, short for non-intrusive load monitoring, refers to measuring consumption without intervening in the electrical circuit.
The submeter is installed outside the electrical installation, using current clamps that close around the cables. The installation remains energised during fitting.
Installation is quick and requires little work. Production continues during the intervention. An operating site can therefore be equipped at any time.
By comparison, a meter integrated into the electrical circuit requires the relevant outgoing circuit to be switched off and the equipment connected to it to be stopped for the duration of the work.
Further reading: Deploying electrical submeters is essential to reduce energy bills
An autonomous Internet connection
The easiest submeter to deploy sends its data to the Internet independently. It has its own remote transmission link and sends measurements to the analysis platform without using the factory network. For example, it can have its own SIM card and use 4G or 5G to connect to the Internet.
The IT team does not need to be involved, and no work such as laying cables is required to connect the meter to the Internet. By contrast, a meter that uses the local network requires approval from the IT team and sometimes cabling.
Encrypting remote meter readings
Encryption of remote meter readings protects consumption data during transmission. A third party intercepting the exchanges would not be able to read their content.
This protection safeguards process confidentiality. A consumption curve recorded every minute reveals production schedules and line rates. This is sensitive information for a company.
Before choosing a supplier, ask what encryption is used and where the data is hosted.
Further reading: Levers for reducing a factory's energy consumption
One manufacturer for all energies monitored
A single brand of submeters can monitor electricity, water, gas, fuel oil and compressed air. All measurements are then harmonised in the energy management software (EMS).
A single brand also means one contract and one point of contact for maintenance and after-sales service.
How Lynx meets these criteria
Qualisteo's Lynx submeters, designed and manufactured in Nice, meet these four criteria.
Lynx-e for electrical measurement
Lynx-e is a connected electrical submeter. It accurately measures electricity consumption by area and use.
It is installed with clamps on electrical cabinets, main low-voltage switchboards and existing distribution boards while they remain energised. A metering unit is generally installed in less than one day. Lynx-e measures single-phase or three-phase outgoing circuits from 120 A to 4000 A per conductor, with up to 128 single-phase or 44 three-phase outgoing circuits per concentrator, for voltages up to 1000 V.
It sends its data autonomously. It does not use the client company's network. The data is sent to a dedicated server over a secure network.
Lynx+ for measuring fluids
Lynx+ combines the submeter monitoring water, gas, fuel oil, compressed air and steam. One Lynx+ manages several dozen submetering points, while Qualisteo's largest projects include several hundred.
It also sends its data securely without using the site's IT network.
