Understanding the Requirements and Solutions
As the demand for measuring energy consumption increases, particularly with the need to participate in the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), it has become imperative to explore advanced metering solutions. This blog post delves into the intricacies of AC metering for forklifts, offering insights into compliance and best practices.
Why AC Metering Matters
Forklift chargers primarily rely on three-phase power, which necessitates accurate measurement of energy consumption. To achieve this, a current transformer is required for each phase to monitor the current effectively. This precision is crucial for adhering to regulatory requirements and optimizing energy usage.
Types of Meters and Their Capabilities
The market offers a variety of meters, each with distinct capabilities:
- Multi-Item Meters: Meters like the eGauge can handle the metering of multiple items through a single device, making them ideal for comprehensive energy monitoring.
- Single-Item Meters: Other meters, such as the EKM, are designed to meter one item per device, providing focused and precise measurements.
Voltage References
For each deployed meter, it’s required to have voltage references to measure the voltage accurately and power the meter. This step ensures the reliability and consistency of the data collected, which is crucial for making informed decisions about energy management.
Optimizing Metering Solutions
The most efficient metering strategy involves metering multiple forklift chargers at a single point:
- Single Point Metering: If an electrical panel serves multiple forklifts exclusively, it’s possible to meter at a single point within the panel. This approach simplifies the process and reduces costs.
- Branch Circuit Metering: When other items share the electrical panel with forklift chargers, each branch circuit with a charger must be metered individually. While this method provides detailed data, it can be more expensive.
Cost Considerations
Individually metering each forklift charger can become prohibitively expensive. Therefore, assessing the specific needs and configuration of your facility is crucial in choosing the most cost-effective metering solution.
Turn-Key Metering Solutions
For those seeking bespoke solutions, Anvil Monitor offers comprehensive services to deploy custom AC metering systems. Their expertise ensures that your metering setup is tailored to your unique requirements, providing accurate and reliable data.
Next Steps
Reach out to your account executive at SRECTrade to learn more about how to implement effective AC metering solutions for your forklifts and stay compliant with the LCFS requirements.
The timeline below will help you prepare for these upcoming changes:
SREC Forklift Metering Customer Timeline:
- Q1 – 2025: Review metering options for your specific fleet
- Q2 – 2025: Install pilot project and/or make technology decision
- Q3 – 2025: Purchase and install metering solution
- Q4 – 2025: Ensure metering is reporting accurately and operating as expected
Please reach out to your SRECTrade account executive with any questions.
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