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Thermal energy accounting: how does it work?

The MV311 ISONRG has obtained MID certification

In a previous article we defined the thermal energy of a body as the sum of the kinetic energy associated with the movement of its particles (atoms, ions, molecules). We explained that thermal energy, possessed by any body that has a temperature above absolute zero, can be used directly or transformed into other sources of energy (eg. electricity in thermoelectric plants). Let’s now enter into the merits of the calculation of thermal energy with direct methodology using calorie counters (heat meters or thermal energy meters). Let’s also see what MID certification, recently obtained by our MV311 ISONRG, is and why it is important.

 

How is thermal energy calculated?

The accounting of thermal energy concerns the determination of the thermal energy voluntarily taken from each individual unit and is of great importance in the context of interventions for the containment of energy consumption in various application sectors.
How is thermal energy determined?
By a calculation which derives from the application of the following physical relation:

E=V*K*At

Where:
V = Volume of the thermal carrier fluid (to be measured)
K = Specific calorific coefficent of the thermal carrier fluid called Enthalpy (in relation to the internal thermal fluid in use)
At = Thermal carrier fluid temperature difference between IN-FLOW and RETURN-FLOW (to be measured)

 

Direct measuring method

Current legislation specifies the need to install accounting systems which, where possible, should always be of the direct type.
Direct measuring methodology requires the flow to be measured directly from the thermal carrier fluid and the energy is usually performed by using: a flow meter by pulses or analog,  an energy calculator and  two paired temperature sensors.

This method is particularly suitable for horizontal distribution systems. The energy calculators are installed at the entrance to the distribution system of each unit and measure the actual value of thermal/cooling energy taken.

 

MID certification and the MV311 ISONRG calculator

The MID (Measuring Instruments Directive) was introduced to ensure a more transparent and automated reading of energy consumption, standardize measurement at European level and harmonize the regulations in the individual countries. This European directive (2014/32 /EU) uniquely defines the characteristics of the instrumentation intended for the official measurement of different physical quantities, including thermal energy.


The new MV311 ISONRG designed for applications such as cogeneration and energy efficiency ( but it also acts as a simple centralizer for various energy carriers), is compliant with the indications of the MID Directive, not only for water but also for water and glycol mixtures. This calculator offers great flexibility and gives the possibility of having two communication protocols (one on an ethernet line); it is equipped with a real clock and a large data memory and it has a “Quick Setup” function.

ISOIL Industria is available for any further information.