Choosing and comparing the best energy data logger to install in your panels for small buildings in 10 minutes - LEKULE

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26 Nov 2015

Choosing and comparing the best energy data logger to install in your panels for small buildings in 10 minutes

Panel builders, installers, engineering department,…Before the multiplication of energy efficiency solutions to install in the small buildings and commercial buildings, you are facing many difficulties to choose the best technology for the energy collection; the one which will address the needs of your customers, while being easy to use and to install.
The lack of information, knowledge and means makes you take a risk and also lose valuable time.

Installing an inappropriate device, partially replying to the technical requirements specifications, calling on a local collaborator whom reliability and reputation remain uncertain, taking a specific programme causing additional cost, is a significant risk factors and does not guarantee the working of your installation.
A lot of panel builders – maybe like you? – do not even respond to a call to tender involving energy efficiency solutions! Yet, theses are increasing demands and you won’t be able to develop your company without incorporating these solutions in and earning this expertise.

Facing this issue, we decided to go into action to test solutions for energy data logger for small buildings and commercial buildings. Here is how we made these tests:
We dissociated two aspects:
  • The connectivity of the data logger and the interfacing possibilities
  • The configuration of the software (i.e user-friendliness and features)

We’ve rather compared solutions intended for panel buildings and products from manufacturers who propose offers available in the greatest number of countries.
Check the rating of the solutions below:


Manufacturer Product HMS Schneider Electric Com’X 200 Eaton PXG600 eWon 4005CD
Image + Link HMS Schneider Electric Com'X 200 Eaton PXG600 eWon 4005CD
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Hardware
Power supply 24Vdc 100-230Vac, 24Vdc, POE 24Vdc 24Vdc
Communication Ethernet (GPRS different part number) Ethernet, GPRS and Wi-Fi Ethernet Ethernet+ GPRS
I/Os 2DI: status, pulse

1 DO
6DI :Status, pulse

2AI: 0-10V, 4-20mA, PT100, PT1000

24Vdc for sensor power supply
1DI/1DO
Ports 1 Ethernet port



1 RS485 port, 1 RS232 port
2 Ethernet ports (separated or switched)

1 RS485 port
2 Ethernet ports (separated)


3 serial ports
4 Ethernet ports (switch)


1 serial port RS485/RS232
Software
Easiness to configure Through webpages

Device model uploaded from website but not up to date
Through webpages

Automatic discovery of devices

Library of pre-configured devices

Wi-Fi access to connect with a laptop or tablet
Through webpages

Automatic discovery of devices

Library of pre-configured devices
Through webpages
Custom device type management Device model creation

Import/export
Device model creation

Import/export
Device model creation

Import/export
Export format / transfer protocol Proprieritary format, CSV file only for download on local computer

SMTP
XML, CSV file




FTP, HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP

Proxy management
CSV file CSV file




FTP, e-mail transfer
Data acquisition protocols Modbus-RTU, ASCII, TCP/IP Modbus TCP/ RTU Modbus TCP/ RTU Unitelway, PROFIBUS, FINS Hostlink, FINS TCP, EtherNet/IP™, ISO TCP
Event logs no yes yes yes
Save/restore configuration yes yes yes yes
Remote access / management Remote access, FW upgrade and troubleshooting For technical support, FW upgrade and troubleshooting Remote access, FW upgrade and troubleshooting
Alarming yes no yes yes
Control / Programming no no no yes
User management yes- several levels no yes- 2 levels yes- several levels
Synthesis

+

Easy to configure

Small size
Easy to configure

Wide connectivity

Wi-Fi access for configuration
Really adapted to monitor electrical distribution

Webpages for trend viewing
Highly customizable

Wide range of protocols

Proprietary format, only work with netbiter



Argos server

Not enough I/Os
No alarming





Only 1 serial port
Size is big and mounting DIN kit is not very adapted to electrical panelboard



No I/Os

No GPRS

IHM looks old
Difficult to configure, a lot of parameters to enter, requires to know PLC programming


Not enough I/Os
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What do you think about our comparison? Feel free to give your opinion on these solutions and let’s exchange about the other options you have in your countries.

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