Electrical load trending for a factory

[Smudge]

Hi all, looking for some advice on gaining a trend profile for the demand of our factory.

At present, we have energy meters on all our larger bits of plant, consisting of ct's on each phase to a digital meter. The meter then gives out a pulse to our PLC which gives us our (in this case) monthly usage. What i want to do now is replace the meter on our main incoming supply, and find a system that gives out a 4-20mA signal rather than a pulse. This way, we can get a more accurate appreciation of our demands at any given time.

I could have a separate bit of code in the PLC to do this from the pulse's but think it would be better as a stand alone unit with an output...less things to go wrong.

First attempt at this sort of thing, any hints/tips/ideas/manufacturers greatly appreciated.

cheers

 

[stef]

Have you considered using a data logger system e.g. National Instruments? Dear but good.

 

[Smudge]

expensive is a swear word here!!

I have done a little homework this afternoon and looks like i'm going to try a Socomec diris A40. Don't suppose by any freakish coincidence you've used these?!

 

[stef]

No, sorry.

 

[THE DUKE]

Have used these one in the past cost less than £200 I think and very simple logging software with option to send data to exel for the accounts also can email. I put 9 of them in the last job all connectted by a RS485 daisychain between them have a look here Eltime - Acuvim Multifunction Monitor