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Pico Technology
Blog Monitoring energy consumption with Pico CM3 Current Logger and Raspberry Pi
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  • Author Author: carlbrad
  • Date Created: 21 Oct 2020 11:13 AM Date Created
  • Views 6394 views
  • Likes 5 likes
  • Comments 4 comments
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Monitoring energy consumption with Pico CM3 Current Logger and Raspberry Pi

carlbrad
carlbrad
21 Oct 2020

When Pico recently released a version of PicoLog data logging software that runs on the Raspberry Pi, we realized that it opens up lots of new possibilities for monitoring a wide range of parameters in situations that previously would not have been practical using a laptop, particularly in unsecure locations or tightly enclosed situations, where the compact and inexpensive Pi might be ideal.

 

image

 

In this example, we connected a Pico CM3 Data Logger with 3 current clamps to the 3 phase mains input to one of our buildings and connected it to a Raspberry Pi running PicoLog software. Using a POE (Power over Ethernet) HAT add on board the Pi is powered from an ethernet cable and the Pi in turn powers the CM3.

The ethernet connection also allows the logger to be monitored remotely.

As part of the setup, the Picolog Software shows the free space available and calculates the capture time, in this case, 22 days (Dependent on the sample rate)

image

 

Once set up, the CM3 and the Pi were then slid into a 5-inch gap a the top of the mains cabinet and left to gather data.

A week later the Pi was accessed remotely using a VNC connection and a PicoLog data file downloaded.

image

Here we see a week's worth of data with each phase colored Green, Blue, and Red.

The working days stand out clearly compared to the weekends where there is little power being consumed.

By zooming in to one day we can see more detail:

 

image

Night time shows the main HVAC system switching on and off and also irregular spikes that might be smaller temperature control units separate from the main system.

image

Zooming in further we can see the current draw rising with the arrival of the early bird employees after about 6.30 am, as kettles are boiled and computers and soldering irons are turned on.

At about 8 am we see an increase in the green phase when an employee connects his electric car to one of the charging points, this falls back in the afternoon once the car is charged.

The record gives us a lot of insights into how and when energy is being consumed and could help us be more energy efficient.

Picolog Software supports multiple Pico data loggers and so many parameters can be measured in the same window.

For more information on Pico Dataloggers visit www.picotech.com/products/data-logger

See the range of loggers available here:

PicoLog 1210PicoLog 1210                              PicoLog 1012 with Small Terminal Board

PicoLog 1216PicoLog 1216                              PicoLog 1216 with Small Terminal Board

ADC-20 High-res LoggerADC-20 High-res Logger            ADC 20 High-Resolution Data Logger + Terminal Board

ADC-24 High-res LoggerADC-24 High-res Logger            ADC 24 High-Resolution Data Logger + Terminal Board

CM3 Current LoggerCM3 Current Logger                   PicoLog CM3 current logger with 3 clamps

TC-08 Temperature LoggerTC-08 Temperature Logger        USB TC-08 Thermocouple data logger

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Top Comments

  • three-phase
    three-phase over 4 years ago +1
    Interesting read. For me it would be great if Pico could develop a 3 phase high voltage unit to work alongside this to allow the voltage data to be captured at the same time. Kind regards.
  • genebren
    genebren over 4 years ago in reply to three-phase +1
    Couldn't you use a step-down transformer(s) or divider network to get things into the right range for the picoscope? They have some great math function to handle nonstandard dividers and/or ranges.
  • three-phase
    three-phase over 4 years ago in reply to genebren +1
    Yes it is always possible to do that. In my work scenario though I will hit issues with input protection compliance and safety etc. Especially considering that on a lot of occasions with power monitoring…
  • carlbrad
    carlbrad over 4 years ago in reply to three-phase

    Not sure if this helps but we have a PicoScope 4444 with 1000V diff probes along side the CM3. Using PicoLog software limits the scope to 1000 samples per second.

     

    Would this be useful?

     

    image

    image

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  • three-phase
    three-phase over 4 years ago in reply to genebren

    Yes it is always possible to do that. In my work scenario though I will hit issues with input protection compliance and safety etc. Especially considering that on a lot of occasions with power monitoring, the device is left connected for an extended period of time and also left unmonitored.

     

    I can already hear the ear-bashing I would get over such an arrangement, so a bona fide arrangement from a manufacture is always appreciated.

     

    Kind regards.

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  • genebren
    genebren over 4 years ago in reply to three-phase

    Couldn't you use a step-down transformer(s) or divider network to get things into the right range for the picoscope?  They have some great math function to handle nonstandard dividers and/or ranges.

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  • three-phase
    three-phase over 4 years ago

    Interesting read. For me it would be great if Pico could develop a 3 phase high voltage unit to work alongside this to allow the voltage data to be captured at the same time.

     

    Kind regards.

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