Heat metering refers to the measurement of the amount of energy used in processes such as heating, cooling, and steam production. In residential, commercial, and industrial settings, heat metering is a valuable tool for energy consumption control. By tracking energy usage, companies can identify areas of excessive consumption and implement strategies to reduce it, achieving both economic and environmental benefits. Heat metering is carried out using devices such as heat meters or calorimeters, which measure the flow of the thermal fluid and its temperature, allowing for the calculation of the energy consumed.
How do heat meters work?
The device measures the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid and detects the temperature difference between a pair of probes, which transmit real-time data to the calculator. This data is then processed according to standards to determine the thermal energy consumption. Heat meters are available in both compact (integrated) and combined versions, where the three main components are connected individually.
Most models also feature pulse inputs that allow for the totalization of domestic hot and cold water consumption, as well as rainwater usage in certain applications.
How to read heat meters?
Each heat meter is equipped with a display showing the thermal energy consumed. This data is collected at regular intervals and used to allocate heating costs among different users. The reading can be performed manually or via remote reading systems, which simplify data collection and processing.
Typical applications
Heat meters are used in various fields:
- In environments such as power plants, hospitals, and data centers, heat meters help identify inefficiencies by providing precise data on energy usage.
- In residential settings, they improve the performance of HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).
- In industries that use steam as part of their processes, such as paper mills and chemical plants, heat meters are essential for enhancing energy efficiency.
- In facilities utilizing renewable energy sources, such as solar and geothermal energy, these devices provide data on the amount of thermal energy produced and consumed.
The advantages of heat metering in a centralized system
Increasingly used in condominiums and homes with centralized systems, Thermal Energy Meters offer several advantages:
- Fair cost allocation: Each user pays only for the thermal energy they actually consume, eliminating fixed-cost distribution that can penalize those with lower consumption.
- Energy efficiency: understanding heat usage encourages more efficient heating practices, leading to reduced energy consumption. This relies on thermoregulation, meaning the ability to adjust heat emission from radiators to match the needs of individual rooms or housing units. This regulation is achieved through thermostatic valves, room thermostats, and other control devices.
- Environmental sustainability: lower energy consumption also results in reduced CO2 emissions, minimizing environmental impact.
- Regulatory compliance: installing heat meters in residential buildings is often legally required. In Italy, energy efficiency regulations mandate the adoption of these devices to reduce energy waste.
- Maintenance optimization: accurately measuring energy consumption also helps detect potential maintenance issues before they become serious problems.
Direct and indirect metering: the differences
In heat metering, we can distinguish between direct and indirect metering systems.
- Direct metering systems use Thermal Energy Meters (TEMs), which allow users to precisely and accurately monitor their energy consumption (measured in kilowatt-hours, kWh) without the need for additional measurements or estimates.
- Indirect metering systems rely on Heat Cost Allocators (HCAs) or Operating Time Totalizers. These devices, installed on radiators or heating terminals with zone valves, provide useful data to estimate the allocation of heating expenses.
It is important to note that Legislative Decree 102/2014 emphasizes a preference for the installation of individual thermal energy meters (TEMs) as a direct metering system. Indirect metering systems may only be used in cases where individual meters are not economically or technically feasible, such as in buildings with vertical distribution systems.
Legal obligations and sanctions
Heat metering, thermoregulation, and the allocation of heating costs are not recent concepts. Since 1991, with the introduction of Law 10 on thermal dispersion, the legislator established the principle that expenses must be allocated based on actual recorded consumption.
Today, heat metering is mandatory for all residential buildings with centralized heating systems. Legislative Decree 102/2014, which implements Directive 2012/27/EU, requires the use of thermoregulation and heat metering systems nationwide. It is important to note that this regulation takes precedence over all current regional provisions, which become void if they conflict with the new national law.
Regarding penalties under Legislative Decree 102/2014, non-compliance can result in fines ranging from € 500 to € 2,500.
The Italian reference standard for heating cost allocation is UNI 10200:2018, titled:
“Centralized thermal systems for winter and summer air conditioning and domestic hot water production – Criteria for cost allocation of winter and summer air conditioning and domestic hot water production.”
This standard provides a detailed methodology for distributing expenses based on heat consumption and the various components of the heating system. Specifically, it describes how to fairly calculate costs, taking into account both individual heat consumption and the technical characteristics of the heating system.
How to choose heat meters
Thermal Energy Meters should be selected based on several key factors to ensure precision and reliability. The devices must be certified according to the MID standard and comply with the European Measurement Instruments Directive (MID 2014/32/EU) as well as the EN1434 standard. They should be capable of measuring power at least on an hourly basis, to identify areas for improvement and optimization.
It is essential that the meters are connectable and integrable with building automation systems (BMS) or smart home systems via open protocols such as M-bus, Modbus, and BACnet. Additionally, users must be able to access the data remotely, including via cloud services.
Another important consideration is the ease of installation and maintenance, as Decree 93/2017 mandates the periodic verification or replacement of sensors.
The cost of heat meters
The cost of heat meters can vary depending on the features and functionalities of the device. In general, the base price is typically within an affordable range with a short payback period. However, the cost can increase if the meter includes advanced features such as remote sensors, daily data storage, and the ability to display monthly consumption history.
It is important to note that these devices have a limited lifespan and must be periodically verified or replaced as required by law. For purchasing heat meters, tax incentives such as the Ecobonus or Renovation Bonus are available, allowing for a significant portion of the expense to be deducted, making the investment more accessible.
How can ISOIL Industria help you?
If you are looking for reliable and accurate solutions for thermal energy measurement, we invite you to explore the range of instruments offered by ISOIL Industria.
Our offering includes high-performance heat meters and thermal energy meters, designed to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability in all types of applications, from centralized heating systems to industrial plants. Relying on experienced suppliers when purchasing heat meters is essential for several reasons.
First, an experienced supplier ensures that the meters comply with current regulations, such as the MID directive, thereby guaranteeing maximum accuracy and reliability in energy consumption measurement. Additionally, choosing a partner with advanced technical expertise provides valuable support throughout all phases, from installation to maintenance, reducing the risk of malfunctions and operational issues. A qualified supplier can offer personalized consulting, helping to select devices based on the type of system, the configuration of the heating system, and the available budget.
Finally, a supplier with a skilled technical support team can respond promptly in case of failures, ensuring continuous and optimal operation of the heat metering system.
For any information and/or free advice do not hesitate to contact our technical/commercial specialists.