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Energy monitoring in low-voltage power distribution

Transparent consumption data is the basis for optimization measures to reduce electrical energy consumption in industrial operations, buildings, and infrastructures. Energy monitoring allows you to take action in times of high electricity prices and more stringent energy efficiency guidelines.

Why energy monitoring software?

Recognize peak loads, identify potential for optimization, and create energy reports to document the energy status and improved energy efficiency for energy management: To do all that and more, you, as an operator or service provider, need an intelligent energy monitoring (also called power monitoring) software that provides transparency into power flows and consumption in the low-voltage power distribution system by analyzing measurement data.

Key benefits

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Enjoy transparency for power flows and consumption

  • Record all consumption data using SENTRON devices with measurement and communication capabilities
  • Visualize and analyse power flows and consumption
  • Use comprehensive reporting as visible proof of current status and optimizations
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Reduce power consumption and costs

  • Identify optimization potential based on the collected data
  • Define suitable action to eliminate energy waste and inefficiencies
  • Reduce energy consumption by implementing targeted measures to improve energy efficiency
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Support your operational energy management

  • Assess the current state of energy efficiency by analyzing recorded data
  • Demonstrate continuous improvements though ongoing monitoring and documentation
  • Comply with regulations through an ISO 50001-certified energy monitoring system

Featured capabilities

Software-based energy monitoring makes your energy flows transparent

Intelligent SENTRON software solutions provide transparency into your energy consumption and flows. This enables you to increase the energy efficiency and reliability of your power distribution system and to reduce costs and CO2 emissions. How? It's simple: The SENTRON Powercenter 3000 plug & operate solution prepares device data like power values, current, voltage, power, and more. You can then evaluate these, for example, through a web interface or with the PC-based SENTRON Powermanager software locally within your company network. Another option is to visualize and analyze them via Siemens cloud applications such as Electrification X and Building X, as well via cloud-based solutions from third-party providers. This allows you to identify optimization potential quickly and reliably – whether for individual buildings and plants, distributed campus structures, or multiple locations.

A screen with SENTRON Powercenter
Example of a configuration of a digitalized low-voltage switchgear with SENTRON devices and SENTRON software solutions

Measuring point concept for your energy monitoring: What do you measure, where, and with what?

The relevant data for your energy monitoring is provided by communication-capable measuring devices – such as SENTRON measuring devices – which record your consumption extremely reliably. Measuring and communication-capable protection and switching devices like those from the SENTRON portfolio – that are already installed in many plants – can record energy data in addition to their regular tasks. This means that existing hardware in your systems can often continue to be used cost- and resource-efficiently and be integrated into your energy management system. Power metering must be integrated into the power distribution system using specific methods. A well-coordinated measuring point concept is essential.

Learn more:

General specifications: what to measure where

Measuring point concept: SENTRON measuring devices Quick Selection Guide

How can energy monitoring support the EU Energy Efficiency Directive?

The EU Energy Efficiency Directive, part of the EU Green Deal, aims for climate neutrality by 2050 and a 55% emissions reduction by 2030. Member states must implement it nationally – Germany does so with the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG), setting new company requirements.

Energy monitoring as the basis for EU Energy Efficiency Directive compliance

The implementation of an energy management system (EnMS) according to ISO 50001 is required by the German EnEfG or EU Energy Efficiency Directive. It involves several steps for a company – from developing an operational energy policy to final certification. To ensure compliance, measures across energy procurement, supply, and usage must be carefully coordinated.

Energy monitoring systems are essential tools to achieve the goals set out in ISO 50001. These systems allow companies to capture power flows across all production and auxiliary systems using software-based solutions, analyze energy consumption, identify potential savings, and derive optimization measures. This supports the required process of continuous improvement.

White paper: Achieving energy targets the easy way

Webinar: The simple way to standard-compliant energy management

How do I implement energy monitoring as a planner, system integrator, or operator?

To establish an efficient and sustainable energy monitoring system for operational energy management, the involvement of all stakeholders is essential – from planners and system integrators to operators. Our SIMARIS and SENTRON software tools cover the whole process from planning to operations. Find out what you need to keep in mind below - and check out our resource section on this page for more advice.

Solutions from plug-and-operate to expert level

Explore resources

Webinars and videos

Webinar | Power monitoring

Video | Benefits of SENTRON monitoring software in operation

White papers

White paper | Achieving energy targets the easy way

White paper | ISO 50003: Compulsory verification

White paper | Digitalization in power distribution with SENTRON

Articles, guides and more

Article | Energy efficiency through power monitoring

Quick Selection Guide | SENTRON components for energy monitoring

Quick Selection Guide | SENTRON software for energy monitoring

Tender specifications: Energy systems and monitoring