January 12th, 2017, Published in Articles: Energize

Information from Kocos Measurement & Control

 

The KoCoS Metes 320 three-phase on-site energy meter calibration system and installation verification instrument, which was launched in December 2001, has become an industry standard with metering technicians and engineers in South Africa. The time has come, however, to introduce its successor – the Metes 325.

Apart from industry standard functions, the original Metes 320 had additional features such as being able to select vectorial or arithmetic maximum demand measurements; Smartprobes technology where ratio and phase error curves were stored on the external current sensors giving unprecedented power measurement accuracies; optional GPS functionality; a novel 3- to 4-wire vector conversion function, and a unique on-board data storage function.

Now, 15 years later, the Metes 325 has been launched with even more world-first functionality and an upgrade of the measurement accuracy to meet changing customer requirements.

The device is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, battery operated, equipped with a 7-inch (17,8 cm) colour touch-sensitive display and interface which is very easy to use. All measurement inputs are simultaneously sampled by a hardware co-processor in real-time and is gapless.

The interface to the external Smartprobe II sensors are now Ethernet based which opens a whole new world of possibilities in terms of technologies and communication possibilities including direct, fibre and wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.).

The instrument is CE certified for safety.

Data exchange is based on web (internet) technologies. The device embeds a web framework which is used to gain access to data structures and reports, allowing mobile platforms, smartphones and tablets to also interact with the device. No dedicated proprietary software is needed to communicate with the device.

The Metes 325 includes the following functions:

• Selectable IEC standard for varh measurements (both pre- and post-2015) depending on which principle is implemented on the device under test.
• Accuracy class of 0,05%.
• The updated GPS is now standard with unsurpassed accuracy.
• Simultaneous Wh and varh impulse optical sensors to reduce calibration time.
• Test results/reports are fully ISO 17025 compliant, making the new device an ideal solution for on-site SANAS calibrations.
• Online CT ratio verification functionality.
• Oscilloscope and harmonic measurements are of the highest colour display quality.
• Optional quality of supply (QOS) module is available.
• Image capture capability.

The new device offers a total solution for metering technicians and engineers who perform daily commissioning, re-commissioning or verification of metering installations.

Due to the comprehensive data capture functionality of the device, it is an ideal tool for revenue protection metering installation audits with site image capturing capability of installation or fraudulent activity evidence. The unit has a large on-board storage capability and offers direct cloud storage functionality as well.

The wireless belt clip-on printer makes on-site printing seamless, quick and easy (if required).

The Smartprobe II sensor completes the comprehensive measurement range of the device and offers the following functionality:

• For non-intrusive current/power measurements the external sensor measurement range from 5 mA at power measurement accuracies of 0,1% up to current levels of 3000 A. (This is crucial for utilities with transmission-level current transformers with 1 A secondary windings).
• Current transformer (LV and HV) ratio verification measurements.
• CT and VT burden measurements.
• The unit offers a world-first VT volt-drop measurement using Wi-Fi technology.
• The Ethernet Smartprobe II interface enables future needs to be met.

As is the case with all KoCoS devices, annual firmware upgrades are free of charge.

All indications are that the new Metes 325 will again be “A friend of energy” to all metering technicians and engineers.

Contact Hein Erwin, KoCoS Measurement & Control, Tel 021 982-0016, sales@kocos.co.za

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