Energy Management with Panel Measurement Systems & Makel Meters

Energy Management Through Panel Measurement Systems and Makel Meter Solutions

You walk into a facility and the first thing you notice is the lighting, the noise of machinery running, the cables hanging off the walls. What hardly anyone ever notices - or gives much thought to - is the actual flow of energy. Yet, that almost invisible flow can change an organization's operating budget in ways most people never think about.

Inside that panel, nestled between the breaker and the fuse, the invisible flow becomes numbers. Those numbers tell the real story of the operation.

So, this piece is essentially a deep dive into that story. This article is going to examine how panel measurement systems operate, why measuring accurately has become essential for today's facilities, and how Makel's meter products provide organizations a hands-on approach to managing their consumption. As such, the writing style will vary a little here and there, simply because that's how people talk and write, but the ultimate goal is to make energy management seem tangible, even though it is typically hidden behind a locked panel door.

Energy Management Is Not Simply "Using Less Electricity" — It Begins With Understanding Where Your Energy Goes

Most people assume energy management is about reducing electricity use. And while that is a component of it, there are many steps to get to that point. First, you must understand how your energy is being used. Without measurement, energy management is essentially guessing.

As reported by the International Energy Agency, electricity accounts for approximately 25% of a facility's operating expenses, depending on the industry. Therefore, electricity is not only a utility, it is a major line item.

This is precisely why facility managers, production supervisors and small business owners are treating energy measurement as a significant aspect of their financial planning rather than a secondary technical consideration.

This is where panel measurement systems come into play.

Why Panel Measurement Systems Have Become More Important Than Ever

Knowing how much energy a machine consumes is very important, but knowing at which time, on which line, under what load, with what power quality, etc., is significantly more important.

Panel measurement systems collect real-time (or near-real-time) electrical parameters to illustrate the underlying characteristics of a facility. These are not just numbers, these are indicators.

What does this mean to a business?

• Warning signs for potential faults

When there are sudden surges in current or phase imbalance, the equipment is likely to fail soon. The sensors pick up on this trend and the measurement system flags it. Simple, yet effective.

• Locating energy leaks

Unlike water leaks, there is no audible drip. An idle contactor, poor tuning of the compensation system or an old motor can slowly increase your electric bill. The measurement system detects these trends.

• Identifying which line or department is costing money

Many facilities have several production lines but only one electric bill. The measurement system provides the exact information on which line is using what amount.

• Data for analysis and implementation of energy efficient methods

All ISO 50001, sustainability audits, green transformation projects require reliable and accurate data. Most analyses conducted without panel measurement are based on educated assumptions.

Where Makel Fits Into This Picture

You can open almost any low voltage panel in Turkey and find the Makel logo. In addition to having a large presence in the Turkish market, Makel has established a strong presence in electrical accessories and metering equipment in the industrial and commercial markets.

Makel offers a wide range of meters that can be applied to a variety of application fields ranging from residential panels to large industrial plants. Although this sounds like a general compliment, this is indeed a genuine characteristic of the product family. It appears to have been developed with various consumption levels in mind. Durability is also one of the aspects engineers tend to appreciate.

There are three types of ecosystems we can identify.

1. Makel Panel-Mounted Meters: The Silent Observers Inside the Panel

Panel mounted meters are designed to install in areas of high-density wiring, with limited space available in the panel. When someone asks, "Will this even fit here?" There are many times when these meters respond positively to that question.

Why are they so well-liked?

• They can be fitted into any type of distribution panel.

• They are compatible with current transformers.

• They support multi-tariff measurement.

• They are suitable for individual line-by-line consumption tracking.

Each of these characteristics individually would appear to be elementary. However, when a technician opens a panel and can immediately determine which line is pulling too hard, it becomes apparent why these meters are preferred.

2. Makel DIN-Rail Meters: Compact, but Reliable

DIN-rail meters are easy to mount onto a rail. They can be found in every area imaginable including apartment complexes, small commercial properties, and even workshops. In larger industrial applications, however, they also serve a vital function.

Some of the benefits of DIN-rail meters include:

• They are highly accurate in terms of measurement, regardless of their compact size.

• They offer fast installation (no technician wants to spend his entire day installing).

• Reactive Power Measurement

• Modbus and other communication protocols for automation systems.

The latter benefit should be noted. A facility-wide SCADA or energy monitoring system is virtually ineffective without good quality input data. A meter without communication capability is merely a small digital display. A meter capable of communication becomes part of the brain of the facility.

3. Makel Smart Meters: More Than kWh

Newer meters do a great deal more than measure kilowatt hours. Newer meters can analyze load profiles, perform remote reads, monitor power quality and support digital transformation initiatives.

Makel’s smart meter family falls squarely within this emerging era.

Smart Meter Features Include:

• Remote reading via AMI systems

• Real-time power quality analysis

• Two-way communication with automation platforms

• Load profile detail for billing simulation

For medium-sized industrial customers, the benefits provided by these features are invaluable. Which machine spiked at midnight? Which line ran during the weekend although it had no reason to run? Which hours are experiencing peak demand? The meter answers all of those questions quietly but effectively.

Panel Measurement + Makel Meters = Full Energy Management

Together, panel measurement systems and meters provide a full energy management system. Separately, each system is beneficial. Together, they create a full-energy-picture consisting of values such as current, voltage, power factor, THD and instantaneous load combined with consumption data.

In providing a full-energy-picture, the integrated panel measurement/meter system enables businesses to:

• Operate their business in a more intelligent manner in terms of operating costs.

• Reduce equipment failures.

• Discover the real efficiency improvements.

• Decrease yearly energy expenditures (some organizations report 10-15% reductions).

• Provide a solid base for reporting to meet greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability goals.

While those reported cost savings may seem minor, there is a basic fact behind those savings. If you don't have accurate measurements, you cannot achieve those savings.

The Most Common Mistakes Made During Installation

An excellent system can still yield poor results if installed improperly. Unfortunately, some of the most common mistakes are also some of the simplest.

Common installation errors include:

• Incorrect orientation or ratio of CTs

• Phase sequence issues

• Misconfiguration of communication wiring (the cable is present... but nothing communicates)

• Grounding problems

• Overcrowding the panel

These errors frequently result in technicians staring at a screen and muttering, "Why do these numbers look incorrect?"

FAQ

Can Makel meters connect to SCADA systems?

Yes. Modbus, M-Bus, or RS485 communication makes it straightforward. Smart meters make it even easier.

Can you manage energy without panel measurement?

You can try, but the picture will be incomplete. You’d know consumption but not behavior.

Which facilities benefit the most?

Factories, shopping malls, hotels, hospitals, campuses, even workshops. Anyone with a noticeable electricity bill.

Is installation difficult?

Not really, but it must be done by someone who understands measurement fundamentals.

A Final Thought…

Electricity bills arrive every month. That part never changes. But with panel measurement systems and Makel meters, the monthly mystery behind that bill starts disappearing. Maybe that’s the real win: shifting from “Why is this so high again?” to “Good, now we finally know what’s happening.” And honestly, isn’t that the kind of clarity every facility deserves?