ABB’s EQmatic improves energy efficiency in buildings

The EQmatic Energy Analyzer is the first solution for data management collected via M-bus meters measuring electricity, gas, water, and heat, enabling companies to reduce their energy consumption by up to 20%. The EQmatic Energy Analyzer is available in two versions, one for the analysis of up to 16 M-bus meters and the other capable of analyzing up to 64 M-bus meter.

Rising energy costs are forcing companies to focus more on energy optimization with the primary goal of reducing consumption to remain competitive. Studies have shown that the ability to make detailed energy consumption measurements and evaluations is directly linked to improved energy efficiency and for this, ABB has a wide range of intelligent measuring and analysis solutions.

The EQmatic makes energy flows and costs transparent, allowing companies to monitor them in buildings and thus optimize usage and reduce spend.

“Energy audits are mandatory for small and medium size enterprises – in addition, companies are also aiming for ISO 50001 certification, demonstrating that they care about both sustainable and cost efficient operations,” said Axel Kaiser, Global Product Manager of ABB Building Automation.

“ABB EQ electricity meters connect automatically, allowing them to work seamlessly as a plug-and-play solution with the EQmatic. With interoperability in mind, non ABB M-bus meters can also be connected to our EQmatic solution.”

Individually configurable dashboard provides comprehensive features

The data collected from the M-bus meter subscribers is stored locally on the device. Access to EQmatic is managed via a web-based, easy-to-use user interface. Users can decide which information, graphs and data should be displayed via a freely configurable dashboard, which gives users a quick overview of costs and consumption.

The wide range of features also includes the analysis of historical data. This analysis breaks down the costs and energy consumption of the individual meters for up to three years. A detailed breakdown of the cost distribution reveals which electrical consumer units affect which costs, and can be used to influence more efficient consumption. Inefficient devices or so-called energy thieves can be detected, and the costs for units such as lighting, air conditioning, sockets, compressors and pumps can be optimized. For further data processing, the collected data can be exported into various formats.

EQmatic allows users to compare time periods as well as consumptions in different buildings (e.g. hotel building A and hotel building B). Real-time instantaneous values are also possible, which allows users to create up-to-date statements on various consumptions being monitored within the building. Users can select different data points such as power, voltage, current or heating energy. It is also possible to check whether the consumer units are functioning within expected parameters. With all of the predefined analyses made, the EQmatic helps implement an energy management system in accordance with DIN ISO 50001.

Easy to install and future proof design

The new ABB energy management solutions offer several unique advantages. The Energy Analyzer is quick and easy to put into operation, as it requires no additional computer or PC software installations or possible operating system updates. The ABB system is also scalable, so companies can start with just a few meters and expand the system when necessary – all in line with ‘lean energy management’ principles.

EQmatic benefits from both its low installation and integration costs. The ABB EQ meters (A-/B-Series) for the DIN rail are automatically detected after connection, so that no further commissioning work is required. In addition to cost efficiency, this ensures minimal time investment. Safe data communication is also guaranteed via SSL data encryption.