The type of information desired from the monitoring of a specific system very often determines the type of equipment that should be used. Indicated below are the major components used during monitoring of a solar water heating system.

Data Acquisition System View

Watt-hour Meter Measures electricity used by water heater. Each time the water heater elements are activated, the watt-hour meter provides information to the datalogger on how much electricity is being used. The datalogger records this information as well as when the electricity was used. Data Acquisition System Enclosure Box Contains datalogger, modem, battery, and battery charger. The datalogger obtains data from the various monitoring system components (watt-hour meter, flow meter, thermocouples, etc.), and not only maintains this data, but also performs specifically programmed calculations, such as determining the BTUs produced by the system. Select here for an internal view and additional information. Flow Meter Positive displacement type meter registers the amount of hot water used. Thermocouples Provides temperature measurements for various locations (hot water out, cold water in, and ambient).

Data Acquisition System Enclosure Box View

Datalogger This programmable module provides thermocouple measurement, timekeeping, communication, data reduction, data/program storage and control functions. Power Supply, Battery Power to the datalogger is provided by a charged DC battery. Modem Modem provides data downloading capabilities to the FSEC main frame computer. AC Power Provides AC power for battery charging. Electrical Wiring Wiring from thermocouples, flow meter, watt-hour meter, telephone line, and solar radiation meter to the datalogger. Provides input to the datalogger from the various monitoring devices.