In recent years, the global energy transition has accelerated, with distributed photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage technologies gradually being integrated into home settings. Among these innovations, the “balcony PV-storage” system has emerged as a flexible, lightweight energy solution. Particularly in the European and American markets, driven by policy subsidies, increasing environmental awareness, and rising electricity costs, balcony PV-storage systems have become a popular choice for urban residents seeking energy self-sufficiency.
Within the balcony PV-storage system, the energy meter acts as the “nerve center” for monitoring and managing energy flows, serving three core functions:
- Bidirectional Measurement and Data Transparency: It records real-time data on PV generation, household electricity consumption, and surplus electricity sent back to the grid, providing users with a clear analysis of energy inflows and outflows to support optimized self-consumption strategies.
- System Efficiency Monitoring: By monitoring parameters such as voltage, current, and power factor, it assesses the operational status of PV modules and storage devices, allowing for timely detection of efficiency degradation or potential faults.
- Safety and Compliance Assurance: It detects anomalies such as overloads and short circuits, ensuring that the system complies with grid connection standards (e.g., Germany’s VDE-AR-N 4105), thus mitigating safety incidents or legal risks.
Furthermore, the data from smart meters can be integrated with Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) to facilitate dynamic pricing responses and optimize charging and discharging strategies, enhancing user economic benefits.
The Acrel ADL series of DIN rail-mounted multifunctional electric energy meters with external current transformers is specifically designed for new energy power generation systems, including PV grid-connected systems, micro-inverter systems, energy storage systems, and AC coupling systems. This intelligent instrument is characterized by high precision, compact size, rapid response, and ease of installation. It samples, meters, and monitors power parameters and communicates with inverters or energy management systems (EMS). This enables functions such as preventing reverse flow, regulating power generation, and managing battery charging and discharging based on real-time power and total energy consumption, allowing for bidirectional measurement and efficient household distributed photovoltaic energy management.
The model specifications include:
- Functionality Features
- Technical Parameters
- Instrument Dimensions
- Transformer Dimensions
- Complete Certifications: UL/CSA Certification, MID Certification
The Acrel ADL200N-CT meter, with its accurate metering and intelligent management capabilities, becomes a critical support for the operation of balcony PV-storage systems. As the demand for household energy autonomy grows globally, such high-integrated, low-cost metering devices are expected to propel balcony PV-storage from “conceptual innovation” to “large-scale implementation,” injecting new momentum into the transformation of home energy systems.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/applications-of-anti-backflow-monitoring-meters-in-balcony-solar-energy-storage-systems/
