Most reefer operators already know that there are many benefits of a reefer monitoring system, the most significant being alerts to changes in temperature affecting the condition of perishable cargo. Yet this same system also is used to help understand the electricity consumed at each reefer or throughout an entire rack, bay, or yard.
All RTE reefer monitoring devices include power usage as a standard feature. Values are calculated based on current and voltage data collected from the reefer controller. The estimated results offer a general understanding of a reefer’s power usage, which can help operators recognize electrical efficiencies throughout the yard. For many terminals, this is acceptable for operational purposes.
But accuracy becomes more critical when terminals look to offset electrical use as a revenue stream. Correct invoicing regarding power usage depends on it. Therefore, a more precise method for measuring electrical consumption is required – one that is calibrated and traceable.
RTE’s RRCE-PMâ„¢ Power Monitoring system provides 100% revenue-grade accuracy.
With this system, power metering devices and current transformers, called CTs, are installed directly into the electrical distribution panel to sense the amount of electrical current flowing to each reefer outlet. These CTs measure the electrical current flowing through the 3phase, 480vac power supply. The data is collected and formulated for specific billing purposes, avoiding revenue loss due to underbilling and damaging customer trust that over-billing errors can create.
RRCE-PMâ„¢ is part of the Remote Reefer Communication Engine family of products. It is based on a hardware/software platform to provide a comprehensive power monitoring solution for refrigerated containers. This system can be used as a stand-alone power monitoring product or in combination with RTE’s Reefer Monitoring System.
When combined with RTE’s GRASP3.0 software platform, users will enjoy the benefits of real-time reefer temperature monitoring, alarms, two-way reefer communication, and integrated power consumption data for complete visibility into yard operation and costs.
- RTE Power Metering Boxes are the core of the RRCE-PM system, protecting the 3phase power meters housed within.
- RTE Power Monitoring Boxes mount onto each Reefer Distribution Cabinet on or near the reefer rack. Because some racks may have several distribution cabinets depending upon the rack’s configuration and the number of reefer slots, daisy-chaining multiple Monitoring Boxes provides a streamlined connection.
- Inside the RTE Monitoring Boxes, wires connect the power meters to Current Transformers (CT) attached to each 480vac phase line supplying the reefer outlets, ensuring accurate measurement of electrical behavior at each reefer outlet.
- RTE RRCE-D units mounted on the reefer rack collect and process the data from every Monitoring Box through an RS485 communication cable and converter.
- A local GRASP3.0 server receives communication from the RRCE-D units to provide reliable data collection and accessibility through multiple User Interfaces.
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