In modern power distribution systems, the importance of power data is self-evident. Whether for achieving refined energy consumption management or to meet increasingly stringent carbon emission assessments, a large number of circuit metering points have become standard. However, when you open one distribution box after another, faced with crammed meters and cramped space, a real problem arises: what to do when there isn't enough space in the distribution boxes?
Traditional solutions often involve adding more distribution boxes or undertaking complex wiring modifications, which are not only costly and cumbersome to construct, but also exacerbate the already congested distribution rooms. Now, Acrel's ADW600 series meters, with their innovative modular design and powerful functional integration, offer a perfect answer: one ADW600 gateway can manage the entire system—one unit does the work of twelve!
Breaking with tradition, the ADW600 series seamlessly integrates gateway and meter. It's not an ordinary single-circuit meter, but a modular power monitoring system centered around a smart gateway. By combining the gateway and meter into one, it completely revolutionizes the traditional multi-circuit metering architecture.
The product consists of two main parts: the ADW600 series smart gateway and the ADW600 multi-circuit metering modules. The gateway is the "brain" of the entire system, while the metering modules are the "sensors" distributed across various circuits. They are connected via standard network cables to form a powerful multi-circuit monitoring network.
Core Advantage: One gateway manages 12 circuits! According to the manual, the ADW600-M series smart gateway (including CE Ethernet, 4G, and WiFi versions) can connect to up to 12 circuit metering modules! This means that metering tasks that previously required installing 12 independent meters and equipping them with complex secondary wiring can now be easily accomplished with just one ADW600 gateway and several ADW600-I current metering modules.
Space saving of over 80%: Where a row of meters used to be installed, now only one gateway and several side-by-side modules are needed. The compact size greatly frees up valuable space within the electrical box.
Simplified wiring, clear and easy to understand: Modules are connected via network cables, replacing the traditional complex and error-prone secondary wiring. Installation is as simple as assembling building blocks: connect the gateway's BUS-OUT to the first module's BUS-IN, then connect the first module's BUS-OUT to the next module's BUS-IN, and so on, in a neat and orderly fashion.
More than just metering, its powerful functionality exceeds expectations. The ADW600's value goes far beyond space saving. Through different combinations of functional modules, it can meet almost all monitoring needs on the low-voltage distribution side.
ADW600-U (Voltage Module): Responsible for acquiring the bus voltage signal, providing a voltage reference for the entire system.
ADW600-I (Current Module): This is the core metering module. Each module is responsible for measuring all electrical quantities, including current, power, and energy, in a three-phase circuit. It directly matches open-type current transformers with RJ12 interfaces, allowing for safe and convenient installation without disconnection. Specifications cover a wide range from D10 (6A) to D36 (600A) to meet different load requirements.
ADW600-K (Switching Module): Provides 4 switching inputs and 2 switching outputs, easily enabling remote monitoring and control of circuit breaker status.
ADW600-TL (Temperature and Residual Current Measurement Module): Integrates 12 temperature measurement channels and 4 residual current measurement channels, providing data support for safety-critical scenarios such as cable joint temperature measurement and leakage current monitoring, preventing potential fires. You can freely combine these modules like building blocks to meet your actual needs. Whether it's simple electricity metering or complex power monitoring, temperature alarms, and remote control, the ADW600 can handle it perfectly. A powerful heart: The ADW600 smart gateway is the core of the entire system. It not only collects data from all downlink modules but also undertakes the crucial tasks of data processing, storage, and uploading. Multiple communication methods, seamless integration with various systems: The ADW600-M series gateway offers Ethernet, 4G, and WiFi communication options, flexibly adapting to both wired network coverage and reliance on carrier networks. Communication protocols support standard Modbus and MQTT, allowing easy integration with various energy management platforms, building automation systems, or cloud platforms.
Local monitoring, complete data control: The gateway features a built-in LCD dot-matrix display screen. Using the buttons on the panel, users can directly flip through pages to view real-time key data for each circuit, such as voltage, current, power, energy, temperature, and leakage current, as well as alarm and on/off status, making on-site inspections clear at a glance. Event logging, traceable records: The gateway can record up to 20 alarm, fault, and action events, providing valuable historical data for fault analysis and maintenance management.
In conclusion, in the limited space of a distribution box, space equals efficiency. The ADW600 series meters, with their superior integration capabilities ("one unit does the work of 12"), innovative modular design, and powerful communication and expansion functions, provide a new and efficient solution for low-voltage multi-circuit metering scenarios. It's not just an innovation in equipment, but also an advancement in power distribution design philosophy. If you are also facing the challenge of limited space in your distribution box, or are planning a new energy efficiency management system, the ADW600 is undoubtedly an ideal choice worthy of your serious consideration.
Aaron Shi
Electrical Engineer Expert, Providing Service, consultant, product expert, professional manufacturer of energy efficiency management systemic solutions, and energy meters.