Demand

What is Demand?

The Demand is a representation of the rate at which power is being consumed. For example a 15kW load (motor, lighting, etc) will demand 15kW from the grid when it is on. Most utility companies will charge users for demand more specifically the peak demand.

The utility company will charge users for the maximum peak demand within a time interval, typically 15 minutes but may differ depending on the company. There are different demand calculation methods that some utilities may use to calculate the demand which will also differ depending on the utility company.

The Acuvim II series meter supports 4 different kinds of Demand Calculation Methods. A description of each demand calculation method is presented below:

• Fixed Window: The demand is calculated based on selecting the calculation period between 1-30min. The meter will calculate and update the demand values at the end of each calculation period.
• Sliding Window: The demand is calculated by selecting the calculation period between 1-30 min. The meter will average the energy accumulated within this period of time and the demand value is updated every minute.
• Thermal: The demand is calculated based on thermal response, used in thermal demand meters. This method uses a sliding window to update the demand value at the end of each calculation period.
• Rolling Window: The demand is based on selecting a calculation period between 1-30min, and a sub-interval (Demand Calculation Slip Time). The demand value is updated at each subinterval. The subinterval must be a factor of the calculation period. For example, with a calculation period of 15min, the subinterval can be configured as 5min.