How does the TECHEM radiator meter work
A radiator meter is also referred to as a heat cost allocator (HCA). It is a radio-based radiator ratio meter used to record consumption values in order to calculate heating costs based on actual usage. It is considered a ratio measuring device because the heat cost allocator does not display physical units, but only dimensionless units. These units represent the percentage of the total consumption within the relevant building or complex. By applying a ratio-based calculation across multiple similar heat cost allocators, your individual heating costs are determined in the final settlement.
How a radiator meter works:
The radio-based meters are programmed according to the heat output of the radiator, which depends on the type and dimensions of the radiator. The meters are equipped with two sensors: one measures the ambient temperature, while the other measures the radiator temperature. This ensures that no consumption is recorded when the meter is heated by external sources such as sunlight.
The meter is also programmed with a so-called rollover date. This is the date (and the last day of the heating season) on which the meter resets to zero. After this date, the meter starts counting again, while the previous reading remains visible on the display for one year.
Heat cost allocators therefore register the heat output of the radiators. The heat from the radiator is transferred to the meter via a heat-conducting mounting bracket. The operating principle of a heat cost allocator depends on the type of meter. There are two types of heat cost allocators: evaporative heat cost allocators and electronic heat cost allocators. The radio-based meter belongs to the category of electronic heat cost allocators.
Bron: https://www.techem.com/nl/nl/bewonersinformatie/Veelgestelde-vragen#accordion-197230537-item-daa821bf0e