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BTU (British Thermal Unit)

A unit of heat; the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

BTU Meter

A device used to measure the amount of thermal energy transferred in a heating or cooling system, typically in chilled/hot water loops.

Flow Sensor

A component of the BTU meter that measures the volumetric flow rate of the fluid (usually water) in the system.

Temperature Sensor

Measures the temperature of the supply and return water to calculate the temperature differential (ΔT).

ΔT (Delta T)

The difference in temperature between the supply and return lines; used to calculate the energy transferred.

Energy Consumption

The amount of heat energy consumed, usually expressed in BTUs / KWhr.

Thermal Energy Meter

Another term for BTU meter, especially in international contexts (e.g., Europe may use kWh instead of BTU).

Volumetric Flow Rate

The amount of water (or fluid) passing through the pipe over time, typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM), liters per minute (LPM), or cubic meters per hour.

Ultrasonic Flow Meter

A type of flow sensor used in BTU meters that measures flow rate using sound waves; it has no moving parts and offers high accuracy.

Electromagnetic Flow Meter

Uses magnetic fields to measure fluid velocity; suitable for conductive fluids like water.

Insertion Meter

A flow meter design where the sensor is inserted into the pipe, typically easier to install on existing systems.

Clamp-on Meter

A non-invasive flow meter that attaches externally to the pipe to measure flow ultrasonically.

Pulse Output

A signal output from the BTU meter that can be used for remote monitoring, data logging, or integration with BMS/EMS systems.

Thermal Power (Heat Load)

The rate of heat energy transfer, usually expressed in BTU/hr or kW.

Totalized Energy

The cumulative thermal energy consumed over time, displayed on the BTU meter.

Heat Exchanger

A device used to transfer heat between two fluids; the BTU meter measures energy across this component.

Supply Temperature

The temperature of the water entering the load (e.g., a fan coil or heat exchanger).

Return Temperature

The temperature of the water leaving the load and returning to the system.

Calibration

Ensuring the meter and its sensors provide accurate readings by comparing to known standards.

Commissioning

The process of setting up and verifying the correct operation of the BTU meter in a system.

Automatic Meter Reading (AMR)

Technology that automatically collects consumption data from utility meters without the need for manual readings.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)

A system that includes smart meters, communication networks, and data management systems to enable two-way communication between utilities and customers.

Billing Cycle

The period between two-meter readings used for generating a utility bill.

Cumulative Reading

The total consumption recorded by a meter over time.