Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Innovation Energy system intended for?

The system is primarily dedicated to companies (manufacturing, warehouses, offices), but it is also successfully implemented in housing associations and public institutions (administrative offices, hospitals, municipal buildings).

What should be metered to achieve real savings with the Innovation Energy system?

Primarily electricity, followed by utilities prone to leaks and losses: water, gas, and district heating. It is also worth monitoring temperature to optimize heating and mitigate heat loss.

At what invoice amounts does the system installation become cost-effective?

The return on investment (ROI) for the Innovation Energy system is typically achieved with monthly bills exceeding 250 EUR, or in any case where charges for reactive energy or power demand exceedance appear on the invoice.

Do I have to sign a long-term subscription contract?

No. Innovation Energy offers a flexible subscription model. You pay a monthly fee which you can cancel at any time without contractual penalties.

What are the costs of using the system?

Innovation Energy system costs consist of a one-time hardware purchase and a low monthly subscription fee for SIM card maintenance, server hosting, and application access.

Will the system help me optimize contracted power and avoid reactive energy penalties?

Yes. The Innovation Energy system precisely displays peak power demand (assisting in adjusting contracted capacity and load balancing across phases) and monitors both inductive and capacitive reactive energy, allowing for the selection of appropriate compensation.

Can I manage my PV (photovoltaic) installation and energy storage through your system?

Yes. The TCM BOX performs bidirectional measurement—monitoring both energy imported from the grid and energy exported (produced), allowing for a full energy balance analysis. Additionally, the installation can be remotely controlled via the Innovation Energy application panel.

Is my data secure and who has access to it?

Data in the Innovation Energy system is the property of the customer. It is stored on secure Polish servers in compliance with GDPR (RODO) guidelines and cybersecurity standards (aligned with the NIS 2 directive).

Can I grant my tenants or employees access to consumption data?

Yes. The Innovation Energy system allows for the creation of sub-accounts for other users. In such cases, they do not have access to the "Configuration" tab, which is reserved for the administrator account.

How much does the Innovation Energy system cost?

The final implementation cost of the Innovation Energy system depends on the scale of the facility and the number of metering points. We recommend hardware only for key locations; during the consultation, we will jointly identify the most energy-intensive points. Contact us—a 10-minute conversation is enough to determine your needs.

How can I order a system demonstration?

It’s simple. You can schedule a free online presentation of the Innovation Energy system by filling out the contact form on our website or by calling the phone number provided on the site directly. We will show you live how our intuitive system enables savings.

Can I use the system to remotely turn off machinery or lighting?

Yes. While the Innovation Energy system is primarily designed for precise monitoring and analysis, it can directly control devices (allowing for manual or automated switching based on predefined schedules), depending on the site configuration. Thanks to the collected data, the TCM BOX enables personnel or automation systems to make control decisions.

Energy monitors (TCM BOX)

What is the difference between TCM BOX 1P and TCM BOX 1P RC?

The TCM BOX 1P version features standard split-core current transformers (CTs) (clamped around the cable), ideal for smaller installations (based on cable outer diameter) up to 400A. The RC version features flexible Rogowski Coils, which are indispensable for very thick cable bundles, busbars, and higher currents (above 400A).

Can I swap TCM BOX 1P and RC versions with each other?

No. TCM BOX devices are calibrated for a specific type of measurement (either CTs or Rogowski Coils with specific rated values). The device must be matched to the installation type (cable thickness, currents) before purchase so that we can apply the selected configuration before shipping.

What is included in the TCM BOX kit?

The TCM BOX device, a SIM card, a manual, an application activation code on the housing, and a set of 3 measurement probes (current transformers or Rogowski Coils).

How many devices can I connect to a single TCM BOX?

A TCM BOX can support several secondary devices via the Modbus bus (energy, water, or heat meters)—the exact number depends on bus stability, GSM transmission limits (data volume), and configuration.

Does the TCM BOX have a built-in battery or memory in case of a power outage?

Does the TCM BOX have a built-in battery or memory in case of a power outage?

What is the measurement range for current transformers and Rogowski Coils?

Current transformers in the Innovation Energy portfolio support currents from 100A to 400A (depending on the model). Rogowski Coils have a significantly wider range, enabling the measurement of currents up to several thousand Amperes (up to 6kA in our range).

Temperature monitors (TCM Sensor T)

What are the power supply versions for the TCM Sensor T?

There are three power versions available for temperature monitors in the Innovation Energy system: BATT (battery-powered), 5V DC (plug-in power adapter), and 230V AC (integrated power supply for direct connection to the electrical installation).

How long does the battery last in the TCM Sensor T BATT version?

The operating time for the TCM Sensor T BATT is typically 1 to 2 years, depending on the configured data transmission frequency and network coverage.

When should I choose the battery version versus the mains-powered version?

Choose the battery-powered TCM Sensor T for locations without power access or for mobile applications (e.g., cold storage in transport). Mains-powered versions (5V/230V) are better for stationary monitoring (e.g., server rooms, retail refrigerators) as they do not require battery replacements.

Does the TCM Sensor T require calibration?

TCM Sensor T sensors are factory-calibrated. Additional calibration (standardization) is possible if required by the customer's procedures (e.g., in the pharmaceutical industry).

What is the length of the temperature probe cable, and can it be extended?

The standard length of the temperature probe in the Innovation Energy system is approximately 1–2 meters. The cable can be extended (up to several dozen meters) using appropriate signal cables without loss of accuracy (digital sensor).

Are the devices weather-resistant?

TCM Sensor T housings have a high ingress protection rating (typically IP65), allowing for installation in dusty areas or locations exposed to moisture.

Mounting and integration

What do I need to install a TCM BOX?

The main requirement is a need for detailed insight into your building’s electrical system. Innovation Energy sends a complete kit. The installation can be performed by your electrician (it only takes 15–30 minutes), or you can ask us for assistance.

Is an electrical license required for installation?

Yes. Installing the Innovation Energy system requires intervention in the electrical switchboard (installing transformers, connecting power supply); therefore, it should be performed by an electrician with valid G1 E qualifications (e.g., SEP certified) or local equivalent electrical certifications.

What if there is no GSM coverage at the installation site?

The TCM BOX features an SMA connector, allowing for the connection of an external antenna on a cable to be positioned outside a metal cabinet or room (e.g., outside a basement).

What requirements must a water/gas/energy meter meet?

The meter connected to the Innovation Energy system must have a pulse output or a Modbus RTU (RS-485) communication interface. If neither is available, installing a converter may be the solution.

What is the maximum length of the Modbus bus cable?

The RS-485 standard allows for a bus up to 1000m; however, in the Innovation Energy system, we recommend shorter segments and the use of appropriate cables (shielded twisted pair) to ensure error-free transmission.

Can I use existing wiring or the building’s BMS?

Yes, the TCM BOX can be integrated into an existing Modbus bus as a Master device or coexist within the building infrastructure. Sometimes this is a matter of purchasing the appropriate converter.

Can current be measured on a single-phase installation and on the medium-voltage (MV) side?

Yes. In a 1-phase installation, we use one transformer connected to the TCM BOX. MV measurements are performed indirectly—by installing transformers downstream of the MV/LV transformer or through integration with the DSO’s (Distribution System Operator) main meter.

Does installing the system require a power shutdown at the company?

The installation of the Innovation Energy system is typically non-invasive (semi-indirect measurement). Mounting split-core current transformers or Rogowski Coils on cables does not require disconnecting them.

Measurements and data

What is the accuracy class of the entire measurement system?

It depends on the current transformers or Rogowski Coils used, the meter, and other components. Transformers used in the Innovation Energy system have an Accuracy Class of 0.5, coils are Class 1, and meters are Class 1/MID B.

What are OBIS codes and do I need to configure them manually?

OBIS codes are a standard for identifying energy data (e.g., 1.8.0 is total active energy imported). In the Innovation Energy system you do not need to configure them manually – meter readings are automatically mapped to the appropriate OBIS codes and shown in the app as labelled parameters.

How often are measurements taken?

The device samples parameters in real-time, and data granularity is typically sent to the Innovation Energy server at 15-minute intervals (or more frequently depending on the configuration and ordered plan—for example, every 1 minute).

What does the tg φ parameter mean?

Tg φ is a coefficient specifying the ratio of inductive reactive power to active power. Exceeding its limit (usually $> 0.4$) results in penalties from the energy provider. TCM BOX measures this in real-time and allows for the reduction of these penalties to zero.

API and Data Export: Can I download raw data to my own systems?

Yes, the Innovation Energy platform allows for data export to files (Excel/CSV) and provides an API for integration with external systems.

What happens to the data in the event of a cellular network failure?

The device saves data in its internal memory. Once coverage is restored, the pending data is automatically transmitted to the server, ensuring no "gaps" appear in the graphs.

Applications and functions

How do notifications and alerts work?

The user can define alarm thresholds/limits (e.g., voltage loss, power exceedance) in the Innovation Energy application. Notifications are sent via email.

Can I create my own reports and charts?

The Innovation Energy application features a configurable dashboard that allows for the free selection of displayed data and the generation of reports for selected periods. The possibilities are endless!

What does the yellow exclamation mark in the upper right corner of the application mean?

Notifications in the Innovation Energy app marked in yellow in the upper right corner are alerts indicating that set value limits (e.g., current, temperature) have most likely been exceeded.

Is there an Admin account for managing multiple locations?

Yes, the Innovation Energy system supports a multi-branch structure, enabling the management of multiple facilities from a single master account.