How can every kilowatt-hour of electricity in C&I energy storage be accurately accounted for? The Eastron SDM36CT-M provides a precise answer

Amid the rapid growth of commercial and industrial (C&I) energy storage, the role of these systems is evolving. They are no longer merely devices for storing electrical energy; instead, they are increasingly becoming integrated energy systems that combine energy dispatch, cost optimization, and intelligent management.

For energy storage project operators, while battery capacity and PCS efficiency determine the system's baseline performance, the accuracy of charge/discharge data and the clarity of energy flows directly impact operational strategies and project profitability. To truly unlock the value of energy storage, a core challenge must first be addressed: how to accurately track the flow of every single kilowatt-hour of electricity.

Challenges in the Energy Storage Metering Industry

Unlike traditional electrical equipment, the defining characteristic of energy storage systems is the bidirectional flow of electrical energy.

During charging, energy flows from the grid into the storage unit; during discharging, energy is output to the load or the grid. This bidirectional energy flow places higher demands on energy metering. Failure to accurately detect the direction of energy flow makes it difficult to track actual energy movement, thereby impacting efficiency analysis, revenue calculation, and the optimization of energy management strategies.

Furthermore, as the scale of industrial and commercial energy storage expands, requirements for metering equipment in high-capacity projects have become increasingly stringent. Meeting the simultaneous needs for high-current measurement, high-precision metering, flexible installation, and real-time communication has become a critical consideration in energy storage system integration.

Eastron SDM36CT-M Metering Solution

To address these application requirements, the Eastron SDM36CT-M three-phase multifunction meter offers a high-precision, flexible, and reliable energy metering solution for energy storage systems.

Bi-directional Metering · Track Energy Flow

The SDM36CT-M supports bi-directional energy metering, recording energy changes during the charging and discharging of energy storage systems. This allows users to clearly track energy flow between the grid, storage equipment, and loads. Additionally, the product supports four-quadrant measurement, meeting the complex operational analysis needs of new energy systems and providing accurate data for EMS (Energy Management Systems).

MID Certified · Guaranteed Metering Accuracy

MID-certified with Class 0.5S/C accuracy, the SDM36CT-M meets high-precision metering requirements. By accurately capturing charge and discharge data, it helps users optimize storage operation strategies and provides a reliable basis for subsequent revenue analysis.

CT Input · High-Current Capability

Utilizing a CT (Current Transformer) input method, the SDM36CT-M supports current measurements up to 9999A. Unlike traditional direct-connect meters, the CT solution enables flexible high-current monitoring without altering the main circuit structure, making it ideal for C&I (Commercial & Industrial) storage cabinets, energy storage power stations, and large-scale power distribution systems.

Compact Design · Space-Efficient Installation

With a width of only 36mm, the SDM36CT-M saves installation space while maintaining multifunctional metering capabilities, making it suitable for space-constrained environments like storage cabinets and power distribution panels. It also supports phase sequence switching, simplifying on-site installation and commissioning while boosting deployment efficiency.

RS485 Communication · Intelligent Management

Supporting RS485 Modbus communication with intervals as short as 100ms, the SDM36CT-M rapidly collects key parameters—such as voltage, current, power, and energy—and integrates with energy management platforms (EMS, BMS) to enable real-time monitoring and analysis of storage system data.

From C&I energy storage to integrated solar-storage-charging projects, reliable data acquisition is becoming a crucial element in enhancing the value of energy storage systems.
With advantages such as MID certification, high-precision metering, 9999A high-current measurement, bidirectional metering, and a compact design, the Eastron SDM36CT-M enables energy storage systems to accurately track energy flows and optimize operational strategies, providing a reliable metering solution for new energy applications.