Temperature Difference Error Determination for Heat Meter Validation

A method to calculate the maximum value of temperature difference error in heat meters is presented. It is designed for heat meters used for measuring the volume of heat provided to buildings by heating systems using hot water. Validation offices generally use computer-based numerical methods for the calculation of the error over the full temperature range and temperature difference range. Use of these methods is time-consuming due to taking in succession the temperature and temperature difference with a constant gradient as well as selecting the maximum value of error. The author has developed a method that allows the practicing engineer to calculate the maximum error in a short time with his or her own program. This method can also be used for heat meters not conforming to any standard or pairs of temperature sensors not dedicated for heat meters.