Non-invasive energy meter for fixed and variable flow systems

1. A non-invasive energy metering method for liquid flow systems comprising first and second segments of one or more conduits through which a liquid flows, the method comprising the steps of:

attaching a first temperature sensor for connection to an outside of the first conduit segment;

attaching a second temperature sensor for connection to an outside of the second conduit segment;

a user estimating a flow rate of the liquid without use of a flow meter;

a providing programmable control unit for receiving data from the sensors and the estimated flow rate from the user, said programmable control unit calculating energy data based on the sensor data and the estimated flow rate;

determining with a motor sensor when to begin the receiving step; and

communicating data to and from the control unit to an external source through the use of one or more digital input/output ports, namely the energy data is communicated from the control unit and programming data is communicated to the control unit from the external source;

whereby the method operates without need to temporarily disconnect or alter the first or second conduit segments.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the motor sensor comprises an induction sensor.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the programmable control unit calculates energy data in collector performance minutes.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the temperature sensors comprise digital thermometers.

5. The method of claim 1 additionally comprising the step of employing a power source comprising one or more rechargeable batteries.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of providing a display device.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the programmable control unit calculates energy data in British thermal units.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the first and second conduit segments comprise an inlet to and an outlet of a solar energy system.

9. A non-invasive energy meter for liquid flow systems comprising first and second segments of one or more conduits through which a liquid flows, said meter comprising:

a first temperature sensor for connection to an outside of the first conduit segment;

a second temperature sensor for connection to an outside of the second conduit segment;

a programmable control unit receiving data from said sensors and calculating energy data therefrom without a known amount of heat added to the system;

a power source for providing power to said meter; and

one or more input/output ports for communicating data to and from the meter to an external source, namely energy data is communicated from the meter and programming data is communicated to the meter from the external source;

whereby said meter operates without need to temporarily disconnect or alter the first or second conduit segments, and a flow rate is estimated by a user without use of a flow meter, which flow rate is then input into and used by said programmable control unit for calculating the energy data.

10. The energy meter of claim 9 wherein said temperature sensors comprise digital thermometers.

11. The energy meter of claim 9 wherein said power source comprises one or more rechargeable batteries.

12. The energy meter of claim 9 further comprising a display device.

13. The energy meter of claim 9 wherein said programmable control unit calculates energy data in British thermal units.

14. The energy meter of claim 9 wherein the first and second conduit segments comprise an inlet to and an outlet of a solar energy system.

15. The energy meter of claim 9 additionally comprising a motor sensor, wherein said programmable control unit receives data from said motor sensor.

16. The energy meter of claim 15 wherein said motor sensor comprises an induction sensor.

17. The energy meter of claim 15 wherein said programmable control unit calculates energy data in collector performance minutes.