Director of Operations Lattice Communications & Industrial Energy Applications
The Case for Remote Monitoring How confident are you that your generator will be available when you need it? How can you be sure? Inspections Routine testing 2
The Case for Remote Monitoring Potential Startup Problems Starting battery failure Jacket water heater failure Low fuel level / low gas pressure Control system failure Operational Concerns Fuel level Critical engine performance information (Oil pressure, temperatures) Overloading conditions Operation of switchgear HVAC/Security/Fire Suppression 3
The Case for Remote Monitoring Sequence of events for complex systems Update rates are important Invaluable troubleshooting tool in the event of a system failure. 4
Remote Monitoring New installations Advantage of having latest technology Many options available direct from manufacturer Simplifies startup and commissioning Retrofits Typically older equipment with fewer communication options Design constraints based on space available 5
Factors in Selecting a System System complexity Single or multiple generators, Single or multiple sites Paralleling vs. non-paralleling switchgear Single geor multiple peutility yservice ceconnections o Age/type of equipment Computerized controls common on new equipment Older equipment is more challenging VS 6
Factors in Selecting a System Type of use Mobile or stationary ti Standby (Emergency) Peak Shaving Interruptible/DSM Data collection and control requirements Operator information Preventative/Predictive/Corrective maintenance Regulatory compliance data 7
Factors in Selecting a System? Reliability & Performance Speed of response Throughput requirements Error detection Fault tolerance Cost Up front Capital cost Recurring monthly service charges 8
Remote Monitoring Technology Overview Available from most manufacturers on new systems Custom systems available from many different engineering and integration companies. Or - build your own aftermarket system. May be your only choice for older systems 3 Parts (New and existing systems) Monitoring Hardware (Collect Data) Remote Site Communications (Transmit Data) Human Machine Interface (Read & Interpret Data)
Monitoring Hardware Advantages Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) OEM solutions simplify commissioning and startup. Many utilize industry standard communications, such as J1939, and Modbus to allow communication to other systems Seamless integration using OEM software Disadvantages Can be difficult to monitor larger, complex systems Protocol Converters required to interpret data for use in systems other than OEM software. 10
Monitoring Hardware Advantages Programmable Logic Controllers Commonly used for more complex systems Readily available hardware Large knowledge base Most flexible Disadvantages Higher cost and complexity Custom programming required 11
Advantages Monitoring Hardware Purpose Built Hardware Lower up front cost Easier Installation and Commissioning Communications interface & protocol converter in one unit Disadvantages One device required per generator. Will not work without communications interface on generator controls. Generally limited ability to expand Data presentation methods limited to vendor s technology Best with smaller less complex systems. 12
Advantages Hardware Multi-Purpose Protocol Converters Use standard communication protocols such as Modbus, DF-1. Use with PLC based system or stand alone Wide variety of protocols supported used in conjunction with OEM hardware to convert to Ethernet, cellular Disadvantages Will not work without communications interface on generator controls. Requires custom configuration. Custom programming required to interpret and display data 13
Remote Monitoring Devices No electronic interface to generator/switchgear? g Many smart devices available Power Meters Tank monitors Install after market instruments to get critical data Engine Data Temperature, Oil Pressure, Bearing Temperature Generator Data Voltage, Amps, VAR, PF Support Systems Fuel Storage Compressed Air Battery Chargers Fire Suppression HVAC UPS 14
Remote Site Communications Many different means of communication with remote equipment Based on: Geography Budget Bandwidth requirements Knowledge Base Response time 15
Remote Site Communications Advantages Low hardware cost Low monthly data charges Geo tracking functionality Cellular Disadvantages Coverage can be hard to predict Limits on bandwidth/throughput Improved using push technology 16
Remote Site Communications Advantages Works anywhere Geo tracking functionality Satellite Disadvantages Higher up front hardware costs Higher monthly data charges Can be competitive vs. cellular Bandwidth/throughput limitations Push technology Latency higher than cellular or Ethernet 17
Remote Site Communications Advantages Radio Frequency No third party service provider/no contracts Point to point or point to multi-point systems High bandwidth capability Disadvantages Relatively high hardware costs Geography dependent Complexity increases quickly as number of physical sites increases Unlicensed frequencies can become problematic 18
Remote Site Communications Advantages Low hardware costs Stable and mature technology Disadvantages Internet/Ethernet Third party provider required Service not available in all areas Bandwidth may be limited Security can be a concern Cost of service may vary widely from place to place 19
Remote Site Communications Advantages Low hardware costs Low monthly costs Dial Up Modems Disadvantages Low bandwidth Hard to monitor multiple sites simultaneously Generally not an always on connection 20
Human Machine Interface How do you visualize your systems Choice dependent upon Brand of generators/switchgear System complexity Budget Personal preference & experience Alarming and trending needs 21
Human Machine Interface Original Equipment Manufacturer Typically PC based applications Many offer email or text based alarming Extensive data and diagnostics Trending Control of multiple generators & transfer switches is possible. Capabilities vary 22
Human Machine Interface Web Based Interface Available from various providers Preconfigured graphics plug and play Typically based on cellular or satellite communication systems. 23
Human Machine Interface Commercially available HMI packages Wonderware, ifix Custom programming required 24
SUMMARY Remote monitoring - make sure your investment is ready when you need it. Many choices for hardware, communication technology and HMI type choice depends on the specific application. OEM Monitoring systems very capable After market equipment available for existing systems. Work with a professional to determine the best solution for your application. Getting the information from your system is a start, but what do you do with it? 25