Remote Monitoring Solutions
Today’s core infrastructure systems have been developed to offer higher energy efficiency and improved remote monitoring functions to allow them to be remotely monitored and, in the future, controlled as Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Remote monitoring is important to manage and control loading and power usage throughout a building. As power is distributed from the building incomer through an LV switchboard it will be used to power many core electrical systems and services. The Synchronised Power & Energy Solutions team can install a variety of power monitoring devices to allow organisations to monitor their power usage through sub-distribution and branch circuits down to individual loads and power sockets.
Monitoring Connectivity Packages
Remote communications options range from simple volt-free signal contacts to more complex protocols (RS232, RS485, USB, MODBUS and JBUS) and Simple Network Management Protocols (SNMP). Communications can generally be enabled through a plug-in communications interface card or an external device and connection to an appropriate communications package.
The remote monitoring software package can be manufacturer specific or more general in the form of an Energy Management System (EMS) or Data Centre Infrastructure Management (DCIM) package. Software distribution is moving to cloud based distribution to allow easier access (through licensed codes) and updates.
Collected data may also be stored in a cloud datacentre to allow remote access. This type of approach is favoured by larger organisations with systems spread across several sites. A cloud approach can provide access to a wider pool of data if this is shared. An example being the installed population of a specific battery where those using a specific brand of battery tester can compare the results they have recorded during a UPS battery testing maintenance contract visit to what others have recorded for their batteries.
Remote Site Monitoring
Remote monitoring can be important for several reasons. Systems under maintenance contracts with emergency call out facilities including access control, air conditioners, generators and uninterruptible power supplies can be remotely monitored via a local network connection or be installed with their own dedicated GSM modem.
When these systems are in an alarm condition, they can contact pre-set numbers and send an email, SMS or voice message to inform the recipient of the specific alarm code and their location, ID number and status (on-line or off-line or limp-mode). The recipient may be able to dial into an intelligent system and access history logs or send an alarm silence code.
Alarm monitoring is just one aspect of remote monitoring. Other aspects can include load shedding and power management which will be become more important due to demands on power grids.
Energy Efficiency and Power Management
Synchronised Power & Energy Solutions can install data loggers, meters and power analysers at various points within a buildings electrical system. Some of the products supplied by Synchronised power & Energy Solutions may also include power monitoring features to provide information for management and control.
Uninterruptible power supplies and intelligent power distribution units can provide a range of information for analysis including: load VA, Watts, Power Factor (pf), AC voltages, kWh usage and provide options for load shedding and individual socket connection reboots or power-off functions.
Remote Monitoring Projects
Please contact the Synchronised Power & Solutions team to discuss your remote monitoring project. Our software engineers can provide a full installation, configuration and training service to set your devices to provide the management and control required. We can provide a site survey, proposal including finance and payback calculations, installation and maintenance contracts for North Wales’s domestic, commercial and industrial installations. We have installer engineers across North Wales covering Anglesey (Bangor depot), Clwyd, Conwy (Llandudno depot), Denbighshire (Prestatyn depot), Flintshire (Mold depot), Gwynedd and Wrexham borough counties.
