Emergency Generator Monitoring

Case Study

IIoT is not just platform, connectivity and hardware: in most cases, it also requires engineering. LEC is unique in the fact that we can take IIoT technology the last mile with our engineering services to optimize the solution, as well as total cost of deployment and ongoing OPEX.

BACKGROUND

The client was looking to implement a remote monitor and control solution for nearly 3000 mission critical communication infrastructure sites. Should commercial power be lost, failover to generator power and sustaining power to these sites is mission-critical to operations. Operationally, the client required a simple install methodology, utilizing their current staff, that delivered real-time data and alarms for engine block heater fail or overheat, starting battery voltage, genset output voltage, diesel fuel and/or LPG levels. Additionally, the client wanted real time alarms when a full or partial loss of power from the 240VAC utility service head occurs. The utility provider only reports a total loss of power so the generator would not necessarily detect partial power loss (failure of a single leg of the incoming power feed), therefore not turning on alternative generator power. Alarm notifications are triggered when battery backup system voltage no longer indicates charging voltage or falls below a desired threshold.

EMERGENCY GENERATOR MONITORING CHALLENGES

No off-the-shelve solutions met corporate needs, and therefore, required an engineered solution
Large variety of generator equipment types and ages
Multiple fuel types (LP and Diesel)
Only 12 VDC power supply available
Simplified install design
Small development budget
Short timeline to deployment
Budgetary constraints due to project size
Solution required Class1, Div 1

SOLUTION

LEC engineered a simple, yet robust IIoT enclosure that incorporated cellular data transport, and the required amount of digital and analogue I/O (with future expansion capabilities). The solution included off-the-shelf Option Cloudgate cellular gateways embedded with LEC’s iQ2 platform to securely collect pertinent data and make that data visible in iQ2’s user interface.
Alarm conditions were created for each data tag to push alerts via email and text to the client’s operational team. iQ2 continually provides the needed data analytics for reporting and distribution to the client’s operational and leadership teams, while also meeting data warehousing protocols and needs.

OUTCOMES

Fully functional, sustainable, scalable and cost-effective solution
Zero cost in feature development or integration utilizing the iQ2 Platform
Simple deployment model, with only three install SKU’s, iQ2 enclosure, and sensor kit for either LPG or Diesel
Flexible design to later incorporate additional sensors and desired data points
Defined fuel levels to schedule and prioritize fuel vendor deliveries
Met budgetary constraints and short timelines