July 2010
Generator Monitoring Made Easy
Emergency standby generators are just what the term implies. We all know the importance of having electricity during a crisis or even a typical short utility failure. Our dependency on generators has and continues to grow to avoid loss of life and/or revenue. Today’s technology makes it possible and practical to be continuously aware of this critical system’s condition. A monitoring system should be considered for every generator specification out there to provide peace of mind. Generator monitoring systems provide data resulting in faster and more efficient responses to system problems. Site visits and costs can be dramatically reduced once a monitoring system is in place. Having the ability to monitor power quality trends also gives the data to:
- Identify potential problems in advance
- Eliminate weak links
- Plan for future expansion
How it Works
With the monitoring system that Pro Power Solutions provides (The Digital Technician), it monitors and logs the major activity of the generator set, and watches the weekly test cycle to ensure that the generator is performing as it should. In the event of a failurealarm, it will automatically notify a Service Dispatch Center, and you, if desired.
This allows end users, engineers, and service technicians to login and trend a wide variety of parameters. The system gives a snapshot of a generator performance at any given time. To the right is a graph of coolant temperatures over a one-month period for a Generac generator located at a Crowne Plaza Hotel in Atlanta. The peaks in temperatures are the five exercise periods the generator is scheduled to run.
This is just one of many data points that are provided in the Digital Technician system. Other alarms include:
| • On Utility Power | • On Generator Power |
| • Pre-Low Oil Pressure | • Low Oil Pressure Alarm |
| • System Ready | • Generator Running |
| • Overcrank | • Not In Auto |
| • Charger Fail | • Battery Volts High |
| • Battery Volts Low | • Coolant Temp High Alarm |
| • Coolant Temp Low Alarm | • Coolant Temp Shutdown |
| • Low Oil Pressure Alarm | • E Stop Shutdown |
| • Fail To Start | • RPM Shutdown |
| • RPM Sensor Shutdown | • Low Fuel |
| • Low Coolant Level |
The process of installation and activation of monitoring services is fast and simple. The Digital Technician delivers specific information to designated recipients, via e-mail and web display. The system is fast, reliable and does not require complicated set-up or purchase of custom software. The list of recipients of information is unlimited in number.
In addition a generator monitoring system also provides added benefits that translate into improved customer satisfaction:
- Automated Messaging 24x7 improves customer service response time & aids in prioritizing problems
- Remote diagnostics help in visit preparation and reduce repeat trips
- Historical engine data and report generation allow for faster issue resolution
- Increased generator reliability promotes customer loyalty
- Reduced carbon footprint
To find out more about generator monitoring, including technical specifications, please contact Pro Power Solutions at 770-381-2424.