Three connectivity tips for switchgear and UPS power quality monitoring

02Mar

As more electrical devices are deployed in industrial applications, the need to protect these critical systems increases. Unexpected power outages lead not only to higher maintenance costs of electrical equipment, but also to lower operational efficiency, productivity, and overall business revenue.

To ensure a stable power supply, facility managers need to monitor power quality, so that electrical devices are protected from unwanted interruptions and damaging fluctuations.

Switchgears and uninterrupted power supplies (UPSs) are two essential pieces of equipment to consider when developing a comprehensive power quality monitoring plan. In general, switchgears are the first stop when utility power flows into factories and data centres. These devices transform voltage, monitor power current, and protect industrial equipment from abnormal fluctuations in electricity. As a result, the facility manager needs constantly to monitor the status of circuit breakers, surge protectors, current transformers, and power quality meters used inside switchgears.

In addition, UPSs are valuable for providing non-stop power supply when the main power source fails and the backup power supply, such as a generator, is not immediately available.

To monitor the real-time status of an application’s power quality, switchgears and UPSs need to connect with an energy management system (EMS), so that operators can make instant decisions to minimise system downtime. Establishing a reliable communication system in between allows the operator to monitor power quality and respond to emergencies in time.

Moxa offers the following three tips to consider when developing communication systems for power quality monitoring applications...

Read the full article in PBSI's March issue