Remote Generator Monitoring Systems

The most common reasons generators failing to start include problems with the starter battery and fuel. The fuel level may be low, contaminated, or the fuel tank pressure and piping system could be outside specification. Generator performance can be improved to ensure reliability and operational performance with an AKCP remote generator monitoring system.

AKCP 24/7 remote monitoring systems can be used with both Prime and Standby generators to monitor generator run hours, RPM, oil pressure, fuel levels, temperature and humidity levels, starter battery voltage and current, and also bring in information from the generator control panels (as ComAp or Deepsea panels) with Modbus RS485 or SNMP connectivity into a single dashboard. Where the generator does not have an intelligent control panel, AKCP has a range of wired and wireless sensors hat can be used to monitor the battery, fuel and power installation and report over a local Ethernet connection or GSM modem built into the base monitoring units. The AKCP can be used to monitor generating sets worldwide.

What are the Benefits of Remote Fuel Levels and Generator Monitoring

The primary benefits from monitoring a remote generator are that 24/7 remote monitoring will immediately signal the need for an onsite corrective action. This will improve the overall operational reliability of the generator and help to extend its working life.

Check fuel tank levels with the AKCP Tank Sensor
Check the starter batter circuit with the ACKP Battery Health Sensor
Monitor fuel usage remotely in order to arrange a refuelling as required
Monitor operational performance from sensors and control panel data to assist with generator maintenance contracts
Immediately pick up alarms to trigger notification scripts which could include SMS text alerts, Emails, Phone Calls and SNMP Traps to third-party dashboards and monitoring systems

Regular testing of your generator is required to ensure overall reliability and to highlight any conditions to be immediately investigated or reviewed during the next preventative maintenance visit. At Sever Room Environments we provide generator servicing also provide a number of onsite generator services., including onsite service contracts and emergency call out.

Wired and Wireless Remote Monitoring for Generating Sets

The AKCP sensorProbeX+ can be used as a wired solution for generator monitoring with the ModBus RS485 port used to connect to the control panel. Plug-on sensors are connected to the sensorProbeX+ to measure the selected system and environmental factors including fuel tank depth and pressure levels, temperature and humidity, and battery voltage and current. The AKCP system can also be used to bring in data from any associated UPS systems to provide a single dashboard for the critical power path within the building. The AKCP platform is also available as a wireless solution.

Fuel Tank Monitoring

With the AKCP Tank Sensor, you can monitor fuel and liquid storage tank levels and pressures to check instantaneous fuel usage. The automatically collected data can be graphed for trend analysis over time, and the dashboard will also show the overall health status of the generator and any alarms.

Regular Testing

Generator sets should be started weekly for a short period (up to 10minutes). This ensures all the mechanical and electrical component are tested with data collection for critical elements including fuel usage, output voltage, current and frequency, engineer speed, oil and water temperatures, humidity and the status of the starter battery.

Generator status reports can be issued following the test and at regular times (for example weekly or monthly) on the overall performance of the system and sensor/control panel data collected. The tank sensor can be used to monitor tanks up to 20m in depth.

AKCP generator monitoring can be used with Prime (continuous running) or Standby (backup) generators and ensures you have 24/7 monitoring of your system and instant alerts when there is a change in operating state or alarm condition.

The AKCP system can also be connected to other site-specific third-party systems that can generate a signal contact such as am intruder, fire alarm or access control system. The AKCP system is capable of integrating a suitable ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) compatible local CCTV camera device to provide further visibility on the generator site.

Please contact our Projects Team to discuss how we can monitor your generator (and UPS) and improve the overall reliability and operational performance of your critical power systems.