Remote Monitoring of Tower Back-Up Generators
Tactus Telematics has developed a new system aimed at providing complete remote management for cellsite back-up generators. The system remotely and automatically checks on functions such as power output and vital signs such as fuel levels and oil quality. When these pass pre-set limits, alarms are raised to send a maintenance engineer to the site. The system also periodically starts up each generator to make sure that the system will function when needed.
The system comprises of compact and rugged units that can be mounted inside the generators. These are connected to the generator control panel and specialised sensors such as oil quality probes. These units have already been interfaced to a wide range of generator control panels with more being added on a regular basis.
A central software application keeps in regular contact with each unit via the mobile communications network. This application can be integrated with standard network management packages.
Says David Edwards, Director of Business Development: "The idea is to carry out preventative maintenance on generators. It is no good simply waiting until they fail to raise an alarm. During the time that it takes to go and fix the problem you could lose a lot of revenue.
"Of course, in tourist areas, you could lose roamers for the duration of their visit as they scan on to a competing network. High value and remote sites really benefit from the quality of protection that the system provides. We are getting particular interest from operators in tropical areas that are susceptible to storms which regularly cause power cuts. In some cases these operators have found generators not starting when needed because someone has stolen the starter battery or has siphoned the fuel tank. Our system highlights those types of issues immediately."
The GenTrak system also protects against theft using the Tactus "Ringfence" feature. Each unit incorporates a GPS positioning system. This reports back the generator's position regularly. If the unit has been moved from where it is supposed to be, an alarm is raised in the control centre and the system is actively tracked.
The system has already been adopted for use by a well known global generator rental company and network operators."
Posted to the site on 11th August 2005
