Remote Generator Options
If you’re operating an educational, healthcare, mining, manufacturing or retail facility, your generators need monitoring 24 hours a day, no exceptions. In environments like these, generators have to be ready to start up on a moment’s notice to keep students, patients, workers and customers safe. Loss of power in any of these environments could prove expensive or even fatal. Remote monitoring allows you to switch immediately to generator power should a facility’s power suddenly fail. Remote monitoring also allows operators to receive alerts, run tests and collect data showing any irregularities within a collection of generators that could lead to problems or failure, mechanics and technicians can then address issues pre-emptively. If you rely on one generator on a job site, remote control is super convenient, as it allows you to start the generator to power up tools for your team. Let’s take a look at some generator functions that can be performed remotely.
Remote Start + Stop
Many generator brands and models feature remote start + stop functions via software that uses a wireless standard such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to send signals from a phone or computer to a generator’s control module to trigger a start or stop.
Remote Monitoring + Control
More advanced generators are equipped with a dedicated remote monitoring and control module that allows operators more options. These generators can be started and stopped remotely by phone or computer and can also be accessed for setting parameters and controls remotely. In this case the generator’s monitoring and control module software is connected to a local area network (LAN) or the Internet, which provides a secure means of receiving alerts and notifications, monitoring the generator or adjusting settings on a generator.
Remote Load Management
Another advanced feature on some generators is a remote load management function for power distribution according to need at a given time. If a facility’s power needs vary on a regular basis, generators with this function are a solid solution. Typically, a remote management system is integrated with a generator’s control panel to provide a software interface for remotely adding, lessening or reconfiguring power loads to meet needs.
Telematics Control
Generators equipped with a telematics control unit (TCU) can be controlled remotely via cellular or satellite communication technology. TCUs allow control, monitoring, data collection and analysis, diagnostics and troubleshooting through a software interface between your phone or computer and your generator. TCUs allow technicians to identify issues and problems and perform remote repair and maintenance tasks on a generator or fleet of generators.
Automatic Transfer Switch
An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is another device for monitoring and controlling generators remotely to ensure reliable, efficient power backup. An ATS transfers a power load to a generator or group of generators when a facility’s main power supply fails. The transfer process can be triggered automatically or manually.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
A supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system is generally used in large-scale enterprises. This type of system provides central monitoring and control of multiple different pieces of equipment and processes. When integrated with a SCADA system, generators can be operated, monitored and controlled along with other integrated systems for comprehensive management of power generation and load distribution.