Tag Archive for: datenmanagement

Data center data security reliability depends on many different factors. For example, from the energy supply and operational reliability of the power supply. This is what we refer to in this blog as electrical data security. Electrical data security conditions must be constantly monitored to achieve Tier 1 – 4 levels. It is advisable for you to monitor parameters of power quality, energy and fault current detection as well as cyber security together.

Figure 1: https://www.hpe.com/ch/de/what-is/data-center-tiers.html (31.1.2020); Source: Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG (own design)

Electrical data security and the problem

Various studies have shown that poor network quality causes costs. These run into the billions every year. As early as 2007, the Pan-European LPQI Power Quality Survey estimated that the damage amounts to the equivalent of $150 billion annually. In the meantime, the challenges this poses for everyone have steadily increased. And that’s especially true for data centers.

The basic requirements for a data center

There are many requirements to consider when planning the power supply for a data center:

  • Secure location in terms of energy supply and environmental conditions
  • High energy efficiency to minimize operating costs
  • Maximum availability due to redundancies (UPS, generators)
  • High security (fire protection, access, defense against cyberattacks)
  • System stability and reliability of the devices used
  • Possibility for later expansion
  • Compatibility with the standard e.g. according to DIN EN 50600,etc.
  • etc.

Possible solutions for electrical data security

1. investment protection through good power quality (PQ)

Figure 2: Power quality simplified; Source: Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG

2. system protection by residual current and fault current monitoring

The risk

Residual current monitoring (RCM) in low-voltage networks (e.g. data centers) that is not detected or is detected too late represents a significant safety risk:

  • Fault currents and insulation decay are caused by defective / bad components (e.g. switching power supplies, LEDs, server systems, PV, etc.)
  • In the data center should / must not be switched off in the event of a fault!
  • Overheated cable insulation causes a fire risk!
The solution

Detection of risky fault currents by means of permanent residual current measurement, thereby increasing the safe operation of electrical systems.

Figure 3: Residual current monitoring Source: Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG

Advantages
  • Time-consuming manual checks are no longer required (shutdown issue)
  • Continuous monitoring instead of status quo
  • Legal security with regard to the law, auditors (asset protection) and insurance companies
  • Permanent damage prevention to people and equipment

3. electrical data security through cyber security

Threat from cyber attacks

Figure 4: Threat of cyber attacks

The topic of cyber security is becoming increasingly important due to the constantly growing level of networking. Especially in the areas of critical infrastructure. Due to the threat situation, effective cyber security is essential there. Thus also very specific in data centers and considered under the topic of “electrical data security”.

You can find the complete blog post on cyber security here

Find complete solutions for your data center here

Especially in the area of data monitoring you rightly demand a highly appealing HMI [Human Machine Interface]. Finally, a multifunctional system overview is to be generated from this. However, you should keep the growing complexity in mind. There is a danger of creating new data graveyards that previously cost money and produce no benefit. It certainly doesn’t help you to seemingly see more and more. And still you lose the overview due to an excess of information.

Multifunctional system overview? What can help you

We suggest the SmartCollect® SC² for this purpose. This is a scalable HMI/SCADA software. This conveniently visualizes your measurement data. Either for your electrical distribution as well as other physical quantities. But the software can also process physically independent information. Unlike the usual less visually appealing SCADA software systems, the SmartCollect® SC² is built on a new ultra-modern web-based platform. In the following you will learn more about the essential core modules.

Interactive single line diagram as multifunctional system overview

Interactive one-line diagram of the SmartCollect SC2

In principle, the structure of the software begins with this module. It continuously monitors all the data included in the
Infrastructure integrated circuits. In doing so, it offers you a compact overview. For the overview display as a single line diagram, you can effortlessly define your individual application design. Tailored to your needs.

Interactive 2D/3D views for your manager perspective

Interactive 2D/3D views of the SmartCollect SC2

Would you like to see energy infrastructure from a manager’s perspective? This is how you want it to be as a business manager or even as a manager with overall responsibility. In fact, this allows you to monitor specific individual performance indicators of a factory, a single plant, an entire complex, etc. Last but not least, to possibly benchmark with other comparable companies or locations.

Multifunctional system overview from the energy monitoring system [EMS]

Energy Monitoring System [EMS] of the SmartCollect SC2The high level of data collection gives you full transparency on energy data. For analytical purposes (e.g. reduction of CO2 emissions, increase of energy efficiency as well as for evaluation of savings potential, etc.) the EMS supports you. Various panel views within the EMS dashboard help you to do this. In addition, various reporting functions support you in your individual business analytics.

Multifunctional system overview with a sophisticated zoom function

Sophisticated zoom function of the SmartCollect SC2The zoom function allows you to perform detailed analysis directly on the dashboard. When zooming, all parameters in the overview are synchronized on the dashboard. Thus, you are able to put all related quantities in relation to each other.

Best in class WebGUI integration

Optimal WebGUI integration of the SmartCollect SC2The software supports your individual integration of device WebGUIs. This allows you to directly access various additional details of the measuring point, depending on the device function. You can also easily perform remote configuration. At Camille Bauer measuring devices, of course, exclusively with the very high cyber security standards according to ENEL GSTQ901.

Functional trend dashboard as multifunctional system overview

Functional trend dashboard of the SmartCollect SC2The state-of-the-art trend dashboard reliably shows you all relevant information. You have a permanent overview of all critical measured values. The data design is built to your individual needs. Again, the nifty zoom function helps you analyze. In addition, you define your individual time ranges that you want to overview as a trend.

Flexible data communication – a must

The software also offers you a wide variance of different data formats. This for your incoming, outgoing and protected data (e.g. Modbus TCP/IP, IEC61850, DNP3, IEC60870-5-104, UPC UA/DA, etc.). You can also export data in csv format by default. And this in actual raw format or also formatted for an MS Excel application. Other formats can be programmed and configured individually.

Learn more at SmartCollect® SC².

“The latest version PQDiffractor is now available for download online.”

But what is actually the current version of the PQDiffractor?

Power Quality software, such as PQView 4 or DranView 7, provides you with a smooth interface for viewing PQDIF and COMTRADE files. In addition, the software solutions offer a wealth of other functions, for example for monitoring and analyzing power quality. But what if you are afraid to invest in software because you only need a view for rough analysis? There are two possible solutions for this. First, the latest version of PQDiffractor and second, a multifunctional web interface.

The current version of PQDiffractor works as a PQDIF and COMTRADE viewer for viewing, searching, diagnosing and converting PQDIF and COMTRADE files. And this free of charge.

Option 1: The viewing and analysis of the data using the current version of PQDiffractor.

PQDIFFRACTOR

If you only need one viewer, PQDiffractor® the free PQDIF and COMTRADE viewer is just what you need.

Main functions of current version PQDiffractor:

  • Reading binary PQDIF files using IEEE Std 1159.3-2003 specifications
  • Reading of ASCII or binary COMTRADE files using the specifications of IEEE Std C37.111-1991 or C37.111-1999
  • View lists of the data source records in each PQDIF file.
  • Displaying lists of analog and digital channels from COMTRADE configuration files
  • Create interactive graphs from PQDIF observations with channels of any size type.
  • Displaying samples from analog COMTRADE waveforms and digital status channels
  • Exporting the displayed observations to Microsoft Excel as CSV files

And you have read correctly. The current version PQDiffractor is free of charge and connects you to the latest MAVOWATT, HDPQ, LINAX PQ3000, LINAX PQ5000, LINAX PQ1000 and LINAX PQ5000-MOBILE devices without any problems.

Option 2: The viewing and analysis of the recorded PQ data via integrated web-browser.

Web Browser

No external software is required for parameterization of the measuring device or evaluation of the measurement results. Das Webinterface stellt alle notwendigen Funktionen zur Verfügung. These functions can be accessed via end devices (e.g. smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop, server via LAN or WLAN interface) using an IP address. A responsible WebGui guides the user through the menus. The simplicity of operation is to be emphasised. Because the advantage is obvious: There is no need for external software that causes additional headaches for administrators. And this for mobile as well as stationary applications. And it’s Cyber Secure.

Fields of application for the current version of the PQDiffractor as well as the integrated web browser

  • Smaller distribution grid systems
  • Municipal utilities
  • Energy generators (e.g. large PV plants, wind farms, hydropower, coal and gas, nuclear, etc.)
  • Industry (e.g. semiconductor, steel, automotive, pharmaceutical, aviation, etc.)
  • Infrastructure (e.g. rail, metro, airport, etc.)
  • Data centres
  • Clinics
  • Laboratories
  • Institutes
  • Higher education institutions
  • Universities
  • Authorities
  • Military
  • Applications to be reached remotely via VPN
  • etc.

In the SmartCollect SC² dashboard, all the information you need is displayed reliably and in a structured way. In doing so, you keep an eye on all critical measured values. The data design is tailored to your individual application and user needs. In addition, the measured values are automatically synchronised with each other by the system and can be used by you for analysis by means of a sophisticated zoom.

Read more

SmartCollect® SC² is a scalable HMI/SCADA software. Unlike the usual less visually appealing SCADA software systems, SmartCollect®SC² is built on an ultra-modern platform with a web-based 2D/3D graphical user interface. In addition to the high user-friendliness of SmartCollectt®SC², the system offers powerful communication and software interfaces as well as flexible expansion options.

The software is currently available in 4 editions:

  • Starter Edition
  • Standard Edition
  • Professional Edition
  • Enterprise Edition

In addition, the software can be equipped with a modern Energy Monitoring System (EMS) as a plug-in.

Key Features of Software:

  • Interactive single line diagrams
  • Functional dashboards
  • Secure web based design
  • Event and warning messages
  • Flexible data communications
  • Integration of devices from different manufacturers
  • Interactive 2D/3D views
  • EMS: Energy Monitoring System (Dashboard & Reporting)
  • Sophisticated zoom functions
  • Custom WebGUI integrations