Tag Archive for: energy efficiency

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Electrical data security

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

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Fields of application of measuring instruments

In this article we will show you possible fields of application for measuring instruments. Certainly, this is only one option and not conclusive.

 

Fields of application of measuring instruments

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Load Study with DranXperT

DranXperT Survey Study: officially published by Dranetz

Introduction on this load study

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes NFPA 70, the National Electric Code (NEC). The NEC is the US reference for the safe installation of electrical systems. Although the NEC is not mandated by the US federal government, most states and/or municipalities in the US require compliance with NEC requirements.

NEC article 220 is for branch circuit, feeder, and service calculations and section 220.87 covers the requirements to determine existing loads. Compliance with NEC 220.87 is a requirement to determine available capacity when adding loads. For this purpose a load study with DranXperT was executed.

NEC 220.87 requirements

NEC 220.87 states that it is permissible to use the actual maximum demand when determining existing loads, but there are conditions.

The first condition is that the maximum demand data is available for 1 year. Practically speaking, unless the facility has existing branch circuit or other monitoring, 1 year of demand data may only be available at the utility service from utility billing.

There is an exception if maximum demand data is not available for 1 year – the calculated load can be measured at the feeder or service. Such a measurement requires a minimum 30-day load study by a power logger measuring the demand averaged over a 15-minute period. The load study must be taken while the space is occupied and include
measurements or calculations of the heating and cooling equipment (whichever is larger). Refer to NEC 220.87 for specific details.

Another condition is that 125% of the maximum demand plus the new load does not overload the circuit. The requirements for overload protection are covered elsewhere in the NEC.

Configuring the measurement device for the load study

For this study a DranXperT device has been used. Configuring DranXperT for a NEC 220.87 load survey is simple, and the settings are virtually identical to any other load study. It is important that you do the following to meet the requirements of NEC 220.87:

  • On the Survey Setup page set the Demand Interval to 15 minutes and the Journal Interval to 900 seconds (15 minutes). Doing so will program DranXperT to record the 15-minute average information required by NEC 220.87.
  • On the Instrument Setup page make sure that the Max DB File Seconds setting is set to the default of 31 days (or longer). This will meet the requirement of a minimum 30-day survey, and the data will recorded in one data file.

Determining the maximum demand

Determining the maximum demand or amperage is as simple as loading the data file into Dran-View XP (or Pro & Enterprise) and reading the maximum values for demand and amperage directly off the 30+ day trend plot.

 

In the right, the maximum demand and amperage occurred on June 7, 2021. The maximum demand was 260Kw and the maximum amperage was 891A on phase C. This is the information required to determine the available capacity for additional loads.

 

 

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Multifunctional system overview

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.

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Current version of PQDiffractor

“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.
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Infrastructure from the manager’s perspective

Would you like to see energy infrastructure from a manager’s perspective? This is how you might want it to be as a business manager or even as an overall responsible manager. 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 possible benchmark with other comparable companies or locations.

The Areal View: The interactive & areal view from the manager’s perspective

 

Interactive Areal View

The Areal View of the SmartCollect SC² offers you an interactive display from different perspectives. For this purpose, you can define photos, graphics, floor drawings, renderings, infographics, and much more as backgrounds. Depending on your needs and available budget, you can store the views both in a 2D format and in an interactive 3D model.

 

Floor plan data center

Example floor plan of a data center for visualization from the manager’s perspective

 

Floor plan

Example floor plan of a single floor from the manager’s perspective

The advantage of interactivity

In the overall view of the Areal View, you keep the overview from the bird’s eye view. However, if you want to take a closer look at individual objects or even analyze them, click on the area and open the details. There, the complete measuring point is grouped in various panels, just as it was set up for you. You can view real-time data in a trend history. In addition, you will be able to define historical time periods and contextualize the measurement data to each other. This allows you to perform meaningful and beneficial comparisons and analyses. Synchronized zoom functions and various selection options of individual data support you. This makes it possible to keep the full overview in a simple way.

Full Dashboard

Dashboard of a measuring point with trend and analysis functions

And if you are no longer satisfied with your individual display in the course of the application, then simply adapt it again to your new circumstances. Because flexibility in visualization is part of the SmartCollect SC² as an easy-to-use HMI. And if you want to align yourself according to ISO 50001, then the energy monitoring system of the SmartCollect SC² will help you advantageously.

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Energy Monitoring System of the SmartCollect SC²

The SmartCollect SC² energy monitoring system, known as EMS for short, gives you full transparency of energy data in accordance with ISO50001. For analytical purposes (e.g. reduction of CO2 emissions, increase of energy efficiency and evaluation of savings potential as well as energy audits), the EMS supports you with relevant panel views within the EMS dashboard. Various manual or automatic reporting functions help you with your individual business analytics.

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Dashboard SmartCollect SC²

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.

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Single Node or Distributed Installation

With its hardware and software network components, an IT infrastructure represents a complex and sometimes very complicated system. Especially if you want to map and optimize the energy infrastructure across companies.

SmartCollect®SC², with its web-based architecture, can help overcome a lot of headaches while still providing the highest level of security. In this blog you will find two main types of installation. On the one hand, the so-called “Single Node Installation” (single node connection) and on the other hand, the so-called “Distributed Installation” (distributed connection).

SIngle Node Installation of SmartCollect SC2

Single Node Installation of SmartCollect SC²

 

Distributed Installation of SmartCollect SC²

Distributed Installation of SmartCollect SC²

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