Electrical systems

Thermal imaging cameras are commonly used for inspections of

electrical systems and components in all sizes and shapes.

The multitude of possible applications for thermal imaging cameras

within the range of electrical systems can be divided into two

categories: high voltage and low voltage installations.

High voltage installations

Heat is an important factor in high voltage installations. When electrical

current passes through a resistive element, it generates heat. An

increased resistance results in an increase in heat.

Over time the resistance of electrical connections will increase, due

to loosening and corrosion for instance. The corresponding rise in

temperature can cause components to fail, resulting in unplanned

outages and even injuries. In addition, the energy spent on generating

heat causes unnecessary energy losses. If left unchecked, the heat

can even rise to the point where connections melt and break down; as

a result, fires may break out.

Examples of failures in high-voltage installations that can be detected

with thermal imaging:

• Oxidation of high voltage switches

• Overheated connections •

Incorrectly secured connections

• Insulator defects

These and other issues can be spotted at an early stage with a thermal

imaging camera. A thermal imaging camera will help you to accurately

locate the problem, determine the severity of the problem, and

establish the time frame in which the equipment should be repaired.

A wide view of a substation can quickly show areas where unwanted high

resistance connections exist. No other predictive maintenance technology is

as effective for electrical inspections as thermal imaging.

One of the many advantages of thermal imaging is the ability to perform

inspections while electrical systems are under load. Since thermal imaging

is a non-contact diagnostic method, a thermographer can quickly scan a

particular piece of equipment from a safe distance, leave the hazardous

area, return to his office and analyze the data without ever putting himself

in harm’s way.

Thermal imaging cameras allow you to inspect high voltage installations

from a safe distance, increasing worker safety.

Continuity is very important to utilities since many people rely on their

services. Therefore thermal imaging inspections have become the core of

utility predictive maintenance programs throughout the world.

Thermal imaging cameras are used for inspections of electrical systems and

components in all sizes and shapes and their use is by no means limited to

large high voltage applications alone.

Electrical cabinets and motor control centers are regularly scanned with

a thermal imaging camera. If left unchecked, heat can rise to a point that

connections melt and break down; as a result, fires may break out.

Besides loose connections, electrical systems suffer from load imbalances,

corrosion, and increases in impedance to current. Thermal inspections can

quickly locate hot spots, determine the severity of the problem, and help

establish the time frame in which the equipment should be repaired.

Examples of failures in low voltage equipment that can be detected with

thermal imaging:

• High resistance connections

• Corroded connections

• Internal fuse damage

• Internal circuit breaker faults

• Poor connections and internal damage

These and other issues can be spotted at an early stage with a thermal

imaging camera. This will help to prevent costly damages and to avoid

dangerous situations.

Whether you intend to use thermal imaging cameras for

low voltage inspections in production plants, office facilities,

hospitals, hotels or domestic residences, FLIR Systems has

exactly the right thermal imaging camera for the job.

References: Flir Systems

The AMR (auto meter reading) is an I/O module that has been specifically designed for the special needs of auto meter reading applications. The AMR can be interfaced directly with the output of various types of pulse output meters (electricity, water, gas, BTU) and the data collected from the various meters sent to a central host via its RS485 interface. Some special features which distinguish it from regular I/O modules are:

– noise filtering from the pulse input to prevent miscounts

– EEPROM memory to retain count data in case of power interruption

– accommodates up to 16 channels of pulse input

– dry contact channel input that eliminates the need for additional power supply

– synchronize retain count with actual meter display

– rechargeable battery backup option to maintain at least 8 hours of continuous operation during a power outage

and many more!

Powerful Microprocessor-Based Lighting Control Panels

Automated Logic’s Lighting Control (LC) line brings the power and simplicity of WebCTRL® to your building’s lighting systems. The LC line utilizes advanced microprocessors to provide superior lighting control, while delivering the rapid response required by lighting applications.

Multi-Equipment Application Controllers

M Line controllers are ideal for multi-equipment applications in commercial environments. These robust standalone controllers utilize native BACnet communications over a high-speed ARCNET 156 kbps network to ensure superior performance.

Powerful Gateway

Automated Logic’s Equipment Portal (EQ-PRTL) sets a new standard for integrating other manufacturers’ equipment into WebCTRL®. EQ-PRTL is a powerful gateway to a single piece of equipment /device using proprietary or open protocols such as Modbus and LonWorks. Support for BACnet® over ARCNET 156 kbps and MS/TP communications are standard.

High Speed Ethernet Router

The LGR is an extremely powerful, high-speed device router that can connect hundreds of control modules to a BACnet/IP backbone. Support for BACnet/IP, BACnet over Ethernet, ARCNET 156kbps, MS/TP, and BACnet PTP communications are standard. Optional protocol translator packages and a wide range of communication ports allow the LGR to also serve as a gateway to a wide range of open and proprietary networks. Fully programmable, the LGR can also execute complex control strategies for high level system integration.

Universally Understood Graphical Programming

EIKON-LogicBuilder for WebCTRL is the most advanced graphical programming tool in the industry. With the click of a button, you can build complex control algorithms, diagnose problems, and run real-time or simulated operational data to evaluate the performance of a control sequence. EIKON-LogicBuilder makes it easy to understand control sequences as it does not use cryptic “line by line” computer code.

Key Features and Benefits

Intuitive graphical programming tool eliminates the need for complex programming or cryptic computer code.

Powerful library of microblocks (control functions) provide the flexibility to develop simple and complex control sequences.

Universally understood graphic symbols make control algorithms easy to understand.

Flexible simulation mode enables the user to view the control routines before system installation which simplifies development and troubleshooting.

Live Graphic Function Blocks (GFBs) are a valuable troubleshooting tool that allow system performance to be viewed in real time.

Complete integration with WebCTRL workstation software for seamless facility programming.

Instant project documentation captures development process.

An extensive library of sample GFBs provides pre-engineered solutions to many typical HVAC control applications. They can be used as-is, or easily modified in EIKON to meet special requirements.

Complete compatibility and functionality with BACnet®, ASHRAE’s industry standard protocol, for programming BACnet objects.

Characteristics

Introduction To Building Management Systems

A BMS is most common in a large building. Its core function is to manage the environment within the building and may control temperature, carbon dioxide levels and humidity within a building. As a core function in most BMS systems, it controls heating and cooling, manages the systems that distribute this air throughout the building (for example by operating fans or opening/closing dampers), and then locally controls the mixture of heating and cooling to achieve the desired room temperature. A secondary function sometimes is to monitor the level of human-generated CO2, mixing in outside air with waste air to increase the amount of oxygen while also minimising heat/cooling losses.

Systems linked to a BMS typically represent 40% of a building\\\’s energy usage; if lighting is included, this number approaches 70%. BMS systems are a critical component to managing energy demand. Improperly configured BMS systems are believed to account for 20% of building energy usage, or approximately 8% of total energy usage in the United States.[citation needed]

As well as controlling the building\\\’s internal environment, BMS systems are sometimes linked to access control (turnstiles and access doors controlling who is allowed access and egress to the building) or other security systems such as closed-circuit television (CCTV) and motion detectors. Fire alarm systems and elevators are also sometimes linked to a BMS, for example, if a fire is detected then the system could shut off dampers in the ventilation system to stop smoke spreading and send all the elevators to the ground floor and park them to prevent people from using them in the event of a fire.

Functions of Building Management Systems

The three basic functions of a central, computer-controlled BMS are:

• controlling

• monitoring

• optimizing

the building’s facilities, mechanical, and electrical equipment for comfort, safety, and efficiency.

A BMS normally comprises of:

• Power systems

• Illumination system

• Electric power control system

• Heating,Ventilation and Air-conditioning HVAC System

• Security and observation system

• Magnetic card and access system

• Fire alarm system

• Lifts, elevators etc.

• Plumbing system

• Burglar alarms, CCTV

• Trace Heating

• Other engineering systems

• Home Automation System

• Fire alarm and Safety system

Benefits of BMS

Building tenant/occupants

• Good control of internal comfort conditions

• Possibility of individual room control

• Increased staff productivity

• Effective monitoring and targeting of energy consumption

• Improved plant reliability and life

• Effective response to HVAC-related complaints

• Save time and money during the maintenance

Building owner

• Higher rental value

• Flexibility on change of building use

• Individual tenant billing for services facilities manager

• Central or remote control and monitoring of building

• Increased level of comfort and time saving

• Remote Monitoring of the plants (such as AHU\\\’s, Fire pumps, plumbing pumps, Electrical supply, STP, WTP etc.)

Maintenance Companies

• Ease of information availability problem

• Computerized maintenance scheduling

• Effective use of maintenance staff

• Early detection of problems

• More satisfied occupants

References

Wikipedia

EIKON®-LogicBuilder for WebCTRL®

Universally Understood Graphical Programming

EIKON-LogicBuilder for WebCTRL is the most advanced graphical programming tool in the industry. With the click of a button, you can build complex control algorithms, diagnose problems, and run real-time or simulated operational data to evaluate the performance of a control sequence. EIKON-LogicBuilder makes it easy to understand control sequences as it does not use cryptic “line by line” computer code. Key Features and Benefits

• Intuitive graphical programming tool eliminates the need for complex programming or cryptic computer code.
• Powerful library of microblocks (control functions) provide the flexibility to develop simple and complex control sequences.
• Universally understood graphic symbols make control algorithms easy to understand.
• Flexible simulation mode enables the user to view the control routines before system installation which simplifies development and troubleshooting.
• Live Graphic Function Blocks (GFBs) are a valuable troubleshooting tool that allow system performance to be viewed in real time.
• Complete integration with WebCTRL workstation software for seamless facility programming.
• Instant project documentation captures development process.
• An extensive library of sample GFBs provides pre-engineered solutions to many typical HVAC control applications. They can be used as-is, or easily modified in EIKON to meet special requirements.
• Complete compatibility and functionality with BACnet®, ASHRAE’s industry standard protocol, for programming BACnet objects.

WebCTRL® Environmental Index™

Balancing Efficiency with Comfort

As energy prices continue to soar, facility managers are under increasing pressure to find ways to cut building operating costs. A simple solution would be to decrease energy consumption, but smart managers know that sacrificing comfort for energy savings could lead to even bigger financial problems. After all, studies have shown productivity decreases as comfort levels decline, leading to lost revenues in companies and difficult learning environments in school systems. What’s needed is a way to measure comfort, so managers would know exactly how far to cut energy usage without negatively impacting comfort. Automated Logic’s Environmental Index provides the solution. Since the key component of comfort is temperature, ALC’s index starts with assigning point values based on the difference between zone temperature and heating and cooling set points. Other factors, such as humidity and CO2 levels, can also be computed into the numeric system to reflect one “comfort” score for all factors. This is a powerful tool for facility managers who need to identify buildings with performance problems or ensure buildings don’t become less efficient as changes are made.