Electrical Contracting News (ECN) October 2017 | Page 49

SPECIAL FEATURE
CIRCUIT PROTECTION & SWITCHGEAR

SPECIAL FEATURE

Based on operational and environmental data , this technology is key to protecting critical infrastructure systems and reducing the costs associated with frequent maintenance .
Wireless energy sensors , such as Schneider Electric ’ s PowerTag , support an alternative , predictive maintenance strategy through their connectivity . As part of the EcoStruxure Power offering , PowerTag is a smart , IoT-enabled sensor device that attaches to circuit breakers . It provides real-time data on power flow , energy and device health for building managers to improve the health of a facility ’ s strategic assets .
Intuitive thinking
Through analysis and monitoring of realtime data , IoT-connected circuit breakers do not only tell you exactly when there is a problem but where the source of the issue is . This ability to help anticipate problems before they occur allows for the remedy of minor wear-and-tear and malfunctions before they can snowball into a larger crisis .
When positioned to maximum effect , these devices are able to collate the most granular data from previously untapped and inaccessible parts of a facility ’ s infrastructure , helping to improve the overall monitoring process . By analysing this data and learning how and when the energy is being consumed across the building , a clearer picture of the
‘ The cost of maintenance and servicing , particularly around switchgear , is an almost universal challenge faced by businesses .’
infrastructure ’ s overall health can be collected – providing alerts to any faults , power overloads or even any energy waste .
IoT-connected sensors increase reliability and efficiency by helping to monitor and measure currents , voltages , power factors and energy . This makes it easier to manage critical loads , reducing the risk to the electrical circuit posed by cable overloads and faults . It also measures device status in real time , and sends alerts to managers of issues and downtime on their mobile devices . The ability for remote monitoring is a key technological advancement , allowing for increased maintenance with the ability to receive updates on the systems at every hour of every day , from any location .
Intelligent monitoring and maintenance tools are becoming vital to protecting a business ’ critical electrical infrastructure . The implementation of smart sensors facilitates an uninterrupted flow of operational data throughout the electrical system , leading to clearer and more accurate insight into the state of the entire circuit .
Consequently , maintenance and service teams are able to check the conditions of each breaker ’ s performance in real-time and respond before a crisis can build . Damage is limited and maintenance scheduled for only when it is required . This is the core value proposition of a connected and predictive maintenance strategy , and the main reason businesses are investing in a smarter future .
The ability for remote monitoring is a key technological advancement .