The Growth In Remote Sites
The oil and gas industry is experiencing notable changes and expansion. This growth has led to an increase in diverse and distant locations. Due to the challenges of exploration in remote areas, the demand for dependable power has also risen.
Industries such as utilities and telecommunication providers are increasingly relying on diesel generators to meet their power needs, whether as the main source or for backup generation. These generators are highly valued for their reliability, particularly in high-risk and emergency situations like natural disasters or power failures. Diesel generators serve as a crucial backup option, ensuring power reliability, and can also be used to recharge batteries when needed.
It is now easier to manage complex systems with the availability of monitoring tools and the assistance of companies like ours at Zabatt Power Systems. We offer remote monitoring installation and setup services to help organizations gain better access and control over challenging and remote locations effortlessly.
The Hows & Whys Of Monitoring
In remote and high-risk areas, monitoring is crucial. Usually, generators need to be checked and inspected regularly by an individual to ensure they are functioning correctly, which is not always practical. However, with new resources, it is now possible to monitor the condition and operation status of generators remotely from any location. This reduces the need for costly on-site visits or services. The monitor can connect through different methods, such as cellular networks, satellite communication systems, Ethernet, or others, and the data sent is encrypted to ensure safe communication with the generator. Real-time support is possible with this remote monitoring system, and when a specific alarm goes off, an SMS or email is sent for a fast response. The management tools are easy to use, providing live status, access to maintenance and service logs, and location mapping. The web application and its data can be integrated into the company’s current software.
What Needs Monitoring?
In numerous situations, monitoring solutions are essential. This is particularly applicable in industries with remote sites, such as telecom, water & waste management, and more. In every aspect, monitoring provides information in a smooth and highly dependable manner.
Monitoring Diesel And Gas Fuel Levels
Monitoring fuel levels is an important aspect of managing a system. Alerts can be set up to notify when there are changes in fuel levels, such as reaching the minimum level or critical levels. It’s also important to establish protocols for normal usage so that alarms can be triggered when fuel loss exceeds a certain rate. With these tools, fuel levels can be monitored with great accuracy, providing reliable information. If a company has a large fleet of generators, knowing the fuel levels remotely and where to send technicians saves both time and money.
Fuel Leak Monitoring
Fuel leaks can be expensive and, while rare in today’s double-walled fuel tanks, they should be monitored closely to prevent them from going unnoticed in remote locations. Slow leaks can pose a risk to generators and become a major environmental hazard. If a leak goes unnoticed, it can even lead to a fire in some cases. To avoid these dangers, liquid sensing detectors can detect both gas and diesel liquids and provide alarms immediately, preventing costs and damaging spills.
Voltage Monitoring
Keeping track of voltage levels is crucial in monitoring location operations. This helps determine the precise moment when the backup power supply kicks in to provide support in case the primary power source fails. The backup power supply starts automatically and provides essential information to the company in such scenarios. Monitoring systems should provide a start and stop signal along with voltage monitoring.
Monitoring Environmental Conditions
Personnel who monitor remote sites can offer valuable insights into the conditions surrounding them. Many of these locations are situated in challenging environments and may be exposed to potential environmental hazards and external forces. Nevertheless, the use of monitoring tools can provide greater control over these scenarios.
Companies can monitor potential risk factors for their equipment through temperature changes, humidity levels, water leaks, and airflow changes. This proactive approach enables decision-makers to take early action and make informed operational decisions without exposing anyone to potential risks.
Power Control Monitoring
Monitoring power control is crucial, especially when dealing with remote locations. In these situations, fixing system failures can be challenging, often requiring physical visits to reboot or address power issues. However, using monitoring tools can simplify the process by allowing remote reboots and eliminating the need for travel to the location.
Track System Location
With this GPS system, users can track the location of the generator and receive updates if it is moved without proper authorization, a critical feature for mobile fleets.
Critical Parameter Monitoring
There are instances when it’s important for a system to operate non-stop. By utilizing parameter monitoring, it becomes feasible to keep track of the generator’s performance. This encompasses monitoring engine oil pressure, oil levels, temperature, and other essential factors.
Other areas of monitoring may include:
- Status of Battery Charger
- Power Status Update
- The engine’s status, speed, and crank
- Monitoring of coolant level and temperature
Customization of monitoring is often possible to meet the unique requirements of an organization.
Benefits Of Remote Monitoring
There are many advantages to utilizing remote monitoring, such as:
- Allowing technicians to quickly detect changes and take action before serious damage occurs. This approach helps prevent emergencies and it also facilitates prompt resolution of potential problems.
- Enhances the generator’s efficiency and performance by providing better oversight.
- Significant improvement in security.
- Ensures timely maintenance of critical infrastructure by scheduling maintenance as needed, avoiding both over and under-maintenance.
- Minimizes operational downtime due to insufficient knowledge of remote location conditions and operations.
- Can generate reports instantly to give you a current understanding of the situation.
- Enables the system to start and stop remotely by providing the necessary capability for control.
- Prevent fuel theft by precisely monitoring the quantity of fuel that is being filled at any given location.
- Get precise fuel usage data and reports that are based on real-time information, instead of relying on unreliable reports from service staff.
- Checking if the generator is operating at its ideal load, considering both over and under-usage to improve fuel efficiency.
- Improving efficiency results in a decrease in the environmental impact of fuel consumption.
Need Help Setting Up Remote Monitoring
Zabatt Power Systems offers remote monitoring for onsite power generation equipment with ONELINK. Ultimately, this allows you to condense your generator maintenance needs and helps prevent unnecessary costly repairs. Let us give you a quote and help you prepare. We’ll keep your generator up and running, no matter where you are. Our Service team is able to provide installation of the equipment as well as ongoing monitoring support through our web portal.
Learn more about our remote monitoring services or give us a call at 800-366-1323 to get started.