Don’t think periodic... think continuous
January 1st 2005 Over the last decade, the accepted preventative method of reducing the risk of switchgear failure has been periodic thermal imaging. However, the growing desire is to have thermal monitoring 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ensuring potential problems are identified as soon as they develop, so reducing the risk of failures.
The answer is to have a system actually inside, directly and continuously monitoring all key components. ExerTherm, is such a system; developed by QHi-Infrared it is based on small patented, plastic bodied, non-contact infrared sensors, that are placed ‘inside’ the enclosure continuously monitoring key components.
The sensors link back via data acquisition cards to PC and the software provides on-going trend analysis. Further protection is provided via two separate alarm levels per sensor (warning and alarm), that automatically activate in the event of pre-set temperature levels being exceeded.
ExerTherm has already been successfully installed with many blue chip organisations and systems can be from as low as 16 sensing points or up to several thousand. ExerTherm can work as a stand-alone system or link with over 250 BMS.
The latest option is wireless telemetry and machine two machine communication (M2M). A versatile range of GSM/GPRS products enable the monitoring of remote sites 24/7, from one central location. Data collected can be transferred via network, Intranet, Internet or cell phone. No more unnecessary routine visits to unmanned sites, only send out engineers when required.
These devices can also be programmed to carry out I/O logic tasks, and can receive instructions.
In transparent port mode, they can even access system information via RS232 input, acting like a virtual cable connection back to PC but with no wires! More articles from QHI Group: | 
