Larry, John and Shane;
Thanks for the responses.
I shall address each of them below:
LarryC:
1)Is there any reasonable expectation that this monitoring system will expand in scope? If so, can the system easily handle expected expansion?
Yes, they might decide to expand later, possibly Monitoring specific Loads, along with the current setup.
The Square D PowerLogic platform is like any other LON / CAN (Industrial Network), nodes may be added or removed as needed - similar to the IEEE 1392 USB Network, but with "Hard Addressing" of devices...
2) Is there any reasonable expectation that this system will start performing load management functions? If so, can the system easily handle these expanded functions?
The Client might contemplate this option in the future, especially since current trends somewhat "dictate" Load Management techniques (by "dictate" I mean the latest "Buzz-Word").
Incorporating into a "Total Management Setup" involves additional devices, but they all use a similar Protocol (MODBUS).
3) Will it need to monitor the standby generator inputs?
Not at this time.
Thanks, Larry!.
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Hotline1:
Have you considered the E-mon equipment?
Yes, I have considered E-Mon D-Mon, along with Siemens and some 3rd Party equipment.
E-Mon did not appear to offer a System which offers the capability I need, unless I was researching the wrong areas of their web site.
I'm not familiar with all the nuiances of multiple monitoring, I only installed many Emon units over the years, as basic check meters, single & 3 phase that were physically 'read' on a monthly schedule. Ranged from 100 to 2000 amps. I know there customer service guys (app engineers) were responsive when I had any questions.
Good Customer Support is necessary on this Project, as I will need to turn over the operations to the I.T. Department (Net Geeks) after final commissioning, and if I run into Software issues while configuring the devices.
I installed about 12 Sq D electronic check meters, both single & 3 phase, and had no issues, but again they were individuals as the Emons.
Did the Power Meters connect to a PC or anything similar?
Were there any difficulties during setup?
Thanks, John!!!
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sabrown:
We are required to throw this stuff on our new buildings over a certain size (we have our first two going in new offices, our existing buildings did not meet retrofit criteria with only one building coming close). We are not yet monitoring anything because things are still in the construction phase. I can't even tell you why or what information we hope to collect, having the Square D ION7650 metering installed, just to look pretty is as near as I figure it as it sure did cost a nice sum.
I feel that this entire Project is somewhat similar; just to look really, really good!
The Power Point Presentation brings on a "High Tech - Go Green" impression, being mostly "Eye Candy" with little to no purpose.
Apx. cost for the PowerLogic devices - alone: $12K!!!
Pay back? I sure hope that there is but I sure don't see where in our situations. As of now I figure Al Gore and the Clinton's (it was there era the requirement came out) bought stock. I asked who was going to monitor this stuff once, I was told it would likely be me.
I do not see a dramatic payback to this Investment either - since the emphasis was placed on the Ethernet Gateway + the Graphical Data only, not on the use of the System, nor the way consumption was / would be reduced, as result of collected Data.
Many key benefits and user options were not even known when I performed the Site Survey. Needless to say, the Client's "Gears Began Spinning" once I described the most basic of uses and capabilities.
I am sorry to be of no help, but I am interested in this thread.
Not a problem!
I appreciate the contributions.
Thanks, Shane!
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Thanks once again to everyone!
I'll keep you informed of the outcome.
Scott
