Remote monitoring of equipment is nothing new, but Mecc Alte's Smartcloud represents a fresh approach to monitoring large numbers of gensets and other equipment
Designed from the ground up to meet today's remote monitoring requirements, Mecc Alte Smartcloud prioritises an intuitive, graphically pleasing user interface and powerful features.
Supporting connections to devices by either wired ethernet or cellular 4G/5G devices, Smartcloud maintains regular updates from remote devices. The integrated 'Cloudlink' system ensures Cybersecure connectivity with modern encryption routines between device and server. Cloudlink also simplifies the connection process, negating the need for public or static IP addresses and helping navigate firewalls. "High security with simplicity was the main objective when designing the Cloudlink system,” stated Mecc Alte's Miles Revell, director of Smartech division.
Safe and secure
The system, maintained on European servers compliant with latest cybersecurity standards, features multiple security levels and unique fingerprint recognition to prevent malicious interference. An overview dashboard display allows operators an at-a-glance status and action management screen, while the colour coded map enables geographic-based viewing.
Mecc Alte's leadership in alternators is evident in the AVR monitoring pages. For the first-time, you can have remote visibility into AVR operation during genset operation. AVR alarms are fully supported and reported on the Smartcloud dashboard and unit views, with measured values and excitation levels for remote diagnosis.
This integration is particularly important as embedded power generation systems become increasingly complex for grid code compliance. The AVR becomes as important as the genset controller in ensuring safe operation in the event of extreme conditions when in parallel with the mains.
Meeting user needs
For emission compliance, Smartcloud also enables comprehensive reporting on generator, engine, and after-treatment equipment status, including Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), Ash, and Soot levels from the engine ECU.
Smartcloud also has an intuitive ‘Data Saver’ function, allowing users to tune update rates to match needs and connection limitations, with different measurement rates for various values. This flexibility optimises performance across unlimited connections or restricted data scenarios like Internet of Things (IoT) SIM cards and satellite links, for example.
Continuous feedback helps to ensure that the power technologies are relevant for end-user needs. This is why Smartcloud has been designed to support the Mecc Alte HS315 controller on DC Hybrid systems. With Smartcloud it’s possible to monitor charge/discharge cycles in detail, enabling real-world performance analysis of new power technologies through cycle graphing of battery behaviour.
Mecc Alte Smartcloud is available now, with regular feature updates. Contact Mecc Alte for more details.
This article is authored by Mecc Alte.