Cummins Power Generation introduces new Web-based system for remote monitoring of backup power systems
PowerCommand 500/550 enables authorized users to remotely monitor and control on-site power systems, reducing costly service calls and site visits.
MINNEAPOLIS – The new PowerCommand 500/550 Remote Monitoring System from Cummins Power Generation provides a convenient Web-based means of remotely monitoring and controlling on-site generator sets, transfer switches, sensors and output controls from any PC or Mac computer. Multiple authorized users can now remotely determine the status of annunciators, alternators, engines, and transfer switches from anywhere, reducing the need for costly service calls and site visits. With the PowerCommand system, users can remotely start and stop generators, start and stop transfer switch tests, and reset and acknowledge faults.
Ideal for a wide range of on-site power applications, such as data centers, health care, manufacturing, offices and schools, the system is available in two levels of capability. The PowerCommand 500 remote monitoring system is capable of monitoring and controlling two devices, such as one generator set and one transfer switch in a typical standby power application. The PowerCommand 550 remote monitoring system is capable of monitoring and controlling up to 12 on-site devices, such as multiple generator sets, multiple transfer switches or other I/O modules. Both remote monitoring systems are compatible with power generation equipment from Cummins Power Generation as well as third-party manufacturers.
“The PowerCommand 500/550 provides much more than just remote monitoring,” said Jason Stanford, engineering manager and technical project leader for Cummins Power Generation. “This Cummins-designed system provides users with not only remote access to information but also remote control of their on-site power system. It has been fully tested to UL, CE and CSA organizational standards, and has been extensively field-tested for reliability and usability. This next-generation remote monitoring device can be relied upon to keep an open line of communication with a user’s power system.”
The PowerCommand 500/550 is also capable of notifying users of power system events when they happen ― via email or text ― allowing users to take immediate action. In addition to providing alerts, the device collects and stores data in system and device data logs for later detailed analysis. Data logging capability can be expanded by inserting either a USB memory device or SD card into the unit. The PowerCommand 550 model allows users to freely export this data to other devices.
Point-and-click access to functions
The remote monitoring system’s Web-based graphical interface is easy to understand and navigate, which helps minimize power system downtime and maximize performance. When viewed remotely via computer, the monitoring home page displays system status and device status, along with graphing capabilities that provide a comprehensive overview of the power system. Within each configured generator set, there are icons for displaying fault, run and communication status. Within each configured transfer switch, there are icons that display fault, switch position, source availability and communication status. The home page also allows the user to create graphs for a particular device by selecting a parameter and a pre-configured duration.
The menu bar allows for intuitive and efficient navigation among devices, the system event log, system data log, reports diagnostics and setup. The menu and system status bars are viewable on all pages as the user navigates the user interface.
System requirements
The PowerCommand 500/550 communicates using Modbus RTU communication protocol through two RS485 channels on the device. All Cummins Power Generation generator set controls using Modbus can be directly connected, while Cummins’ generator set and transfer switch controls using PowerCommand LonWorks can communicate via a PowerCommand ModLon II Gateway LonWorks to Modbus converter. The PowerCommand 500/550 device is connected to a TCP/IP network through the Ethernet connection. This allows the user to access the Web-based user interface, log in and view the overall status of the power system over the network. Other system requirements for access to the device include:
- PC or Mac computer
- Internet Explorer, 8.0 or later
- Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X or Linux
- Microsoft Silverlight, 5.0 or later
- Windows Mobile Device Center
- Minimum screen resolution, 1024 x 768
- 10/100 megabit Ethernet for the primary physical connection
The PowerCommand 500/550 is also compatible with third-party generator sets, transfer switches, sensors and output controls. Available languages include English, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, French and Spanish. For other hardware requirements, consult your nearest Cummins Power Generation distributor.
About Cummins Power Generation
Cummins Power Generation, a subsidiary of Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI), is a global leader dedicated to increasing the availability and reliability of electric power around the world. With more than 90 years of experience, its global network of distributors in more than 190 countries delivers innovative solutions for any power need – commercial, industrial, recreational, emergency and residential. More information is available at http://power.cummins.com.
Cummins Power Generation
ask.powergen@cummins.com
