Today, facilities around the world use electronic performance support systems (EPSSs) to manage their power distribution and emergency power distribution systems. With an interface that allows non-experts to understand a facility's emergency power system and control it, an EPSS brings the following advantages to companies that use it:
• Task simplification due to information provided on the interface.
• Tasks completed in fewer steps, thus reducing errors.
• Data logging capabilities that enhance troubleshooting.
• Less need to involve expert third parties in task completion.
Electronic support systems come in several models that contain various features. In this entry, we look at the turnkey electronic support system that comes with GTI Altronics's Bi-Fuel system for diesel generators, which allows generators to run longer and cleaner by running on a mixture of diesel fuel and natural gas.
GTI Altronics' EPSS for Bi-Fuel generators: What does it do?
The turnkey EPSS"”also referred to as an electronic control system (ECS)"”for GTI Altronics's Bi-Fuel system focuses on protecting a generator engine from damage as it generates power. The ECS does this by monitoring 24 data channels to sense whether their data violates the system's pre-set fault settings. Some examples of data channels the ECS monitors are: exhaust gas temperature-stack, exhaust gas temperature cylinder, high engine manifold air pressure, low natural gas supply pressure, high natural gas supply pressure, and high engine vacuum.
When the ECS senses that data in these or other channels violates the fault settings, it switches the generator from a mixture of diesel and natural gas to 100% diesel, and data-logs the fault information for further investigation. Once the generator is switched over to diesel, it cannot be switched back to Bi-Fuel until the password protected ECS interface is manually reset.
Additional features of the GTI Altronics ECS
The data channels monitored by GTI Altronics's turnkey EPSS are presented on its interface via an LCD display in either text or graphical format. In the event of a fault, the system notifies those in charge of the system in two ways: by flashing a local LED general fault light, or sending news of the fault via modem. The latter function allows technicians to be notified of fault events via mobile communication devices.
There are several diesel and natural gas fuel systems on the market. But GTI Altronics's streamlined, easy to access ECS puts its system ahead of the rest. GTI Altronics's Bi-Fuel system can also deliver up to 70% replacement of diesel fuel with natural gas on an energy equivalent basis, significantly extending generator run-time. If your facility needs to extend its generator's run-time, don't wait for a power outage to reinforce that need. Contact a power solutions provider about implementing GTI Altronics's Bi-Fuel system today.
