|
General
Frequently Asked Questions
General What is Encore Series System?
Encore Series System is the next generation permanently installed, fixed systems product from Dranetz-BMI. Encore Series combines the strengths of pre-existing Dranetz-BMI products such as Signature System, 4400/PX5 and MeasuringPad. Key design goals are modularity, strong communications, measurement compliance, built-in intelligence, visualization and legacy product compatibility. Encore Series model 61000 is a modular instrument that allows the user to choose the appropriate modules for their application.
How many modules can I have with the Encore Series model 61000?
The instrument can support up to 4 modules. The exception is when you choose the high speed transient option for the voltage or current modules. This is a daughter board that is mounted to the module that takes the space of an additional module so the module now occupies the space of 2 slots.
Can I upgrade the Encore model 61000 after purchase to add more modules?
Yes but the instrument needs to be returned to the factory or authorized service center to install the new module(s). The modules are mounted internal to the instrument and cannot be added by the user.
What is IEC61000-4-30? Why is it so important?
Encore Series model 61000 is IEC61000-4-30 Class A compliant. IEC61000-4-30 is an international standard that outlines the design requirements of a power quality instrument. It defines such things as accuracy, measurement techniques, algorithms and other details. The standard defines two types of instruments: Class A and Class B. Encore Series model 61000 is Class A which means it fully complies with all requirements of the standard. Class B means at least one requirement is not met. Therefore, a Class B instrument can be very close to being fully complaint or not meet any of the requirements, buyer beware!
What are Anti-Aliasing filters and why are they optional?
Why is this so important? The goal of this standard is repeatability of measurements and constancy among manufactures meaning if two Class A instruments are measuring the same circuit at the same time they will provide the same results. As a result IEC61000-4-30 Class A is required by regulation in many parts of the world including Europe and parts of Asia and Latin America. However, even if not required such as in the US, compliance is very beneficial as Class A compliance indicates the instrument is designed to meet the strictest of requirements and will provide accurate and repeatable results.
Anti-Aliasing filters limit the bandwidth of a data acquisition system to only frequencies less than half the sampling rate to prevent aliasing, the effects higher frequency components on the sampled data. Encore Series model 61000 input circuitry design combined with its digital sampling techniques limit the bandwidth to prevent aliasing. Our testing and that of an independent laboratory indicate the instrument does not suffer from aliasing.
What microprocessor is used in Encore Series?
IEC61000-4-30 requires the input to be band limited and the model 61000 fully complies. IEC61000-4-30 does not specify how to accomplish this and does not require hardware anti-aliasing filters. However, there have been a very small number of customers who interpret this standard to require hardware anti-aliasing filters. To meet their requirements the model 61000 has optional hardware anti-aliasing filters. However, it is important to note that choosing such filters will greatly limit the transient measurement capabilities of the instrument. IEC61000-4-30 does not require transient measurements and Dranetz-BMI products greatly exceed the IEC requirements providing better instrumentation.
Encore Series instruments use Analog Devices Digital Signal Processors (DSP).
How is memory managed in the Encore 61000?
The Encore 61000 has 1GB of internal (cannot be removed) flash memory. Data is managed in a circular buffer. When memory is near full older data is erased to make space for newer data.
Is Encore Series compatible with pre-existing Dranetz-BMI products?
Yes, Encore Series Software fully supports all Signature System DataNodes and the 7100 PQNode.
Can temperature monitoring be incorporated into the System?
Yes, using Encore Series analog input module. 0-24V or 4-20ma modules are available. A conditioned output is required.
Can Encore Series Software and DranView reside on the same computer?
Yes.
What installation, training and commissioning services are available?
Dranetz-BMI's Technical Support staff is available for training and to assist with the installation and commissioning of systems on a per day basis plus expenses. Electrotek Concepts offers complete turnkey and software customization services.
Can Encore Series operate on DC Voltage?
Yes. External 120/220VDC and 48VDC power supplies are optionally available.
Can the Encore Series model 61000 measure DC?
Yes. Like most Dranetz-BMI products, all voltage and current modules are DC coupled and can measure up to 600VDC. AC/DC current probes are also available to measure DC current.
How do I prevent unwanted users from accessing Encore Series data?
Encore Series Software is a password protected web site. Each user must first log on with a valid user name and password. There are 4 levels of security ranging from a guest who can only view limited data to administrator who has unlimited access to data and setups.
How many instruments can I use with Encore Series Software?
For the typical application, PC based Encore Series Software can support up to 50 or more instruments. The actual number of instruments depends on the amount of data each instrument is trending and recording which is what determines the 'load' on the software. We recommend that you contact the factory for support should your application require a large amount of instruments. We will help determine if one Encore station is sufficient for your system or you will need multiple stations.
When should I consider using PQView or DranView Enterprise software?
There are many applications where Enterprise software can be beneficial. There are several scenarios where you may want to consider using Enterprise software: Large systems; when advanced analysis is required; comparison with portable instrument data. DranView and PQView have different applications which are described below:
What is NodeLink?
NodeLink is communications software that downloads data remotely from Encore Series software and stores in the PQDIF file format. Once downloaded data can then be read be PQView or DranView Enterprise. Note that PQView can now communicate directly with Encore Series software eliminating the need for NodeLink in network based applications.
Answer Modules How does the Radial Fault Answer module work? Any reference materials on how we are approaching this.
How does the Radial Fault Answer module work? Any reference materials on how we are approaching this.
This is a proprietary algorithm developed for EPRI. The approach is based on the apparent impedance seen at the monitoring location. The input for the algorithm is 3-phase voltage and current waveforms, plus the positive and zero sequence impedance of the primary feeder. By combining the information from several instruments and applying the algorithm the fault location can be identified.
The following is a list of references for additional information.
Communications What types of communications are available with Encore Series?What types of communications are available with Encore Series?
The Encore Series model 61000 has built-in standard support for Ethernet, RS232 and RS485 communications. Modem and GSM/GPRS communications are also available using external interfaces that are available from Dranetz-BMI. Encore Series software supports all of these methods of communications so you can choose what's appropriate for your application.
When using GSM communications do I need a GSM modem at both the instrument and PC locations?
No, the GSM modem is only needed at the remote instrument.
What type of network can I use with the Encore Series? 10BaseT, 10Base2, Fiber?
Encore Series can directly connect to, or be easily adapted for use with virtually any network that supports the TCP/IP Internet protocol. The RJ-45 connector allows for direct connection to most networks in use today. If you have another type of network such as Fiber, coaxial (10Base2) or other, inexpensive off the shelf adapters should be available to connect to such networks.
There is typically one phone line into a substation. How can I share this single phone line with multiple Encore Series instruments?
Off the shelf telephone line multiplexers are available that allow the user to share one phone line with multiple devices. Such multiplexers typically work by adding characters to the telephone number string to direct the call to the correct instruments. Ex: "1732-555-1212#2" will direct the incoming call to the instrument connected to port #2 of the multiplexer.
What is the maximum distance from an Encore Series instrument to the computer running Encore Series Software?
This depends on the type of communications used. When communicating via Ethernet the distance dependant on the design of the network and can potentially be unlimited. An example would be the Internet or corporate Intranet. On a simple one to one network with just a wire connecting the computer to the instrument (no hub) the maximum distance from end to end is about 300ft. Standard off the shelf hubs, repeaters, routers, etc are available to easily build a network appropriate for your application. It is important to note that certain features such as external instrument cross-triggering may not work on large, routed networks like the Internet since the timing cannot be guaranteed.
Can the Encore Series automatically tell me when a disturbance or other important event occurs?
Telephone and GSM/GPRS modem communication distances can go as far as the phone or wireless system can take you so it is difficult to specify and distance limit. Please speak with your telephone or wireless provider for details. When communicating via RS232 the distance is limited to about 15ft, RS485 can be up to 4000Ft on a well designed cable system.
Yes, Encore Series Software has a built-in (alarm) notification system. There are presently three methods of notification available. The user can select the method of notification along with the source (disturbance, system health, etc.):
I need to share information with my co-workers and consultants. How can I do this?
It is very easy to share Encore Series information with others with the Encore Series Software multi-user interface. Encore Series Software supports up to 10 simultaneous users via the network. The users can be viewing the same or different data.
What is the polling rate for Encore Series Software?
For an Ethernet connection the polling rate can be as fast as once per minute. However, modem and serial based communications are typically very slow and it may take many minutes to download data from one instrument. Therefore, the polling rate should be much slower, once per day is typically recommended.
Can the Encore 61000 dial tell Encore Series Software when an event occurs?
No, dial-out communications from the instrument is presently not supported. If the instrument is connected via Ethernet, Encore Series software polls each instrument every minute or so to download any new data so this feature may not be necessary.
What happens if errors occur during data communications?
Encore Series Software will try again should this occur. The user can program the maximum number of retries.
Data Management How does Encore Series Software back up data?
Encore Series Software does not have any built in backup features. Since Encore Series Software installs as a service on your XP or WIN2000 PC off the shelf back up software and hardware can be used for this.
When viewing recorded data in the web browser is the Encore Series Software database transferred to my PC for viewing?
No, only a formatted web page is transferred to your PC for viewing in your web browser. When the user requests to see a report, timeline, or any other type of recorded data, Encore Series Software creates a web page containing the requested data which is much more efficient than uploading the entire database
Miscellaneous Whose Reliability Benchmarking Indices are we using?
RBM indices were developed under the EPRI funded project using PQNode 8010's
How is the category of an event calculated?
This is derived from a magnitude and duration chart that Electrotek developed.
Can one line system diagrams be developed?
Yes, there is a OneLine answer module that is a customization service that adds custom web pages with your systems one line or other diagrams. Instrument monitoring points can be overlaid onto the diagram with real time measured data continually being updated such as V and I. Each point can have a color coded event alarm notification and easy link to data from that specific point.
|