Development of generator set operation monitoring system for performance analysis and periodic maintenance based on IoT technology

Abstract

Generator sets or Genset, widely used as primary or backup source electric power generators. When the generator set is used as the main power to support field operations, it must be ensured that the generator set is in good condition. If the generator set in trouble when it is already in the field, it certainly will hamper the work significantly. This research developed an online monitoring system of generators operation based on the ThingSpeak, an IoT technology platform. The system can record the historical data of generators operation parameters, starting from the measurement of fuel level, engine temperature, until total energy (kWh) generated. The measurement data are used to offline analysis the performance condition of the generator or to determine the length of time to the next periodic maintenance. The development results showed the system has worked well following the design. The measurement data has been sent to the ThingSpeak IoT platform as a data logger. The data stored in ThingSpeak are the time stamp when the data received. It can be used to determine the duration of operation, fuel consumption, average operating temperature, and total energy (kWh) produced. The test results show the difference in the quality of the radiator water gives a difference in temperature gradient up to 0,8°C/kW. While fuel consumption in no-load conditions, the difference in fuel consumption is up to 0,2ml/sec.