Power Room Supervision - A Microprocessor based Approach

Abstract

The microprocessor, along with a collection of special purpose VLSI chips, makes it possible to construct a small, yet powerful power room monitor. This is, in effect, a special purpose computer that has been programmed to supervise a telephone power room. The following control, monitor and alarm functions are discussed: ο Control Functions ο Rectifier energy consumption ο High voltage shutdown and restart ο ο Monitor Functions ο Rectifier current ο Load current ο Battery voltage ο Fuse alarms distribution ο Rectifier failure ο Self check ο Alarms ο Be displayed on a built-in CRT ο Extend dry contacts to the local plant ο Recorded in a non-volatile memory ο Reported over the phone lines, to a remote site The points monitored and controlled in a power room are illustrated in Figure 1. Arrowheads indicate the direction of information flow. Any rectifier equipped with provisions for remote start/stop, remote restart, and a current measuring shunt may be used to obtain the full features of the S.M.A.R.T. Power System. Rectifiers with only shunt and alarm outputs (contact closures) may still be utilized, but the energy management and restart feature will not be utilized-- current and alarm reporting will still take place.