Context of Application

Critical buildings such as hospitals and data centers rely on backup power systems, also sometimes referred to as Emergency Power Supply Systems (EPSS), to supply the facility with power during an interruption of the utility incomer(s). During such an event, power is transferred from the utility supply to the alternate power source using Automatic Transfer Switch(es) / Power Transfer Switch(es) (ATS/PTS). According to the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), backup power systems fail to start 20% to 30% of the time. Common causes include starter battery failure, low fuel levels, wet stacking, controls in the wrong state, etc.

In some critical facilities such as hospitals, regulatory requirements specify how and how often the backup/emergency power systems need to be maintained and tested. They also prescribe how these test and maintenance activities are to be recorded. Doing this manually is error-prone and cumbersome. Examples of such regulatory requirements are: IEC 60364-7-710 (Europe), HTM-06-01 (UK), NFPA 99 and 110 (USA), AS_NZS 3009 (Australia / New Zealand), CSA Z32 and C282 (Canada).

Problem to Solve

The facility/energy manager needs to:

Ensure the reliability and availability of backup power supply systems in the event of unexpected power outages.
Save time, improve productivity, and ensure accuracy of testing process and documentation per standards or manufacturer recommendations.
Comply with local and international standards and satisfy reporting requirements of regulatory bodies in critical buildings.

Purpose of the Application

Provide automated backup power test reporting including:

Automatic/Power Transfer Switch (ATS/PTS)
Backup generators
Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS)

Record key legislated parameters for compliance reports including:

Transfer time for ATS/PTS and generators
Generator run time, engine loading, exhaust and engine temperature
Annual generator runtime for emission requirements reporting
Ability of UPSs to sustain critical loads during power outage