Over the past 12 years, Bryant has added a number of optional features to its basic sequential and changeover units. Until now, the top of the range was the versatile SMS single mains supply, or CMS dual supply with changeover, both allowing power outlets to be turned on or off according to a user set 'macro' program. With GPIs, timers and "GoTo" branching, users have been able to solve diverse mains power sequencing problems, for example to power up servers and RAID arrays over a number of minutes, say Bryant.
All Bryant intelligent mains units can detect outlet fuse failure, but the target has been a unit that can detect whether the correct load is present. A simple pass/fail of current or power draw displayed on an embedded web server will not highlight many power supply problems, so the latest Bryant intelligent MDU uses full analysis of voltage and outlet current to predict failing supplies or provide harmonic analysis, information increasingly useful in power intensive technical areas. Any problems can then be sent to a user or system administrator by email or SNMP trap.
These new updated SMIs and CMIs do this by uploading each outlet's current waveform to Bryant's WinPower Pro software running on a local PC. This is then compared with the unit's known good waveform - signature - and can alert technical staff to failing power supplies while there is still time to respond.
Another feature is their ability to monitor the incoming voltage and watch for any disturbance, which is then logged for operator review, aiding the diagnoses of apparent random equipment failure.
The unit is aimed at broadcasters, server farm engineers and systems managers wanting to monitor voltage and current, live/neutral imbalance, power draw and factor etc - or those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint and electricity bills, the company says.
(Lee Baldock)
