Remote - Winter 2012 - (Page 28)

Environmental Monitoring - Products & Services MicroStrain’s ENV-Link -Mini simplifies and streamlines remote environmental monitoring, alerting and reporting. This long-range, low-power environmental sensing solution is well suited for remote applications that demand scalable monitoring, simple initialization and easy access to data. With the ENV-Link -Mini, users can quickly and cost-effectively establish custom environmental sensing networks. Miniature, multi-channel wireless nodes support an array of sensor types for versatile configuration. Each ENV-Link -Mini supports four sensor channels in an IP67 weatherproof enclosure. In addition to a dedicated relative humidity and temperature channel, users may select from environmental sensors including solar radiation, soil moisture, leaf wetness and the option to add their own sensor. Wireless communication extends up to 2 km line-of-sight for enhanced remote sensing over a wider area and across thousands of nodes. Combined with MicroStrain’s cloud-based sensor data platform, SensorCloud, ENV-Link -Mini users can access unlimited environmental data. On SensorCloud users can quickly navigate environmental data, analyze trends and create alerts, which notify key personnel when environmental thresholds are exceeded. ENV-Link-Mini: Plug-and-Play Wireless Environmental Monitoring on a Cloud-Enabled Platform ing and data collection options. The two collect data on transformer, draws from power-intensive devices (e.g., compressors), as well as HVAC and lighting trends. This enables facility managers to optimize efficiency, create accurate budgets and revise maintenance schedules. Detector Electronics Corp. (Det-Tronics) has introduced the PointWatch Eclipse CO2 detector, an infrared fixed-point carbon dioxide (CO2) gas detector that provides non-intrusive calibration and multiple communications options via 4 to 20 mA, Modbus, relays and HART. The PointWatch Eclipse CO2 gas detector’s non-intrusive calibration allows a single person to calibrate the detector without declassifying the hazardous area, helping to reduce maintenance costs and improving uptime. Additionally, the PointWatch Eclipse CO2 gas detector’s heated optics feature allows constant operation even in extreme environments, making it suitable for petrochemical oil and gas applications. Wago Corp.’s 750-830 BACnet controller features software with extended functionality and simplified system-wide integration/configuration. New functions include text messaging support (plain text on the management level) to provide facility managers with alerts. New features include “Loop” (control algorithms), “Event Enrollment” (alarm queries) object types and creation of a “Trend Log” and “Calendar” dynamic objects during runtime with no system reboot or external integrator. The 750-830 BACnet controller’s native operation, which automatically generates a BACnet object for each standard I/O signal, has also received significant enhancements. I/O modules can now be subsequently added or removed from a fieldbus node without shifting object entities. Physical values are now scaled directly in the form of analog input/output objects. Additional analog value objects are no longer required in CoDeSys, simplifying mass-processing of data points and integration into external systems. Part of the WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM, 750-830 can pair with a 750-493 3-Phase Power Measurement Module for comprehensive energy monitor28 www.RemoteMagazine.com New PointWatch Eclipse CO2 Gas Detector Ensures Dependable Operation in Harsh Offshore Environments Wago Extends Software Functions for BACnet Controller Infinite Power Solutions (IPS) has introduced the IPS-EVAL-EH-02 Wireless Environmental Sensor Energy Harvesting Evaluation Kit. The evaluation kit is a wireless sensor reference design that includes a microcontroller and radio module from Microchip Technology and multiple indoor environmental sensors. System power is provided by a THINERGY MicroEnergy Cell (MEC), an all-solid-state battery solution that is continuously recharged using ambient energy harvesting, allowing decades of autonomous, maintenance-free operation. THINERGY MECs enable permanent power solutions for a variety of low power, small form factor consumer wireless sensor applications. The IPS-EVAL-EH-02 evaluation kit enables design engineers to develop and evaluate self-sustaining sensor solutions, especially when exposed to elevated temperature conditions. The kit includes a variety of integrated environmental sensors, such as a Passive Infra-Red (PIR) occupancy sensor, a humidity sensor, an ambient light sensor and a temperature sensor. The sensor system and data transfer is managed by the Microchip PIC24 microcontroller. A MiWi IEEE 802.15.4 compliant radio module, also from Microchip, is used to communicate with the Zena 2.4 GHz Wireless Adaptor included in the evaluation kit. This allows users to develop their own environmental sensor systems and easily interface them with PC-based applications. The kit also features the MAX17710 device from Maxim Integrated Products, a power-management integrated circuit (PMIC) solution dedicated to microenergy harvesting and battery protection. The power supply design features a 4 V THINERGY solid-state, rechargeable, micro-energy cell combined with ambient energy harvesting to create an autonomous, self-powered system. The integrated THINERGY MEC201-7S is a near loss-less energy storage cell the size of a postage stamp, yet fully capable of powering the entire sensor system. Selfdischarge is so low and insignificant that energy can be reliably stored for many years on a single charge. Recharge is provided from an included solar panel and users can attach their own energy harvesters as well. Thanks to their high power capability, 100,000 recharge cycles and near zero leakage current, MECs are well-suited for energy harvesting based wireless sensors. Infinite Power Solutions Launches Self-Powered Wireless Environmental Sensor Evaluation Kit Saelig Company, Inc. has introduced the EL-WiFi-TH, a WiFi-connected temperature and humidity sensor for environmental monitoring. Data is transmitted wirelessly via an 802.11b-compliant network to a PC and can be viewed using free graphical software. The EL-WiFi-TH can be placed anywhere within range of a chosen network. If the sensor should temporarily lose connectivity with the network, it will log readings until it is able to communicate again with the PC application (max 60 days at 10 second sample interval). Additionally, the range of the sensor can be increased by using WiFi extenders. The EL-WiFi-TH is a low-power device that includes a rechargeable internal lithium polymer battery. When configured using typical sampling periods (e.g. once every 60 seconds) the sensor will operate for over one year. The battery can then be recharged via a PC or USB +5 V wall adapter Saelig Introduces WiFi Temperature and Humidity Data Logging Sensor http://www.RemoteMagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Remote - Winter 2012

Remote - Winter 2012
Editor's Choice
Automated Monitoring Out at the Network Edge
What’s in Your Radio Communication Tackle Box?
When Does Solar Make Sense for Remote Sites?
Utility Networks in Transition
TV White-Space Technology Makes Broadband Affordable for Remote Locations
Challenges of Remote Management over Satellite
SCADA Market: Charting Strong Growth Amidst Industry Speculation
SCADA
Networking
Security
Oniste Power
Environmental Monitoring
Industry News

Remote - Winter 2012