As growers look to shield their operations from rising energy bills, more and more are turning to on-site power generation. With the pandemic accelerating the trend of remote working and companies looking for new ways of keeping their workforce safe, remote engine monitoring systems have also grown in popularity. Combined heat and power (CHP) specialist LouwSon Energy supplies a range of natural gas CHP engines with remote, open-access control panels as standard. Here, Managing Director Roland Louwson reveals the five key benefits remote CHP monitoring has for growers.
1. Increased engine uptime
Traditionally, if an engine unexpectedly shuts down overnight, it may not be discovered until the next morning. With a remote engine monitoring system, operators receive an instant alert should their engine shut down at any time. They can then remotely log into the control panel and alter any parameters at the touch of a button before restarting the engine directly via their laptop or mobile phone, increasing engine uptime and maximizing energy production.
Roland Louwsma, Managing Director of LouwSon Energy
2. Optimised fuel ratio
The air/fuel ratio directly impacts engine performance. Today’s smart CHP monitoring systems allow engine operators to constantly track the fuel mixture, record trends over time, and flag any immediate issues. The operator can then remotely adjust the ratio before performance is affected, ensuring their engine runs smoothly and efficiently.
3. Safer engine restarts
The presence of combustible gas gives CHP engines an inherent safety risk. By linking a smart monitoring system to a camera, the operator can verify that no personnel is nearby before remotely restarting their CHP, as well as ensuring that there is no physical damage to the engine, which could make ignition especially hazardous. Cameras also make it easier for LouwSon Energy to remotely support our customers.
LouwSon’s CHP engines also come with standard remote monitoring
4. Extended equipment lifespan
One of the many parameters that can be monitored every three seconds by a smart CHP tracking system is oil quality. While a gradual deterioration is to be expected, rapid worsening could indicate contamination (for example, metal, water, or coolant in the oil). This can make the oil abrasive and reduce its lubricating properties, leading to parts and systems wearing out more quickly. Oil quality issues may only be discovered during an engine’s mid-life service without this early warning system when major parts need to be replaced earlier than expected.
5. Improved diagnostics
A key benefit of remote CHP monitoring is improved accuracy in diagnosing the cause of faults. All LouwSon Energy engines have digital control as standard with remote access and live monitoring, backed up by our superior knowledge and technical support. This means increased efficiency and cost savings.
LouwSon Energy’s on-site power generation solutions help to shield growers from rising energy costs
Visit Stand M141, HortiContact 2022 (10-12 May, Evenementenhal, Gorinchem, NL), for more information.
For more information:
Louwson Energy
Roland@louwsonenergy.com
www.louwsonenergy.com