TSS4U using IIoT to collect machine data and created alarms of important events

TSS initially started looking for a remote access solution. TSS wanted to gain more insight into their systems, which are often situated at remote and hard to reach locations. “We want to learn how exactly our systems behave, to find out if and how we can improve them in the future,” Sébastien explains. The gathering of machine data plays an enormous role in TSS’s drive to continuously improve and optimise their products.

TSS came across IXON during the Industrial Ethernet Event. The focus quickly shifted from remote access to data logging. Sébastien explains: “With Cloud Logging we can gather data. We don’t share all data with the customer as some information is only important for us.” TSS gathers machine data which allows them to monitor and analyse their systems. However, it did not help TSS quickly respond to failures and ad-hoc problems.

In December 2018, TSS received IXON’s Christmas promotion which offered one free Cloud Notify license to test the new IXON Cloud feature. “We didn’t use Cloud Notify prior to this, but saw it as a great opportunity to get started,” says Sébastien. “We’re very happy with our decision so far.” With the help of IXON’s support page, it was easy to set up alarms. TSS now receives notifications about various important events of their solar power systems.

An example of such a notification? During the day, the energy from the sunlight is stored in batteries that supply the systems with energy at night. TSS has built in all kinds of safeguards which are monitored by alarms. “These are alarms regarding, among others, the voltage of the battery,” Sébastien explains. “A battery consumes 20% of its energy per day and should be able to provide energy for five nights if the battery doesn’t get recharged during the day. As soon as too much energy is consumed, we receive a notification.” After receiving such notifications, TSS examines the problem with the gathered machine data using Cloud Logging and solves any issues.

With the help of Cloud Notify, TSS also monitors the systems’ efficiency. The maintenance of solar panels is crucial in order to guarantee efficiency. “Over time, these panels get dirty, which negatively affects its efficiency,” says Sébastien. “We have now set an alarm which notifies us that the solar panels have to be cleaned when they have reached low efficiency.” If a customer doesn’t respond it will eventually lead to lower battery capacity.

• Customers are now given targeted advice to make optimum use of their solar power systems.

• • Monitor solar systems globally
  • Machine data analysis for system optimisation
  • Notifications of important events with Cloud Notify
  • Quickly analyse and solve issues with Cloud Logging
  • Giving targeted advice to customers