ECD Solutions March/April 2013 by Westwick-Farrow Media

ECD SOLUTIONS MARCH/APRIL 2013

CONTENTS

FROM THE EDITOR

Green is the new black, so they say, although I can no longer remember when black was the new black. Still, there’s no doubt about it, energy prices and environmental concerns

Grasping green buildings

Important information for contractors in the building and construction industry

look like remaining hot topics for a while. Interest in energy savings and renewable sources are on the increase with consumers, industry and the public sector. When we asked you, our readers, what you

11 Efficiency + Renewables

Clean and green

want to see more of from ECD Solutions, there was an unambiguous lean towards ‘green’. So, with that in mind and given that the topic never tires, we are bringing you our Green Energy issue. While all that fuss about carbon tax seems to have died down (was it the 2012 version of GST or the Y2K bug?), there is still a divide in thinking when it comes to what is best for the future

21 Electrical Distribution

Thermal imaging for electrical safety

What goes down when the lights go out

schemes really mean and what role the

The perils of an unbalanced network

one of the largest consumers of energy in

of the planet and limited resources. We have focused on a number of key areas including what green building ratings and contractor can play. We also take a look at enterprise, the data centre, and how some

39 Automation + Security

fundamental design principles can influence

the new technologies in development to

Cheaper and greener

overall consumption. We cover some of assist in storage of renewable energy, one of the larger stumbling blocks preventing large-scale use and, of course, present you

Cover: ©iStockphoto.com/SigalSuhler Moran

with a range of interesting case studies

49 Comms + Data

Energy use and data centres

Network security the key to enterprise protection

that showcase all of the theories in action. Alarmingly, the next issue of ECD Solutions will mark the midpoint for the year! Our theme for May/June is Electrical Safety, so expect to see information on compliance and regulations, as well as personal protective equipment and products across the entire electrical industry spectrum. In the meantime, please enjoy our Green Energy issue.

NOW in DIGITAL! Your copy of ECD Solutions is now available as an online eMag.

http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/latest_issues

Dannielle Furness - Editor ecd@westwick-farrow.com.au

GRASPING GREEN BUILDINGS Dannielle Furness

4 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

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In yet another sector of the industry riddled with acronyms and abbreviations, green buildings can be a minefield of confusing terminology. NABERS, Green Star, GBCA, BEECs, EUAs ... if you’ve wondered what it all means and why you need to know, then read on.

reen buildings have gone beyond being a buzz word. Both the public and private sectors are focusing heavily on energy use in the built environment with a view to improved operational performance and less waste. Commercial building owners, property managers tenants, trades and homeowners - everyone has a role to play in the green buildings game.

Legal requirement or marketing tool? Running since 1999, the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) was developed by the Australian Government, in unison with industry, to encourage innovation and market best practice. As the name implies, it is a rating system which uses a set of benchmarks based on national building performance data. NABERS is administered countrywide by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. Utilising a suite of rating tools, NABERS measures performance on a 6 star scale, where 6 denotes market-leading performance and 1 represents a site with below average results and considerable scope for improvement. According to the NABERS website, 2.5 to 3 stars is about the national average. NABERS ratings are available for offices (tenancies, base building or whole building), hotels, shopping centres and homes. A separate rating scheme for data centres is currently in development. An office tenancy rating covers only tenanted space and is applicable to the tenant occupying a leased or privately owned office space within a commercial office building. The base building rating covers central services and common areas and a whole building rating covers a combination of both. Base building and whole building are the responsibility of the building owner or property manager. The offices scheme was previously known as the Australian Building Greenhouse Rating (AGBR). Offices are the only type of building which uses all four environmental impact tools (NABERS Energy, NABERS Water, NABERS Waste and NABERS Indoor Environment). The remaining building types utilise the Energy

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and Water tools, with the exception of data centres, which will use Energy only. Data centres are being targeted specifically as current estimates put data centre usage at around 2% of the world’s consumption. The NABERS website points out that the Australian IT industry has been significantly slower than international counterparts when it comes to understanding energy use. The website states: “A recent Australian study by Fujitsu asked CIO and IT Managers across most industry sectors about their Green IT policies. The study found that: • Approximately 70% of survey respondents were not aware of their energy bills; • Almost 80% of survey respondents did not carry out calculations for Power Usage Effectiveness or Data Centre Infrastructure Effectiveness; and • Australia ranks lowest of countries surveyed in the Metrics Index at measuring green IT effectiveness.” NABERS believes that a clear and consistently accepted benchmark for data centres is what is missing, hence the development of a suitable rating scheme specifically for that application. Accreditation for NABERS is performed by an accredited assessor. Assessors are trained by NABERS on use of the rules for data collection and analysis, have passed an examination and are subjected to ongoing quality checks. Self-assessment of a property is possible, but for the purposes of internal performance measurement only. Ratings may not be reported or promoted in any way unless they are a true accredited rating issued by NABERS. Accreditation is valid for 12 months, as an annual review ensures the rating is an accurate representation of current operational performance. To determine a rating, actual building performance information is measured for 12 months and compared with other similar buildings in the same location. To ensure that data is comparable, some adjustments may be required that account for specific location and use. These adjustments may be made in relation to climactic conditions, hours of use, level of services, energy sources and size/ occupancy considerations.

MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 5

RATING SCHEMES

Green leases The Australian Government’s Energy Efficiency in Government Operations (EEGO) policy includes a requirement for government agencies to sign a ‘green lease’ when arranging new office accommodations. Essentially, a green lease is a mutual agreement between owner and occupier to achieve agreed sustainable objectives and targets. A key feature of the agreement is a requirement to measure and benchmark performance using a rating scheme such as NABERS. The Department of Climate Change is also encouraging the use of Green Leases in the private sector.

It’s not mandatory, but ... While NABERS itself is strictly not mandatory, it is proving to be as good as when it comes to commercial properties, as a number of other building schemes and programs demand a NABERS rating. The Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) scheme is effectively the implementation of the Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Act 2010, under which property managers and owners are bound by disclosure obligations. CBD is a national program that provides building buyers or tenants with information on the energy efficiency of a property. Run by the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, CBD aims to make it simpler for corporate Australia to rent or buy more energy-efficient space. Under CBD, a building owner selling or leasing office space (or a tenant subletting) with a net lettable area of 2000 m2 is required to hold a Business Energy Efficiency Certificate (BEEC), which includes: a NABERS Energy rating (for the base building), a tenancy lighting assessment and general energy-efficiency guidance. A BEEC is valid for 12 months and must be accessible by the public on the Building Energy Efficiency Register. As with NABERS, an accredited assessor must perform the assessment. The CitySwitch Green Office is a program that addresses energy-efficiency opportunities across commercial offices throughout Australia, through the partnering of local and state governments, businesses and NABERS. The program concentrates on tenants and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through improved energy efficiency. Members of the program are given access to a range of tools and resources to assist in energy reduction. They additionally make a commitment to achieving an accreditation of 4 stars or higher. An annual awards program recognises and rewards member achievement.

6 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

Green Star is a national voluntary environmental rating system run by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). Whereas NABERS rates operational performance, Green Star evaluates and rates on environmental design and construction in new and refurbished buildings. A number of Green Star rating tools cover building types ranging from industrial to healthcare, education and offices. In 2010, the GBCA, the federal government and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage agreed to work towards improving consistency between NABERS and Green Star. GBCA is currently developing the Green Star - Performance rating tool to address the performance of buildings. Working closely with NABERS to ensure there is no duplication, the performance tool will accept accredited NABERS ratings as input for ‘credits’ in the Green Star Performance rating tool. The GBCA has been an advocate of closer collaboration between industry, government and industry associations to overcome issues such as split incentives, wherein the cost of upgrading buildings to be more sustainable is borne by one party (the owner) and the savings realised by another (the tenant). The development of Environmental Upgrade Agreements (EUAs) is a step in the right direction. The three-party agreement is between a building owner, local council and finance provider. The finance provider lends the building owner funds to be used for environmental building upgrades. The financed amount is then levied as a special charge by local council, which collects repayments and pays the financial institution. Under this agreement, everyone’s a winner - the lending risk is lowered as council takes responsibility for the loan, the building owner has access to competitive finance and shares the costs with tenants. In terms of tenant inclusion in the agreement, conditions vary from state to state.

Everybody needs good NABERS It’s pretty clear why NABERS ratings work in a commercial building scenario, but why bother at home? NABERS for home is limited to 5 stars, rather than the market-leading 6 applicable in offices. Homeowners use the online calculator to input data on energy and water usage for 12 months. A rating is then generated, along with tips and tricks on how to improve low results. As a benchmarking tool, the average homeowner can see at regular intervals how changes to behaviours at home can realise real savings and performance. At this stage, the rating tool is not available to premises with shared facilities, such as apartments, or where utilities are not measured separately. So, government tenancies require it, compulsory disclosure demands revealing it, homeowners can use it as a self-assessment tool for usage and behaviour modification; compelling arguments for understanding NABERS. In addition, according to the NABERS website, the Green Property Index, developed by property investment analyst IPD, found “that buildings with a NABERS Energy or Water rating of 4 stars or above deliver significantly higher returns than non-rated buildings, or low-rated buildings”. Essentially there are legal and commercial reasons for wrapping your head around green buildings, mandatory requirements and the various rating schemes. There are a wealth of resources available online, as well as the lowdown on training and accreditation criteria, should you decide to branch out into what is clearly a burgeoning industry. Visit any of the following for more information: • NABERS - www.nabers.gov.au • Green Building Council of Australia www.gbca.org.au • CitySwitch Green Office - www.cityswitch.net.au • Commercial Building Disclosure & BEEC - www.cbd.gov.au

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BUSINESS NEWS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CONTRACTORS IN THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

From 1 July 2012, if you are a contractor in the building and construction industry, businesses in this industry will have to report to the ATO the total amount they have paid you each year for building and construction services.

axable Payments Reporting was introduced under the 20112012 budget, with the aim of improving compliance with tax obligations by those contractors who are currently not doing the right thing. The information reported about payments made to contractors will be used for our data matching to detect contractors who have: • failed to lodge tax returns • not included all their income on tax returns that have been lodged. • not complied with GST obligations • failed to quote an Australian business number (ABN) • used an invalid ABN The ATO will then compare this information with the income included in tax returns. John Leonard, Assistant Commissioner, Australian Taxation Office, said these new reporting requirements have been introduced to create a level playing field for businesses and improve tax fairness within the industry. “Contractors who fail to meet their tax obligations can gain an unfair competitive advantage,” Leonard said. “We will use the information reported to detect contractors who have not lodged tax returns or failed to include all their income in tax returns lodged.” “We are asking contractors in this industry to make sure they include all their income in their tax return to avoid any penalties.” The information to be reported each year by the business that paid you will be:

8 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

• your Australian business number (ABN) • your name • your address • total amount paid to you including any GST. Make sure you: • lodge your 2012-13 tax return by the due date and include all your income • lodge any prior years’ tax returns as soon as possible • consider making a voluntary disclosure if you think you have made a mistake in a previously lodged tax return. Where you voluntarily advise the ATO of any errors or omissions, any penalties that apply may be reduced. If your tax obligations are not up to date or you choose to do nothing, you could be subject to a review or audit and may face penalties. You should also be aware that you have reporting requirements if you pay contractors for building and construction services. You’ll only need to report this once a year and there are a number of items you don’t need to report, such as invoices that remain upaid at 30 June. For further information, you should speak with your accountant, or go to http://ato.gov.au/taxablepaymentsreporting. A 45 minute webinar will guide you through the process, or you can refer to the FAQ section, as well as pages of examples. Australian Tax Office www.ato.gov.au

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CLIPCOM 26006

New Saturn finish on the Horizon

Clipsal has recently introduced Horizon to the stunning Saturn collection, offering a textural metallic finish that comes in two fantastic new colours of Horizon Silver and Horizon Black. Horizon features a flat square edge design that will complement any modern interior. Horizon Silver and Horizon Black come with a subtle charcoal grey frame and push buttons that perfectly match the stylish new fascia and blend in superbly with today’s interior design.

Going beyond just wall switches and power outlets; communication plates, fan dimmers, controllers and cooker switches are also available. Don’t forget our other Saturn colour variants of Espresso Black, Ocean Mist and Pure White. No matter what colour you choose, our Saturn range provides you with the most contemporary, modern switch design on the Australian market. Offer your customers a true point of difference with Clipsal Saturn. For more information contact your local Clipsal Representative, call 1300 2025 25 or visit clipsal.com/saturnhorizon

Horizon Silver

Horizon Black

Electrical Safety & Power System Protection Forum 29 - 30 May 2013 - Perth www.idc-online.com/cons

dia

SPARC International Lighting Event 2013 04-06 June 2013 - Overseas Passenger Terminal, Sydney www.sparcevent.org

BICSI South Pacific ‘Peak Performance’ conference and exhibition 18-20 March 2013 - Etihad Stadium, Melbourne www.bicsi.com.au

2013 NECA Annual Conference

EEA Conference and Exhibition 19-21 June 2013 - Sky City Convention Centre, Auckland www.confer.co.nz/eea

EECON NSW 2013 conference 26-27 June 2013 - Australian Technology Park, Sydney www.eecon.com.au/NSW/

Pumps & Compressors Conference 26-27 June 2013 - Perth www.idc-online.com/cons

Earthing, Lightning & Surge Protection Conference

15-20 April 2013 - Langkawi Island, Malaysia nsw.neca.asn.au/neca-conference

02-04 July -2013 - Brisbane www.idc-online.com/cons

Safety Control & Instrumented Systems Conference

CEDIA Expo 2013

16-18 April 2013 - Novotel Darling Harbour www.idc-online.com/cons

National Manufacturing Week 2013 07-10 May 2013 - Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre www.nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au

Solar 2013 Conference & Exhibition 23-24 May 2013 - Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre solarexhibition.com.au/

CeBIT Australia 2013 28-30 May 2013 - Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre www.cebit.com.au/

10 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

10-12 July 2013 - Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre www.cediaexpo.com.au/catalog/Home.aspx

Clean Energy Week 2013 24-26 July 2013 - Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre www.cleanenergyweek.com.au

Arc Flash Conference 06 Aug-23 Oct 2013 - Various venues www.idc-online.com/cons

2013 Electrical Industry Conference 23-26 September 2013 - Las Vegas www.masterelectricians.com.au/page/Electrical_Contractors/ Events_and_Campaigns/Electrical_Industry_Conference_LAS_ VEGAS_-_Early_Bird_Special_Released/

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ENERGY STORAGE

CLEAN AND GREEN As we veer away from a reliance on fossil fuels in a quest to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy is moving to the forefront. For all the benefits that renewable sources provide, the move to clean and green is not as easy as you would think.

ignificant work is being done here in Australia on the development of new technologies that address generation, storage and distribution of power to an increasingly energyhungry world. Our government is behind renewables in a big way - implementing the carbon tax as a method of incentive and by setting up programs to encourage investment and innovation. The government’s Clean Energy Future (CEF) plan includes a number of initiatives including the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), which will invest over $10 billion into renewable-energy, low-pollution and energy-efficiency technologies. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will administer $3.2 billion in government support for research and development, as well as demonstration and commercialisation of renewable energy. In addition, the $200 million Clean Technology Innovation Program has pledged to support business investment in research and development of new technologies over the next five years.

The pillars of clean energy According to CEF, there are four important pillars to the plan: renewable energy, energy efficiency, carbon price and action on the

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Dannielle Furness

land. Now of those four, I think carbon price has been effectively covered in just about every media vehicle known to man in this country, so we won’t go down that road here, except to recognise that it is essentially the government’s way of deterring industry from relying on fossil fuels. Action on the land refers to the Carbon Farming Initiative, which creates economic reward for farmers and land managers who reduce pollution or store carbon in the landscape. Energy efficiency is a pretty straightforward concept. As one of the pillars of the CFE, it is promoted to business and consumers alike through a series of energy-efficiency schemes, which may be involve grants, mandatory disclosures, tax breaks or other incentives. Renewable energy targets have been thrown about for a while now, the current diktat being that 20% of Australia’s electricity will come from renewable sources by 2020 - a mere seven years from now, under the Renewable Energy Targets (RET) Scheme. The CEFC will devote half of the $10 billion under its remit to renewables technologies and schemes (geothermal, wave energy and large scale solar), while the other half will be allocated to broader ‘clean’ energy initiatives including low-emissions cogeneration.

MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 13

ENERGY STORAGE

Large-scale storage

Renewables are ‘intermittent’ sources, that is, the sun isn’t shining all the time, the wind isn’t always blowing and the tides are, well, tidal. So, the question of grid stability and reliability arises as we ask how we can depend on sources that are not in constant production. One of the greatest challenges in a move to renewable energy remains how to store that energy for use when it is required. It takes planning to provide adequate power as and when the grid demands, so finding a suitable way to store renewable energy is seen as the key to our energy future. Not surprisingly, there’s no shortage of companies and research teams conducting studies and developing systems in pursuit of the ultimate solution.

While there’s no denying that advances in battery power for portable devices are a massive step in the right direction, the issue of large-scale renewable energy storage is still being solved. Taking advantage of the CEF program funding to encourage investment into renewables, DMG/Mori Seiki launched the CellCube, developed by Gildemeister Energy Solutions, onto the Australian market late last year. The energy store CellCube allows independent and flexible utilisation of the electricity generated by solar power plans and wind turbines, thus serving as an uninterrupted power supply, even in the dark and when there is no wind. Nash Dhruve, spokesman for the company, said, “The battery system ensures a clean, emission-free and fast energy supply at all times. The system is very reliable and allows reliable storage and very fast reaction times. It can be incorporated into everyday energy systems, which makes it suitable for remote operations who need (or want) to be independent of local council grids.” The DMG/Mori Seiki approach to the CEF program is to view clients as potential partners and suggest that anyone wanting to

Not all are equal There are a range of technologies being investigated, each with its own set of characteristics that make it either more or less appropriate for a particular application. Some are more economically viable than others, and many previously employed technologies, such as hydro pumping, require costly infrastructure, so more feasible alternatives are being sought.

RENEWABLES ARE LARGELY ‘INTERMITTENT’ SOURCES, THAT IS, THE SUN ISN’T SHINING ALL THE TIME, NOR IS THE WIND ALWAYS BLOWING. SO, THE QUESTION OF GRID STABILITY RISES AS WE ASK HOW WE CAN DEPEND ON

Intermittent energy

SOURCES THAT ARE NOT IN CONSTANT PRODUCTION.

Electrochemical, or battery, storage is probably receiving more investment and interest than other methods. On home soil, CSIRO has developed the UltraBattery, a combination lead acid battery and supercapacitor. The integration of these two technologies capitalises on the strengths of both and compensates for weaknesses. Lead acid batteries are cheap, but have a limited number of recharge cycles. CSIRO has been working on supercapacitors since the early 1990s and is a world leader in the technology. They are amazingly quick to charge (a matter of seconds) and can extend battery life up to five times. The recyclable potential of supercapacitors is a drawing card as well, up to 500,000 charge cycles versus about 1000 of standard rechargeables. UltraBattery is ideal for use in hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) and has undergone extensive testing in that very application as a result of an international collaboration that spans Australia, Japan, the UK and the US. CSIRO sees potential for the UltraBattery in solar and wind storage scenarios, and is involved in activities that will see commercialisation of the product for that use.

Fuel cell future Micro fuel cells are being developed around the world, but Australia has made significant headway and is well positioned to lead the race, according to CSIRO. Current development has realised a cell that provides operating and stand-by times six or seven times longer than standard lithium-ion batteries, meaning that portable devices including mobile phones, cameras and laptops could hold charge long enough to be useful! The team has had a hydrogen-powered prototype running for 7000 hours, with a view to achieving a 15,000-hour (2-year) life span of continuous operation.

14 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

take part in the scheme should view solution providers, such as themselves, in that light. “We want to create partnerships with our customers and help them apply for the government grant, which can be a very complicated procedure,” Nash explains. “We don’t only sell a product, but provide total solutions. We know that applying for government assistance is a really complex process, so we take the paperwork off our customers, who decide to invest in renewable energy solutions such as the CellCube.”

Legacy While we may be looking to clean and green energy for the future, we are a nation that has historically relied on coal-fired electricity generation. 75% of our electricity comes from coal and it’s a dirty business. According to the Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences Energy Update 2011, only around 8% of current generation is from renewable sources, which means that we have less than a decade to more than double that number if we are to meet RET aims. What we don’t hear about so often is what will happen to existing generators. According to the CEF plan, the government will negotiate closure of emissions-intensive facilities through financial incentive, offer refinancing and additional fiscal inducement to strongly affected generators to permit the purchase of carbon permits. While funding schemes that encourage innovation, enterprise and ingenuity are to be applauded, you’ve got to wonder if maybe the bar hasn’t been set a little too high in terms of numbers and time frames. Seven years isn’t very far away and all it’ll take is a change of government to throw things off track. Only time will tell.

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LED exit light The Clevertronics L10 Cleverfit Pro is a purpose-built LED exit light that has become one of the most energy-efficient and sustainable units in the market. The unit is specially designed using the very latest in LED, electronics and Lithium battery technology to

LED indoor lighting range in warm white

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Industrial LED systems Philips has released a range of LED luminaires that combine form and function to provide energy efficiency and strong performance for a full range of commercial and industrial applications. The luminaires incorporate the latest advances in LED technology, optics and thermal management, to deliver significant energy and maintenance cost savings over their 50,000 h operational lifetime. The GreenPerform LED Highbay family is suitable for industrial applications such as manufacturing areas, assembly and production halls, warehouses and logistic centres. They also perform well in high-ceiling public areas, such as shopping malls, convention centres, airports and transport hubs. The ConTempo LED is a family of performance LED-floodlight luminaires that can be used for a variety of applications, including general area lighting, billboard and facade illumination, and industrial work areas. Philips Lighting Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S341

16 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

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NEW PRODUCTS

3-pole connector Soanar has added to the Anderson Power Products SBS connector family with the release of the 3-pole SBS75G connector. The SBS connector family features PCB-to-wire and wire-to-wire solutions for up to 110 A. Low-resistance, silver-plated contacts for wire sizes from #6 AWG (16 mm2) to 16 AWG (1.5 mm2) are held inside compact and ergonomic housings with a touch-safe interface. SBS50 has two power positions, while the SBS75X also has 4 auxiliary power/signal positions. The SBS75G connector is a 3-pole connector with a first-mate/last-break centre position, UL rated for ground or power. The connector is available as a genderless wire housing or a right-angle PCB connector. The device has a mating interface that is touch safe in all three positions, providing protection to the user by eliminating finger contact with live circuits per IEC60950. The feature is required by UL for use in systems operating above 30 V, where risk of shock can be health threatening in the presence of moisture. The genderless design allows both sides of the connection to be touch safe, which is valuable in applications involving batteries, capacitors, or cordsets functioning as a jumper. Soanar Limited Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T102

18 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

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NEW PRODUCTS

Non-maintained LED emergency lighting The Clevertronics L10 Lifelight Pro is a purposebuilt LED non-maintained emergency light that has become one of the most energy-efficient and sustainable units in the market. The unit is specially designed using the very latest in LED, electronics and lithium battery technology to reduce the energy consumption to less than 0.4 W and still outperform other units in the market. Now the unit comes complete with an adapter plate to help cover the hole when replacing existing fittings. The Clevertronics L10 Lifelight Pro delivers: twice the battery life of existing nickel cadmium or nickel metal hydride technologies; twice the maintenance-free period (designed for 10-year maintenance intervals, compared to the 4 to 5 years current best practice); good performance with a D50 classification, while eliminating the use of toxic heavy metals and possible carcinogens found in other battery technologies, such as nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride or lead acid; 4-year warranty. The L10 Lithium option is available for most Clevertronics emergency lighting products. Clevertronics Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S560

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Integrated EV charging system ChargeIQ is an integrated software and hardware solution that solves the emerging challenges for the electric vehicle (EV) and electricity industry. The ChargeIQ software is scalable and portable. It has been designed to work with alternative EV charging terminals provided by other EV equipment suppliers and integrate seamlessly with enterprise server systems operated by electricity industry participants. The ChargeIQ technology is targeted at residential charging needs for smart meter-equipped electricity networks and helps manage peak load on the grid by incentivising off-peak charging. The device offers an electricity submetering capability and uses pricing and demand management signals from smart meters. Developed in Australia, it is independent from charging network operators and uses standardscompliant technology, rather than proprietary systems. DiUS Computing Pty Limited chargeiq.com.au

MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 19

CASE STUDY

Connecting France’s largest solar plant

rance’s largest solar plant, with a total installed capacity of 105 MWp, is the Toul-Rosières Solar Park project located on a former military base near the city of Nancy in the Lorraine region. Developed by the French renewable energy provider EDF Energies Nouvelles, the photovoltaic power plant covers an area of more than 400 hectares and will generate 105 MWp which is enough to provide for the electric power needs of a town with 62,000 inhabitants. It is estimated that the plant will help to save around 11,500 tonnes of CO2 per year. Leading manufacturer

required over a three-month period in order to commence generating power within a very short time frame. The MC4 specification and non-compatibility assessment in the French electro standard UTE C15-712-1 mandatory guide allowed Multi-Contact to be the unique supplier for MC4 original connectors for the modules. Multi-Contact’s ability to offer complete solutions for module producers down to the final installation made them the ideal vendor. In order to simplify and shorten the labour-intensive and

of electrical connectors and contact systems Multi-Contact were invited to provide connectors and cables for the project. The project comprises 1,4000,000 thin-film modules, equipped with Multi-Contact connectors; 80% with MC4 and 20% with MC3. There are 2500 combiner boxes to monitor the performance of every string, located between the solar modules and the inverters, which are equipped with MC4 panel receptacles. Multi-Contact offered a strong technical collaboration on the project to ensure that the best solution was provided. In addition to provision of cables and connectors, the company provided additional services including logistics and local support to other vendors and stakeholders including the design developer, module manufacturer and several installer companies. Delivery on the project was

time-consuming assembly, Multi-Contact delivered customised mounted branch cable leads, cut to the required length for on-site PV installation. This is an ideal solution for relatively large installations with regularly spaced PV modules. The project comprised; over 4000 pairs of branch cable leads, 2400 pairs of cable assemblies in various lengths, 23,000 pairs of MC3 connectors and 50,000 pairs of extra MC4 connectors. The benefit to the customer of using Multi-Contact was complete compliance with connection standards and installation guide requirements and on-time delivery. DKSH Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T053

www.krausnaimer.com.au SYDNEY MELBOURNE Tel: (02) 9797 7333 Tel: (03) 9720 9777 Fax: (02) 9797 0092 Fax: (03) 9720 9766

BRISBANE ADELAIDE Tel: (07) 3252 8344 Tel: (08) 8371 1443 Fax: (07) 3252 1497 Fax: (08) 8371 0901

Linked with an Australian Wide Distribution Network

20 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION

HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENT

IEC Ex DXN SERIES DECONTRACTORS 550V 20A up to 1000V 550A

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

THERMAL IMAGING ÂŠ www.istockphoto.com/nsj-images

FOR ELECTRICAL SAFETY Damien Garth

About a third of all industrial fires are created by electrical problems and electrical fires currently cost Australia $600 million per year. Many insurance companies are now requesting evidence of a Thermal Imaging Report when renewing policies as they see Preventative Maintenance as an extra step in reducing the instances of electrical fires.

he electrical industry was the first sector to use thermal imaging cameras. But over the years more trades have found them useful for their work. In particular, for anyone concerned with equipment maintenance and identifying potential problems before they become too costly to repair, thermal imaging cameras are the Holy Grail. This is because a thermal imaging camera can identify problems early, allowing them to be documented and corrected before they become more serious, without putting the user in danger.

The thermal imaging camera is now the musthave item The fundamental causes of overheating that result in electrical fires are poor connections, insulation failure, failing components, wiring mistakes and overloading. Thermal imaging technology identifies heat spikes signifying energy loss, missing or defective insulation, and can also indicate leaks and find moisture which is hazardous to electrical equipment. A crosshair of an area in an infrared (IR) image allows you to measure either the point value or the maximum or minimum value, detecting the most diverse electrical problems instantaneously.

How thermal imaging cameras work Thermal imaging technology scans and visualises the temperature distribution of entire surfaces of machinery and electrical equipment quickly and accurately.

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

Thermal imaging equipment can detect extremely small temperature differences and produce an image with the tiniest amount of detail to help resolve problems fast. This can be carried out from a safe distance away from the hazardous area, away from any harm, without any intrusive building work, eg, pulling up floorboards or knocking through walls, disrupting businesses and homelife alike. For instance, thermal imaging technology prevents electrical cabinets from overheating and causing meltdown, as it can locate hot spots and determine the size of the problem as well as when the equipment should be repaired. In addition, whether it is a lightweight handheld infrared camera that fits easily in a tool belt or a full-featured, highdefinition infrared camera, the technology is available to suit every need and budget.

Developments in thermal imaging technology Thermal imaging cameras can significantly improve and enhance your maintenance and troubleshooting activities. There is now more choice than ever before with a model on the market to suit every level of sophistication, analysis and reporting need. But as a starting point, the latest thermal imaging cameras are more robust and subjected to stringent drop tests to confirm their durability and engineered to withstand a two-metre drop. They are also dust- and water-resistant, are sharper with focused and clear images and allow recorded audio to be attached to each picture taken for future reference. Thermal

MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 23

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

imaging cameras should also have a temperature measurement range of -20 to +350°C with a manual focus. The quality of the image has also improved dramatically. Traditional infrared images are no longer enough; the latest thermal imaging camera technology captures a digital photo in addition to the infrared image and combines them together, taking the mystery out of IR image analysis. This makes thermal imaging cameras the perfect tool for a wide variety of predictive maintenance applications. A fully radiometric infrared camera is ideal for troubleshooting electrical installations and all types of equipment including process equipment, HVACR equipment and electromechanical equipment. As the user becomes more adept with the technology, so they find new uses for it. The opportunity to upgrade cameras in line with evolving experience, knowledge and demand is an essential element for this constantly improving technology.

Analysis and reporting Finding potential problems on the thermal imaging screen is only part of the process, of course. Being able to analyse and report the information found is vital and the progress of this technology has developed in line with the cameras. Products range from simple software that allows users to organise and analyse radiometric images on the camera and quickly present them in a report with intuitive and easy-to-use online tools to systems that incorporate features such as fusion and trending, and provide greater flexibility in report design and layout. For the professional thermographer, dedicated software allows advanced

24 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

analysis of building structures and includes customised building report templates for applications such as energy cost analysis. Significantly, the inclusion of wireless technology in thermal imaging camera design enables data from a Wi-Fi-enabled moisture meter or clamp meter to be transferred to the corresponding thermal image. So, for example, the relationship between heat and power load can be seen, bringing more intelligence to the inspection process. This technology also allows thermal imaging cameras to ‘talk’ to mobile devices such as an iPhone and iPad. The result is far greater application flexibility as it allows images to be shared with colleagues so that swift decisions can be taken on the remedial action needed to prevent loss of production or minimise risk.

Cost-effective, danger-free troubleshooting and maintenance The most significant benefit thermal imaging cameras can have on a business, when used on equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, is the impact it has on return on investment. Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZ 3760: ‘In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment’ recommends in-service inspection and testing to ensure the safety of those using electrical equipment in the workplace. Occupational health and safety legislation also decrees that many workplace electrical appliances and fittings be tested as frequently as every six months. Thermal imaging monitoring should be done regularly to spot possible electrical hazards before any damage is done, thereby minimising repair and labour costs, and production loss. Business owners need to be made aware of their responsibility for ensuring electrical testing is up to date. With constant advances in technology and the steep cost of purchasing thermal imaging equipment, it is often advantageous for businesses to rent high-end test and measurement tools. There is no initial outlay for items as the cost is spread over the hire period and all rental equipment is fully tax deductible. Also, storing, maintaining and disposing of items is the responsibility of the rental provider and a reliable supplier will offer technical support as and when you need it. Hire Intelligence Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S984

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NEW PRODUCTS

Visual infrared thermometer Until now, electricians and industrial, HVAC and automotive technicians have had to choose between single-point infrared thermometers and high-resolution thermal imagers (infrared or IR cameras). The Fluke VT02 Visual IR Thermometer helps fill the gap, for when a single-spot temperature reading isn’t enough and a high-resolution thermal image is more than users need. One tool combines the visual insight of a thermal imager, the visual images of a digital camera and the point-and-shoot convenience of an IR thermometer. Conducting inspections for electrical, industrial, HVAC/R and automotive applications is faster with the VT02 than an infrared thermometer, which requires multiple readings and manually recorded results. The VT02 instantly detects problems using blended thermal and digital imagery. It will display and save images as full visual, full infrared or in three blended modes (25, 50 and 75%). Markers pinpoint hot and cold spots indicating the hottest temperature with a red box and the coldest with a blue box. A temperature reading is provided at the centre point. Images are saved to the microSD card, eliminating the need to write down single or multiple measurements. Fluke Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S951

A NEW VISION by

DULHUNTY POWER Valve connectors

Helixon™ helical products

High temperature conductors

Vibration dampers

Toughened glass, porcelain & composite insulators

Heatshrink termination kits Fault indicators Cable height meters Corona cameras

Distribution & transmission line hardware Conductor sag measuring devices

www.dulhuntypower.com Australia 35 Waterloo Rd North Ryde, NSW Tel: +61 2 9870 7277 sales@dulhunty.com

New Zealand Unit 1/49 Rawhiti Rd Manly Village, Auckland Tel: +64 9 424 7295 brian@dulhuntynz.co.nz

26 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

Hirschmann has released the GDM series field-attachable valve connectors that can be used to supply power to components such as solenoid valves, pressure sensors and temperature sensors, or to connect them to a data network. Circuit protection ensures that downstream circuitry cannot be damaged by excess voltage or electromagnetic fields. Versions with built-in LED status indicators (with or without circuit protection) are also available. Depending on the version of the valve connector, additional features include IP68 protection, an operating temperature range of 40 to +90°C and high shock and vibration resistance. The type A connectors, also available with integrated strain relief conforming to UL 2238, are easy to connect due to their greater height. Depending on the connector version, cable diameters of between 4 and 14 mm with a conductor size of up to 1.5 mm2 can be used. The housings are also characterised by features such as acid resistance or biodegradability. The easy-to-grip housings ensure safe handling. The connectors are available with black or transparent housings, depending on the circuitry, and with two or three poles plus PE. The rated voltage is between 12 and 250 VAC/VDC, depending on the version, and the rated current between 1 and 10 A. Soanar Limited Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T228

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NEW PRODUCTS

Intelligent surge protection The Plugtrab PT-IQ product family from Phoenix Contact provides

Industrial field meters

proactive functional monitoring for signal interface surge protection

The NIM-511 and NIM-513 industrial field meters from

devices. A yellow status signal indicates that the performance

Narda are handheld measuring systems consisting of a

limit has been reached as a result of frequent surge voltages,

basic unit and a measuring probe equipped with electric and

while a small reserve capacity ensures that protection remains

magnetic field sensors. They provide a solution for the task of checking the compliance of industrial plant with regulations and limit values for electromagnetic radiation. The NIM-511 sensors cover a frequency range from 300 kHz to 100 MHz and are balanced during calibration at the 13.56 MHz ISM frequency often used in semiconductor manufacturing. The NIM-513 sensors cover the range of 10 to 42 MHz and are balanced during calibration at the 27.12 MHz ISM frequency - the frequency most often used for heat welding equipment and induction ovens. The devices are compact and weight 600 g. Other features include: automatic measurement range selection, auto-zeroing, clear operating

effective. The user is informed and can replace the protective connector before the protective function fails due to component overload. Failure is indicated by a red signal. Thanks to the remote signalling feature, users can inspect the system from any location and at any time. The controller assumes the management of a strip equipped with protective devices. It acts both as a power supply and an evaluation unit for all status signals. The system is freely scalable, but does require an additional controller to enhance performance of the power supply once the number of surge devices exceeds 28. The system can also be expanded to another mounting rail. The installation design, which includes an integrated rail-mounted

mode display and a digital result readout.

bus, allows for quick and error-free assembly. The power supply

Narda Safety Test Solutions GmbH

and status signal are connected as soon as a module is snapped

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S420

on, thus minimising the wiring effort. Phoenix Contact Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S265

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 27

WHAT GOES DOWN WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT Power outages cause minor disruption at best and massive upheaval and economic loss at worst. Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Industries tracked power outages across Australia and New Zealand for 12 months and compiled an annual report of its findings. Some of the highlights follow.

ne in four power outages and four of the five most significant blackouts occurring in Australia and New Zealand during 2012 were the result of severe weather. The causes included once-in-a-decade storm winds in Perth that left 161,000 people without power, severe winds that damaged poles and brought down lines in Taranaki, North Island, and damaging winds and torrential rainstorms in Sydney. Other common causes of power outages included human error and/or faulty equipment, vehicles, accidents involving vehicles, planned outages and animals. In total, 94 power outages were reported during 2012, down from 112 in 2011. The number of people affected dropped by almost half to 487,242. The average duration of each blackout was vastly improved, reducing from seven hours in 2011 to just under one and three-quarter hours. One of the year’s most unusual causes of a blackout occurred in January in Auckland, North Island, when an out-of-control hot air balloon crashed into power lines, sparking a catastrophic fire and cutting power to 3800 homes. Other vehicle accidents included a milk tanker truck that crashed into a power pole in Mataura, South Island, cutting power to 150 customers and spilling more than 12,000 litres of milk into a nearby river, and a crane that struck a power line while being carried on a barge near Swansea in New South Wales. The incident left 18,000 people without power. The report once again confirmed that animals and power lines are a bad combination for both humans and animals. A February

28 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

power outage that affected some 12,000 customers in Sydney was caused when a small, rogue possum came in contact with electrical equipment at a substation, resulting in a short circuit and the possum’s demise. Two outages were reported at data centres during the year. One, at Google’s data centre in Sydney, in June, briefly derailed services across Australia and New Zealand. No explanation was given for the outage. The second, at Equinix in Sydney, during November, caused up to three-hour delays for thousands of passengers flying with three major airlines from Australian airports. Equinix said the incident occurred after the facility experienced a short interruption to power that affected HVAC systems. “It’s almost impossible to ascertain the financial impact of such outages but it is reasonable to expect that the effects were significant. In addition to lost revenues and disruption for the businesses and their clients, outages frequently involve costs for detection, containment and recovery. There may be equipment and third-party expenses to be met,” says Michael Mallia, Marketing Manager, Eaton’s Power Quality division. “Given the importance of the data centre to business continuity, every organisation should actively mitigate risk by ensuring their centre is properly equipped with surge protectors, uninterruptible power supplies and generators.” In total, the North Island of New Zealand reported the greatest number of outages (30), followed by New South Wales (18), the South Island of New Zealand (16), Queensland (12), Victoria

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

POWER LOSS COSTS

Data centre outages

(9), Western Australia (5), South Australia (3) and the Northern Territory (1). For the second year running, no outages were reported in the Australian Capital Territory.

Productivity and monetary loss The losses from a power failure can be extensive and of great consequence. For a business, the recovery time is significant and the costs are high. According to Price Waterhouse research, after a power outage disrupts IT systems: • 33+% of companies take more than a day to recover • 10% of companies take more than a week • It can take up to 48 hours to reconfigure a network • It can take days or weeks to re-enter lost data • 90% of companies that experience a computer disaster and don’t have a survival plan go out of business within 18 months Financially, power outages can translate to substantial losses for the company affected. According to the US Department of Energy, when a power failure disrupts IT systems: • 33% of companies lose AU$18,500-$465,000 or NZ$24,000$600,000 (US$20,000-$500,000) • 20 % l o s e AU $ 4 6 5 ,0 0 0 - $ 1, 8 60 ,0 0 0 o r N Z $ 60 0 ,0 0 0 $2,400,000 (US$500,000-$2 million) • 15% lose more than AU$1,860,000 or NZ$2,400,000 (US $2 million) Currency conversion used: 1 USD = .93 AUD = 1.20 NZD

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

While almost all power outages produce some type of negative consequence - ranging from a minor inconvenience to massive financial implications - those affecting data centres often take the most serious financial toll. In fact, a February 2011 study conducted by Ponemon Institute found the average cost of a data centre outage to be more than $505,500 per incident - with some organisations experiencing in excess of $1 million in damages. In addition to lost revenues and business disruptions, there are a variety of core process-related activities that drive expenditures during an unplanned outage. The costs for detection, containment, recovery, ex-post recovery, equipment and third-party costs must all be taken into consideration, as well as losses related to IT and user productivity. Below are two reported data centre outages in Australia this year that were caused by power issues. Please note that it is difficult to ascertain the financial impact of the outages, but in many cases, it is reasonable to expect that they were significant. 1. Google, 8 June - Sydney, New South Wales: The web giant had services derailed in New Zealand and Australia due to the power outage in its Sydney data centre, which has peering points for Google. Users like Optus, iiNet and Internode reported having very slow or no access to Google services. The cause of the power cut was not reported. 2. Equinix, 10 November - Sydney, New South Wales: A brief cut at an Equinix data centre caused up to three-hour delays for thousands of passengers flying with three major airlines from Australian airports. Equinix said the incident occurred after the facility experienced a short interruption to power that affected HVAC systems.

Pros and cons of underground power lines With approximately 26% of reported outages caused by weatherrelated incidents and another 12% caused by vehicle accidents, why aren’t all power lines put underground? After a large storm - particularly one involving strong winds, heavy rain and lightning - questions are frequently asked about power lines, which are often downed by falling trees during powerful storms. So why aren’t all power lines buried underground, which would eliminate the chance of weather-related outages? Also, many vehicle-related power failures could be avoided with buried power lines. In addition, removing above-ground power lines from view would be much more aesthetically pleasing. The main issue with placing lines underground is cost. According to several studies on the subject, the installation of underground transmission lines costs about $5 million per mile - 10 times the cost of overhead lines. These power lines, often suspended by large towers, bring high-voltage electricity to transformers, which in turn step down the voltage for distribution. Installation of underground distribution power lines - bringing lower-voltage electricity to homes and schools - also costs approximately $1 mil-

MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 29

POWER LOSS COSTS

lion per mile, once again representing 10 times the cost of overhead lines. There are also increased costs for maintenance and repair of lines that are underground. Outages caused by problems with underground lines last longer than those related to overhead lines, and rate increases to cover these increased costs were estimated at a whopping 125%. In addition, underground systems, while inherently less prone to weather-related problems, are susceptible to flooding. Salt water further exacerbates the problems.The results of most studies suggest that the price to bury power lines is generally cost-prohibitive. The cost becomes more reasonable if an entire development is being excavated and the power lines can be buried as part of the process. Another exception is in large cities where aboveground space is at a premium and underground infrastructure already exists.

outage. These and other findings were collected during the first Reliability Demand Survey, conducted in April 2012 by YouGov Definitive Insights. Sponsored by Build Energy America and Potomac Communications Group, the study gauged the opinion of more than 500 Americans and found that “an increasing hypersensitive segment of the public has developed a low tolerance for any outages”, according to Steven Mitnick of Build Energy America. In fact, more than one-third of the public wouldn’t accept a two-day outage even if they were paid as much as $1000 for the inconvenience. Even more, 45% said they would pay their utility up to $40 more per month if power outages could be kept to 4 hours or less - a fee that 55% of those living in the heat of the South promised.

Zero tolerance for power outages?

The most important thing a business can do is develop a power protection plan, incorporating some form of uninterruptible power systems (UPS), battery backup products and standby or portable generators. For more information, or to download a copy of the complete Blackout Tracker report, go to the Eaton Industries site - http:// powerquality.eaton.com/australia - and search “Blackout Tracker”.

Is the inability to recharge your mobile phone enough to throw you into a tizzy? Many Americans cannot tolerate the inconveniences of even a brief power outage, citing the loss of air conditioning and heat, and the inability to recharge mobile devices, entertainment and digital data among the most unpleasant consequences. In fact, unless an outage is caused by an extreme weather event, 100% uptime is the expectation of more than one-quarter of respondents, who said they believe they should never experience an electricity

What can businesses do to protect themselves?

Eaton Industries Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T032

Sensorless Vector Control Drives

0.75kw to 400kw

• LCD keypad offers a user-friendly operation interface. The display screen can be defined by the user with TP-Editor soft. • Quick setting, user defined parameter management, and parameter copy functions make the installation fast and easy. • Modular design for flexible extension and ease maintenance. • Built-in BACnet and MODBUS. Various optional communication cards such as ProfiBUS-DP, DeviceNet, MODBUS TCP, EtherNet-IP, and CANopen. • Long-life design. • The PCB (Printed Circuit Board) coating enhances the reliability and durability. • Fire mode and Bypass functions provide safe operation in an emergency. • Useful functions for pump and fan applications, such as: PID control, sleep/wake up functions, flying start, and skip frequency. • Multi-pumps control functions, such as: fixed time, fixed quantity, circulating controls. The driver can control a maximum of eight pumps at the same time. An optional relay extension card is available depending on the pump quantity. • Built-in PLC 10K step and Real time Clock.

www.mechtric.com.au Perth 08 92480410 / Adelaide 08 83472499 / Melbourne 03 97064599 Sydney 02 96745511 / Brisbane 07 32743327

30 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NEW

AC271458_MountingBlocks_3rdP_ECD SOLUTIONS

PRODUCTS

Thermal imaging camera The VarioCAMhr from Infratec is a high-resolution camera for high thermal imaging performance. It has a modular device concept which permits the camera equipment to be custom designed according to the user’s needs. Thermographic images are displayed with high quality in an adjustable, high-resolution colour viewfinder which simultaneously provides an overview of the current measuring conditions. The camera has replaceable, fast rechargeable Li-Ion batteries and low power consumption, which ensures a long working autonomy. It is offered with various detector formats and temperature measuring ranges, which can be extended. It comes with high-quality infrared lenses, powerful tools of the thermography software suite IRBIS 3 and a wide range of accessories. Applications include: preventive maintenance on electrical equipment and mechanical components; building thermography; inspection of facilities; inspection of power plants; control cabinet inspection; condition monitoring. SciTech Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T226

Mounting Blocks

for Steel Sheds, Work Sheds, Boat Sheds, Garages..... FITS VIRTUALLY ALL 64mm TOP HAT PURLINS

IMPROVED SIZED CONDUIT ENTRIES THAT CAN BE BLANKED OFF

Infrared imaging mobile app FLIR Tools Mobile is a free app for Apple and Android devices. It enables live video streaming to a mobile device from compatible FLIR E-Series and FLIR T-Series infrared cameras, allowing the user to monitor from a distance and show others what the camera is seeing as it happens. A camera update applies to the FLIR Exx, T4xx and T6xx series only. Using the app, thermographers can incorporate images into professional reports, then send them from the field by email or up to the cloud for customers and co-workers. FLIR Tools Mobile offers a range of features: import stored images wirelessly, adjust the temperature span and contrast levels, change colour palettes, add temperature measurement tools, play back voice comments, auto and manual focus, adjust picturein-picture, thermal fusion, and infrared and visible light image blending, remote control your FLIR infrared camera, support for MSX (Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging) images, support for sketch images on both infrared and visual images by the toggling on/off feature, support for same FOV (field of view) match, editable text comments. FLIR Tools+ offers extended functionality, allowing the user to create advanced analysis of infrared images and video files (and output results) anomalies and trends in impressive PDF reports. Main features include: report templates (horizontal IR + DC, vertical IR + DC, horizontal IR + IR), import images from camera to computer, apply search filters, search text, images and annotations, store the five latest search criteria, layout, move and resize measurement tools on any infrared image, create imagesheets of any images, add headers, footers and logos, report editor and sort function. FLIR Systems Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S485

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For simplified installation of GPO’s, switches and data sockets Install more units in less time with a neater finish = more profit per job Slotted holes for accurate installation with fitted caps for a neater finish 25 mm entries each end with 25 mm to 20 mm reducers/blanking plugs supplied with each unit 20 mm knockout available on the back For unit renovations – Fitting exhaust fans For exterior security lights and sensors under eaves Designed to fit virtually all 64 mm top hat purlins For MDF benches and counters and office stations – Low profile protrusion into the workspace Fully enclosed for electrical safety and tested by NATA accredited laboratory Able to be gang joined Install in any location along wall or ceiling Install multiple units above work benches Designed and manufactured in Australia Protected by Australian Patent and Design Registration

who else would you trust! Ampere Electrical Manufacturing Co. Pty. Ltd. 174-176 High Street, Prahran,VIC 3181 Tel (03) 9510 4333, 9510 2428 Fax (03) 9510 5940 Toll Free 1800 AMPERE (1800 267 373) www.ampere.com.au

MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 31

NEW PRODUCTS

Digital current measurement AEMC has released the Digital FlexProbe series for TRMS AC current measurements. The devices are rated at 600 V CAT IV and provide a useful solution for accessing electrical conductors in tight places. There are two models available: the 400D, with either a 6 or 10″ sensor, has a measurement range starting at 20 mA and is designed for work in residential, commercial and light industrial applications. It can be used to check electrical distribution systems up to 400 A. The 4000D, available with a 14″ sensor, has a measurement range starting at 100 mA and can be used on higher-power industrial installations, as well as electrical utilities for measurements up to 4000 A. FlexProbe is simple to use: two buttons start the instrument, deactivate the auto power-off, hold the value on the display or store the maximum value (max hold). The values are read directly on the built-in 4000-count display. They are ergonomically designed for comfortable handheld use even when bulky gloves are required. The optional articulating, magnetic Multifix mounting system accessory makes it simple to hang on a wall, door or table edge, or it can be clipped onto a belt. Features include: measurement from 20 m AAC to 4000 A (model dependent), available with 6, 10 and 14″ sensor lengths, resolution down to 1 mA (model dependent), auto-ranging, hold feature, direct reading, flexible current sensor, true RMS, safety rating of 600 V CAT IV, sensor diameter 1.77 to >3.94″. The FlexProbe devices are designed for applications such as measuring branch current in breaker panels, measurement of industrial loads, HVAC current measurements, residential and commercial site current monitoring and general AC current measurement. AEMC Instruments Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S851

32 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

HARMONICS

THE PERILS

OF AN UNBALANCED NETWORK

Frequently misunderstood and often not adequately factored in to engineering specs, harmonics can cause serious headaches for contractors. Unbalanced networks often warrant costly upgrades or rectification, which can leave the contractor carrying the can.

here was a time when neutrals were adequately sized at half the gauge of phase conductors. Of course, unbalanced phases could cause problems, but the increasing incidence of harmonics creating loads now requires much more attention, not only to neutral gauges, but also to harmonics mitigation methods. Harmonics mitigation works well in theory when loads are balanced in three-phase networks. In practice, however, it’s another matter. The use of active filters in three-phase, fourwire reticulation is seen as an adequate solution to cleaning up harmonics as well as ‘unloading’ the neutral, but an active filtering solution should offer a range of features in order to deliver adequate harmonics mitigation. Harmonics are a relatively modern phenomenon, which have come about as a result of loads such as electronic ballasts for fluorescent lighting, compact fluorescent lighting (CFL), LED lighting, computers, electronic cash registers, scanners and modern heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). Harmonics basically cause significant additional current to provide energy to these types of loads.

A good solution for harmonic mitigation active filters As the name implies, harmonic filters separate out the harmonic current contribution, preventing that current from flowing through the electrical installation. At least, they do to whatever possible

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

Subodh Bhatia extent as dictated by the constraints of technology. They are particularly effective if placed close to the harmonic-generating loads. Active filters (as opposed to passive), are able to adapt to rapid changes in the harmonic load typical of many installations. They basically function by measuring the harmonic component and providing a suitable anti-phase part of the load current, thus leaving the line current without harmonic components. In hardware terms, active filters are basically converters feeding DC links serving as temporary energy storage. The conversion takes place on the basis of harmonics to be absorbed, these having been measured in the first place by current transformers. Global or broadband correction takes place by mimicking the distorted current component, the fundamental having been isolated by means of a notch filter. This is basically a very fast method in terms of time response. An alternative method relies on harmonic analysis and utilising the harmonic pattern for activating the conversion process. It is slower, but allows correction on the basis of individual harmonics.

The cost-effective method Without doubt, the most cost-effective method of harmonics mitigation in three-phase, four-wire circuits is the use of threephase active filters rather than single-phase filters. Using an office building application for illustration, these circuits will generate large amounts of 3rd harmonic, as well as higher socalled “zero sequence orders” (9th, 15th, 21st etc), generated

MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 33

HARMONICS

NOT ALL ACTIVE FILTERS ARE EQUAL. IDEALLY, AN ACTIVE FILTER SHOULD OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF PROGRAMMING POSSIBILITIES.

by lighting ballasts and power supplies and by computer power supplies. The HVAC plant in the building on the other hand, comprising compressors and fans, generates the 5th, 7th, 11th, 13th etc. These are negative and positive rotating phasors and are more than likely resulting in circuits fed from separate distribution boards. Phase voltages are therefore also likely to be balanced. General power and lighting circuits are fed from multiple distribution boards, with some loads straddling two phases. Not only are phase voltages likely to have some degree of unbalance, but phase currents can exhibit large differences. The 3rd harmonic, often very pronounced, is a particular problem that adds significantly to neutral current. For all other harmonics, excluding higher order zero sequences, the vector sums tend towards zero and therefore a small contribution to the neutral current. Mitigation of the zero sequence harmonics is a technical challenge, as some active filters solve the problem by monitoring the harmonic components in the neutral and correcting for those components. This may seem a suitable solution, but the result is a redistribution of zero sequence harmonics taking place in the phases. In effect, each phase receives exactly one third of the corrected component so that the 3rd harmonic (taken to

34 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

be the principal component) in each phase is not necessarily zero. This becomes an algebraic sum, taking account of signs, of the original plus 1/3 of the neutral current. If the loads in each phase were balanced this would be the case, but in any other condition there will be net 3rd harmonic flowing in each phase - ie, there will be no correction. So, what appears to be a solution in terms of unloading neutrals has simply shifted the problem back to the phases. Not all active filters are equal. Ideally, an active filter should offer a wide range of programming possibilities. While many are well suited to cleaning up harmonics in commercial installations, consulting engineers and specifiers should pay particular attention to the methods employed for mitigating zero sequence harmonics, the 3rd harmonic in particular. Monitoring all three phases by means of individual phase CTs and via programming methods that permit phase-balancing will result in acceptable outcomes for both neutral current phase harmonic mitigation. Additionally, active filters should be able to provide var compensation and to minimise the effect of flicker. Westek Electronics Pty Ltd www.westek.com.au

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NEW PRODUCTS

Portable AC hipot test set The High Voltage Inc PFT Series Portable AC Hipot Test Set is well suited for testing vacuum bottles and interrupters, switch gear, overhead apparatus, bus ducts, motorised vacuum switches and more. The capacitive load compensation enables full load testing with a power draw of 1.5 kVA while operating from a conventional line output. The device is available to rent. A dual-range kilovoltmeter and triple-range output current meter are additional control features of this model, along with the standard control features, such as continuous adjustable output voltage control, external safety interlock, zero-start safety interlock, self resetting over current protection and more. Features include: top toroid (no output cable); 0-100 kVac, 1 kVA resistive load; 3 kVA capacitive load; 30 mA current. TechRentals Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S694

Resistance meter The Hioki Model 3544 resistance meter is a four-terminal instrument providing a basic resolution of 1 袖立 and has a large measurement range from 30 m立 to 3.5 M立 at a maximum measurable current of 300 mA. The 3544 is suited to applications including motor windings, solenoid and relay coils, chokes and transformers, wiring harnesses, switches etc. Analysis time is typically 23 ms when employing the standard 50 Hz line voltage power source. The instrument is available with a comparator option with audio alarm, suitable for quality inspection purposes. An optional temperature sensor is also available allowing cross-correlation with resistance measurements using input temperature coefficients. The 3544 is available with various output options including a USB port, RS232 port and printer port. It readily integrates with ATE systems via NPN/PNP compatible I/O support. The power supply is suitable for a wide range of input voltages from 100 to 240. Power Parameters Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S952

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MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 35

NEW PRODUCTS

Power logger The Hioki Model PW3360-20 clamp-on power logger is a compact, handheld power line analyser suitable for single- and three-phase, three- and four-wire circuits with voltages to 780. The logger is suitable for service work in remote areas due to its option-

IS multifunction calibrator

al rechargeable battery

The ATEX and IECEx certified 2nd genera-

pack. LAN connectivity

tion of the Beamex MC2-IS intrinsically

provided by the http server

safe (IS) multifunction calibrator is a

function permits display

practical tool designed for field calibration

on a PC of measured

and testing in explosive environments.

values and also set-up of

The device features an LED backlight

measurement conditions

for improved display visibility and has a

via free software available

more powerful processor

from Hioki.

and an improved battery

The instrumentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s USB port allows direct connection to a PC,

shelf life. The MC2-IS has a

which then allows recognition of the internal memory and SD

stronger IS unit identification

cards. A range of current clamps provides measurement to 5000 A,

and calibration capabilities

and power measurement to 9 Megawatt. Leakage clamp trans-

for pressure, temperature

ducers are available permitting simultaneous measurement of

and electrical signals. It con-

up to three, single-phase circuits. Measurement parameters

nects to almost 20 available

include voltage, current, frequency, power, apparent power,

Beamex IS external pressure

reactive power and power factor, as well as integrated demand.

modules. It is a compact-

Data storage is via SD memory card allowing retention of

sized, lightweight portable

several monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; data. The operator is guided through the set-up

calibrator with a multilingual

by means of sample-schematics indicating the correct way of

interface and a complete

connecting current clamps and voltage connection leads, and

numerical keyboard.

screen-displayed, life-like, illustrated connectors to be used. In

AMS Instrumentation & Calibration Pty Ltd

addition the operator is guided by short text messages indicat-

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S855

36 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

ing the measurement sequence to be followed. Power Parameters Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S953

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NEW PRODUCTS

IP68 rated connectors Harwinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HotShoe connectors are a rugged, fastmating and simple-to-use connector system for docking and charging. Available inÂ eight, 12 and 16 positions and rated to 1 A per contact, they are suitable for applications that require a high number of mating cycles. Fabricated using highly durable moulded plastics, the connectors are designed to be mounted behind panels and offer solder cup for

Step-and-touch voltage accessory set Available to rent, the Omicron Step & Touch Voltage Accessory Set is combined with the Omicron CPC 100 and CP CU1 as a measurement system for step-and-touch voltages. The battery-powered FFT voltmeter (CP AL1) operates with short leads and requires no connections back to the CPC 100. The kit is portable and self-contained, so once the current injection has been initiated from the CPC 100, the tester can move quickly and freely around the substation gathering measurement data. Features include: offset test frequency for noise reduction; lightweight for easy portability. TechRentals Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S543

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26 AWG cable or PC tail contacts. The connectors are robust, ensuring continued reliability in the combat arena or in less harsh environments. The connectors are used in medical and military applications and are also suitable for use in portable equipment where separate battery modules are used, for data transfer docking stations, battery charging and data communications equipment. Other applications include thermal imaging cameras, in-vehicle detachable equipment and handheld scanners. The connectors enable rapid and simple connection, suitable for field mating, but also tolerate mating misalignment. They resist dust, water and chemical ingress to IP68 at 1.5 m depth for 2 h both mated and unmated. They have durable spring-loaded contacts capable of 10,000 cycles, which maintain a positive contact force against the mating half of the connector, ensuring reliable connection even under the most demanding conditions. Clarke & Severn Electronics Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S530

MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 37

NEW PRODUCTS

Mobile PV plant design

Modular energy meters The LOVATO Electric DME modular energy meters provide a solution for the measurement and analysis of energy consumption to control energy usage throughout buildings and manufacturing plants. Two single-phase versions can be connected directly to systems with rating up to 40 or 63 A. Two three-phase versions are available, one with direct 63 A current and the other with current transformer connection. Consumption is displayed by a front panel LCD or by a programmable pulse output, which can also act as an alarm if the preset thresholds are exceeded. The user can also view the voltage, current, frequency, power, power factor and maximum. values. There is also a counter that monitors load time or alarm duration. On the three-phase versions, two tariffs can be selected using an AC input. The three-phase version with current transformer connection has an optical port on the side of the casing, which can be used to expand the base unit with programmable expansion modules including digital inputs and outputs, USB, RS232, RS485 and ethernet communications and data logging. The DME CD data concentrator can be used to connect devices with a pulse output that do not have a communication interface to a data network. The DME CD is provided with an integrated RS485 port and the eight pulse inputs (further expanded using expansion modules). The pulses received are meter sources shown on the display, and these can be fully programmed in terms of magnitude, unit of measure and description and further manipulated using arithmetic operations or derivative functions. There are also other advanced functions such as Boolean logic, limit thresholds, alarms, hour counter, remote variables as well as fully programmable inputs and outputs. Both the DME CD data concentrator and the DME D310 T2 energy meter can be remotely read using the DMKSW remote control software. Mechtric Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S776

SMA Solar Technology now offers easy and uncomplicated PV plant configuration via the internet. Plant planners and installers can now take full advantage of the improved functions of SMA’s Sunny Design software, worldwide and on the go, in any current browser without the need to download or install software. The program calculates the perfect plant configuration using the most relevant information. SMA has made the improved version 3.0 of the design software available for online use in all current web browsers and mobile devices, a solution for tablet PCs and Apple products. Downloads and updates are no longer required as users always have the latest version of the software. SMA claims they have designed a simple user interface in such a way that operates via touch. The software also recognises the hardware being used and automatically adapts the format of the user interface. They have also added some content features including the ability to factor in energy storage systems, such as their own Sunny Backup, when creating self-consumption projections. The online tool also permits multistring design of different substrings with an MPP tracker. Registered SMA Sunny Portal users benefit from personalised access and online project management. Sunny Design Web is available free of charge. SMA Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S268

Dry-type transformers The EcoDry low-loss transformer, TriDry triangular transformer and PoleDry transformers can provide improved efficiency, safety and eco-compatibility for utility, oil and gas, and mining industries. The PoleDry transformer is a dry-type (no fluid inside) transformer designed for pole-mounted applications and is claimed to be the safest transformer for people, property and the environment in overhead distribution. The transformer is manufactured using ABB’s Vacuum Cast Coil (VCC) technology so the transformer is nonflammable and self-extinguishing. The TriDry transformer adopts ABB’s latest core technology, using a triangular construction for its core. Along with the traditional advantages offered by a dry-type transformer, the symmetrical construction ensures that no-load losses, footprint, weight, noise emissions, inrush currents, harmonic content and stray magnetic fields are all reduced. This compact, efficient and safe transformer range extends from 100 to 2500 kVA. EcoDry dry-type distribution transformers provide the inherent benefits of a dry-type transformer, including fire safety and environmental friendliness (no fluid leakage) with high efficiencies to provide a solution for renewable energy applications. EcoDry transformers incorporate amorphous-metal core lamination which reduces transformer losses up to 70%. The EcoDryBasic dry-type transformer is for distribution transformers with a low average load and the EcoDry99Plus is suitable for applications involving a high to very high loading. ABB Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T227

38 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

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CASE STUDY

Integration is the key radiators on the upper level. Water for the system is heated by solar with gas backup and pumped to where it is required by a complex system of manifolds and valves. The system incorporates 13 thermostats. On the ground floor, they are placed within the concrete slab, housed inside conduit. Rene has programmed the C-Bus system to provide absolute control, with individual zoning to every area throughout the building. In addition to the water circulation required for the heating system, three circulation pumps are also needed to ensure delivery of hot water throughout the property. C-Bus has managed to reduce

gas expenditure by turning off the pumps lipsal C-Bus can be programmed to do some impressive

when the home is vacated and turning them back on when the

things, but often the most spectacular functions are

entry system is activated.

unseen - quietly going about their business without any fuss or fanfare.

Such is the case with a project recently completed by Club

Cooling is provided by a multisplit system, with individual head units also able to be controlled via C-Bus. Gallery or cinema, C-Bus sets the scene

Clipsal member Rene Strehler from Swiss Precision Pty Ltd, in

C-Bus ensures all curtains and blinds are closed when the property

the trendy inner-Sydney suburb of Surry Hills.

is vacated, in order to prevent the extensive art collection being

As an approved C-Bus Point One Installer, Rene has years

exposed to direct sunlight for lengthy periods; and numerous

of experience installing C-Bus systems with all of the bells and

scenes have been programmed to ensure the cinema, located on

whistles, but even by his high standards, this job was quite special.

the ground level, provides a genuine Hollywood experience.

Integrated team equals integrated solutions

C-Bus also provides complete control over the 180 groups of

The project involved the complete transformation of an old

lights throughout the dwelling, accessed via a colour touch screen

warehouse into a stunning living space. The property was familiar

and several DLT wall switches. The addition of Wiser provides the

with change, having been converted into a garage during the 1940s

owner with total control over the entire home by remote device,

and 50s, and then a nightclub in the 1990s.

from anywhere in the world and via iPad and iPhone within its

Rene became involved due to his long-term professional association with the builder, Collins Integrated. Working with the client and interior designer Steven Collins, the project was a true collaboration throughout its three-year duration. “Central to the original brief was that the old and the new should

Wi-Fi reach. C-Bus even ensures the elevator arrives at the car park level at 5 pm daily, in anticipation of the owner’s arrival home. Because of the unusual configuration of the home and its sheer size, Rene has programmed almost 80 individual scenes into the

complement each other perfectly,” said Rene. “The job virtually

C-Bus system, allowing for virtually any eventuality.

evolved as we progressed, meaning most of the time we didn’t

The satisfaction of a job well done

have drawings to work with. Every step of the way, decisions

“Because of the ongoing consultation process and the desire to

were made on-site after discussion between the client, interior

get things exactly right, this client really was the best I’ve ever

designer, builder and myself. The end result demonstrates that

worked with,” Rene concludes. “The interior designer, Steven, had

this sort of attention to detail really pays off.”

such a specific vision of what the project should be, how it should

Everything old is new again

perfectly integrate the old and the new, and we all bought into the

Before any rebuilding could commence, the entire warehouse was

vision. It was a fantastic experience and the client is delighted

gutted, to provide a blank canvas. The new configuration would

with the result.”

incorporate two levels at the front and rear of the building, with a

Other items linked to C-Bus include: the irrigation system, which

patio in the middle. The front and rear areas would be connected

includes a rain meter and several solenoids, all access control

by a bridge and a garage would sit under the structure.

(front gate, doors and garage doors), security alarm and smoke

Creating the perfect climate

detection to activate lights in the event of a fire.

Efficient heating and cooling would be crucial to ensuring the comfort of the occupants, and hydronic underfloor heating was

Schneider Electric Aust Pty Limited (Clipsal)

selected for the ground floor areas, connected to a system of

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S655

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 41

CHEAPER AND GREENER

- ENOUGH REASON TO CHANGE?

In the last issue of ECD Solutions, we asked the question why bother changing from a CCTV surveillance installation to a more expensive IP solution? This issue, we take it a step further and take a look at a true decentralised system and a study of the costs involved in implementing all three solutions. German manufacturer Mobotix AG carried out a cost-analysis study, using its own system, as well as an analog installation and a ‘traditional’ IP solution. The findings follow.

he majority of currently installed video security systems can be considered outdated, as they are based on analog technology. Although the approach is adequate enough, these systems have many limitations. This is why using network cameras with megapixel resolution makes sense for many scenarios. In terms of image quality, cost efficiency, flexibility and scope of applications, IP is the clear number one choice, which is also reflected by numerous market forecasts. According to the market analysts from Markets and Markets, the global market for these solutions is growing at an annual rate of approximately 19% and is predicted to reach a volume of over US$25 billion by the end of 2016. Analysts further expect the sales volume of IP cameras to exceed that of analog cameras as early as 2014.

More detail, more possibilities Network cameras make it possible to monitor objects over an IP network (LAN/WAN/internet) and can record the image data, providing additional benefits and high image quality. In sensitive security areas, high-quality images are essential, so traditional analog technology simply doesn’t offer enough. Live images based on analog technology have no more than 0.4 megapixels (MP) and a recorded image generally only 0.1 MP (CIF). Images with such low resolution often appear out of focus, making it impossible to zoom in on detail. In contrast, HD cameras can record up to 3.1 MP and capture about 30 times the detail. Combined with a megapixel sensor and built-in image processing technology, the images produced can be higher resolution than HDTV.

42 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

Open and flexible IP video security interfaces well with other systems and can easily be integrated into applications such as fire or intrusion alarm systems, building management or access control. With IP technology, authorised users can access a selected building or a single camera part of the security system from any computer, notebook or even smartphone and remotely control it from anywhere in the world.

Saving costs with IP Thanks to the high resolution of IP technology, fewer cameras are required to record the necessary image section in comparison to analog or standard IP systems. For example, hemispheric camera technology enables a single camera system to capture views of up to 360°, reducing the number of cameras required and the associated costs. Where four conventional cameras would be required to record the activities at a four-lane service station, one single IP camera could now be sufficient. Costs are even further reduced as existing network infrastructure can be utilised for integration of the IP cameras. This does away with time-consuming and costly cabling expenses.

Decentralisation makes high-resolution cost efficient Even though the benefits of high-resolution network technology are easy to see, the recorded images present a challenge because of the high data volumes generated. Under this system, a high-performance and well-dimensioned network with large bandwidth is needed. A decentralised solution solves the problem, as each camera is equipped with a powerful processor and, if required, an optional digital long-term

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

DECENTRALISED SECURITY

It’s the holistic view that counts

flash memory (MicroSD) card that enables recording over several days. The central computer, or video control centre, serves only for viewing, not for analysis or recording. This prevents users from having to rely on complex and expensive video management software, as most of the important functions requiring a large amount of processing power are integrated into the cameras themselves. Efficient video codecs, motion detection and data storage integrated into the camera help to minimise the network load. As a result, a high-resolution security monitoring system can be implemented and operated at a low cost. This makes it a suitable solution for installations requiring just a few projects or for those with several hundred devices, such as areas, museums, airports or highways.

Network cameras: going ‘green’ When planning a video surveillance system, investment security is one of the biggest reasons to go digital. However, decision makers base their choice on other high-priority aspects including energy efficiency and sustainability, as well as cost efficiency. At first sight, modern ‘energy- and bandwidth-hungry’ video systems appear at odds with green thinking. In most cases, this assumption is probably reasonably accurate, but in the case of Mobotix, the opposite is true as the camera’s wide temperature range (-30 to +60°C) is achieved without the use of heating or fans and consumes only 3 to 4 watts. Additionally, fewer cameras are used. As users increasingly want to see a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis, Mobotix decided to carry out its own cost analysis study to see which installation method faired best.

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It is difficult to actually quantify the savings that can be achieved by using a video security system, as return-on-investment can be indirect and generally stems from a number of different factors. Any true cost analysis should therefore include more than just the one-time procurement costs and ongoing operating costs. Operational expenditure on elements that have been eradicated using newer technologies also impacts on the overall end price. It is the costs arising from theft, vandalism and other destructive acts (which are be avoided because of the deterring nature of video systems) that are so difficult to quantify. This means that the use of security systems cannot really be measured in terms of monetary outlay, even though they improve security in public spaces or deter crime in retail and hospitality environments. Theft can noticeably affect return on investment in the retail sector, for example. ¤3.7 billion worth of goods went missing in the German retail sector in 2010 according to EHI, a private research institute; a compelling reason to favour using state-of-the-art video security systems. It is notoriously difficult to predict how high the costs would be without the deterrent effect of security systems. In all likelihood, this cost might be far higher than the value that was calculated. Furthermore, intelligent video applications can also contribute to security in other areas and provide additional return on investment. They can be used in a number of sectors, including the retail sector, to analyse customer behaviour or determine the amount of time passengers spend at an airport check-in counter. This information can be used to develop concepts that benefit customers and sales.

Comparison of the procurement, installation and operating costs of different video security systems Although undertaking a return-on-investment analysis is difficult, it does permit comparison of different systems in terms of procurement, installation and operating costs such as camera maintenance, software updates, licence fees and power consumption. Mobotix AG, a software company with in-house hardware development for digital, high-resolution and network-based video security solutions, decided to carry out a cost analysis of its own in-house solution by comparing it with analog and traditional IP camera solutions. The study used similar application scenarios and comparable software and hardware elements.

MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 43

DECENTRALISED SECURITY

Creating a level playing field The sample analog installation consisted of 50 security cameras (15 outdoor, 35 indoor) in D1 PAL resolution. The installation also included four analog 16-channel digital video recorders (DVRs) with a storage capacity of 500 GB and a multiplexer crosspoint switch for selective alarm management. Costs were also incurred for the video management system (VMS) software for recording, searching, analysing and alarm management, and the control centre hardware with four video workstations. The traditional IP camera installation also consisted of 50 security cameras (15 outdoor, 35 indoor) including switches, motherboard and the RAID system. As with the analog system, the IP solution required VMS software and hardware for the control centre. The number of cameras in the decentralised IP solution was reduced to 35, as fewer cameras were required to capture the desired image area. This is due to the higher resolution capability of the (Mobotix) cameras. The use of fewer hardware items immediately realises lower installation costs in terms of labour, as well as a reduction in the number of required cables and other essential hardware such as PoE switches. The decentralised solution also provides savings in other areas, including storage and power supply. Using this methodology, images are processed directly in the camera. Using power over ethernet (PoE) technology, cameras receive their power supply via ethernet cable, removing the need for additional copper and power draw.

According to Mobotix, the decentralised system presented a clear advantage over analog in the direct cost comparison; procurement costs are approximately 30% lower, installation almost 15% lower and it offers 66% lower operating costs per year. Power consumption is less than 30%. When compared to the HD IP system, the decentralised solution is less expensive to acquire, with a difference of around 10%. In contrast, the operating costs are 79% lower, making them significantly below those of the traditional IP camera solution. With less than half (47%) of the energy costs, the decentralised solution is also particularly cost effective and environmentally friendly.

The only option Companies that are looking to modernise an existing system, or set up a new one, are increasingly looking to network solutions. Such systems are ideally equipped to keep up with emerging needs and technologies, because modern security systems can be easily upgraded, expanded or combined with other digital applications. When combining this technology with a decentralised system approach based on in-camera image processing that takes a major load off the network, high-resolution security systems are not only convenient and user friendly, but also cost efficient. Mobotix Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T063

NEW PRODUCTS

Software client for HD recording Axis Communications has announced a major upgrade of the free software client Axis Camera Companion, which doubles recording capacity when using SD memory cards in surveillance products. Support for 64 GB SDXC cards in all network video products with SD card capabilities means that each camera can record over one month of video in HDTV quality. The new version includes support for administrator, operator and viewer user access levels, so that system access for different users can be restricted. Joystick support for efficient control of Axis PTZ network cameras is also available. Video can be viewed live and recordings played back from on-site or remotely over the internet. The system supports motion detection and pan/tilt/zoom control. Video clips and snapshots can be exported and third-party apps used for viewing live and recorded video on leading smartphones and tablets, such as iPhone, iPad and Android. Unlike analog surveillance installations, Axis Camera Companion does not require a central recording device. All images are recorded onto a standard SD memory card in each camera and the cameras keep recording even if the network fails. The cameras are powered over the network, eliminating the need for separate power cables, reducing cost, simplifying installation and making the system more robust. Existing analog cameras can be integrated via video encoders. Axis Camera Companion 1.3 software client is available for free download from http://www.axis.com/products/cam_companion_software/index.htm. Axis Communications (S) Pte Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S853

44 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NEW PRODUCTS

Control switch Clipsal by Schneider Electric has launched the enhanced Dynamic Labelling Technology (eDLT) switch. Based on the C-Bus DLT switch, the eDLT offers both installers and end users greater functionality and design benefits, simplified installation and displays C-Bus system information that would usually require a touch screen. Offered in a range of styles and finishes to complement almost any decor and design, a key feature of the switch is the high-resolution screen and tri-colour LEDs, which allow customised colour combinations to be achieved with ease. The eDLT features tri-colour LEDs with multiple screen and LED colour options, which can be programmed to suit almost any interior decor. LED colours can be used to reflect load thresholds such as red if too much power is being consumed or green to indicate the alarm is on. The dual function buttons feature a left/right rocking action which can perform a different function depending on position. This is particularly useful when dimming lights up or down or controlling the volume of music. Dynamic labelling and complementary icons provide labelling options that offer more than typical switch function. Users can see the state of the device being controlled, as well as information such as temperature or power consumption. The eDLT can be woken from its standby state by the proximity sensor that will activate when the user’s hand comes within 10 cm and the colour LCD screen allows the installer to choose from a range of background and text colours. A magnetic mounting bracket ensures that the eDLT snaps quickly and securely into place onto the fixing bracket, resulting in a quick and easy installation. The device is configurable via C-Bus Toolkit software, employing a ‘what you see is what you get’ user interface that greatly assists with the configuration. Field-upgradeable firmware also ensures that the user has the latest product features. Schneider Electric Aust Pty Limited (Clipsal) Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S946

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MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 45

CASE STUDY

A touch of virtual reality

he operator of the South Australian electricity

a solution that not everyone would have understood, or agreed on.”

distribution network, SA Power Networks, is the

She described feedback on the process from SA Power

latest organisation to benefit from the expertise of

Networks as being excellent, with the result being Jumbo Vision

local company Jumbo Vision, which specialises in

was awarded the contract to go ahead with the upgrade.

the development and integration of control rooms that deftly

Full-scale physical models are an expensive option, however,

balance the human factor with the latest audiovisual technology.

with the project essentially serving as a proof-of-concept for the

One of Jumbo Vision’s main areas of focus is the technical

next phase of virtualisation: a walk-through, 1:1 representation

room, something it has been involved in since the early 1990s.

of the control room projected on the floor in 2D and 3D. Termed

Over the last decade, it has been busy extending its skill set into

‘CADwalk’, it will be particularly useful to operators and other

related areas, including audiovisual system integration, command

stakeholders who often find it difficult to translate 2D CAD designs

and control consulting, and technical furniture design.

into how the space will operate once completed.

These skills were recently put to the test on the SA Power Networks project, which presented Jumbo with two special challenges. First, it was an upgrade of an existing mission-critical control room - namely, its network operations centre - so the changeover had to be done right the first time. Second, with electricity such an essential service, the control room had to be both extremely reliable and functional from the outset, with its operators already well trained in its use. The main challenge, therefore, was to create a bespoke control room design that had, in effect, already been proven in battle. For Jumbo Vision, it would be one of the more complex undertakings it has been involved with, ultimately requiring the installation of 14 new custom-built operator desks, supplied by technical furniture industry heavyweight Evans Consoles. Canada-based

In addition to the consoles, Jumbo Vision also oversaw the

Evans counts NASA, Shell and BHP Australia among its clients,

installation of over 40 monitor mounts which had been customised

with Jumbo Vision - through its recently launched Control

to SA Power Networks’ requirements, with one solution requiring

Room Solutions - partnered as its Australian manufacturing

the motorisation of a triple-screen array for each console. Over

representative.

80 Samsung MDX230 monitors were supplied and installed, and

For the project to be a success, and proof of Jumbo Vision’s ability to deliver on some of the most stringent quality and uptime

they also supplied and integrated all console cabling, including power, data and video.

requirements it had yet faced, a new approach to control room

“We are very proud to have been able to work closely with SA

development was required: one that took their already formidable

Power Networks through the entire project, from the early stages

virtual reality skills and applied them to the design process itself.

of the design process right through to the implementation of the

The new design approach saw Jumbo Vision manufacture

upgrade for their network operations centre,” said Kimenkowski.

life-sized, wheeled models of the control room consoles, which

“We see ourselves as part of the development process, with

SA Power Networks’ managers and technical staff could then

the SA Power Networks project being a great endorsement of

manoeuvre around in a 1:1 scale representation of the actual

our methodologies as well as our products. It also demonstrates

room - trialling layouts, identifying operational and usage issues,

our readiness to engage with more organisations in both SA and

and allowing space optimisation decisions prior to deployment.

the rest of Australia across a range of utility segments, including

This created a strong sense of ownership of the design and,

water, gas and traffic.”

according to Jumbo Vision General Manager Lena Kimenkowski, “Resulted in an unprecedented degree of collaboration that quite

Jumbo Vision International Pty Ltd

possibly saved weeks of time that would have been spent working on

www.jumbovision.com.au

46 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NEW PRODUCTS

Building management solution Schneider Electric has announced the release of its SmartStruxure solution, designed to maximise building efficiency and reduce operating costs across the entire life cycle of a facility. SmartStruxure is made up of hardware and software that is combined with engineering, installation and services to ensure facilities are energy efficient and effectively managed. The SmartStruxure solution breaks down traditional information silos and delivers integrated building information and real-time data via web access, powerful graphics and trend visualisations, rich reports and mobile applications, to ensure buildings are running at maximum efficiency. Built on open standards, SmartStruxure provides seamless integration through LON, BACnet, Modbus, Web Services and Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Web Services. In addition, SmartStruxure enables numerous advanced building services, such as automatic mechanical equipment analytics and building optimisation. Schneider Electric (Aust) Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T031

LABEL PRINTERS made to get the job done. The BMP®51 and BMP®53 Label Makers is Brady’s latest label printing solution that gives you the freedom and flexibility to create custom labels when you need them. Get the job done FASTER, EASIER and WITH CONFIDENCE. This labeller has the versatility, print capabilities and convenience to help you tackle your toughest labelling jobs in a snap.

with

Bluetooth® Technology

To see a demonstration visit www.bradyid.com.au/bmp51

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 47

NEW PRODUCTS

Touch computer Adlink Technology has launched the 15.6″ Smart Touch Computer BFS-15W02. With low-power Intel Atom D2550 processor, it allows fanless operation up to 50°C while providing longevity support. Unlike some conventional panel PCs, the ultraslim computer not only looks appealing, it also provides IP54 protection and reliability. Sleek full-flat touch screen, chemical resistance and ease of maintenance and cleaning are just a few examples among its features. Arm-mount capability and an optional integrated desktop stand designed especially for this product make it fit in most places - on a working bench, on the wall or on a swing arm - and still stay connected via built-in Wi-Fi or dual gigabit ethernet. The product adopts a full-flat touch screen which passes the IP54 test, with waterproof protection on the front and the top, combining data protection and convenience. An appealing appearance and compact, stylish design are achieved through flat surfaces and invisible screws. Major features include chemical resistance and ease of cleaning. Available with an integrated tilt-adjustable stand, the device also supports both 100 and 75 mm VESA mounting holes. ADLINK Technology Inc Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S779

Camera termination technology Whether in harsh industrial environments with dirt and dust or for outdoor application scenarios subjected to heat and cold, the Harting PushPull technology in variant 4 is suitable for practically every application. Based on an intelligent building-block construction, the Harting PushPull family offers a multitude of bulkheadmounted housings, wall bushings and connectors for this system is the RJ45 for 1/10 GbE for Cat 6/Class EA

Multisensor fire alarm

transmission. This is available as an overmoulded system

Brooks’ EIB2110 Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm combines

cable or as a field-installable connector with insulation

two separate sensing elements - optical and heat

displacement technology. USB 2.0 (types A and B) and

- in a single alarm, offering an improved response

USB 3.0 (type A) are likewise available, as are optical

to all likely fire types - and better early warning. It

solutions based on LC duplex.

is suitable for an application where a specifier or

connecting today’s camera systems. One element of

In addition to the compact design, high data rates and rugged IP65/67 construction, a characteristic of the PushPull series is its suitability for simple and swift commissioning in the field, thereby providing short set-up and installation times. Products of this series are already in use today in a multitude of systems, as in industrial quality control and in cameras for surveillance technology, for example. Harting (HK) Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S782

installer cannot be completely sure of the fire type that could occur. Because two separate sensors are being monitored, the unit offers improved resistance to false alarms. This is further enhanced by a dust compensation feature that automatically adjusts for contamination within the sensor while still retaining sensitivity to an actual fire. The alarm also has remote control functionality, which allows it to be controlled using a EIB1529RC remote control switch. Brooks Australia Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T004

48 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

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CASE STUDY

High-tech aged care

ethsalem Care is an aged care facility serving the Christadelphian community of Adelaide. For almost 60 years they have provided care and hostel-style accommodation for church members and the wider community. Around ten years ago, the board realised the nature of aged care was changing. Not only was demand increasing, but the community wanted assurance of a graceful transition from retirement to full-time care. In response, Bethsalem Care increased capacity and expanded its range of care options. To facilitate growth, they moved to a new facility comprising 90 high- and low-care residential rooms, with 27 adjoining retirement units. The change of premises presented the opportunity to incorporate a range of technologies into the building design. Key to the process was the establishment of a proprietary Wi-Fi network that would underpin a computer-based, programmable mobile telephony system. The aim was to create a sophisticated system incorporating nurse call, security, telephone and access. Staff would carry phones while

network capable of meeting our voice and data bandwidth requirements.” The old telephone system was removed and Bethsalem Care invested in rugged Motorola handsets and a Mitel IP-based system that would work over the wireless network. When it came to the network upgrade, Pitcher sought the advice of a number of specialists, including Allied Telesis in Melbourne. He described Bethsalem’s large figure-eight-shaped facility, its two secure inner courtyards and the rooms scattered across a large floor area. He explained the critical importance of even, continuous coverage for the tablets and phones. Pitcher says, “Allied Telesis went all out to scope a system for better coverage. They designed, installed and commissioned a new infrastructure for us. Within a short time, we had a properly designed system, delivering adequate coverage through the building and providing the Wi-Fi performance we needed.” The network utilised the Extricom solution from Allied Telesis; a new generation of wireless infrastructure that delivers high performance and

attending to resident care, enabling communication with one another and incoming call access. Handsets would also be used to remotely unlock secure doors. It was a bold vision and plagued with difficulties from day one. Despite constant complaints and investigations, the network and the converged phone system never achieved full potential. Staff and residents were frustrated by phones that failed to work as expected and a nurse call system that was not integrated as designed. New CEO Darryl Pitcher arrived in 2010 and was immediately faced with a number of challenges. On his second day the facility went live with a new web-based medication management system that provided a critical flow of information, between doctor, pharmacy and Bethsalem Care. The system relied on tablet PCs fitted to trolleys and linked via the Wi-Fi network. It functioned, but network connections frequently dropped out, leaving the tablets unable to synchronise with the server. Having a technical and commercial facilities management background, Pitcher quickly realised something had to be done. “In a healthcare setting, you can’t exist like that,” he notes. “It was apparent that the IT provider was out of his depth when it came to convergence. He wasn’t able to resolve the issues, but told us we had a full working Wi-Fi network with facility-wide coverage.” Pitcher decided it was time for change. “We needed to replace the phone system with a wireless system that could work on a standard 802.11 network. In addition, we needed to ensure we had a Wi-Fi

seamless coverage. The unique ‘Channel Blanket’ architecture enables each radio to be used everywhere to create large blankets of continuous coverage. It also overcomes the limitations of cell-based Wi-Fi solutions to deliver on the promise of coverage, throughput, capacity, QoS and mobility. Built to meet Bethsalem’s existing requirements, it also provides plenty of capacity to support future needs. Bethsalem Care was able to take advantage of the channel blanket architecture to segregate traffic based on application. One blanket is allocated to data clients, such as laptops and smartphones. Another is locked for the phone system and the third is a guest network, providing wireless internet services to residents and guests. An additional benefit of channel blanket architecture is that densely deployed access points can improve the accuracy of location-based services. The fact they can operate on a single channel extends the battery life of the tags far beyond other wireless solutions on the market. It took nearly two years for Pitcher to identify all the issues and resolve the technical nightmare that he’d walked into. Along the way, he says Bethsalem has learned two essential lessons. “Don’t put in a Wi-Fi network without scoping it properly and don’t try to do it on the cheap. We were lucky because with Allied Telesis’s support, we have finally created a reliable, robust infrastructure,” he concludes.

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

Allied Telesis International (Aust) Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S703

MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 51

NECA PLAYS MAJOR ROLE IN APPRENTICESHIP PILOT

NECA is playing a major role in a new electrical apprenticeship pilot being trialled throughout Australia by the industry skills council E-Oz Energy Skills Australia, focused on improving electrical apprentice completion rates across the country. The pilot will provide electrical apprentices the opportunity to progress through their training once they demonstrate competency. Industry-endorsed benchmarks will ensure the progression model is comprehensive and rigorous, ensuring quality outcomes. As part of the program, NECA, which is involved in the training of over 2000 electrical and communications apprentices through its group training companies, will employ some 40 mentor/advisors across Australia - with 16 already in place - to talk to and advise employers, potential apprentices and their parents to assist in ensuring that completion rates can be increased. NECA Chief Executive Officer James Tinslay said the initiative - which was launched by the federal government at NECA Apprenticeships Victoria facility in September - was needed because completion rates across the country were highly variable. “Apprentice completion rates in the electrical trade are highly variable across Australia with NECA’s Group Training Schemes having completion rates of over 90% in comparison to the overall industry average which sits just above 60%,” said Tinslay. “NECA knows that these completion rates can be improved as it has the knowledge and track record of delivering outstanding completion rates. The key to increasing completion rates is the selection process and then mentoring the apprentice throughout the term of their apprenticeship to ensure they’re satisfactorily progressing through both on- and off-the-job competencies.” The initiative is about flexible delivery, allowing individuals to complete their apprenticeship and being competent, and this could mean before or after the traditional four-year duration. Tinslay said that the program is not about watering down the requirements but rather strengthening the electrical apprenticeship training program. “NECA acknowledges that many in the industry feel that four years is the minimum that an apprenticeship should be served but this pilot would accommodate those apprentices

52 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

Peter Scott

that are able to demonstrate competencies prior to the traditional four-year completion rate and also those who would benefit from additional time served,” he said. “This program allows flexibility both ways with the focus being on safety and quality of skills application.” The Managing Apprentice Progression (MAP) pilot is being trialled across 28 participating registered training organisations (RTOs) across Australia and will see 1000 first-year apprentices commencing this year and another 1500 apprentices in 2014. E-Oz Chief Executive Officer Bob Taylor said, “The severity of skills shortages in our sector and the increasing number of mature apprentices has necessitated a comprehensive rethink of apprentice training. Currently, approximately a third of those who start an electrical apprenticeship end up not completing, which represents a huge cost to industry and an equally huge waste of government’s resources to the nation.” Candidates have commenced booking into Readiness Assessments throughout the participating RTOs. Successful completion of the Readiness Assessment will assist to identify any potential barriers to undertaking an electrical apprenticeship. The final challenge is to secure employment with an employer and E-Oz is calling on electrical contractors to get involved by registering to be part of the pilot program. By registering, employers have access to a pool of candidates who have achieved the Readiness Assessment benchmark. This will assist and advance recruitment efforts and provide employers with the confidence that their selected candidate is suitable for an electrical apprenticeship. During the pilot program, the apprentice will be assessed against industry-agreed progression benchmarks with final sign-off against online national assessments. This means that flexible progression is undertaken against quality indicators and the apprentice will progress and complete the trade when competence is achieved. The pilot program provides an assigned industry mentor to guide the employer, the apprentice and the RTO through the relevant on- and off-the-job components of the program, keeping all parties on track. Employers interested in participating in this national pilot should visit www.energiseoz.com.au to register their interest. NECA/National Electrical & Communications Association

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ENERGY USE AND DATA CENTRES Dannielle Furness

Just as the industrial revolution did before it, the information age has transformed our world and the way we operate within it. It’s changed the way we access data and do business; the way we communicate, educate and consume information. It has given rise to entire industries and countless changes to employment and careers; jobs have been created and others rendered futile, often virtually overnight.

ommunication methods and the equipment we relied on 20 years ago, such as faxes and dial-up modems, now seem as quaint as the quill and inkwell. The advent of mobile computing, the prevalence of smartphones and a move to cloud computing in more recent times have multiplied the effect and we now take for granted that digital files are permanent and can be retrieved at any time, from any location, in a matter of seconds. For data centre owners and operators, the challenge is to cope with the constantly changing face of the industry. Not only must they factor in the impact of continual shifts in customer expectation and practices to adequately manage the mounting power consumption from this demand, but also ‘crystal ball’ into the future to ensure the projected life expectancy of the data centre (just under 20 years) is delivered and it meets commercial targets. There are three principle considerations for the development and ongoing operations of a data centre, the nebulous nature of which make future-looking decisions all the more difficult.

It’s hard to imagine total global capacity, but in February 2011, the University of Southern California released research which calculated current worldwide data storage at 295 exabytes, or 295 billion gigabytes. And it keeps growing; in a study conducted by IT research company IDC in June of the same year, it was predicted that the world will generate 50 times current data production levels by 2020. It’s all got to be stored somewhere. It’s growing at such a rapid rate that in the not-too-distant future we’ll hit a level that we haven’t even derived a term for yet ... but that’s another story.

Space

Power Usage Effectiveness = Overall facility power/IT equipment power

While the evolution of technology continues to shrink the physical size of hardware and we live in the era of virtual servers, there’s no doubt the landscape has changed considerably since the 1980s, when a 1 GB hard drive was the size of a juke box. However, the sheer volume of data requiring storage ensures that space still dictates the direction for design and operations.

56 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

Power consumption There’s no denying data centres are power-hungry beasts. Power to run the IT equipment itself, then power to run cooling and other environmental controls and ancillaries like lighting. Power consumption in a data centre is often measured using PUE, or power usage effectiveness. PUE is the ratio of total power for the facility, including cooling, lighting etc, divided by power utilised by the IT gear alone.

Guidelines indicate an optimal PUE target of 1.0, meaning that almost all power usage is consumed by the IT hardware itself. Given the requirement for cooling and environmental controls to ensure that ambient conditions are the most favourable for the IT equipment, it’s not uncommon to find a PUE closer to 2.0. Not uncommon, but not ideal either.

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DATA CENTRES

The Open Compute Project, which has made public Facebook’s so-called ‘secret data centre recipes’, is a bid to encourage data centre development that is more efficient from both a cost and power perspective. After 12 months redesigning their server specs, Facebook worked with manufacturers to achieve a 38% increase in efficiency and a product they maintain costs 24% less than the industry standard. They assert a PUE of 1.07 at the Prineville, Oregon data centre. Google claims between 1.06 and 1.12 across its centres, dependent on the interpretation of total facility power usage (it claims it uses a more stringent approach than others).

Design

Cooling and environmental controls Continual reliable operation is paramount in a data centre as any downtime can spell disaster. Hardware is susceptible to overheating if adequate cooling and ventilation aren’t in place and even a few degrees can make the difference between business as usual and catastrophic failure. If the installation is fortunate enough to escape immediate failure, it can still suffer delayed malfunction as fragile electronic componentry can break down weeks after an overheating incident. Factor in loss of business, hardware replacement and employee underutilisation during downtime and it’s easy to see that the costs soon add up and why operators are so keen to avoid it.

How the big guys do it Some of the world’s bigger data centre operators including Google and Facebook, have been busy publishing information on their own centre energy-efficiency initiatives, temperature control and other cooling methods. Cynics might suggest that this transparency is a PR exercise, but if there’s lessons to be learned, why not take heed? Google suggests that most data centres are probably running cooler than they actually need to. They cite the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and IT equipment manufacturers as expert opinion and suggest a slight temperature increase will not only have no detrimental effect on equipment, but will deliver an immediate measurable energy saving. The company also implements a design ethos comprising thermal modelling and airflow controls. The modelling identifies potential data centre ‘hotspots’, so that equipment can be physically laid out in a fashion that delivers even temperatures across the installation. Methods of airflow control that require no energy, such as plastic curtains and blanking panels, are utilised to ensure adequate segregation between hot and cool areas. Where possible, Google uses water for cooling, rather than chillers.

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So, while not every data centre is on a par with Google, Facebook or Amazon, lessons can be learned from the way the way the big guys address problems. The same basic design principles apply and the problems they are facing today are the problems of the future for smaller scale projects, particularly if you consider the projected lifespan of a data centre. To assist with the design process, professional organisations such as ASHRAE make a wealth of information available to members including a comprehensive selection of publications specifically for the datacoms sector. These incorporate guides on best practice design for energy efficiency in data centres, power trends and cooling applications and real-time energy consumption measurements. See www.ashrae.org/bookstore for more.

Monitor, monitor, monitor The importance of monitoring really can’t be overemphasised and, as the size and scope of data centres increases, visibility from a remote location is imperative. With a simple monitoring system in place, changes to environmental conditions that pose a threat to system operation are identified before the crisis unfolds, via a web browser from any location. Power usage monitoring is also useful and can provide valuable design input for data centre upgrade projects in particular. Many solutions offer everything from continual data logging and report generation, which give a snapshot of the situation as it stands, through to enabling corrective measures. Systems incorporating redundant power switching provide a reliable method of automatically switching equipment to a backup power source, ensuring critical network devices are always up and running. There was once a time where the power draw of a data centre would be the least of a contractor’s concerns. As long as the install went according to plan, then job well done. These days, everyone on the project has an interest in keeping power costs down as the crossover between roles creates some blurring of lines of responsibility. At the very least, it makes sense to have an understanding of the factors that influence overall project power costs.

MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 57

NEW PRODUCTS

Cat6 coupler panel Cable management within a data centre is generally high density, requires reliable performance and must be easy to install and operate. Many installers also choose a plug-and-play solution to reduce the need for cable terminations on site. The Warren & Brown/Telegartner 19″ feedthrough panel addresses all of these requirements and offers

IEC connector

a high packing density in a small space, 48 AMJ

Walcom has released the IEC Lock product

couplers in a single unit of height and 12 individual

line, to complement its range of connectors.

ports combined in a durable full metal module with

The IEC Lock guards against accidental dis-

appropriate shielding. Other features include: four 12-port modules each with 12 AMJ Couplers Cat.6 (total 48 ports); individual grounding of each 12-port module using the included ground cable; labelling inserts with port numbering included in the standard delivery; available in grey

connection and cannot be pulled or vibrated out of the inlet of computers, servers and most electrical appliances. It is suitable for use with any standard IEC inlet and is suitable for data centres, outside broadcasting, telecommunications,

RAL 7035 and black; strain relief by cable ties (not

medical, military, maritime and most electrical applications.

included) without screws and special tools; module

Walcom Pty Ltd

carrier: sheet steel powder-coated 19″, 1 HU, depth:

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T020

153.4 mm. Warren & Brown Technologies Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S552

CPRI data stream analyser Signalion’s SIQMA is used for wireless radio equipment testing via the CPRI interface, including R&D in diverse lab applications, basic conformance testing and basic acceptance testing of eNodeB in the field. It is also used for eNodeB maintenance and troubleshooting services; analysis of uplink interference in live cells; detection of remote radio head/unit (RRH/ RRU) malfunction and misconfiguration. The solution enables users to plug in the optical link between RRH/RRU and base station and to analyse the data on this link. Different wavelengths on the optical link are supported by exchangeable SFP modules. CPRI demapping is provided to allow digital I/Q analysis on a PC. CPRI to RF conversion is also supported to allow use of traditional spectrum analysers. W-CDMA and LTE for different network equipment are supported. The product provides quick analysis of the CPRI data stream and a graphical display of the analysis. It has a CPRI-to-RF conversion (RF output) facility for the additional use of available standard RF test and measurement equipment. It can provide data capture/analysis while the eNodeB is in operation and there are means for remote access via a standard ethernet interface. The device provides all-in-one functionality and vendor-independent analysis. Optional wireless standards W-CDMA/LTE are available for different vendors and vendor formats. Due to the RF option, an operator is able to use its current standard measurement. Different formats of the various base stations/RRH combinations are supported for W-CDMA/UMTS and LTE. The product provides savings in cost, time and resources because tests are facilitated at ground level, eg, in the base station cabinet, without mast climbing to connect to the RF at the antenna. The robust hardware is designed for deployment in the field and the product is easy to install. It allows access to the original data between base station and RRH to analyse directly in digital form. There is no distortion caused by measurement. TelecomTest Solutions Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S241

58 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NEW PRODUCTS

Industrial PoE boost switches JetNet 3810Gf/3810f industrial PoE boost switches are designed with eight fast ethernet PoE and two gigabit/100 Mbps SFP ports to extend the high and low bandwidth data through fibre uplink connection for flexible distance mobile surveillance applications. The switches convert 12-24 VDC from a battery to 48 VDC for eight PoE ports, offering up to 65 W power to IEEE 802.3af compliant devices, making deployment of standard PoE IP cameras feasible on buses, ships, carriages, etc. The switches combine fault relay alarm function, providing auto warning once a port-link failure occurs. Combining QoS into the rugged design with -25 to 60°C wide operating temperature, they ensure reliable and high-quality video stream transmission under severe industrial environments. The JetNet 3810Gf/3810f series features eight PoE ports and two uplink fast ethernet/gigabit SFP combo ports. Users can connect up to eight IP cameras and uplink the large images to flexible distance applications through the 100 and 1000 Mbps singlemode and multimode SFP combo ports. The JetNet 3810Gf/3810f series supports QoS to ensure the high quality of video traffic transmission by simply adjusting the priority of data transfer. In addition, it provides fault relay to automatically warn users if any abnormal situation occurs. As a result, users can quickly handle the emergency and shorten the failover time. Madison Technologies Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S169

3G smart repeater Nextivity’s second-generation Cel-Fi is an indoor coverage solution for Telstra’s Next G network operating on the WCDMA 850 MHz band. It is designed to dramatically improve indoor voice quality and increase data speeds for 3G consumers. The product extends mobile coverage that exists either outside or around the edges of the interior of a building, into adjacent areas within the building where coverage is poor or absent. Only one bar of 3G coverage on the Cel-Fi device is required to make the repeater work. The Cel-Fi differs from the standard indoor repeater due to its ability to not interfere with the mobile network or other users. Often referred to as a smart repeater, the Cel-Fi has the ability to provide maximum coverage, be network friendly and can be easily installed by the end user. Powertec Telecommunications Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T028

FREE SUBSCRIPTION! ECD Solutions is FREE to qualified ICT industry

professionals in Australia & New Zealand.

To continue receiving your free copy you will be asked to register every three years.

Quick registration @ www.ECDSolutions.com.au/subscribe

60 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

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NEW PRODUCTS

Optical network analyser system The ONA600 Optical Network Analyser is a versatile tool for characterisation of optical fibres and networks. The system consists of a mainframe with plug-in modules for measurement of chromatic dispersion (CD610), polarisation mode dispersion (PMD610) and spectral attenuation with a range of optical light sources. Designed to deliver high performance in a field environment, the modular design ensures flexibility in testing next-generation networks. The product is lightweight, rugged and fully portable. An integrated touch screen provides fingertip operation for set-up and measurement with dedicated keys for all common operations. A variety of combinations of mainframe, modules and sources is available, enabling the user to configure the system to match requirements. The CD610 delivers accurate chromatic dispersion measurements using the differential phase-shift method for all types of fibre. It may be used for testing dispersion of compensated networks and for finetuning the dispersion of completed links. Featuring a remote LED broadband light source (ONA610LS), optical fibre links can be measured with a single connection to the test fibre. The light source unit is available with single or dual LEDs allowing 1310, 1400, 1550 or 1620 nm windows to be continuously covered. The PMD610 is a tool for characterising polarisation mode dispersion and has a dynamic range exceeding 60 dB. It delivers accurate PMD measurements using the interferometric method for all types of fibre. Featuring a remote LED broadband light source (ONA610LS), networks can be measured with a single connection to the test fibre. The light source unit is available with single or dual LEDs allowing 1310, 1410, 1550 or 1620 nm windows to be continuously covered. The SA610 enables accurate measurement of spectral attenuation with high dynamic range. Measurements can cover all or part of the wavelength range from 1250 to 1640 nm depending on the choice of ONA610LS light source. The spectral attenuation system also uses the ONA610LS portable light source. Other product features include: Windows XP operating system; large hard drive; USB; RS232C; ethernet and external video connectors; external keyboard and mouse connectors; optional battery; optional travel case. TelecomTest Solutions Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S180

Thermal imager The testo 885 will soon include an option for recording in fully radiometric video. This means heat development over time can be recorded in real time with Testo thermal imagers. Via the USB 2.0 interface, all data from the thermographic recording are directly transferred to the PC and can be stopped and analysed at any point. In addition, a logger function allows the recording of several individual images at defined time intervals or after certain events, such as limit value violations. Along with this, the 885 also offers 320 x 240 pixels resolution Thermal sensitivity <30 mK and a measuring range up to 1200째C. Testo Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S080

62 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NEW PRODUCTS

Isolated USB digital I/O modules Adlink Technology has released its USB-7230 and USB-7250 isolated USB digital I/O modules, enriching its DAQ/DIO product line with USB form factor. Suitable for I/O expansion or portable applications, both models present an alternative evolution base to Adlink’s PCI-7230/7250 and LPCIe-7230/7250. With the enhanced integration of a high-speed frequency/event counter, digital filter and change of state (COS) detection in a single USB module, flexible and reliable high-voltage control and monitoring applications are fully supported with protection. The Adlink USB-7230 provides 32-ch isolated digital I/O and 2-ch frequency/event counters, and the USB-7250 8-CH solid-state relay output (4 form C and 4 form A), 8-ch isolated DI, and 2-ch frequency/event counters. Featuring high-voltage on/off control and monitoring, and isolation voltage support up to 2500 VRMS, integrated frequency/event counting and change of state (COS) detection by the built-in complex programmable logic device (CPLD) occupy no CPU resources while avoiding data loss from changes in signal status. As well, a programmable digital filter removes unexpected glitches from input channels to monitor I/O status more efficiently. Adlink USB DAQ modules feature USB power, removable screw-down terminals for simplified connection and a multifunctional stand for fast and easy desktop, rail or wall mounting. Additionally, a lockable USB cable secures connectivity. The USB DAQ modules also make device ID setting simple with a rotary control conveniently identifying the active module in multipleconnection configurations. Included is U-Test, a ready-to-use testing program delivering out-of-the-box configuration and generation of simple functions to get the platform up and running, with no programming required for full data monitoring, logging and FFT analysis. ADLINK Technology Inc Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S656

THINK IP SURVEILLANCE THINK D-LINK Key IP Camera Features*

Key benefits of D-Link's end-to-end video surveillance solution include:  completely integrated and proven

 single source of support

 certified with leading video surveillance

 full line of latest IP cameras and switches

software

 price performance leading IP storage

• 1/2.7" 2 Megapixel CMOS progressive sensor • Real-time H.264, MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG compression • Full HD resolution up to 1920 x 1080 • Built-in removable IR LED to support dark environments with 0 lux illumination • Power over Ethernet (PoE) • Motion detection • Tamper detection • ePTZ • Micro SD Card slot • 2-way audio support • 3GPP mobile surveillance • IPv6, 802.1x, QoS, CoS • ONVIF compliant *DCS-6113

Wireless Tech (Australia) Pty Ltd +61 2 8741 5080 | sales@wirelesstech.com.au

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MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 63

NEW PRODUCTS

Ethernet radio modems Weidmuller has launched its longhaul WL series ethernet radio modems. Compact, the featurerich models combine technical know-how with powerful capability to deliver good performance. Designed specifically for industrial use, the rugged and robust, upright WL units have a narrow footprint. Only 40 mm wide, the units provide user convenience while saving on space to help users build networks quickly and efficiently. The series incorporates a range of models including a 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 900 MHz option. The high-throughput modems provide effortless connectivity for line-of-sight distances from 5 up to 20 km to deliver reliability that meets the increasingly complex task of monitoring and controlling operational data. All models have as standard an in-built routing function and black/white list for controlling traffic. Plus, a built-in signal strength tester measures both bandwidth and the signal strength between two radios. In addition, all units include dual-diversity antenna connections and a choice of different antenna accessories to provide reliable wireless connectivity.

Ethernet-to-fibre converters Madison Technologies has released the EN 50121-4 compliant Moxa PTC-101-M12 series ethernet-to-fibre media converters. The converters eliminate the need for additional wiring and support IEEE 802.3 and IEEE 802.3u/x protocols with 10/100M, full/half-duplex, MDI/ MDI-X auto-sensing, providing a total industrial ethernet network solution. The series meets EMC, shock, vibration and environmental requirements in compli-

Further, the digital I/O connection can be configured for either/or option. Plus, the WL series

ance with EN 50121-4 standards, which is

provides remote wireless I/O mapping where up to 31 x I/O units can be daisy-chained to

well suited for high-vibration applications.

a transceiver at each end. A selection can be made on digital, analog and combinational input and output types of I/O units. The 2.4 GHz model can be set up in a mesh network topology providing redundancy

The models are available with SC/ST connectors in fibre and M12 connector in ethernet to provide a reliable com-

and greater reliability for industrial ethernet devices. Each transceiver also has a built-in

munication

conversion for serial Modbus RTU to Modbus TCP. DIN rail mounted and operating from

Madison Technologies

10-30 VDC supply, the plug-and-play WL models provide easy configuration via the built-in web browser and feature LED status indicators. The WL series is suitable for use in any

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R977

industrial and water treatment plant, factory or mine site as well as in any remote monitoring application, the company claims. Weidmuller Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S557

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Breakthrough Value Optical Test Major changes to cabling regulation Paul Stathis

In 2012, the telecommunications regulator - the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) - introduced major changes to the Cabling Provider Rules (CPR) that will affect most cablers across the country. These changes apply to cablers who install “specialised cabling” including ‘Structured Cabling’, ‘Optical Fibre’ and ‘Coaxial Cable’. Any cabler performing such specialised cabling work must hold the necessary competencies relevant to that cabling work. Historically, an Open Registered cabler could obtain endorsements in each of these fields by completing the corresponding approved training courses. However, the ACMA’s new cabling requirements stipulate that, as of 1 July 2014, anyone working in these specialised areas must hold the appropriate competencies. However, cablers who will not be working on specialised cabling won’t need to do anything other than maintain their current level of registration to continue with their conventional telecommunications cabling work. The current fibre, coax and structured cabling endorsements under the Telecommunications Training packages and Electro-technology Training packages are still valid for Open Registered cablers and will be recognised for the new ACMA specialist cabling competencies. Note that the Lift Registration competency is not affected by these new changes. Underground and Aerial competencies are still required for any cabling work in ‘campus-type’ situations that involve the connection of telecommunications cabling between cabled buildings on the same customer site. The lesser-known ‘Testing’ endorsement to perform cable and system test on customer premises has been a specialist role and is typically recognised as a ‘voluntary’ or ‘industry recognised’ endorsement. Under the new structure, it will not be mandated and remain voluntary. A new ‘Specialised Broadband Cabling’ competency has been introduced for Restricted Registered cablers who are required to work on specialised cabling for the broadband network. This competency for Restricted CPR holders working on such specialist cabling is for point-to-point work only and is not an endorsement such as has applied to Open Registered cablers in the past. The present ACMA CPRs still apply, as the new competency is very broad. As of 1 July 2014, only national competencies will be recognised. Vendor training programs for specialist cables will need to be aligned to the ACMA’s competencies criteria if they want them to be ACMA recognised. The ACMA mandatory requirement is for cablers to be appropriately registered, so it is essential to upgrade a registration as a new competency status is achieved. After 30 June 2014, it will not be acceptable legally to have a competency and then work on specialist cabling unless the appropriate registration is on the holder’s card and the cabler register.

3 Year Warranty Standard

• OTDR • Loss Test Set • PON Power Meter • Fibre Inspection Probe • Local Service and Calibration

New from Vicom The Shineway range of products from Vicom offer affordable field test tools.

For a complete test solution contact us on 1300 360 251 or info@vicom.com.au Shineway Value – Vicom Support www.vicom.com.au

www.bicsi.asn.au

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MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 65

NEW PRODUCTS

Wi-Fi sensor The Fluke SmartEdge Sensor Series 4 eliminates the need for ethernet cabling and reduces installation costs. The dedicated Wi-Fi network monitoring sensor comprises three internal radios (two 802.11n 3 x 3 MIMO 450 Mbps plus one for dedicated spectrum analysis) and a Wireless Connect feature, extending Wi-Fi security and performance monitoring and providing immediate coverage as the demand for wireless LAN and bring your own device (BYOD) grows. For installations where an ethernet cable is already available, the sensor can leverage the internal radios for 24/7 security monitoring, scanning and rogue detection, combined with client performance verification via the company’s AirMagnet Enterprise Automated Health Check (AHC) feature. AHC proactively tests and verifies WLAN network health from the end user all the way to the cloud and identifies issues before they impact the organisation. The SmartEdge sensor has been completely redesigned with a ‘fade-intothe-background’ enclosure, an integrated drop ceiling and ceiling mount and recessed cable entry. The sensor also features increased memory capacity and support for 10/100/1000 Mbps ethernet. Fluke Networks Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R560

Connectors The Gecko connector from Harwin is said to be a high-reliability, high-performance micro miniature connector that withstands extreme temperatures and is unshockable. The G125 series connectors provide a low-profile, dual-row cable-to-board and boardto-board interconnect solution, suitable for stacking and cable mating in areas where PCB real estate is at a premium. With space and weight a consideration for many high-reliability applications, G125 connectors are designed to offer high performance in a miniature package. Pin spacing of 1.25 mm and up to 50 contacts per connector, offers dense pin counts in a small package, achieving a 35% space saving over other high-performance connectors such as Micro-D. The connectors also accommodate 2 A per contact. Suitable for high performance in extreme conditions, the family can operate within a wide temperature range (-65/+150°C) and under extreme vibration (Z axis 100 g 6 ms). This high performance is made possible by the company’s four-finger copper alloy contact. The connectors are manufactured to withstand high numbers of mating cycles but also featuring low insertion and extraction forces. Mouldings are manufactured from halogen and red phosphorus-free, glass-filled thermoplastic, an environmentally friendly material that has eliminated harmful chemicals before they have been added to restricted substances lists. The moulds also feature positive keying that prevent mis-mating and are available with or without latches fitted for extra security of connection. The range is suitable for military, military aerospace, commercial avionics and robotics applications. Clarke & Severn Electronics Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S351

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Well Connected COM board Backplane Systems has released the COM Express Board by Avalue, powered by 3rd generation Intel Core i5/i7 processors and the Mobile Intel QM77 Express chipset. Compared to the previous generation Intel Core processor family, the new platform delivers up to 15% more CPU performance, up to 50% more 3D Graphics performance and up to 1.8x HD to HD transcode speed. The COM Express Type 6 Module, ESM-QM77, supports 1 x 204-pin DDR3 SODIMM system memory with up to 8 GB DDR3 1333/1600 SDRAM capacity. Dual-channel 18-/24-bit LVDS and triple display configurations are supported. An extensive I/O deployment includes 4 x SATA, 4 x USB 3.0, 8 x USB 2.0 and 4-bit DIO. Intel 3rd generation products enable data security, system responsiveness and manageability. This platform is a solution for various applications such as digital signage, high-end settop box, high-end kiosk, medical and gaming. Backplane Systems Technology Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S652

Wide range of Cable Assemblies including: • FFCs and FPCs • Custom-Made such as Moulded RS232 Data Communications • Automotives • Waterproof & RF Cable Assemblies • Locally made Cable Assemblies for prototyping 3 Small Volumes 3 Quick Turnaround • UL Approved and RoHS Compliant Cable Assemblies

Real-time signal analyser Signal Hound is releasing a high-performance, real-time RF recording signal analyser and a high-speed spectrum analyser, the BB60A.

Semiconductor IC’s Resistors Capacitors Potentiometers Crystals

Oscillators Filters LED’s & LCD’s Relays Sensors

Switches Connectors Fasteners Enclosures GPS Modules

It has 20 MHz of real-time bandwidth, tunes from 9 kHz to 6.0 GHz, collects 80 MSa/s and streams data to a computer via USB3.0 at 140 MBps. A minimum of Intel i7 quad core processor and native USB 3.0 is required. RAID-O hard drive array for RF signal recording is optional. The BB60A has a spurious and image rejection range from 9 kHz to 2 GHz and 2 to 6 GHz. The operating temperature is 0 to 60°C and the net weight is 0.28 kg.

Ampec Technologies Pty Ltd Sydney: Web: E-mail:

(02) 8741-5000 www.ampec.com.au sales@ampec.com.au

Clarke & Severn Electronics Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S780

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MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 67

NETWORK SECURITY

THE KEY TO ENTERPRISE PROTECTION Business systems and industrial processes are becoming increasingly interdependent. As the convergence of manufacturing and IT relies on networks, these infrastructures are increasingly exposed to new security risks and active cyberthreats. Steve Lawlor, Business Manager, Customer Support & Maintenance, Rockwell Automation, discusses the challenges of security management in today’s complex and interconnected environments.

ndustries are becoming increasingly reliant on advancing technology and the benefits it provides. The rapid development of long-distance communication technologies has created a global interconnected platform allowing for boundless information sharing that is not limited by proximity. Remote systems in isolated locations are able to rely on control centres in capital cities where diagnostic and operational data is relayed back and forth through a network, eliminating the need to have a large physical presence on site. In the manufacturing environment, facilitating operating uptime, efficiency and safety are crucial to productivity. Cybersecurity is a factor that can impact both these operational goals - remote operation relies on timely data transmission and the efficiency and safety of the manufacturing environment is reliant on networked system integration. As internet connectivity expands to touch industrial control systems, new variables are introduced to automated systems. Left unchecked, these variables can lead to compromise of the integrity of information and control aspects of the system. Regardless of industry or application, attacks on networks are becoming increasingly more sophisticated

68 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

and targeted. They often originate as a ‘simple’ email scam or virus that is spread like the common cold from computer to computer. The advanced design of contemporary malware allows it to be skilfully cloaked from detection. Once a computer asset is successfully infected, what was merely a latent security risk can quickly evolve into a real and insidious threat and all-out attack that expands from one asset to an entire system. Many new cyberthreats first manifest their effects as simple information-gathering activities. As the malware continues to evade security countermeasures, espionage activities may be altered to target specific assets such as intellectual property or confidential information. In the extreme case, elaborate cyberattacks on critical assets may successfully disrupt safe and reliable control system operation. Targeted malware attacks validate previous fears that the frequency and impact of critical infrastructure incidents will increase in the future. As a result, it is essential that companies assess their risk of both physical and cyberattacks and execute measures to help address, and where possible, eliminate known cyber vulnerabilities.

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ENTERPRISE CONTROLS

Firewalls continue to be used as one of the first lines of defence to segregating company assets and protecting operations against potential security threats external to a particular system or subsystem. The firewall can isolate business, office and industrial networks from one another standing between subnets in various parts of a facility. Furthermore, these same firewalls can separate systems from open access to the internet, or other infrastructure means used to enable remote network access. The use of firewalls is often supplemented with other defence measures, utilising several layers of protection such as access control, antiviral software and intrusion detection.

Wireless security

Holistic view of security Industrial network security is multifaceted; it is essential that all variables that introduce risk be proactively identified, tracked and addressed in order to help facilitate a safe and reliable industrial process. Security is an element that requires strong risk consideration. It too is a variable that can affect the safety of the system, integrity of the operation and productivity; however, unlike traditional activities to address risk, security mitigation actions must work to address a creative and, regrettably, sometimes malicious human element that may specifically seek to circumvent risk controls. Intellectual property (IP) - patents, trademarks, employee knowledge or trade ‘secrets’ - are often more valuable to an organisation than its physical assets. For this reason, protecting IP is another very important aspect of network security. “A holistic view of security, control system and enterprise has been shown to be the most effective way to protect IP assets,” said Brad Hegrat, Senior Principal Security Consultant, Rockwell Automation. “It is essential because there is no single element that can fulfil the whole range of security needs. Security needs to encompass both technical and non-technical factors to address risk.” Communication between people in an organisation on an ongoing basis is critical. If employees are informed about information that needs to be protected, they can be more aware of ways to protect it. Implementing a holistic approach to developing an effective security process involves adopting policies, strategies, guidelines and organisational instructions to create a framework for people to interact with a complex system.

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More industries are connecting to wireless networks to access the benefits that the increased flexibility offers. For example, on a factory floor, wireless, remote, monitoring systems can lead to reduced installation and maintenance costs and an enabling of mobile workers, no longer tethered to a particular machine. In remote operations, such as mines and oil refineries, wireless networks remove the need for personnel to be in close proximity to hazardous environments. Although wireless networks provide substantial benefits for organisations, stability and uptime can be a concern for the application engineer and security remains the number one concern - to avoid unauthorised access to the networked environment. In the absence of appropriate security measures, a wireless connection is easily accessible to potential threats. It is an air-based media, without the pathway limits of copper wires, that extends in many directions; often well beyond the physical envelope needed by the system. Technological advances continue to evolve, allowing advanced methods of restricting wireless network access to only authorised users. Modern encryption techniques can be used to avoid someone accessing data maliciously, while filtering and strong authentication allow only authorised devices on the network. It is advisable that organisations interested in deploying wireless networks consider a multifaceted approach to security that involves both procedural and physical components.

Asset management and maintenance - the final piece of the security puzzle While it is well established that organisations such as government departments, defence contractors and financial institutions are likely targets of highly sophisticated, malicious attacks, industry should not be complacent. By far the biggest threat to industrial organisations is the non-direct effects of an unintentional security breach - such as an employee making a parameter change online that has far-reaching effects somewhere else in the plant: potentially creating a safety risk, damaging equipment or resulting in information contamination, exposure or loss. In addition to non-direct threats, critical systems are increasingly prone to the effects of many broadly focused, illtargeted malware attacks. Such malware, whether or not intended to affect mission-critical control systems, may still lead to operational disruption with potentially grave consequences. By conducting an asset-based risk and vulnerability assessment, security procedures can be developed that will address potential risks and threats targeting control systems so that people, assets and key

MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 69

ENTERPRISE CONTROLS information are protected. Specialist consulting services can often help achieve a more thorough and complete evaluation of security posture. The Network & Security Services group of Rockwell Automation has the expertise to help address industrial security concerns in a balanced way.

Managing the security life cycle Security throughout the automation life cycle of a control system requires ongoing investment in order to help protect the system from evolving threats. It is essential to proactively plan and implement a control system strategy that accounts for obsolescence and associated risks with ageing products and systems. Important focal areas of life cycle management include training and continuous improvement; monitoring of people, process and components; auditing and maintenance. The awareness of industrial systems being targeted is likely to increase with more direct attacks being expected in the future. Indirect attacks will always exist; as more awareness comes out from our customers we will be increasingly addressing these needs. More systems will be designed from the ground up to be secure, changing the focus from physical security to auditing the system and continually monitoring compliance and up-to-date technology. According to Doug Wylie, Program Manager, Security, Rockwell Automation, both industry and business continue to evolve and embrace the benefits of technology, but so too do those who would seek to maliciously damage and threaten an organisation. “By

working collaboratively with our customers and the larger security community, we can collectively address risk and help our customers reduce variability in their control systems. Rockwell Automation will continue to make ongoing investments in product development and asset management to help our customers attain their goals in secure industrial control solutions.” The scope of a truly expansive industrial security solution not only includes the control system and its constituent products, but also the people, policies and procedures necessary to maintain a specific level of security. As security risks continue to develop and evolve, so too must the approach taken to mitigate these risks - by developing holistic security solutions, variability can be significantly reduced while protecting valuable assets. Rockwell Automation Australia Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S838

Do you aspire to ‘Peak Performance’ in IT? Learn how at the BICSI South Pacific 2013 Conference and Exhibition

The BICSI South Pacific 2013 ‘Peak Performance’ Conference is the premier event for network & cabling professionals who are involved in all aspects of ITS infrastructure, including specification, design, installation and management. Hear experts from around the world speak on data centres, the NBN, IT networks, cabling, IP-based applications and business topics. The conference will conclude with a stirring closing Keynote Address from former Victorian Premier, The Honourable Jeff Kennett AC. Encompassing technical presentations, cases studies, workshops, seminars and product demonstrations, the Conference will help you: » » » » »

Develop skills to consistently deliver superior systems; Gain knowledge about our industry and its technologies; Discover the latest product innovations; Learn how to use the latest test instruments; Sharpen your skills to make your business more successful.

18 - 20 March Etihad Stadium in Melbourne’s Docklands. For more information visit www.bicsi.com.au/2013_conference Platinum Sponsor:

70 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

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NEW PRODUCTS

Blanking panels Eziblank stops unwanted air recirculation in data centres, keeping hot exhaust air away from cool intake air. This segregation can extend the life of IT equipment and provide energy savings through better use of environmental controls. The adjustable panels can be fitted to every size of rack unit, from one to six and the ‘pop-in-clip’ allows them to be installed or removed in seconds without the need for screws or tools. The panels are made from recyclable plastic and are antistatic and flame retardant to UL94 V-0.

INNOVATIVE TO THE CORE

MFB Products Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S876

THE LEADER IN INDUSTRIAL CABLE FOR OVER 50 YEARS There are good reasons why ÖLFLEX® has received decades of recognition as the industry standard for connection and control cables. Whether used in solar technology or industrial automation & manufacturing, be it in Sydney, Shanghai or in Stuttgart, a wealth of different industries and companies around the world are won over time and again by the reliability, precision, and quality of ÖLFLEX® – every day and with every metre.

Data centre switch

UNIVERSAL AND RELIABLE

The core vertical switch

With its key properties of flexibility, oil resistance and universal application, ÖLFLEX® is able to fulfil the most demanding requirements placed on both electrical and mechanical environments. It can be used for fixed connections or integrated into drag chains. Of course, different applications have different requirements and that is why we offer numerous specially adapted variants with precisely the right features required for different uses. So by choosing ÖLFLEX®, you can be sure you are choosing the right connection.

management platform (Core VSM) from TE Connectivity is an innovative solution to the challenges posed in the data centre by high-density core switches with a vertical blade configuration. The design consists of a cable management guide that fits above the switch and copper or fibre modules that provide connections for blades of either media. The complete Core VSM platform can be installed within an 800 mm wide cabinet, saving valuable white space in the data centre. The TE solution is designed to remove the need for cable management at the side of the frame and enables data centre managers to save space, reduce cost and improve data centre efficiency by ensuring clear representation of the switch ports and ease of access. In the Core VSM platform, all patch cables, whether fibre or copper, are managed vertically, and just one length of patch cord is required to patch within a frame, simplifying the build process and ongoing logistics. TE Connectivity

DKSH Australia Pty. Ltd., 14-17 Dansu Court, Hallam VIC 3803, Australia Freecall 1800 010 113, Fax 1800 010 118, Email mel_elecs@dksh.com www.dksh.com.au

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T162

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NEW PRODUCTS

Ribbon fusion splicer The Fitel S123M12 ribbon fusion splicer is a compact, handheld device suitable for FTTX, LAN, backbone, long-haul installations and challenging locations, all while maintaining splicer performance. Single- to 12-ribbon fibre splicing can be achieved with this machine and it also offers a Splice-On-Connector (SOC) solution. It is available to rent. Up to 160 cycles of splicing and heating can be performed using the large-capacity, dual-battery configuration, making field use faster and more consistently accessible. The tool-less electrode replacement/mirror-free alignment system allows for easy maintenance. Features include: simple operation with fixed V-groove and compatibility with Seikoh Giken and Diamond SOCs. It is available for all METRO/LAN/FTTX fibres. TechRentals Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S854

Ethernet switches The Moxa EDS-405A/and EDS-408A-PN from Madison Technologies are 5- and 8-port managed ethernet switches. With embedded PROFINET, the PN switches can be easily integrated into the Simatic Step 7 engineering tool. It is more convenient for automation engineers to configure through Step 7 and monitor with automation HMIs. The EDS-405A/408A-PN switches with fast booting, Turbo Ring and Turbo Chain fast-recovery technology can optimise PROFINET network performance. Moxaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PROFINET switches also support a variety of useful management functions, such as IGMP snooping, IEEE 802.1Q VLAN, QoS, port mirroring, SNMP, bandwidth management and warning by email or relay. Features include: command line interface (CLI) for quickly configuring major managed functions; IPv6 Ready logo awarded (IPv6 Logo Committee certified); DHCP Option 82 for IP address assignment with different policies; support EtherNet/ IP and Modbus/TCP protocols for device management and monitoring; PROFINET v2 conformance class B, GSD (General Station Description) v2, and Simatic Step 7 device icons are available; Turbo Ring and Turbo Chain (recovery time <20 ms at 250 switches), and RSTP/STP for network redundancy; IGMP snooping and GMRP for filtering multicast traffic; port-based VLAN, IEEE 802.1Q VLAN, and GVRP to ease network planning; QoS (IEEE 802.1p and TOS/DiffServ) to increase determinism; RMON for efficient network monitoring and proactive capability; SNMPv1/v2c/v3 for different levels of network management security; bandwidth management to prevent unpredictable network status; and port mirroring for online debugging. Madison Technologies Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S781

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MARCH/APRIL 2013 - ECD SOLUTIONS 73

CASE STUDY

Get sporty

app cable products are in demand in large sporting facilities. From energy chains to solar cabling, Lapp products can be found in the homes of champions worldwide. The 13,500-seat Fenerbahçe Ülker Sports Arena in Istanbul boasts the largest display system in Europe. Measuring 8 x 8 x 10 m, the screen was installed in 2012. The ‘floating’ display cube offers a total of 280 m2 of screen surface area. Depending on the event, the 32-tonne system can be lifted and lowered and presents up-to-date information. Lapp Kablo Turkey, working together with UI Lapp GmbH and Brevetti, planned a 28.5 metre-long Silvyn Chain power chain, weighing 415 kg. The Silvyn universal range completely protects cables against dust, moisture and technical, thermal or chemical exposure.The versatile Silvyn Chain range of energy supply chains also protect and guide cables in dynamic applications.

A.B.N. 22 152 305 336 Head Office Cnr. Fox Valley Road & Kiogle Street, (Locked Bag 1289) Wahroonga NSW 2076 Australia Ph: +61 2 9487 2700 Fax: +61 2 9489 1265 Editor: Dannielle Furness dfurness@westwick-farrow.com.au Editorial Assistant: Alice Richard Chief Editor: Janette Woodhouse Publisher: Geoff Hird Art Director/Production Manager: Julie Wright Art/Production: Tanya Scarselletti, Jeanette Teuma, Colleen Sam Circulation Manager: Sue Lavery circulation@westwick-farrow.com.au Copy Control: Mitchie Mullins copy@westwick-farrow.com.au Advertising Sales: NSW, QLD, VIC - Lisa Gilbert Ph: 0414 283 933 lgilbert@westwick-farrow.com.au SA, WA - Lachlan Rainey Ph: 0402 157 167 lrainey@westwick-farrow.com.au

Europe’s largest display system. The basic model which would typically be used for this type of application is the robust heavyduty SR909B power chain, with triple connecting pins. For this project, however, a special basket was constructed, in which the chain was ‘embedded’ after being lifted. In the power chain itself, screened Ölflex FD Classic 810 CP, Ölflex FD 855 CP and Ölflex FD 90 CY connecting and control cables ensure reliable connections between the three control panels in the scoreboard and the central console under the roof. Not confined to indoor sports, Lapp Systems has also been working on solar for stadiums. At the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany, a total 8800 thin-film solar modules were installed on the roof with a total power of 924 kWp. To provide a reliable connection for the modules, the company produced four-way Y-array harnesses, which were fitted with separate, integral and pluggable overload current fuses at the request of the customer. Lapp gets sporty. On the four-way array harnesses, the distance between the coupling points is 10.6 m and the branch is just 20 cm long. The extruded overload current fuse is simply attached to the string and thus connected to the panel series. A total of 160 array harnesses and 640 extruded fuses were installed with 6 km of Ölflex Solar XLR cable. At Erdgas Sportpark in Halle, Germany, 5094 SE thin-film modules with an output of 535 kWp were installed. For this project, Lapp Systems produced three-way double-Y array harnesses with integrated overload current fuses. In general, the array harnesses can be produced in a T, Y or double-Y design. The number of strings can be increased depending on the cable cross-section. The electron beam crosslinked Ölflex Solar XLR cable is used. It benefits from particularly high thermal and mechanical resistance and is TÜV-type approved. Weather and UV-resistant polyamide resin is used for the extrusion. The Lapp cabling solutions bring tangible benefits: thanks to the use of array harnesses, up to 60% fewer solar cables are required between the modules and the inverters - which means material costs are significantly reduced. Furthermore, the plugged-in, separate fuses facilitate maintenance and repair. DKSH Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T056

74 ECD SOLUTIONS - MARCH/APRIL 2013

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All material published in this magazine is published in good faith and every care is taken to accurately relay information provided to us. Readers are advised by the publishers to ensure that all necessary safety devices and precautions are installed and safe working procedures adopted before the use of any equipment found or purchased through the information we provide. Further, all performance criteria was provided by the representative company concerned and any dispute should be referred to them. Information indicating that products are made in Australia or New Zealand is supplied by the source company. Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd does not quantify the amount of local content or the accuracy of the statement made by the source.

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