Mardix have announced that iTherm technology is set to become a central part of their industry leading approach to switchgear, power management and service.
Employing ExerTherm components, iTherm uses InfraRed (IR) sensors and
cable sensors to continuously monitor key busbar terminations and
critical cable terminations respectively.
Through internal thermal monitoring of switchgear on a 24/7/365
basis, the technology detects one of the most common causes of power
outages and delivers many benefits when used in conjunction with the
currently accepted practice of point in time measurements through
thermal imaging.
Andy Banks, Power Management Director explains: “Thermal inspection
is internationally recognised as the best method of detecting poor
terminations and over loaded components, cabling and busbars. Periodic
inspections, although essential, leave much of the operating period
completely unrecorded and unmonitored. In critical environments Mardix
iTherm will be key in maximising reliable uptime.
iTherm will now be provided as part of our intelligent switchgear
solutions, where the technology will be built in at the point of
manufacture. For legacy equipment, Mardix engineers will also be
installing this as a retrofit solution.
By interfacing the hardware into Mardix’s market leading Power
Management System offer, we can provide our customers with the ability
to continuously monitor and trend their switchgear’s thermal
characteristics in conjunction with their power loadings and energy
consumption.
This solution is not only cost effective, it also improves on site
safety by removing the need for internal access to switchgear once
fitted. With no power consumption, lifetime calibration and lifetime
warranty on the IR sensors, alarming and remote monitoring functionality Mardix’s iTherm solution will set the standard for the next generation of thermal monitoring technology.
Large data centre operators and key financial institutions are
amongst some of the existing users of this technology, as they
understand the need to reduce any risk of downtime and preserve the
substantial investment they’ve made in their critical power
infrastructures.
In fact Mardix are so confident in the benefits of the iTherm
solution that they will provide an extended warranty on any new
switchgear fitted with this technology”.
These benefits include:
-
Increased device reliability and uptime due to increase in accurate data, better maintenance and reduced downtime
- Extended conventional intervention maintenance
- Potential provision of 20% extra life expectancy on major
capital assets due to an increase in accurate data, better maintenance
programs and management, and less downtime
- Improved safety conditions including Arc Flash avoidance
- Integration into a Mardix PMS solution for 24/7/365 remote monitoring, alarming and data trending
Andy concludes: “The real benefits will be realised when clients use
iTherm as part of an integrated approach to monitoring their critical
power infrastructure. The technology will pay for itself within the
first 3 years.”
