‘Next generation’ Power Analysis Platform

In response to this, test sourcing specialist Livingston has added a new product to its expansive range of power quality analysis equipment, which is especially targeted at this industry sector. The company now offers its customers the highly advanced Dent ELITEpro XC - a complete solution for accurately monitoring electric energy usage and recording key performance metrics, so that datacentres managers can maximise the effectiveness of their outfit. It is capable of logging, storing and analysing power consumption data derived from voltage and current inputs with accuracy levels of <0.2% typical.

Suitable for both single and three-phase systems using 80-600V phase-to-phase (AC or DC) services, this quad-channel analysis tool can deal with currents up to 6,000A. It has configurable input ranges for voltage (0 to 10VDC) or current loop (0-20mA and 4-20mA) transducers. A waveform sampling frequency of 12kHz is supported - allowing real-time display of both voltage and current waveforms, as well as harmonics. User-selectable recording intervals can be set as short as every 1sec, thereby giving test engineers a high degree of flexibility. The 16MByte non-volatile memory provides months of recording time (enough to take measurements at 2min intervals for up to 160 days). The highly intuitive, yet extremely effective Windows-based ELOG™ software package that accompanies it enables rapid, easy data retrieving and scrutinizing. It facilitates data exporting to almost any analysis program. Connectivity is supplied via a fast USB interface and standard Ethernet ports. An optional Wi-Fi function permits remote data collection over 2.4GHz wireless networks.

“When measuring power consumption in datacentres, and similar applications, it is normally necessary to capture data simultaneously from numerous test points - which means that multiple testers will be required during this period,” states Reinier Treur, Livingston’s Global Marketing Director. “This can represent a considerable investment if the equipment has to be purchased. Conversely a rental approach will offer the same results, but prove much more financially attractive, as the pieces of equipment only have cost implications for the time they are needed.”

The ELITEpro XC is supplied in a rugged, compact (measuring just 21.6cm x 6.3cm x 4.7cm and lightweight (weighing only 340g) package. By employing this highly sophisticated item of equipment, datacentre management teams will be able to gain access to the detailed information they need to pinpoint areas where excessive energy usage is occurring then subsequently resolve such issues - in order to rationalise their day-to-day overheads and meet relevant legislative guidelines. In addition to Dent, Livingston’s power quality analysis portfolio includes products from leading manufacturers such as Fluke, Eberle, Doble, Dranetz and Chauvin-Arnoux.