Abstract: This solution is designed to meet the actual requirements of a bank's computer room. To improve system stability and reliability, enhance system scalability, and reduce unnecessary user costs, the entire system adopts a modular and structured design. The design fully considers system stability, compatibility, the cost-effectiveness of all system equipment, and future expansion needs, enabling easy integration into the system's monitoring and control system with minimal investment.
Keywords: Intelligent measurement and control, energy saving, monitoring
1. Introduction
The intelligent monitoring and control system for computer room environment equipment is a computer-based monitoring and control system that comprehensively utilizes computer technology, communication technology, automatic monitoring and control technology, and new sensing technology. Its monitoring and control objects are the power supply system equipment, air conditioners, UPS, and various parameters and operating statuses of the computer room environment. The construction of this monitoring and control system plays a positive role in fully utilizing high-tech means, strengthening maintenance support capabilities, ensuring the stable operation and security of the computer room and its equipment, improving network maintenance levels, and promoting the modernization of power supply and communication equipment maintenance.
2. Structure of the Intelligent Monitoring and Control System for Computer Room Environment Equipment
The measurement and control system hardware system adopts a two-level hierarchical connection structure. The measurement and control system consists of a measurement and control center (SC) and a measurement and control module (SM).
The measurement and control system software consists of an operating system (Windows XP/2000/2003/Windows NT) and measurement and control software (BYT-MCS/Net V7.0) installed on the measurement and control host. The measurement and control software has advantages such as good expandability and strong compatibility.
(1) Measurement and Control Center (SC)
The main functions of the Measurement and Control Center (SC) are to store, analyze, handle alarms, and control the data collected by the Measurement and Control Module (SM). It centrally monitors the environment, equipment status, and operating parameters of the measurement and control room through the SM. It also provides alarms via various human-machine interfaces, including text, graphics, voice notifications, telephone voice dialing, and SMS, accurately reflecting the current status and alarm information of the monitored targets.
The monitoring and control host consists of two monitors and other related equipment. One monitor displays a floor plan or bird's-eye view of the equipment room in the form of an electronic map. The other monitor can use analog or digital instruments to comprehensively display the operating parameters of the equipment in the equipment room, alarm indicators, real-time curves, historical curves, etc., which facilitates viewing and timely understanding of various monitored equipment and environmental parameter information.
(2) Measurement and Control Module (SM)
The measurement and control system consists of various measurement and control modules (SMs). The measurement and control modules (SMs) are connected to the measurement and control center (SC) via an RS485 communication bus to collect, save, and upload various equipment and environmental parameters at the measurement and control site.
The Measurement and Control Module (SM) is an intelligent controller comprising a series of signal acquisition units, communication protocol converters, corresponding control actuators, and intelligent devices. The SM includes various transmitters and communication modules, air conditioner communication protocol and conversion modules, UPS communication protocol and conversion modules, temperature and humidity transmitters, power transmitters, switch detection modules, water leakage detectors, and cameras, etc. The SM is the core equipment in the computer room's measurement and control field. It adopts a specialized design and features signal conditioning, signal acquisition, and uploading to the Measurement and Control Center (SC). The system is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the branch office monitoring and control system
3. Design scheme of intelligent monitoring and control system for computer room environment equipment
This monitoring and control system includes 10 detection modules: temperature and humidity detection, water leakage detection, mains power input parameter detection, fresh air unit status detection, smoke exhaust fan status detection, fire cylinder status and fire alarm status detection, UPS detection, access control status detection, air conditioner detection, and generator detection.
3.1 Temperature and humidity detection
Test content:
Real-time parameters: temperature and humidity in the computer room;
Alarm information: Temperature exceeding limit alarm, humidity exceeding limit alarm, etc.
Implementation method: Install a digital integrated temperature and humidity transmitter BYT-TH485 on the wall or ceiling of the computer room. The digital integrated temperature and humidity transmitter is connected to the monitoring and control host via RS485 bus to transmit temperature and humidity information to the monitoring and control host, thereby realizing the detection of temperature and humidity in the computer room.
3.2 Leak Detection
Test content:
Real-time status: Leaks in air conditioners and computer room, etc.
Alarm information: water leak alarm, alarm location indicated by electronic map, etc.
Implementation method: Lay one 10CM long leak detection line on the floor of the air conditioner unit and another on the floor of the computer room where water is prone to leaks. The leak detection line is attached to the floor with glass glue. The leak detection line BYT-JSTC/10CM is connected to the leak detector BYT-LSTCQ/A with a 2-core cable. The leak detector alarm information is transmitted to the monitoring and control host through the communication module BYT-TXMK/8 to realize leak detection and alarm.
3.3 Detection of Mains Power Input Parameters
Test content:
Real-time parameters: Real-time monitoring of power parameters for each of the two computer rooms' mains power supplies, including input voltage, input current, and input frequency;
Alarm information: Voltage over-limit alarm, current over-limit alarm, frequency over-limit alarm;
Implementation method: Install an 8073 power transmitter on the DIN rail inside the distribution cabinet. The power supply voltage signal is directly connected to the voltage input port of the power transmitter, and the power supply current, after passing through a current transformer, generates a 0-5A current signal which is connected to the current input port of the power transmitter. The power transmitter transmits the collected power supply voltage, current, and frequency information to the monitoring and control host via an RS485 bus, realizing the detection of voltage, current, and frequency of two mains power supplies.
3.4 Fresh air unit status monitoring
Test content:
Real-time parameters: Real-time monitoring of the operation and shutdown of the fresh air unit in the computer room and its power supply current parameters.
Real-time status: Fresh air system running/Fresh air system stopped;
Alarm message: Current over-limit alarm;
Implementation method: Install an 8073 power transmitter on the DIN rail inside the distribution cabinet. The power supply current passes through a current transformer to generate a 0-5A current signal, which is then connected to the current input port of the power transmitter. The power transmitter transmits the collected power supply current information to the monitoring and control host via an RS485 bus, enabling the detection of the power supply current of the fresh air unit.
3.5 Smoke Exhaust Fan Status Monitoring
Test content:
Real-time parameters: Real-time monitoring of the power supply current parameters of the computer room exhaust fan;
Real-time status: Smoke exhaust fan running/Smoke exhaust fan stopped;
Alarm message: Current over-limit alarm;
Implementation method: Install an 8073 power transmitter on the DIN rail inside the distribution cabinet. The power supply current is transmitted through a current transformer to generate a 0-5A current signal, which is then connected to the current input port of the power transmitter. The power transmitter transmits the collected power supply current information to the monitoring and control host via an RS485 bus, thereby enabling the detection of the power supply current to the exhaust fan.
3.6 Detection of the status of fire cylinders and fire alarms
Test content:
Real-time status: Real-time monitoring of the status of fire cylinders and fire alarms in the computer room;
Alarm information: changes in the status of fire cylinders and fire alarms, and the location of alarms indicated by electronic maps, etc.
Implementation method: Connect the control signal and alarm signal output terminals of the fire control host and fire alarm host to the signal input terminal of the communication module BYT-TXMK/8 using an RVVP4*0.2 shielded communication cable. The status information of the fire cylinder and the fire alarm status information are transmitted to the monitoring and control host through the communication module BYT-TXMK/8 via the RS485 bus, realizing the detection and alarm of the status information of the fire cylinder and the fire alarm status information.
3.7 UPS Parameter Testing
Test content:
Alarm information: Voltage over-limit alarm, current over-limit alarm, frequency over-limit alarm, etc.;
Real-time parameters: output voltage, output current, output frequency, total battery voltage, total battery current, etc.
Operating status: bypass operating status, online status, battery powered status, battery charging status, etc.;
Alarm information: Input over-limit alarm, output overload alarm, battery abnormality alarm, rectifier fault alarm, inverter fault alarm, battery voltage over-limit alarm, temperature over-limit alarm, etc.
Implementation method: The UPS has a built-in RS232 or RS485 communication interface. The communication conversion module converts the RS232 or RS485 interface into a 485 bus and connects it directly to a communication port on the communication card of the monitoring and control host. Through this connection, the UPS communicates with the monitoring and control host. According to the UPS communication protocol, the monitoring and control host can query various operating statuses, parameters and alarm information of the UPS.
The UPS test screen is shown in Figure 2:
Figure 2 UPS test screen
3.8 Access Control Status Detection
Test content:
Real-time status: door open/closed status, etc.;
Alarm information: alarm for door open (door not closed) timeout, alarm location indicated by electronic map, etc.;
Implementation method: Connect the signal output terminal of the computer room door magnetic detection module to the signal input terminal of the communication module BYT-TXMK/8 using an RVVP2*0.2 shielded communication cable. The door opening and closing status information is transmitted to the monitoring and control host via the RS485 bus through the communication module BYT-TXMK/8, realizing the detection and alarm of the door opening and closing status.
3.9 Testing of dedicated air conditioning units for computer rooms
Test content:
Real-time parameters: Real-time monitoring and management of parameters and alarm information of the computer room air conditioner;
Operating status: compressor, humidifier, etc.
Alarm information: Alarms for filter blockage, fan failure, compressor failure, etc.
Implementation method: The RS232 or RS485 communication interface of the air conditioner is converted into a 485 bus by the communication conversion module and directly connected to a communication port on the communication card of the monitoring and control host. Through this connection, the air conditioner communicates with the monitoring and control host. According to the air conditioner's communication protocol, the monitoring and control host can query the air conditioner's various operating statuses, parameters and alarm information.
The air conditioner's diagnostic screen is shown in Figure 3:
Figure 3 Air conditioner testing screen
3.10 Generator Testing
Test content:
Real-time parameters: Real-time monitoring and management of generator operating parameters and alarm information;
Operating status: Generator running/stopped, etc.;
Alarm information: High generator temperature alarm, etc.
Implementation method: The generator has a built-in RS232 or RS485 communication interface. The communication conversion module converts the RS232 or RS485 interface into a 485 bus and connects it directly to a communication port on the communication card of the monitoring and control host. Through this connection, the monitoring and control host can communicate with the monitoring and control host. According to the generator communication protocol, the monitoring and control host can query various operating statuses, parameters and alarm information of the generator.
4. Functional characteristics of the intelligent monitoring and control system for computer room environment equipment
The measurement and control system provides four functional modules: multi-functional data display, alarm management, curve viewing, and comprehensive management.
4.1 Multifunctional Data Display
The system can collect real-time operating parameters, working status, and alarm information of the computer room environment and equipment. In the Measurement and Control Center (SC) unit, the system operator can display the test data in analog instrument or digital table format as needed, and can also display alarm information, data curves, and electronic maps of the computer room, so as to monitor the operation of all equipment in real time and understand the working status of various equipment.
4.2 Alarm Management
The monitoring and control system employs a multi-level alarm mechanism. When different levels of alarms occur, the system uses different alarm formats to notify system operators or maintenance personnel. If no confirmation is received within a specified time (determined based on communication line conditions), the system can automatically send alarm SMS messages and emails with Chinese character prompts to relevant personnel, based on pre-defined conditions. Once an alarm is confirmed, the audible and visual alarms cease; however, they can be triggered again upon the occurrence of a new alarm.
All alarm conditions, alarm limits, and alarm levels can only be configured and modified by authorized system administrators. The system has the function of automatically analyzing alarm events, and will filter out false alarms caused by line, equipment, or system failures, as well as events that do not need to be alarmed, thus ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of alarm events.
Alarm methods include: screen alarm, sound alarm, SMS alarm, and telephone voice dialing alarm.
4.3 Curve Viewing Function
Includes: real-time curve display interface, historical curve display interface
The measurement and control system provides two easy-to-view curve display functions: the first is real-time curves, which display the operating parameters of the tested equipment and environment in real time; the second is historical curves, which allow users to find parameter curves for any time period in the past. Historical data can be stored for 10 days to more than 1 year (this can be extended upon user request). Using historical data, users can query historical data for various testing items at any time, including historical data curves for any given day or moment. The query results are displayed in a list or printed for analysis and statistical purposes.
4.4 Comprehensive Management Functions
The comprehensive management functions of this system can be divided into two modules: security management and personalization management.
Safety Management
The monitoring and control software adopts multi-level operation permissions (up to 9999 levels can be set). Operators at different levels can only perform operations within their authorized permissions to ensure system security.
Personalized management
The system provides personalized management functions for data accumulation. These are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
(1) When the system is initially built, or when equipment is changed or added, the system management and maintenance personnel can use the configuration function to configure the system to ensure that the configuration parameters are consistent with the actual equipment.
(2) When there are personnel changes in the system duty personnel or system management and maintenance personnel, the configuration function can be used to authorize the relevant personnel accordingly.
(3) The system can start automatically upon receiving a power call, providing complete data backup and recovery functions.
(4) The system should support online maintenance, that is, when the system is running, it should support real-time modification and maintenance. During the modification and maintenance, the system's normal functions such as equipment sampling, data storage, and alarm should not be affected.
(5) Web browsing: With the help of a network interface based on the TCP/IP protocol, it is possible to remotely browse various parameters and alarm information of the computer room.
5. Conclusion:
Over the past year, this project has been able to monitor the temperature and humidity in the computer room, generator status, dedicated air conditioners, access control status, UPS parameters, fire cylinder status and fire alarm status, smoke exhaust fan status, mains power input parameters, and air conditioner and computer room leakage conditions. It not only monitors the equipment operation status but also provides a basis for energy-saving and scientific management.
References:
(1) Security Engineering Procedures and Requirements GA/T75-94
(2) Computer Site Safety Requirements GB9361-82
(3) Technical Requirements for Computer Station Sites GB2887-89
(4) Computer Room Design Code GB50174-2008
(5) Industrial Enterprise Communication Grounding Design Code GBJ79-85
