Generator Technology: Remote Monitoring

As a business owner, you are responsible for the daily operations of your company. This can keep you busy with various tasks throughout the day, and you probably come and go frequently to handle important matters off-site. This means that you may not always be available to manage every situation that could arise at your facility.

The last thing that you want to worry about is what will happen during a power outage if you’re unavailable. A backup power generator can provide you with peace of mind knowing that your operations can continue without interruption. A large, industrial-grade generator can run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to keep you in business, but this doesn’t mean you have to be just as available.

Today, remote monitoring systems can help you manage the generator without needing to be on-site. This provides great convenience for a busy professional. In this blog, you will learn more about what remote monitoring is and the benefits it can offer your company.

How Remote Monitoring Works

Remote monitoring utilizes a user-friendly interface that you can utilize via a tablet, smartphone, or other smart devices. It allows you to keep an eye on your generator’s performance and status in real-time, regardless of your physical location. You can check fuel levels, coolant temperature, battery status, and other critical components without needing to be anywhere near the unit. With the information provided by your remote monitoring system, you’ll be able to address any issues with the generator and prevent potential problems and expensive downtime.

Benefits of Remote Monitoring

Remote monitoring offers several benefits for your business.

Early Problem Detection

Remote monitoring systems are equipped with sensors and alerts that can detect potential issues with your unit. You will be immediately notified of low fluid levels, abnormal temperatures, power fluctuations, low oil pressure, and more. By receiving these alerts in advance, you can be more proactive about generator maintenance and repairs. Handling minor issues promptly can help you avoid larger problems and costly downtime later.

Convenient Generator Control

One of the greatest benefits to remote monitoring is that it allows you to control generator operation from wherever you are. You can turn the unit on or off without having to be physically near the system. This can come in handy when you receive an alert that something is wrong with the unit. You can quickly shut it off with the push of a button until you have time to investigate the problem. You can also control alarms, generator reports, generator exercises, and a variety of other settings remotely.

Access to Generator Data

Your remote monitoring system will collect and store data about your generator over time. This provides valuable insights into your generator’s performance regarding maintenance needs, power issues, fuel consumption, and more. With this data, you can make informed decisions regarding generator maintenance and usage in order to improve its efficiency. For example, if the reports indicate that generator maintenance has been needed much more often, you may need to consider more intensive generator service or even replacement.

Reliability and Peace of Mind

In an emergency, you want to make sure that you have a power source that you can depend on. A power outage can last for hours, days, or in extreme cases, weeks. This can be financially devastating for a company that’s not prepared with a functional backup source of power. Your remote monitoring system can make sure that you are ready should the unexpected happen. With its integrated alerts, you will have the information you need to provide prompt maintenance and repairs, ensuring the reliability of your system. You will also benefit from great peace of mind knowing that your generator will work when you need it most.

Predictive Generator Maintenance

Generator maintenance is much easier when you implement a remote monitoring system. It will be able to analyze historical data and patterns to predict when certain parts or components might fail or require professional maintenance. This will help you schedule maintenance tasks when they are actually needed, helping you prevent unexpected breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your generator. It’s essential that these tasks are handled as soon as possible. Delaying maintenance until your system start to show obvious signs of decline can be detrimental to its overall performance.

At Valley Power Systems, we are proud to offer customized maintenance plans to fit your specific needs. Whether you have a brand-new power system that requires only routine maintenance or you’re using older equipment that needs more regular care, we’ve got you covered. Our highly trained and professional technicians service all makes and models of power systems, and they focus on providing cost-effective solutions.

Our most common generator maintenance includes:

- Oil changes: Regular oil changes are crucial to maintaining the health of your generator’s engine. Clean oil reduces friction between moving parts, helps to maintain the engine’s temperature, and extends the overall life of your unit, ensuring optimal performance and preventing costly repairs.
- Battery testing: Battery issues are a top concern for our California clients. A good battery is essential to ensuring that your system remains reliable month after month. Testing the battery will allow us to catch issues early on, preventing power failures when needed most and optimizing overall generator performance.
- Leak inspections: A leak in your power system can reduce efficiency and cause damage to components. During maintenance visits, our technicians check for fuel, coolant, and oil leaks to keep your generator performing at its best. If we suspect that it has a leak, we will uncover where it is coming from and handle the repair promptly, minimizing downtime.

Filter changes: Regular filter changes for your power system are key for optimal performance. Clean filters prevent dirt and debris from entering the engine and wreaking havoc on its components. Our routine filter changes are designed to minimize wear and tear to ensure a longer lifespan for your generator.
Engine exercises: Our technicians also perform engine exercises that are important for identifying potential problems. When we come for your maintenance visit, we will run the generator for a set period of time to allow the battery to charge and to check for performance issues.

Our maintenance plans are designed to optimize generator performance and enhance its overall lifespan. If we notice any issues during routine inspections, we will identify the cause and provide you with cost-effective recommendations. At Valley Power Systems, our goal is to keep your system up and running so that you’re always prepared for an emergency.

Offering Remote Monitoring Solutions

Allow Valley Power Systems to be your partner in power. Serving all of California, we work with industrial and commercial businesses to offer state-of-the-art power technology from reliable manufacturers. Trusted since 1949, we exceed expectations with our quality products, reliable service, and skilled technicians. Whether you’re looking into a new remote monitoring system, or you need generator installation, repair, or maintenance, we can assist with all of your power needs.

Our knowledgeable team can tell you more about remote monitoring and the other technologies available for your generator. Contact us today to explore your options and ensure uninterrupted power for your business.