Background
A major US telecommunication provider that operates a network of central offices, often in remote areas, depends on diesel-powered backup generators to ensure uninterrupted communication services. These central offices act as vital hubs in their network, connecting individual subscribers to broader communication systems. Each central office houses essential networking equipment to ensure that critical systems, such as digital operations, communications, and internet services, continue to run seamlessly during power outages.
Challenge
With limited personnel at these central office sites, monitoring the system effectively was challenging, making it difficult to ensure real-time oversight and initiate proactive maintenance. Manually managing the diesel generator and its fuel supply system created several challenges, as refueling schedules were often based on estimates, potentially leading to fuel runouts or unnecessary refueling trips. Without an automated system, leaks in fuel supply lines and other areas could go undetected, putting critical infrastructure at risk. Details on the operational status of the generator and its run times were also unavailable.
Implementation
The installation of the Franklin Electric EVO™ Series fuel management system was carried out to automate and monitor the generator’s fuel supply system and also leveraged to monitor additional areas of the facility. The installation included:
EVO™ Series Console
This served as the hub for monitoring fuel inventory levels, detecting leaks, and tracking generator operation. It was integrated into the existing Building Management System (BMS), enabling all fuel system data to be incorporated with other facility monitoring data and seamlessly delivered to the thirdparty monitoring provider.
Inventory & Leak Detection Probes
These provided real-time data on fuel levels as well as any water levels, if present, in the 2,000 gallon fuel tank, enabling precise scheduling of refueling and minimizing unnecessary truck rolls.
Leak Detection Sensors
Various liquid and fuel detection sensors were installed in locations throughout the system such as the fuel tank’s equipment box and system low points to monitor for the presence of fuel, water, and other liquid leaks.
Double-Wall Fuel Tank Sensors
Interstitial sensors were placed between the walls of double-wall fuel tanks. They would send an alert if fuel or liquid enters this area, signaling a potential breach in the primary containment, helping prevent environmental contamination.
The installation of the EVO™ Series and its array of sensors led to significant improvements:
Optimized Fuel Management:
By accurately monitoring fuel levels and consumption, the central office was able to ensure adequate fuel levels and reduce unnecessary refueling, leading to lower operational costs and improved efficiency.
Remote Monitoring:
With the BMS integration, facility managers could remotely access real-time data, reducing the need for onsite personnel and allowing for faster response times in the event of a leak or other issues.
Proactive Leak Detection:
The system’s interstitial and liquid sensors ensured that any leaks were detected early, preventing potential damage to critical equipment and minimizing environmental impact.
Enhanced Insights:
Automated reporting with data on fuel consumption and generator run times helped optimize refueling schedules, enabled proactive equipment maintenance, and improved operational efficiency.
Conclusion
By implementing Franklin Electric’s EVO™ Series fuel monitoring system, the remote central office significantly improved its operational efficiency, reduced environmental risks, and enhanced its ability to manage fuel levels and detect leaks. The comprehensive monitoring solution provided by the EVO™ Series ensures that the office’s backup power systems remain reliable, safeguarding critical communication infrastructure even in the face of power disruptions.
This case demonstrates how critical power facilities can benefit from advanced fuel monitoring and leak detection systems, ensuring both fuel availability and remote oversight.
