6 Alarms
6.1 Alarm Management
The most important tool for monitoring the operation status of the eSite Modular system and its associated equipment is the Alarm control feature in the software. The Alarm control feature will trigger (and reset) alarms based on given conditions, indicating that abnormal or faulty events have occurred on site. In this section the various alarms are described and explained, aiming to facilitate troubleshooting and taking corrective actions that may be necessary. Active alarms are presented with name and severity level on eSite Web and on eSite Tools. Furthermore, some thresholds for triggering and resetting alarms are configurable via eSite Web and eSite Tools. Alarms are divided into the following types based on severity.
Fatal
The eSite Modular system disconnects or has already disconnected customer load due to a severe issue. The equipment may be permanently damaged.
Error
The eSite Modular system is running at degraded performance due to a moderate issue but is able to provide full power to the customer load.
Warning
The eSite Modular system is running at full functionality but an abnormal event has occurred.
Information
The eSite Modular system is running at full functionality and a normal event has occurred.
6.2 Troubleshooting
A good strategy for use of this document for troubleshooting and correcting any problems or unwanted system behaviour can be as follows:
Check the alarm list to identify the active alarm with highest severity level and follow the instructions for suggested actions.
Document your actions for future reference.
When the issue is resolved, verify that the alarm automatically resets itself and disappears from the alarm list in eSite Web and eSite Tools. Not that a few alarms have to be manually reset by the user, e.g. the Genset maintenance timer: Expired alarm.
Repeat the procedure for all active alarms in high-to-low severity order.
If the attempt to resolve the issue failed (the alarm is still active), or if a particular alarm is repeatedly activated for unknown reasons, please contact first line support.
6.3 eSite RMC LEDs
On the front of the eSite RMC there are six visual LED indicators, see figure 6.1. The three LEDs on the left-hand side are controlled by the main CPU and the three LEDs on the right-hand side are controlled by the I/O controller. The LEDs give an on-site indication of the current state of the system.
ALARM
Red
Stable light indicates that one or more internal alarms of severity error (E) or fatal (F) is active.
Access information about active alarms from the eSite Web or via eSite Tools. Take necessary action(s) to solve any issues and reset active alarms.
MODEM
Yellow
Stable light indicates that IP address is received correctly and that the modem is connected.
Required for communication with eSite Tools. If the LED is off, verify that the SIM card is functional and has data available and that the antenna is connected properly.
RUN
Green
Stable light indicates that the main control application is up and running.
Main control application starts running approximately 80 s after initial system boot. If the LED stays off or is turned off outside this timeframe, the application is not running as expected. Reboot the system.
COM ERROR
Red
Indicates that any expected communication is not working. Stable light indicates that the main CPU is not communicating.
Possible hardware fault. Verify that all communication cables are connected properly.
12V ERROR
Yellow
Stable light indicates that internal or external 12 V supply is outside range (12 V ± 0.5 V)
Possible hardware fault. Connected sensors/devices may not receive adequate voltage supply. Measure voltage.
OK
Green
Stable light indicates system is operating with no active user alarms.
If this LED is off and the red ALARM LED is on, there may be issues on site that requires action.
6.4 Internal Alarm List
6.4.1 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Faulty
Description: The ambient (outside) temperature sensor is not properly connected. See Ambient temperature sensor for connection details.
Severity: Error
Temperature sensor or sensor cable is faulty.
Check the ambient air temperature sensor for damage, replace if necessary.
The alarm is triggered on the I/O through the analogue signal cable that connects the temperature cable to the I/O terminal. Outside 3.16 V =–39.94 °C and 0.60 V =68.24 °C the alarm is triggered.
eSite RMC I/O voltage received is 0 V or 10 V depending on temperature configuration.
6.4.2 Battery Bank: MCB Tripped
Description: MCB to battery bank has tripped. Batteries are unable to provide power to the eSite Modular system and customer load. Only external power sources (genset, grid and solar) can sustain the site. The system enters Safe mode. Genset runs continuously until the issue is solved. No backup time is available.
Severity: Fatal
- Battery failures.
- MCB faulty.
- Communication signal cable faulty.
- I/O incorrect configuration.
1) Verify the connection on the I/O terminals.
2) Ensure that the battery fuses are dimensioned for the battery short-circuit and not for the over current.
3) Check/measure the condition of each battery.
4) Ensure that the I/O configuration matches the MCB settings (Normally open / Normally closed).
5) Check the battery breaker for burning marks, short circuit etc. Replace if necessary.
6) Check the battery bank power cable connection.
7) Make sure that there are no interruptions on the signal cable.
The alarm is triggered on the I/O through the Digital signal cable that connects the MCB to the I/O terminal.
Received eSite RMC I/O voltage is 24 V or 0 V depending on I/O configuration (Normally open / Normally closed).
6.4.3 Battery Charge Current Sensor Error
Description: Battery charge current sensor mounted inside the cabinet has failed. The system enters Safe mode. Charge request is active continuously until the issue is solved.
Severity: Fatal
Sensor Hardware failure.
Replace the sensor inside the cabinet (requires system shutdown).
Sensor Hardware failure.
Communication with functional current sensor.
6.4.4 Battery Temperature: High Average
Description: The temperature sensor is placed inside the battery cabinet. The average battery temperature has been high for a long duration of time and the battery bank might take permanent damage if the issue is not fixed.
Severity: Error
1) Insufficient cooling of battery cabinet.
2) Fans or AC cooling failure.
3) Filter clogged.
4) Damaged batteries.
5) Damaged battery cabinet.
6) Door is open or not closed properly.
7) Insufficient shading of battery cabinet.
1) Inspect fans and AC cooling for failure.
2) Inspect filter and replace if dirty.
3) Inspect the batteries for visible injuries/bulges.
4) Inspect cabinet, doors and high power cables for damages.
5) Inspect condition/existence of roof over battery cabinet/ Improve shading over battery cabinet.
The alarm is triggered at 37.0°C, the average temperature measured over 1 week.
The alarm trigger temperature conditions are: [x °C – 0.2 °C].
6.4.5 Battery Temperature: High
Description: The temperature sensor is placed inside the battery cabinet. Battery temperature is high and the battery bank might take permanent damage if the issue is not fixed.
Severity: Warning
1) Insufficient cooling of battery cabinet.
2) Fans or AC cooling failure.
3) Filter clogged.
4) Damaged batteries.
5) Damaged battery cabinet.
6) Door is open or not closed properly.
7) Insufficient shading of battery cabinet.
1) Inspect fans and AC cooling for failure.
2) Inspect filter and replace if dirty.
3) Inspect the batteries for visible injuries/bulges.
4) Inspect cabinet, doors and high power cables for damages.
5) Inspect condition/existence of roof over battery cabinet/ Improve shading over battery cabinet.
The alarm is triggered at 42.0 °C real-time/ instantaneous measured value.
The alarm trigger temperature conditions are:[x °C – 2.0 °C].
6.4.6 Battery Temperature: Very High
Description: The temperature sensor is placed inside the battery cabinet. Battery temperature is very high and the battery bank might take permanent damage if not fixed.
Severity: Fatal
1) Insufficient cooling of battery cabinet.
2) Fans or AC cooling failure.
3) Filter clogged.
4) Damaged batteries.
5) Damaged battery cabinet.
6) Door is open or not closed properly.
7) Insufficient shading of battery cabinet.
1) Inspect fans and AC cooling for failure.
2) Inspect filter and replace if dirty.
3) Inspect the batteries for visible injuries/bulges.
4) Inspect cabinet, doors and high power cables for damages.
5) Inspect condition/existence of roof over battery cabinet/ Improve shading over battery cabinet.
45 °C (SS) sensor valid.
The alarm trigger temperature conditions are: [x – 2.0 °C].
6.4.7 Battery Temperature: Poor Cooling Performance
Description: Temperature in battery cabinet is significantly larger than the outside temperature.
Severity: Warning
1) Cooling equipment might have stopped working.
2) Insufficient shading of battery cabinet.
1) Inspect cooling equipment and ensure correct functionality.
2) Check if there is a way to increase shading.
12 °C (SS), sensors valid
x - 2 °C
6.4.8 Battery Temperature Sensor Faulty
Description: The sensor is not properly connected. The polarity is wrong. See Battery temperature sensor for connection details.
Severity: Error
1) Sensor or sensor cable is faulty
2) The battery cabinet temperature is severely high.
1) Make sure that the sensor and sensor cables are not damaged.
2) Check the battery cabinet for possible causes to high temperature.
The alarm is triggered on the I/O through the analogue signal cable that connects the temperature cable to the I/O terminal.
eSite RMC I/O voltage received is 0 V or 10 V depending on temperature configuration.
6.4.9 Battery Voltage: High
Description: Battery voltage is high and the batteries will take permanent damage if issue is not resolved.
Severity: Warning
There is another power source connected to the system, which is not controlled by the eSite RMC.
Check on the site if there is any other power source connected. Disconnect the power source.
Default 60 V. This threshold is temperature compensated according to the battery calibration.
The alarm trigger temperature condition is: x –0.5 V.
6.4.10 Battery Voltage: Low
Description: Battery voltage is low and the customer load will disconnect if not resolved. The eSite Modular system is not able to receive sufficient power from the input power sources.
Severity: Fatal
- Genset has failed to start.
- Genset failed to produce sufficient power to customer load and battery bank. - Grid not available.
2) Verify genset rating settings.
3) Verify grid fuse max current configuration.
Default <= 46.5 V (configurable).
Default >= 48.5 V (configurable).
6.4.11 Battery Voltage Sensor Faulty
Description: The sensor measuring the battery voltage is faulty. First valid ACDC/Solar voltage will be used as a fallback. Connection problem. See Battery voltage sensor for connection details.
Severity: Error
- Battery voltage sensor faulty connected.
- Reversed polarity.
1) Check the sensor installation.
2) Verify the polarity of the sensor cables. 3) Check the connection to the RMC.
4) Check the fuse on the negative side of the battery voltage sensor cable.
Sensor voltage >70V or <10V
N/A
6.4.12 CPU Temperature Derating
Description: The main CPU frequency is throttled due to high internal temperature. The maximum rectifier output power has been reduced.
Severity: Warning
- High outside temperature (>Nominal Temperature).
- Direct sunlight placement.
- Close to a heat source.
- Dirty heat sink.
- Hardware malfunction.
1) Improve the shading over the RMC unit if required.
2) Make sure that the RMC is not placed close to a heat source.
3) Contact first line support.
Internal temperature is too high.
Internal temperature is lowered to acceptable level.
6.4.13 Database Initialization Error
Description: eSite Web does not show the correct values, or no values at all, and can show database related errors. Signal data may not be logged on site. Site configuration can be incorrect with default values used instead.
Severity: Error
- Error in internal databases.
- Trying to access eSite Web too soon after a reboot.
1) Reboot main controller to restore database.
2) Press the "Factory reset" button, see section Shutdown/Reset.
Database Open/read/write error.
No errors at init.
6.4.14 Digital In 1-20: Active
Description: Digital Input port is activated. The user may configure any available Digital In port to indicate a customized alarm of their own choice by connecting the alarm mechanism to an indicator relay connected to the Digital In port. The user is responsible for keeping track of what a specific Digital In: Active alarm signifies and for taking appropriate actions on the alarm. No further action is taken by the eSite Modular System on a Digital In: Active alarm.
Severity: Warning
User connected alarm indicator relay has tripped.
N/A
User defined trigger condition(s).
User defined reset condition(s).
6.4.15 Fuel Monitor 1-2: Fuel Filled
Description: Genset tank has been filled.
Severity: Information
Fuel tank has been refilled
N/A
4 % fuel increase is detected between a rolling period of 1800 sec.
The alarm will reset itself within one hour after the filling was detected.
6.4.16 Fuel Monitor 1-2: Fuel Lost
Description: The fuel sensor has detected a sudden fuel loss.
Severity: Warning
Fuel theft or leakages.
Check the fuel tank and the fuel sensor on site.
4 % fuel decrease is detected between a rolling period of 1800 sec.
The alarm resets itself after a refill.
6.4.17 Fuel Monitor 1-2: Low Level
Description: Fuel is below the setup low volume threshold.
Severity: Information
Not enough fuel in the tank.
Refill fuel.
Default value: below 300 litres (configurable).
Default value: 300 + 20 litres (configurable).
6.4.18 Fuel Monitor 1-2: Sensor Out of Range
Description: Sensor measurements are outside its specified voltage range. See Fuel sensors for connection details.
Severity: Warning
- The Fuel Sensor is disconnected.
- The Fuel Sensor is not installed correctly.
- The Fuel Sensor is faulty.
1) Check sensor installation.
2) Check the sensor polarity.
3) Verify the sensor configuration.
4) Check if the sensor is faulty.
The alarm is triggered on the I/O, through the analogue signal cable that connects the fuel sensor to the I/O terminal.
eSite RMC I/O voltage received is 0 V or 10 V depending on fuel sensor configuration.
6.4.19 Fuel Monitor 1-2: Very Low Level
Description: Fuel Sensor measurements are below the very low volume threshold.
Severity: Warning
Not enough fuel in the tank.
Refill fuel
Default value: below 200 litres (configurable).
Default value: 200 + 20 litres (configurable).
6.4.20 Genset 1-2 Communication Error
Description: Modbus Communication to genset panel has failed and the eSite RMC is unable to read data from the genset.
Severity: Warning
- Communication cables between eSite RMC and genset are damaged.
- Genset start battery is empty.
- Incorrect Genset Modbus settings.
1) Check the communication cables from eSite RMC to genset for damage.
2) Check the genset and repair if required.
3) Ensure that the Modbus configuration matches the genset control panel settings.
No communication response from genset.
Restored communication.
6.4.21 Genset 1-2 External Alarm 1-3: Tripped
Description: Genset external alarm relay has tripped.
Severity: Warning
Alarm depending on Genset type and I/O configuration.
1) Check the genset to make sure it is not damaged.
2) Make sure that there are no interruptions on the signal cable.
3) Ensure that the I/O configuration matches the MCB settings (Normally open / Normally closed).
Genset external alarm trigger condition(s).
Genset external alarm reset condition(s).
6.4.22 Genset 1-2 Failed to Start
Description: Genset does not start on active start command.
Severity: Fatal
- Genset battery empty or faulty.
- No fuel.
- Genset alarm.
- Communication to genset controller broken.
- Power cables between the eSite Modular system and Genset are faulty.
- The genset is manually forced off on site.
1) Check the genset battery and generator system. Charge the battery if necessary.
2) Fill up fuel.
3) Check and reset error in genset.
No feedback from genset is detected by the rectifiers for 5 minutes.
The alarm resets itself when Genset input AC voltage is detected.
6.4.23 Genset 1-2 Failed to Stop
Description: Genset does not stop on inactive start command.
Severity: Error
Genset is manually forced to run by pressing the start button on the genset panel.
1) Make sure that the genset is in auto mode / remote control mode.
2) Verify the start signal from eSite RMC to genset.
Genset is commanded to stop but eSite RMC is still detecting incoming AC voltage from Genset for 5 minutes.
Inactive start command and no AC voltage has been detected from Genset for 1 minute.
6.4.24 Genset 1-2 Maintenance Timer: Expired
Description: Time limit for genset maintenance has expired. Scheduled Hours to maintenance.
Severity: Warning
Maintenance has not been performed.
Perform genset maintenance according to genset documentation.
Default 0 hours left to maintenance.
The timer for genset maintenance is reset.
6.4.25 Grid Not Available
Description: Input power from grid is not available. Voltage is out of range 85 – 300 V. Frequency is out of range 45 – 65 Hz.
Severity: Warning
– Grid power is temporarily out.
- Grid breaker tripped.
1) Check if the grid provides power.
2) Check grid breaker. Repair if necessary.
AC Voltage and frequency input is out of range for 10 sec.
AC Voltage and frequency input is in range.
6.4.26 High Priority Load: Disconnected
Description: High priority customer load is disconnected due to low voltage.
Severity: Fatal
– System voltage has dropped below threshold.
- No incoming power to the eSite Modular system is available.
Make sure that the power sources are working.
Default 43.5 V.
Default 48 V.
6.4.27 High Priority Load: High Power
Description: Total high priority load is higher than the rated value.
Severity: Error
– The customer load is not installed correctly.
- Incorrect use of High priority load and Low priority load.
1) Verify the customer load connection on site.
2) Consult the Installation manual for correct use of High priority power and Low priority power.
1.5 kW for 10 sec
x – 100 W
6.4.28 I/O Communication Failure
Description: Communication to I/O controller has failed, eSite RMC is not able to read I/O signals.
Severity: Fatal
I/O hardware fail.
- Make sure you have the correct SW version installed.
- Replace eSite RMC.
No communication response from I/O.
RMC with correct SW installed.
6.4.29 Load Tenant 1-10: Max Power
Description: Max total power load threshold is reached.
Severity: Warning
Tenant is drawing more power than configured.
1) Check/measure the total power load connected to the eSite Modular system on site.
2) Reduce the total power drawn from the system.
Default load >= 5kW for 10 sec (configurable).
Alarm trigger temperature conditions are: x– 100 W.
6.4.30 Load Total: Max Power
Description: Max total power load threshold is reached.
Severity: Warning
Customer load is drawing more power than configured.
1) Check/measure the total power load connected to the eSite Modular system on site.
2) Reduce the total system power drawn.
Default load = 10 kW for 10 sec (configurable).
The alarm trigger temperature conditions are: x– 100 W.
6.4.31 Low Priority Load: Disconnected
Description: Low priority customer load has been disconnected due to low battery voltage.
Severity: Fatal
- System voltage has dropped below threshold.
- No incoming power the eSite Modular system is available.
Make sure that the power sources are working.
45 V + 300 sec
The load is reconnected when battery voltage is above 48 V and produced current from the rectifiers is 20 A within 30 sec or battery voltage is above 52 V.
6.4.32 Converter Unit 1-3: Unit Communication Failed
Description: Communication to rectifier/solar controllers has failed. The converter unit may not deliver power.
Severity: Error
- Unregistered Converter Unit
- Converter hardware fail
- CAN communication cable connection faulty
Replace and/or properly connect CAN cable. Replace Converter Unit.
No communication response from power converters.
Active communication with registered Converter Unit.
6.4.33 Rectifier 1-9: High Temp Power Reduced
Description: Due to high internal temperature, the maximum rectifier output power has been reduced.
Severity: Warning
– High outside temperature (>Nominal Temperature).
- Direct sunlight placement.
- Close to a heat source.
- Dirty heat sink.
- Hardware malfunction.
1) Improve the shading over the Converter Units if possible.
2) Make sure that eSite Modular system is not placed close to a heat source.
3) Clean the heat sink according to the maintenance section
4) Contact first line support.
Too high rectifier internal temperature.
Normal rectifier internal temperature.
6.4.34 Rectifier 1-9: Internal Critical Error
Description: Rectifier does not supply power.
Severity: Fatal
Rectifier hardware fail.
Replace eSite Converter Unit.
Hardware faulty
Converter Unit replaced and communication restored.
6.4.35 Solar 1-18: Array Voltage High
Description: Solar converter measures the input voltage above the threshold in the data sheet. The array has too high voltage. No solar power is produced.
Severity: Fatal
Incorrect solar panel installation.
Measure the array voltage and ensure that not too many panels are connected in series, thereby exceeding the array voltage range.
Voltage exceeding the threshold.
Automatically cleared when trigger condition is solved. System check every 10 min.
6.4.36 Solar 1-18: Array Voltage Negative
Description: Reversed polarity. Solar panel minus terminal may be connected to ground.
Severity: Fatal
Faulty connected solar array.
1) Measure voltage to see the polarity of the array.
2) Check the connection cables.
Reversed polarity detected.
Automatically cleared when trigger condition is solved. System check every 10 min.
6.4.37 Solar 1-18: Communication Failed
Description: Communication to solar converter has failed. The RMC is not able to read solar signals.
Severity: Fatal
Solar converter hardware failure.
Replace eSite Converter Unit.
No communication response from solar converter.
Converter Unit replaced and communication restored.
6.4.38 Solar Converter 1-18: Internal Critical Error
Description: Solar converter does not supply power.
Severity: Fatal
Solar converter hardware failure.
Replace eSite Converter Unit.
Hardware faulty.
Converter Unit replaced and communication restored.
6.4.39 Solar Volt Offset Calibration Error
Description: Any of the solar converters measures its voltage ±1V compared to the system voltage.
Severity: Error
Solar hardware failure.
If the solar voltage is higher than system voltage, the system will still be safe and run at degraded performance.
If the solar voltage is lower than system voltage, the batteries might become overcharged witch can be unsafe and shorten the lifetime of the batteries.
Ask an admin to check this in diagnostics tab.
Any of the solar converters measures its voltage ±1 V or more compared to system voltage
Voltage diff <± 1 V
6.4.40 Surge Protection 100 kA: Tripped
Description: External Surge protection for genset/grid 100 kA has tripped.
Severity: Error
Over voltage from genset or grid has tripped the surge protection (SPD).
1) Check if surge protection has tripped, replace if necessary.
2) Check signal cables between I/O and the surge protection (SPD).
The alarm is triggered on the I/O through the Digital signal cable that connects the surge protection indication to the I/O terminal.
eSite RMC I/O voltage received is 24 V.
6.4.41 Tenant 1-10 Current Sensor Faulty
Description: The sensor measuring the tenant current is invalid.
Severity: Warning
– CAN communication signal cable faulty.
- Sensor hardware failure.
- Current sensor option enabled but no sensor installed.
1) Make sure that there are no interruptions on the signal cable. Replace if necessary.
2) Verify that there is a sensor installed.
3) Check the ID of the current sensor.
4) Make sure the sensor is not damaged. Replace if necessary.
5) Check the configuration to match installed sensors.
Sensor hardware /Communication failure.
Communication with sensor is established, correct current measurement values data.
6.5 External alarm list
External alarms can be forwarded by the eSite RMC for presentation when communicated from external sources like an AMF Genset panel or a Li-ion BMS. To receive external alarms, setup a communication to the required source. For more information about external communications, see the Appendix.
6.5.1 Genset
To receive Genset alarms, a Modbus communication to the AMF panel on the Genset is required.
The following alarms can be configured for Genset 1 and 2 from the local eSite Web Settings/Genset page:
HighBatteryVoltage
LowBatteryVoltage
ChargerAcFailure
FailToStart
FailToStop
LowCoolantTemperature
HighCoolantTemperature
LowOilPressure
OverSpeed
LowFuelLevel
HighAcVoltage
LowAcVoltage
UnderFrequency
Overload
Overcurrent
ShortCircuit
ReverseKW
ReverseKVAR
FailToClose
EmergencyStop
OilPressureSwitch
CoolantTemperatureSwitch
FuelLevelSwitch
WarningAlarmActive
ElectricalAlarmActive
ShutdownAlarmActive
ControlUnitFailure
ControlUnitNotConfigured
Alarm1
Alarm2
Alarm3
6.5.2 Lithium-ion batteries
The alarms communicated from external Li-ion BMS systems differ between the various manufacturers. Each supported battery brand has its own list of alarms which is mapped by, and presented in, the eSite Modular system. Specific battery communication protocol are selected in the Battery Settings on the local eSite Web.
See the Appendix on how to install and configure communication to a Li-ion battery bank.
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