SC4 Battery Monitoring System

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The SC4 site controller is a 4th-generation design based on a secure and powerful Linux computer foundation. The unit has no moving parts and can be powered from a DC power source (battery or fuse panel) or from a local AC utility outlet. Each controller can gather data from up to 240 battery sensors, arranged via 6 inputs of 40 sensors each. Maximize the capacity by using virtual string logic or gain deeper insight by matching inputs to physical strings. The site controller has extensive, user-definable configuration, including labels and alarm thresholds for every monitored element. The SC4 can also track float charging, ripple, and discharge current on each string, via current monitoring sensors.

Extensive Interface Capabilities

In addition to monitoring the battery plant, the SC4 also has 2 powered RS-485 interfaces that are used to interface with Remote Input Modules (RIMs) and Remote Output Modules (ROMs). RIMs and ROMs can be used to build very extensive and powerful monitoring solutions for generators or facilities monitoring. A USB interface is provided for the low-level configuration of the unit. Three form-c relay outputs are provided for local alarm indications or for remote control of other equipment.

The SC4 has several interface mechanisms built-in, including an extensive configurable web server that displays site, string, and individual jar information, charge/discharge currents, RIM/ROM information, and much more. A full SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) implementation allows any SNMP-compliant management software to provision the system, collect data, process alarms, and perform tests. DNP3 and Modbus protocols are also supported in the SC4.

Small Form Factor, High Impact

The SC4 is encased in a small, high-impact, flame-retardant housing that fits in a 1RU rack height. A rack bracket that holds two SC4 units side-by-side is available. Other hardware features include a 10/100 Ethernet interface, a +12VDC output for powering auxiliary interface devices, a plug-in flash memory drive for data logging, and a very comprehensive set of LED indicators.

Extensive Logging System

The SC4 is equipped with a very extensive logging system. Many years of logged data are maintained for periodic string/battery parameter measurements, discharge performance, and system events such as alarms, errors, and user login attempts. All log entries are in CSV file format and all entries are date/time stamped. Log files can be downloaded remotely from the SC4 over the network, or locally by removing and reading the USB flash drive.

Always in Control

Linux Operating System
IPv4 and IPv6
SNMP v1, 2c, 3, DNP3, Modbus
FTP/SCP for firmware updates and log file access
Optional WiFi with encryption and authentication
SSL and SSH with encryption and authentication
Supports up to 240 battery sensors on 6 ports in normal, combined, and split strings
Support for wireless battery sensors
Supports up to 8 RIMs, 8 ROMs, 6 FCSs, and 6 UGMs.
Web server with encryption
HVAC control via optional HVAC controller, or P-Bus devices
Immediate, periodic, and discharge data logging
Event, error, and debug message logging
SNMP configuration via SSH or Web page
Support for scripting and multiple web servers

SC4 Datasheet

General Specifications
Electrical Specifications
Indicators & Connectors
Mechanical Specifications
Environmental Specifications

	Present
Monitored battery string inputs	6 maximum; up to 32 strings with virtualization
Monitored batteries, each string	40 maximum
Monitored Batteries, all strings	240 jars/batteries; up to 40 jars per string
Parameters monitored (each string) float and discharge current will require optional sensor	String voltage, float current, ripple current, battery voltage delta, discharge status, discharge/load current with third-party sensor
Parameters monitored (each battery)	Terminal post DC voltage, terminal post temperature, battery and cell admittance
Data logging	Stores event, periodic performance and discharge performance log files. User defined interval for logging of all measured parameters
Programmable alarm thresholds	4 user-defined thresholds for each analog parameter: “High-High”, “Low-High”, “High-Low”, “Low-Low”
Communications data interfaces	Internal SNMP proxy agent, internal web server, internal Telnet client, internal email client, proprietary 2x RJ-45 (P-Bus) * USB local programming and configuration serial interface, USB modem/GP serial port, six proprietary optically isolated serial sensor communications interfaces
Communications protocols	TCP/IP, UDP, SNMP, HTTP, HTTPS, SSL, SSH, SMTP, NTP, FTP, TLS
Packaging	Black ABS plastic 94VO
Options	Rack bracket; “wall-wart” power pack, cable kits. RIM, ROM, current sensors

Battery string interfaces (6 ea)	Proprietary bi-directional current loop signaling; Optically-isolated (1200V); short circuit protected
Battery sensor interconnection wiring	CAT-5e or CAT-6; 200 feet per 40 jar/battery string; 350 feet per 24 jar/battery string
Local programming/configuration interface	USB
Ethernet interface	Magnetically coupled and isolated per industry standards
Input power	18 VDC to 65 VDC; 5W nominal; up to 15W max depending on load of auxiliary power output; ground isolated; fused
Auxiliary power output	12.5vdc nominal, .5amp max, short circuit protected
Digital output	Three programmable digital outputs which can be mapped to alarm thresholds forced to change states manually (via SNMP or web page)

Ethernet status indicators	2 front panel LEDs; 2 rear panel LEDs; link speed (10/100); network activity
Battery string activity/status indicators	1 bi-color LED per string interface; communications activity & status
Other indicators	1 bi-color LED per USB, 1 input power LED, 1 output power LED, 1 bicolor per P-Bus port
Ethernet connector	Industry standard
Battery string connectors (6 ea)	RJ-45
Local programming connector (1ea)	Type B USB
Logging memory connector (1 ea)	Type A USB
General purpose USB (1ea)	Type A USB
Power input connector	3-pin plug-in screw terminal block; supplied mating connector
Power output connector	2-terminal barrier block
P-Bus interface (2ea)	RJ-45 (For interfacing with RIM, ROM & current sensor modules)
Aux interface	RJ-45

Size	8.1”W x 4.3”D x 1.65”H
Weight	1 lb
Housing material	Black ABS plastic (ABS 94 VO); UL file 56070

Operating temperature range	-30 deg C to +65 deg C
Relative humidity	0 to 90%, non-condensing

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