The importance of Big Data for managing energy efficiency. The NAB (Network Analyzer Box) is the Vactis solution.

We talk about Big Data in relation to increasing energy efficiency, when data collected in large volumes are analysed and studied in order to allow companies to make the best possible decisions.

 

When it comes to energy, the importance of data emerges even more strongly: it is not possible to address any type of discussion on this issue without having precise numbers available.

 

Indeed, it is necessary to have clear data on one’s own needs, in order to understand one’s own starting point and thus implement the most appropriate actions.

 

It is precisely the ability to dynamically manage the company’s requirements that represents the real added value of Big Data in the world of energy. The possibility of interfacing with all the different plant systems now present in a company’s environment, visualising and efficiently optimising energy loads, often in a totally automated manner, represents a clear added value.

The solution designed by Vactis: the “NAB”

The NAB (Network Analyzer Box) is Vactis’ Big Data management system that gives our partner a clear view of energy consumption. 

 

In fact, the field sensors on which the NAB focuses measure energy and allow the processing of data from industrial and/or commercial production processes (or any type of process parameter in the field).

How to connect and communicate with sensors

The connection between the NAB and the field sensors is wired; the NAB is equipped with two connection trunks with an RJ 45 plug socket. Communication with the field sensors is via Modbus communication protocols, both with newly installed and existing sensors. 

 

It is also possible to transmit information with other communication protocols, via communication gateway applications.

The security of the NAB system

The NAB has been designed with the utmost care for the security of our partners’ data and infrastructure. The exchange of data between the Vactis cloud servers and the NAB takes place automatically and securely using 4G technology.

 

The partner has the possibility to access the data via cloud access credentials. The NAB system is maintained in terms of software and/or updates by our technicians remotely and the hardware is equipped with a watchdog.

 

The software is able to manage a series of alarms:

 

  • Plant communication delay (with settable delay);
  • Device communication delay (with settable delay);
  • Field device alarm;
  • NAB power supply;
  • Alarm exceeding the minimum or maximum threshold set for a specific parameter read in the field;
  • And a list of further alarms.

Managing consumption with the NAB system

NAB allows the management of consumption/production of electrical energy and any other energy carrier (gas, water, steam, compressed air, etc.) and the related environmental parameters (emissions into the atmosphere, etc.). In addition to this, it also allows management of any type of process parameter in the field (lighting, temperature, heat, etc.).

 

The NAB allows you to view historical data (numerical and graphical reports), online measurements, calendars, measurement campaigns, event logs, alarms, cost centres, data export and import, Baseline, EnPI – Energy Performance Indicator, KPI – Key Performance Indicators etc..

 

It also offers the possibility of automatically generating and sending emails with various types of customised reports, viewing and managing data, measurements and instant and historical graphs acquired by the instruments in the field via an internet browser on various devices such as PCs, tablets and smartphones.

 

In this way, the entire consumption management process is always under control (through extremely clear and timely consultation). 

 

This is why NAB is the system that revolutionises the way of managing a company’s electricity consumption and production.

 

If you would like to learn more about these issues or if you would like to know more about Vactis solutions, contact us! We will get back to you as soon as possible.