Powell BriteSpot Fiber-Optic Temperature Monitor

BriteSpot Thermal Monitoring

Instant, Accurate, 24/7 Fiber-Optic Temperature Measurement

Introducing BriteSpot

Because electrical currents generate heat, temperature monitoring has become an efficient way to predict potential equipment failure. Overheating can be caused by loose or deteriorated connections, overloaded circuits or imbalanced loads. Thousands of dollars of downtime and repair expenses have been saved each year through the detection of electrical hot spots.

Powell is proud to introduce the BriteSpot™ fiber-optic temperature sensor as the best solution for accurate and consistent recording of electrical temperatures at areas of concern. When mounted on bus bars, splices, circuit breaker disconnects or cable connections, you will know immediately if thermal issues are arising. This field proven fiber-optic technology logs temperature data 24/7/365.

The basic principal behind the operation of BriteSpot is the use of light transmitted over polymer fibers. The properties of the light are modified as the temperature of the sensing tip changes, allowing for accurate determination of temperature. By using light, the fibers do not require any electrically conductive elements, allowing them to be used safely in electrical environments. The fiber cabling can be routed around live components without degrading the dielectric integrity of equipment. As an added benefit of the technology, there is no calibration needed for the lifetime of the product.

Installation Example

 

Advantages over InfraRed (IR)

Fiber-optic technology has several key advantages over periodic IR scanning. The most obvious benefit comes from the real-time nature of the data and the ability to monitor locations inaccessible to IR scanning; in circuit breaker compartments, behind barriers or inside bus duct.

How It Works

Local LED Display

The BriteSpot™ front faceplate has an LED window to display the monitored temperatures as well as selectable buttons to customize features for the user. These features include toggling the desired measurement between Celsius and Fahrenheit, setting the rate of logging at either 15/30/60/120 minutes, identifying the alarm trip set points (LED display will blink when reached), and deḀning other communication parameters.

Analyzing the Data

Once temperature data is aggregated, how do you know if a true problem exists? The answer lies in a combination of the users experience with the equipment and its ratings, temperature data, environmental data, power data, and possibly other historical data. Once combined, the data can be trended and inconsistencies identified thus aiding personnel to predict asset reliability and life cycle status.

Data Monitoring

The BriteSpot™ conversion module is typically mounted inside the low voltage control section of any manufacturer’s equipment. It has 4MB of memory storage with a real-time clock for data time stamping. The logged data can be exported either by an RS-485 MODBUS® link to an existing SCADA network or simply exported locally from the BriteSpot™ faceplate utilizing a standard USB cable.

Installation Options

BriteSpot™ installation requires no specialized tools or training. A copper fixture is provided to attach the fiber probe and is secured by a solid mounting at the connection point of concern. This allows absolute temperatures to be recorded and removes variances that exist in other measurement methods.

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