SENS PBT-PA-SC4 Site Controller Unit

The PBT SC4 site controller is a 4th-generation design based on a secure and powerful Linux computer foundation. The unit is very small, 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 made by PBT.

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) made by PBT. 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, 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. An optional DNP3 monitoring interface is available.

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.