Java Plug-in for Encore Series Software To End Later This Year

www.dranetz.com

Dear Encore Series System Customers,

Encore Series Software (ESS) makes extensive use of the Java Plug-In for generating graphic images and manipulating setup information. Oracle, Java’s manufacturer, has announced that it will be ending development of the Java Plug-In for Web browsers with the introduction of Java 9. This is currently scheduled for mid-2017. In addition, the latest generation web browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge no longer support the plug-in architecture that is required to use the Java Plug-In. Consequently, it is not possible to use ESS with the latest generation of web browsers.

We have been evaluating several solutions to this issue, and have determined that the best solution is to migrate customers to a new software platform that is already in development. The new software platform will include a new, modern web enabled environment that has similar capabilities as ESS, but is not Java based. It will also offer many enhancements, including a modern look and feel, as well as a responsive web design for use on all platforms, including mobile devices.

There is no action required on your part at this time! Our purpose of is to inform you that we have been well aware of the upcoming changes to the Java Plug-In environment, and we have plans in place to make the transition to a new and improved software solution as smooth as possible for our customers. During this transition period, you will be able to keep using the existing ESS, as long as you use the current versions of Web Browsers and the Java Plug-In.

You will hear more from us about our roll out plans in the coming months, but please feel free to contact our Technical Support group with any questions at +1-732-287-3680.

Sincerely,

Dranetz Technologies, Inc.

Demand Response Case Study

Data Center uses Encore to monitor Demand Response Performance

A 1.2M square foot Data Center located in Northern New Jersey was participating in a Demand Response program utilizing their backup generators as the primary means of reducing their 7MW of load. The service provider that they worked with installed telemetry metering from the utilities KYZ pulse output to report the performance to the grid operator. However, the facility director wanted live access to the generators output so that they could measure the performance of the generators and watch loading on each of the four 2.5MW turbines in real-time and historically. And, it had to painlessly integrate into his existing BMS system over an IP backbone.

Backup generators are critical to the operation of a 24x7 facility, downtime is lost revenue and lost customers. A facility operator needs to know what’s happening to his system all the time, and electricity is the main backbone of his entire operation. Let’s face it, no matter how many T1’s are coming in from different carriers and different POP’s, if the electricity goes out everything stops working including communications.

Utilizing the Encore Series ES230 DataNode’s along with their existing Encore Series Software installation, the Facility Director was able to give his BMS team a Modbus map for the instruments which were easily programmed. Because these were backup generators installation was much easier, however they were done sequentially in bypass mode because no one knows if or when the power will go out and the engines would be needed for an emergency. After the installation was complete and the integration into the BMS was done, the facility manager performed a live test and the results were perfect. The facilities network operations center (NOC) was able to read the instantaneous values from the generators from their control room, the ES230’s were also integrated into the existing Encore Series Software system so the facilities engineers also gained that they were able to see all of the instruments remotely when needed.

The graphs below display how easy it is for a user to view their reports on energy usage, demand, and any other electrical parameters recorded in the Encore Series Software from any remote location.

The ES230 DataNode’s are small and easy to install and configurable either at the local display or through the Encore Series Software. These instruments are capable of recording Volts, Amps, kW, kWh, kVA, kVAR, Power Factor, Harmonics, and a variety of other parameters simultaneously. They also have the option of RS232, RS485, or Ethernet communications and support native Modbus protocols. The Encore Series Software is a web enabled application that does not require the installation of any software on a local users computer. The system can be accessed from any web-enabled browser by multiple people simultaneously, and performs a variety of operations, including; data collection, data analysis, reporting, alarming, and remote setup of the equipment. With the Modbus driver installed the software can easily read data from any previously installed instrument that supports the Modbus protocol. Additionally, the software allows for easy expansion, including the addition of Power Quality instruments for more detailed analysis of power anomalies.