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Next Generation In-Vault Power Distribution to Increase Network Reliability and Remote Ops Capability

Description: 

Power management, distribution and control at remote seismic and infrasound stations is foundational to operating a high quality and high uptime station. The Wilson Alaska Technical Center (WATC) developed a next generation in-vault power distribution unit, the WATC PowerHub, to maximize command-and-control and State of Health (SOH) collection in each vault. The PowerHub can operate in AC or DC environments and is scalable to suit each station’s needs and limitations. It was designed to extend the functionality of a modern UPS (uninterruptible power supply) and PDU (power distribution unit) into a cost-effective, low power in-vault solution. The WATC PowerHub has command and control of up to six independent loads. It monitors the SOH of all charge sources, each independent load, and up to six individual batteries versus a single battery bank. It employs a configurable phased Low Voltage Disconnect to allow a station operator the ability to define a de-escalating phased power down. Using a PCB (printed circuit board) as its base, the WATC PowerHub has a 3-d printed housing and leverages a modular I/O and relay suite for scalability. The PowerHub improves in-vault command-and-control points and SOH station operators are able to leverage remotely, significantly improving remote operations, troubleshooting, response time, and in turn increased up-time across the network. In this presentation we describe the WATC Powerhub and operational improvements observed from recent deployments across the globe.

Session: Network Seismology: Recent Developments, Challenges and Lessons Learned [Poster Session]

Type: Poster

Date: 5/1/2024

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Lukas

Student Presenter: No

Invited Presentation: 

Authors