The transport of mobile power solutions

The transport of mobile power solutions is often the critical part, and damages during transportation can reduce its service life  

With an IoT-Based Monitoring System for a safe and efficient transport for mobile power solutions, its reliability and lifetime can be maintained. The interest in mobile power solutions has increased with the need for a stable power supply. Mobile substations or portable diesel power generators are used all over the world. There is a tremendous market for flexible, time-saving, and easy-to-install portable power solutions. Mobile substations are generally self-contained and mounted in a large trailer. Transportation is often the critical part, and damage during transit can reduce its service life. 

Turbulent weather conditions are one of the leading and most costly causes of power outages. According to a 2012 Congressional Research Service report, weather-related power outages cost the US economy $25b to $55b annually. Along with the requirements to maintain an aging US network infrastructure, unpredictable weather has become a critical challenge for anyone operating today’s electricity grid. 

A reliable network depends on the ability to minimize interruptions and the duration of planned and unplanned power outages. Whether it is routine maintenance of equipment or the effects of a weather disaster, the tools need to be flexible to respond quickly to minimize the total cost of an outage. Equipment failure at the substation can lead to supply problems, leading to detrimental economic consequences. 

Mobile power solutions can play a vital role in events like: 

• Outages caused by weather and other natural disasters 

• Planned maintenance/construction projects 

• Substation capacity demands 

• Equipment failures 

• Sabotage and cyber attacks 

The main application of mobile power solutions 

The primary users of mobile power solutions are power supply companies. Re-establishing grid power to vital areas, such as first responders and terrorism response units, can be critical. There have been several accidents caused by different reasons where a large or small power outage impacted industries and households. To replace a substation which has been damaged by fire can take months to re-build. The importance of having a mobile replacement to get the electricity working again is critical. 

A power outage caused by transport damages 

A mobile power solution is designed to be transported by truck, aircraft, or railway in a steel rack, trailer, or container. A power solution can be delivered as a complete unit or shipped in different parts to be assembled at the site. 

Power systems can weigh up to 75 tons and be up to 17 meters in length, making transport a demanding undertaking. The road conditions are not always the best, especially in adverse weather conditions in rural areas. One of the essential features of mobile power solutions is the time it takes to have it transported and deployed at the site. To have concealed parts damaged by vibration or shock can be dangerous and cause critical delays. 

Safe and efficient transport for mobile power solutions 

Today, several tools make it possible to monitor and control transport. Monitoring during transportation can be crucial during an insurance claim process to show definitive data about the conditions experienced during the transportation. Transport monitoring devices are used for preventative purposes and to determine who has the responsibility for the damage. A robust data logger from Mobitron can be integrated into the monitoring system, providing detailed records of transport conditions to ensure the safety and reliability of mobile power solutions. 

Mobitron AB manufactures a system to monitor and see how the transport is handled. Data is recorded to show how the transported item is affected by vibrations and shock. Real-time alerts keep the user updated about current transportation conditions and the smart IoT Cloud platform called Cargolog Online enables the user to visualize the location of all their devices from any computer web session. Several environmental conditions, like temperature, humidity, pressure, and other parameters can be monitored using this system. 

Alert the driver to stop and control 

When it is time to replace a damaged substation with a mobile unit due to an unplanned power outage, the job must be done with minimal stress. A driver alarm system can be enabled to monitor the vital parts of the transport, helping the driver to make sure the cargo arrives safely on site. 

At the same time, the user may follow the transport online with the cloud service, Cargolog Online. A driver will be alerted in case of potential damage. Be sure to stop and control the transport before further accidents occur to prevent further damage. 

The Mobitron monitoring system is designed to be reused over and over again, constructed for rough handling, a long-lasting monitoring system suitable for demanding transports in all environmental conditions. 

Read more about and how to assure the quality of transportation for mobile power solutions.