Home-Windows-Software. Smart uninterruptible power supply: UPS monitoring and management programs

Software. Smart uninterruptible power supply: UPS monitoring and management programs

The Energy Controller 2 program is designed to monitor the parameters of Uninterruptible Power Sources (UPS) and control the functions of these sources. Initially, Energy Controller was created to interact with the IPPON Back Power Pro 400 UPS, but later it turned out that the program works normally with all other IPPON UPS models (ippon.ru). And Energy Controller 2 also supports Mustek UPS, and some Sven and Inelt UPS models.

Why can you use Energy Controller 2?

First, Energy Controller 2 constantly monitors the health of your UPS battery. When utility power is lost, your computer is powered by this battery. Energy Controller 2 will put your operating system into sleep mode as soon as the UPS reports that the battery is completely discharged. Once power is restored, you can return to work as if nothing happened.

Secondly, if you enable the so-called “standby mode”, then after the operating system is completed, Energy Controller 2 will disconnect the entire load from the UPS output. This is convenient if you need to turn off other devices along with the computer, for example, an ADSL modem or an audio system.

In the evenings, I sometimes use the TV tuner to watch TV shows. When I get tired of seeing advertisements interspersed with movies, I press the “Power” button on the remote control remote control and fall asleep. You don't have to worry about turning off your computer, stereo system or lights - Energy Controller 2 will do everything on its own.

Thirdly, Energy Controller 2 will save all UPS parameters in data logs - CSV files. These files can be viewed in Excel and the data stored in them can be used to quickly create graphs or charts.

Fourthly, Energy Controller 2 will tell you how many minutes are left until full discharge UPS battery if there is a network power supply failure. Energy Controller 2 can also indicate the output UPS power(in Volt-Amps and Watts), as well as the current in the load circuit (in Amps). And these parameters are not displayed in any other IPPON UPS monitoring programs!

Fifthly, Energy Controller 2 can report problems with power supply over the network (MSG command), by email, via SMS or Twitter"a!

Fifth, Energy Controller 2 can send graphical representation current parameters UPS to the Picasa web album and post a link to this drawing in your microblog.

Sixth, if you want, Energy Controller 2 will turn your computer on and off according to a schedule.

Seventh, all functions of Energy Controller 2 are available in Windows 7. And on your desktop you can display a gadget that will show all important parameters your UPS. The new version of the "OSD panel" gadget differs from the previous one in the ability to customize the gadget - i.e. change the font, its color and size, background color and transparency.

Eighth, if you are annoyed beep UPS, you can turn on an alternative signal that will be played through the computer speakers.

Ninth, Energy Controller 2 now sends notifications about power problems using the Jabber protocol (XMPP).

Tenth, if you have an IPPON or Mustek UPS, then simply download the Energy Controller 2 distribution and try this program.

Minimum System Requirements

Announcing system requirements it should be said that Energy Controller 1.30 was based on libraries Visual Basic 6. Unfortunately, VB 6 is already hopelessly outdated, so when creating a new version of Energy Controller, we used Microsoft environment Visual Studio 2008. Part of the code was written in C#, part in VB.NET. The second version of Energy Controller was created almost from scratch, because the Visual Basic update wizard was unable to convert the VB6 code to VB.Net. This is probably due to the use of many imported Win 32 API functions.

Platform. NET Framework 3.5 is good because it allows you to get simple and convenient access to many functions of the operating system. But importing functions from the Win 32 API sometimes reminded me of trying to scratch my left big toe behind my right ear. Choosing the .NET Framework as the runtime environment gives a lot to the software developer, but also increases system requirements. Alas.

So, Energy Controller 2 was tested in Windows XP, Windows Vista(32 & 64 bit) and Windows 7 (32 & 64 bit).

Most likely, Energy Controller 2 will also work in server operating systems starting from Windows 2003, but I did not divide the application into two parts: a service and a user interface. And this is exactly how, from a security point of view, an application for monitoring server UPSs should be designed. The author of Energy Controller 2 does not often have to visit server sites, so Energy Controller 2 is still not very suitable for server OSes.

To prevent Energy Controller 2 from eating up a significant portion of your processor's power, I recommend a processor with clock frequency not less than one gigahertz.

Applications running on the .NET Framework 3.5 typically take up a lot of RAM space, and therefore RAM your computer must have at least 512 megabytes. You also need at least one free USB or COM port.

In Windows XP and Windows 2003, you must install .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 (232 MB) and if for some reason you cannot download this file, then look for it on DVDs, included with some magazines. For example, on the "Chip" magazine disk in the "Service" section.

Software, cards network management And peripherals for UPS control and safe shutdown systems

PowerChute Personal Edition supports safe termination system operation in the event of an extended power outage, thereby preventing data corruption. With exceptional ease of use, it allows even the novice to build optimal protection based on APC's proven power management technologies. Users can then customize PowerChute settings to suit their needs. Generated reports on the cost of electricity consumed and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions improve your understanding of the energy consumed by IT equipment and make it easier to find ways to improve energy efficiency. Note: Supported features are determined by UPS model Back-UPS and operating system.

PowerChute Business Edition software supports UPS management, secure system shutdown and innovative energy management capabilities. In the event of an extended power outage, the automatic graceful shutdown feature prevents loss of information and ensures minimum time recovery. Reports on the cost of electricity consumed and equivalent emissions (CO 2) improve your understanding of the energy consumed by IT equipment and make it easier to find ways to improve energy efficiency. Risk assessment reports that identify likely threats to availability and advanced analytics capabilities that help identify the causes of potential UPS and power problems before they become serious are very helpful, ensuring stable work systems.

PowerChute Network Shutdown with APC UPS Network Management Card Network Management Card protects the physical and virtual IT environment from hazardous factors threatening the availability of IT equipment. Network-controlled, graceful shutdown physical servers And virtual machines Without operator intervention, it helps protect data integrity and reduces system downtime in the event of extreme events, such as an extended power outage. Scalable architecture supports a virtually unlimited number of client systems. PowerChute Network Shutdown is easily configured via a browser interface and supports single UPS, backup UPS and parallel UPS operation.

APC UPS Network Management Cards provide safe control and control of individual APC UPSs via a browser interface command line or Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). Built-in technology provides exceptional reliability by notifying you of problems as soon as they occur. The included PowerChute® Network Shutdown software performs auto completion operation of servers in the event of an extended power outage, thereby ensuring the integrity of business information.

Cable Interface Kits enable any APC UPS with an RS-232 serial port to take advantage of operating systems shut down computers correctly. Cable extension cords allow you to connect UPS located at a considerable distance.

Battery management system (APC Battery Management System) ensures that the batteries are optimally charged and ready for use. Accessible via a browser, this 1U rack-mount system monitors, tests, and boosts individual batteries for superior battery performance. The ability to visually monitor the health and condition of batteries can be obtained through integration with the building management system in use or through a browser. This allows battery problems to be addressed before they affect availability.

UPSMON software on Android platform for monitoring parameters electrical network, UPS operating modes and battery condition.

UPSMON Manager software (beta version) allows you to monitor up to 64 UPS in local network via SNMP or UPSMON Pro software

UPSMON Pro 2.4 new version The software is fully compatible with the ESXi hypervisor from VMware. Suitable for all OS versions, on Windows based, has a built-in web server for remote access, supports USB/RS-232/SNMP connections. Makes it possible to set up full monitoring of both one device and a series of devices without installing an SNMP adapter.

UPSMON Pro software for Linux supports USB, RS-232, SNMP connectivity and also supports Master/Slave control. Allows you to correctly shut down or put the system into sleep mode, monitor the status of the power grid and UPS, keep an event log, send information about UPS and power grid events by email, etc. Support implemented popular systems virtualization: VMWare and Hyper-V.

UPSMON Plus v 2.92 for Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7 / Windows 8 with Russified HELP section - latest version UPS condition monitoring programs.

Special software for the Phantom and Spider series allows you to adjust the response threshold and shutdown time of the Green Mode energy saving mode, as well as set the operating ranges of the voltage stabilizer. Attention! Other UPS series do not provide this function.

OnEvent software for Windows allows you to receive messages about the status of the UPS from the SNMP card 110-SNMP-050 via the local network about UPS and power supply events (disappearance and restoration of mains voltage, battery discharge and UPS overload, etc.). The sending conditions, content and recipients of messages are specified in the settings of the SNMP card 110-SNMP-050.

UPSMON RS-232 software for Linux is designed for UPS with RS-232 port. Allows you to correctly shut down or put the system into sleep mode, monitor the status of the power grid and UPS, keep an event log, send email messages, set a UPS schedule, etc. The archive includes runtime environment Java required for the program to work.

UPSMON software for Linux is designed for UPS with USB port supporting the Smart Battery standard. Allows you to correctly shut down or put the system into sleep mode, monitor the status of the power grid and UPS, keep an event log, etc. The archive includes an executable Java environment necessary for the program to work.

The UPS is connected to PC1 with a cable (RS232, USB or other), monitoring software is installed on PC1. PC1 is powered via a UPS. The UPS is monitored/controlled from PC1. If PC1 is connected to the network, remote notification (Email, etc.) is possible.

PC is present or absent, GSM modem automatically send alarm SMS to cellular phone.
There may or may not be a PC, the GSM modem automatically sends emergency SMS [network failure, low battery, etc.] to the cell phone.

P5A) PC with SMS Server Software + GPRS Modem

UPS monitoring system, PC, GPRS modem. A computer is required.

Notes:

  • The SMS server program (SMS server manager) can be freely downloaded from the MEGATEC website, and it is also located on the included disk of the Megatec SNMP adapter (NetAgent).
  • Not all GPRS modems support this software, as they have different schemes contacts/interfaces.
  • It is recommended to use only the native GPRS modem supplied by the factory to avoid incompatibility.

P6B) SNMP adapter BP505/506 + GPRS Modem

UPS monitoring system, SNMP adapter BP50X, GPRS modem.

  • SNMP adapter BP505 (external, 3-port / External 3 Ports NetAgent II), GPRS Modem
  • SNMP adapter BP506 (internal, 3-port / Internal 3 Ports NetAgent II), GPRS Modem

The computer may be missing. The system can work both in conjunction with a PC and without it:

UPS --> 3 Ports NetAgent (BP505 or BP506) --> GPRS modem

Appendix 1

Options P5), P6) can also be used if there is a connection to a local network (LAN).

Addendum 2

2.1) Example of a problem: for example, it is necessary to automatically send SMS messages when a UPS fails.

Possible solutions:

  • The easiest way. A system (for example, a security system) with SMS sending is used, connected to the UPS via dry contacts (in most UPSs dry contacts are an option).
  • Based on standard or additional UPS monitoring, based on SNMP or other adapter.
  • SMS sending using standard software (for example, UPSman software, N-Power Evo UPS, SNMP adapter CS121, SMS Server Manager software, UPS, SNMP adapter DP522).

Possible problems:

  • When sent via free servers SMS can be a problem.
  • When working with paid servers SMS mailings (device support servers automatic mailing SMS) there may be problems.
  • When broadcasting through a local “non-native” (third-party) radio modem, compatibility problems may arise.
  • Create your own bat file, which will give a command to send to a local “non-native” radio modem - possible but difficult.
  • Writing your own software that gives a command to send to a local “non-native” radio modem is possible but difficult.

2.2) Sending SMS via E-Mail - this is the most common option (due to its simplicity and reliability compared to other options), since the main telephone operators This service was opened in Russia from 2009-2011. How it works: in the UPS monitoring software, in the E-Mail mailing section, you need to enter the address of the EMAIL server that converts E-Mail to SMS. Then the SMS goes as expected to the address you specified. telephone number. Payment is made using the SIM card of your phone. Do not confuse this service with a paid (server) free newsletter SMS! All information regarding this service can be obtained from your telephone number/ mobile operator.

Note: common on the Internet large number lists of servers that supposedly perform these functions for free. IN present moment there is no reliable confirmation of their performance. Use only your mobile operator and its servers and instructions.

Addendum 3

PCs and laptops may not have an RS232 port (COM port). In this case, use a USB-card (optional) installed in the smart slot of the UPS or any USB-RS232 (COM) adapter, also called an adapter or converter. For example:

  • Controller ST-Lab U224 USB TO RS-232 COM SERIAL.
  • USB RS-232 Serial Adapter USB Serial Adapter Converter Prolific Chip (CABLEMAX).

Addendum 4

In all the options listed above, not only standard wired but also non-standard communication can also be used, for example, communication via power lines or demon wired connection(G, GSM, WIFI. Can also be used various technologies radio extension of the Internet: GHz technologies, operators of cellular, satellite, trunking and other radio communications, amateur radio HF, VHF and other radio communications, as well as specialized wire communications (communication via power lines, etc.), and accordingly all the usual properties of the corresponding remote monitoring/ UPS control: E-Mail distribution, SMS, notification / control via the network anywhere in the world from any device with access to the Internet or telephone and other network, 24-hour dispatch and monitoring system “Teleglobal Service” (GSM), etc. See . example below (wireless Internet access to the UPS):

However, in order to avoid problems with radio networks, as well as if it is necessary to connect the UPS to the network at a point where there is no local network, incl. To send SMS, it is recommended to use the monitoring options given in P5, P6.

Example of a "wireless Internet access to UPS" system
4.1 Remote wireless access via HTTP protocol

Radio access to the UPS SNMP adapter via a WEB browser is presented below.

Notes:

  • The UPS is not shown in the figure. Test results remote access: communication with the adapter via HTTP is normal.

Modem-router model: manufacturer C-MOTECH Co., Ltd., model CNU680RUS (modem-router C-motech CNR680W).
SNMP/HTTP adapter model: SNMP / HTTP adapter NetAgent DK522 Mini External DK522.

System diagram:

General view of the system (UPS not shown):

4.2 Remote wireless access via SNMP protocol

Remote wireless access via the SNMP protocol (radio access to the SNMP UPS adapter via an SNMP manager) is usually implemented only within the local closed network enterprises. Standard SNMP on a WAN is not usually used due to the relatively poor security of this protocol, even though more secure versions have become available. SNMP protocol. Also, the usual implementation of data exchange on the WAN via SNMP is complicated by the fact that most Internet providers block SNMP traffic (ports). However, there is an exception: SNMP can be used on a WAN if you use extension technologies private network LAN - VPN, secure tunnels and other secure means of expanding the local internal closed network of an enterprise. In this case, SNMP-based monitoring is no different from regular SNMP monitoring inside a closed LAN networks. In any case, wireless access can be used.

Comfortable and efficient system management and monitoring of the UPS condition largely determines the reliability of its operation. The power supply, used as a simple adapter between the outlet and the computer, is much inferior to an average quality device with a well-organized operation control process, which allows you to extend the life of the device and prevent many problems in advance.

Not so long ago, the only control element of the UPS was the switch, but now the situation has changed. Some models (mostly On-Line) sources uninterruptible power supply, presented on the market, are equipped with a liquid crystal display, which displays the characteristics of the UPS: load, input voltage, emergency warnings, etc. Buttons on the front panels of the devices allow you to adjust, for example, output voltage and frequency, as well as perform a battery test.

However, any computer system, be it a computer telephony system or any other, assumes the presence Ethernet networks. Protecting information on a single computer is now not very difficult and, as a rule, is implemented using an Off-Line or Line-Interactive UPS. The presence of a network gives rise to a new series of problems, among which one of the main ones is its administration. Uninterruptible power supplies in this sense are no exception. When operating many UPSs, it is advisable to monitor the operation of each of them, and to do this as quickly as possible, that is, monitor from one computer, and not manually test each UPS.

Nowadays, special software is used for these purposes, produced by almost all leading UPS manufacturers and supplied, as a rule, together with the equipment. In addition to testing batteries and changing the output characteristics of devices, such programs can collect statistics about the loads of each UPS on a computer network.

This happens by various schemes. The most common is connecting the computer and the UPS with an additional cable via serial port and installation of gram agents that monitor changes in specified characteristics (in real time or at set intervals) and save statistical data in special log files. In this scheme, the administrator from his computer can monitor the status of the UPS he is interested in and view the available log files. This scheme has two significant shortcomings- firstly, at any given time you can monitor the status of only one UPS, and secondly, if the UPS is turned off, it is impossible to quickly access the log files.

A much more effective scheme is one in which all information is collected automatically and accumulated in one place, allowing you to manage the situation from one network node. It is important that, having such statistical data and comparing them, for example, with the distribution of traffic in a computer network, in some cases it is possible to determine the causes of overloads or UPS failure. In addition, such a scheme does not require the constant presence of an administrator who periodically monitors one or another source.

For large enterprises it is possible to remote control and UPS monitoring not only in local, but also in distributed networks. This is probably why lately There has been a clear trend towards implementing all control functions using ordinary web browsers.

Presented on the market software products usually have wide possibilities by choosing a method of reacting to various interferences and problems in the electrical network - numerous options for preparing systems for shutdown (for example, according to a given schedule) and types of messages about problems that have arisen ( sound notification, sending notifications by e-mail and so on).

It should be noted that due to the use in computer networks software and hardware platforms of the most different manufacturers, such software comes in many versions designed for specific systems. Structural diagrams IPB (Fig.1.1,1.2).

Fig.1.1. Block diagram of IPS off-line.

Fig.1.2. Block diagram of IPB line-interactive.



Related publications: