A complex machine will always require a robust interface to make it easy to monitor its operations. They should be able to check the efficiency and intervene where necessary. Machines overheat, sometimes slow down and speed up at times, vary in performance depending on several factors like fatigue, wear and tear of some parts, and weather conditions, among many others. In electrical machines, the varying changes constitute electrical signals which can be intelligently processed to control the machine performance.

Many machines in urban environments are self-managed using such controllers. They have sensors that detect changes in all parameters. That can be controlled using a control panel.

What's a control panel?

A control panel can be put as a set of displays indicating the measurement of different parameters like frequency, current, voltage, and this is done through gauges and meters. They are set in a metallic body that is corrosion-proof and protects from rain and snow. The panel can be placed on the generator's body -especially with the small generators. When mounted on the generator, they have vibration-proof pads helping isolate the control panel from the shocks. Control panels for the large industrial generators are separate from the generators and typically big enough to stand independently. They can also be wall-mounted or self-mounted near the generator, commonly inside an enclosure or other internal applications like a data center. You can Learn More about Woodward controllers, Deep-sea, and ComAp.

Control panels have switches and buttons that help operate the generator, like the turn-on key or switch-off button. The gauges and switches are grouped in terms of functionality. That makes the panel safe and friendly because it helps minimize the possibility of an operator executing the wrong control.

How does the panel work?

A heat sensor inside the generator senses the buildup of heat in the generator's body, which passes to the microprocessor in the panel. The microprocessor then takes measures to regulate the machine performance, including shutdowns if the coolant temperature is extremely high or oil pressure is too low.

You can also have the control panels combined with an ATS - an automatic transfer switch to maintain the continuity of electrical power. The ATS is there to detect the outage of power and when the local grid fails. That's what signals the control panel to start the generator. Depending on your type of generator, the control panel could activate glow plugs for some adjustable length of time.

The custom control panels

Control panels are designed and produced by your generator manufacturer. Most of the generators today have inbuilt control panels. These control panels offer large character LCD screens: water and oil temperature sensors, local and remote startup capabilities, and shut-up options.

When looking for reliable industrial generators, PowerGen, your go-to Sydney generator specialists, is a brand you can trust. There are standard units in every set, and you may want to go beyond such common features. You've got the option of getting a custom panel designed and fitted to your generator. You can also purchase from third-party vendors specializing in control panels.