In today's modern information - based society, critical facilities such as data centers, communication base stations, and financial institutions have extremely high requirements for the stability of power supply. As a key device for ensuring continuous power supply, the real - time monitoring of the operating status and abnormal alarming of UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) are of vital importance. Achieving remote monitoring of the on/off status of UPS power and abnormal alarming can promptly detect potential problems, avoiding serious consequences such as equipment shutdown and data loss caused by UPS failures. This article will detail the methods and technologies for achieving this goal.

I. Introduction to the Working Principle of UPS Power

A UPS power system mainly consists of rectifiers, inverters, battery packs, and controllers. When the mains power supply is normal, the rectifier converts alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC), which supplies power to the inverter on the one hand and charges the battery pack on the other. The inverter then converts the DC power back into stable AC power for output, supplying power to the load equipment. When the mains power is interrupted, the battery pack immediately releases the stored electrical energy, and continues to supply power to the load through the inverter, ensuring the normal operation of the equipment. The controller is responsible for monitoring various parameters of the UPS, such as voltage, current, frequency, and battery charge level, and controls and adjusts the working state of the UPS according to preset logic.

II. Key Technologies for Achieving Remote Monitoring and Abnormal Alarming

2.1 Data Collection and Transmission

2.1.1 Hardware Connection

UPS power supplies usually have multiple communication interfaces, such as RS232/RS485 serial ports, USB interfaces, and Ethernet interfaces. Through these interfaces, the UPS can be connected to data collection devices. For example, a UPS monitoring module with a network interface can be connected to the Ethernet interface of the UPS via a network cable to achieve data transmission. For UPSs without an Ethernet interface, a serial - to - Ethernet module can be used to convert RS232/RS485 serial port data into network data for transmission.

2.1.2 Communication Protocols

Different brands and models of UPSs may adopt different communication protocols. Common ones include the Modbus protocol, SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), and UPS - specific protocols. When collecting data, it is necessary to select the corresponding driver programs or software for configuration according to the communication protocol supported by the UPS. For example, if a UPS supports the Modbus protocol, a Modbus - compatible collection device can be used to read the on/off status, voltage, current, battery charge level, and other data of the UPS according to the provisions of the Modbus protocol.

2.2 Remote Monitoring Platforms

2.2.1 Cloud Platforms

Cloud platforms provide a convenient solution for the remote monitoring of UPS power. By uploading the collected UPS data to the cloud server, users can access the cloud platform through various terminal devices, such as mobile apps, WeChat mini - programs, and computer web - based interfaces, to view the real - time operating status of the UPS at any time and from anywhere. For example, the hardware - software integrated IoT monitoring system built by Wotongbolian uses industrial intelligent gateways to collect and upload the data of UPS power to the cloud server. Users can directly view the on/off status, online/offline status, operation faults, and other information of the UPS on the mobile app, and can also check real - time parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, and load.

2.2.2 Local Monitoring Software

In addition to cloud platforms, local monitoring software can also be deployed. By installing specialized UPS monitoring software on a monitoring computer and connecting the collection device to the monitoring computer, centralized monitoring of the UPS can be achieved. Local monitoring software usually has functions such as real - time data display, historical data storage, and alarm setting. For example, the PmCenter centralized monitoring software can manage the data of UPSs and battery packs on a unified platform. Users can dynamically view data such as battery status, temperature, load, mains status, and fault status on the software interface, and define and set parameters for the data.

2.3 Abnormal Alarming Mechanisms

2.3.1 Alarm Rule Setting

On the remote monitoring platform, corresponding alarm rules can be set according to the operating parameters of the UPS and actual requirements. For example, when the input voltage of the UPS exceeds the normal range (such as set to ±10%), the battery charge level is lower than the preset value (such as 20%), the load exceeds the rated value (such as 80%), or there are abnormal on/off situations, an alarm is triggered. Users can set different alarm levels, such as emergency alarms, important alarms, and general alarms, according to different alarm events.

2.3.2 Alarm Notification Methods

When an abnormal situation occurs in the UPS and meets the alarm rules, the monitoring platform will send alarm notifications to administrators through multiple methods. Common alarm notification methods include emails, text messages, WeChat official account push notifications, mini - program push notifications, and voice - call alarms. For example, the UPS 4G SMS and voice alarm device (full - network - compatible) can immediately send alarm notifications via text messages, voice calls, emails, and other methods when abnormal situations such as mains power outages occur. It also supports up to 8 administrators to actively call or send text messages online to query the real - time operating status and data of the UPS power.

III. Examples of Specific Implementation Schemes

3.1 Scheme Based on IoT Gateways

3.1.1 System Architecture

This scheme mainly consists of a UPS power supply, an industrial intelligent gateway, a cloud server, and terminal devices. The industrial intelligent gateway is connected to the UPS power supply via a serial port or network port to collect the operating data of the UPS in real - time. Then, the industrial intelligent gateway uploads the collected data to the cloud server through network methods such as 5G/4G/WIFI/Ethernet. Users can log in to the cloud platform through terminal devices such as mobile apps, WeChat mini - programs, and computer web - based interfaces to view the real - time operating status and historical data of the UPS, and receive abnormal alarm notifications.

3.1.2 Implementation Steps

1. Hardware Connection: Select an industrial intelligent gateway that supports multiple interfaces, such as the Wotongbolian industrial intelligent gateway. Connect it to the corresponding interface of the UPS power supply with a serial cable or network cable. Ensure a secure connection and normal communication.

2. Gateway Configuration: Configure the gateway according to its user manual. Set the network parameters of the gateway so that it can connect to the Internet. Configure the communication parameters between the gateway and the UPS power supply, such as the communication protocol, baud rate, data bits, and parity bits, to ensure that the gateway can correctly collect the data of the UPS.

3. Cloud Platform Access: Connect the industrial intelligent gateway to the selected cloud platform, such as the Wotongbolian cloud platform. Register and configure the device on the cloud platform, and associate the gateway with the UPS power supply. Set up the monitoring interface of the cloud platform to display various operating parameters and status information of the UPS.

4. Use of Terminal Devices: Users download and install the corresponding app on their mobile phones or open the web - based interface on their computers, and log in to the cloud platform. On the terminal devices, users can view the real - time operating status of the UPS, such as on/off status, voltage, current, temperature, and load. At the same time, users can set alarm rules and methods for receiving alarm notifications on the terminal devices.

3.2 Scheme Based on the Zabbix Monitoring System

3.2.1 System Architecture

This scheme takes the Zabbix monitoring system as the core, including Zabbix Server, Zabbix Agent, UPS power supply, and related network devices. The Zabbix Server is responsible for receiving and processing data from the Zabbix Agent, as well as data storage, analysis, and alarm management. The Zabbix Agent is installed on the monitoring server or directly on the device where the UPS power supply is located, and is responsible for collecting the operating data of the UPS and sending it to the Zabbix Server.

3.2.2 Implementation Steps

1. Installation and Configuration of Zabbix Server: Install the Zabbix Server software on the monitoring server, and perform basic configurations, such as database settings, user management, and interface language settings.

2. Installation and Configuration of Zabbix Agent: If the UPS power supply supports outputting status data through an HTTP interface, the Zabbix Agent needs to be properly configured to collect relevant data from the UPS.

3. Configuration of UPS Power Supply: If the UPS power supply needs specific configurations to support data collection, such as setting the access rights and port number of the HTTP interface, perform the corresponding settings according to the operation manual of the UPS.

4. Setting of Zabbix Monitoring Items: In the front - end interface of the Zabbix Server, go to "Configuration" -> "Hosts", select the monitoring host, and then click the "Items" tab to create monitoring items for tracking UPS status, battery capacity, input voltage, etc. Set an appropriate data collection period and save the monitoring items.

5. Alarm Setting: Set alarm rules in the Zabbix Server. When the relevant parameters of the UPS exceed the preset range, an alarm is triggered. Set alarm notification methods, such as emails and text messages, to ensure that administrators can receive alarm information in a timely manner.

IV. Advantages and Application Scenarios of the Schemes

4.1 Advantages of the Schemes

4.1.1 High Real - Time Performance

Through the remote monitoring and abnormal alarming system, the on/off status and operating parameters of the UPS power can be obtained in real - time, and abnormal situations can be detected promptly, providing strong support for quick fault handling. Compared with traditional manual inspection methods, the timeliness and accuracy of monitoring are greatly improved.

4.1.2 Improved Operation and Maintenance Efficiency

After implementing remote monitoring, administrators can understand the operating status of the UPS without being on - site, reducing the workload and time cost of manual inspections. At the same time, through automated alarm notifications, the fault location can be quickly identified, improving the efficiency of fault handling and reducing equipment downtime.

4.1.3 Data Traceability

The remote monitoring platform can record the historical operating data of the UPS power, including on/off times, changes in operating parameters, and abnormal events. These data provide important bases for analyzing the operating status of the UPS and predicting the occurrence of faults, which is helpful for formulating scientific and reasonable maintenance plans.

4.1.4 Centralized Management

For places with multiple UPS power supplies, such as large - scale data centers and communication base station clusters, all UPSs can be centrally managed through a unified monitoring platform, achieving overall control of the operating status of the UPSs and improving management efficiency.

4.2 Application Scenarios

4.2.1 Data Centers

Data centers have extremely high requirements for power stability. Once the UPS fails, it may lead to server shutdown, data loss, and other serious consequences. By achieving remote monitoring and abnormal alarming of the UPS power, the safety and reliability of the power supply in data centers can be ensured, and the continuity of business can be guaranteed.

4.2.2 Communication Base Stations

Communication base stations are widely distributed, and most of them are located in remote areas, making manual inspections difficult. The remote monitoring and abnormal alarming system can grasp the operating status of the UPSs in base stations in real - time, detect and handle problems in a timely manner, and ensure the normal operation of communication networks.

4.2.3 Financial Institutions

The business systems of financial institutions are extremely sensitive to power outages. Achieving remote monitoring and abnormal alarming of the UPS power can effectively ensure the safety of financial transactions, avoiding economic losses and a decline in customer trust caused by power problems.

4.2.4 Medical Institutions

Medical equipment in medical institutions requires a continuous and stable power supply to ensure the normal development of medical services. The remote monitoring and abnormal alarming system can provide reliable protection for the UPS power in medical institutions, avoiding threats to the safety of patients' lives caused by power failures.

V. Conclusion and Outlook

Achieving remote monitoring of the on/off status of UPS power and abnormal alarming is of great significance for ensuring the stability of power supply in critical facilities. By adopting appropriate data collection and transmission technologies, remote monitoring platforms, and abnormal alarming mechanisms, an efficient and reliable UPS monitoring system can be constructed. With the continuous development of technologies such as the Internet of Things, big data, and artificial intelligence, future remote monitoring and abnormal alarming systems for UPSs will become more intelligent and automated. For example, artificial intelligence algorithms can be used to analyze the operating data of UPSs to predict the possibility of fault occurrence in advance and achieve preventive maintenance; big data technology can be used to mine the operating data of a large number of UPSs to optimize the configuration and management strategies of UPSs and improve energy utilization efficiency. In practical applications, appropriate implementation schemes should be selected according to different requirements and scenarios, and the systems should be continuously optimized and improved to meet the growing demand for power protection.