Follow the data with telematics
14 December 2021
More hirers and their customers are achieving environmental benefits and operational efficiencies by using telematics on site equipment.
Iain Curran, business line manager with Atlas Coco Power Technique, tells me that the number of hirers who are specifying machines with the manufacturer’s FleetLink telematics system for remote monitoring has doubled in the past six months.
He says that one area in which FleetLink is helping in particular is in managing machinery with Stage V engines.
“A user might specify a 500kVA generator, for example, because that’s what they’ve always used. But if it’s only under light loading, it might use more fuel than necessary and the DPF (diesel particulate filter) will become clogged. Stage V engines ideally need to operate at their ‘sweet spot’ of around 70-75% load,
“The FleetLink telematics shows live data like AdBlue levels and fuel consumption. Any anomalies can be investigated at the earliest stages. Perhaps the site isn’t drawing the amount of power anticipated, which can then be explored further.”
The system provides a complete record of operating characteristics. Such remote monitoring is also particularly useful for equipment in inaccessible locations and can enable service visits to be planned more efficiently.
FleetLink can also be integrated with a hire company’s existing data management system.
In some cases, a user might find they can specify a more efficient and environmentally friendlier site setup after analysing the gathered information.
“The customer or the hirer can look at the data during or after a job and consider if changes might be made,” says Iain. “Instead of one 500kVA generator, they might be better with a 250kVA machine and a 100kVA model in a synchronised configuration to match the load profile better.”
This could decrease machine wear and tear, protect the DPF and reduce fuel consumption, in turn lowering emissions.
“Having the data available lets the operator make the best decision in terms of sustainability, the environment, noise, physical space and energy consumption. It allows a complete picture to be presented.”
FleetLink is available on Atlas Copco’s generators, compressors, lighting towers, pumps and battery storage systems. It also provides other functions like geo-fencing and timed operation.
“People are seeing the real value of telematics now,” says Iain. “And it gives them a better way of achieving true sustainability. It’s not just about filling up equipment with a certain type of fuel or using a particular machine, the data tells you what’s really happening on site.”
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