Implementing Solar-Powered Area Monitors for Enhanced Safety

The Radius® BZ1 area monitor is often deployed in remote outdoor locations or worksites far from electrical infrastructure where access to power is limited or unreliable. Your worksite might include oil and gas fields, landfills, or pipelines. If so, you know that long-term operation in these conditions can be challenging. 

By pairing a Solar Power System with your Radius® BZ1 area monitors and/or RGX® Gateway, you can harness renewable solar energy for continuous power. The continuous supply of power eliminates the need to charge equipment or rotate it in the field, minimizing risk and the cost of labor. Not only can the Solar Power Supply keep your site running smoothly without the hassle of charging, but it is also able to withstand harsh conditions.

This durable solar-based system offers a wide range of options to extend the runtime of Industrial Scientific gas monitors, reducing the environmental impact and operational costs of gas detection. The system is also easy to install and maintain, requiring only minimal wiring and periodic battery checks. Some typical monitoring applications include: 

• Gas leak detection around pipelines, pump stations, and storage facilities.
• Area monitoring at loading docks, waste sites, utilities, and construction areas.
• Perimeter monitoring at fences, water treatment plants, and reservoirs.

Continuous Area Monitoring in Zone 0 with Solar Power

By utilizing an Intrinsically Safe cable up to 50 meters, solar-powered systems can support area monitors in Zone 0—where explosive gases may be present continuously or for extended periods. This compatibility allows for uninterrupted operation across various sensor configurations, eliminating the need for frequent battery recharging or maintenance. For example, the Radius BZ1 area monitor can take full advantage of this setup for enhanced safety and efficiency in hazardous environments. 

Enhancing Flexibility with Solar Power Systems

Robust solar-powered systems enhance flexibility by supporting a wide range of area monitors and compatible accessories, such as 4G routers and relays. These features provide additional options for diverse applications. For example, 4G routers can ensure continuous network connectivity in areas lacking reliable coverage, while relays enable customizable alarm transmissions, improving safety monitoring and response strategies. 

Deploying Solar Power Systems in Harsh Environments 

Solar power systems featuring NEMA4 ingress protection are ideal for deployment in rainy or dusty conditions. The optional instrument enclosure further enhances protection for the equipment, ensuring reliability in challenging environments.

When your workers rely on area monitors to alert them to hazards on the job, you need a solution that can withstand challenging environments until the job is done. With solar-powered equipment, your team can spend less time charging their area monitors and more time on the job at hand.

Why Solar-Powered Area Monitors Are Essential for Modern Worksites 

• Reliable Power in Remote Locations: Solar-powered area monitors ensure continuous operation in worksites with limited or unreliable access to electrical infrastructure, such as oil fields, pipelines, and construction zones. 

• Enhanced Safety and Flexibility: These systems support long-term monitoring, reduce maintenance needs, and provide compatibility with a wide range of accessories like 4G routers and relays, improving connectivity and alarm management. 

• Cost-Effective and Environmentally Friendly: By harnessing renewable energy, solar-powered area monitors lower operational costs and reduce environmental impact, making them a sustainable choice for safety applications. 

• Resilient in Challenging Environments: Designed for durability, these systems withstand harsh conditions, including rain, dust, and extreme temperatures, ensuring reliable performance when it matters most. 

Visit our website to learn more about the Radius BZ1 and Solar Power System.