| 1. |
What is Minos ?
Minos System is the most advanced system of remote control and management to external light systems, which enables the control, thanks to the transmission of power line carrier from either one or more computers, of all public illumination networks up to each single point of light, without altering the existing system.
Top |
| 2. |
What elements make up Minos ?
Minos System consists of three main elements: the Syra device, the central Andros and the Server Ios.
- Syra is an electronic device, installed in series after the protection fuse of the lamp. It diagnosis malfunctions, dialogues with the ANDROS device and filters any disturbances generated by the lamp.
- Central Andros is a composition of small devices installed on the power and distribution panel which feeds the illumination lines:
 it dialogues utilizing the already existing electric line, with Syra devices placed on the lamps which are fed from the line
it receives all the relevant information regarding the causes of operational defects, and transfers them via modem to one or more remote PCs for the management of the collected data
it receives instructions via modem from one or more remote PCs and transfers them by dialoguing on an already existing electric line to all Syra devices to order switching on/off times, or the reduced power functioning of the lamps
it carries out all the controls on an electronic panel and feed lines, communicating any eventual anomalies via modem to one or more remote PCs for data management
it carries out by remote, the reading of consumption and measurement of all electric parameters, relevant to the panel; optionally it is possible to combine it with other types of sensors (for atmospheric pollution and meteorological surveys etc.)
It receives instructions from one or more remote PCs for the execution of commands for the switching on/off of systems, through the programming of the astronomical clock for daily, weekly, and yearly programmes, as well as the execution of commands and control for the activation of auxiliary systems.
- Ios is the server used, by each PC linked to the net for the sharing of data base events, of the applicative Minos-X software.
- Minos-X is a modular and personalized system which allows:
to visualize all the events of malfunction, which have occurred on the systems, in a detailed way for each single distribution panel, starting line, lamp and accessory, high lightening the cause
to program manually or automatically the switching on/off and reduction of all associated lamps to each single panel
to program manually or automatically the switching on/off and reduction of each single lamp in a different way according to user requirements.
Top |
| 3. |
Where can Syra be installed ?
Syra can be installed inside the armature of the lamp, in the pole panel of the light or in the manhole. To be able to insert Syra in the armature it is necessary to carry out thermal tests that are able to verify the correct functioning of the device. In order to assure full functionality, the inner temperature must not exceed the critical temperature of 70 C°.
Top |
| 4. |
What differences are there in Syra P with regard to the other Syra models ?
Syra P, by commanding a bi-state reactor, is able to decrease the nominal power by 30% and the nominal luminous flow by 40%. In this way the usage of the lamp is reduced, increasing its average life. The aimed programming of nocturnal hours of Syra P assures medium energy savings of 15-20%.
Top |
| 5. |
What types of lamps does Syra manage ?
Syra in its basic version manages all models of lamp (mercury steam, sodium, metallic iodide, filament lamps, fluorescent, ...) with power between 5W and 400W. For special purposes, particular models of Syra exist that can manage power beyond 1000W.
Top |
| 6. |
What modules make up centrale Andros ?
Central ANDROS consists of modules necessary for the minimum functioning of Minos System and other optional modules for added functions. The necessary modules are:
- ANDROS CM collects and elaborates all directly acquired information (entry state, tension state on the net) and from peripheral modules
- ANDROS TR carries out the single function of feeding the ANDROS CM module
- ANDROS TRS module feeds Andros Cm required when more than 5 modules are connected to Andros PL
- ANDROS PL carries out the communication of power line carrier with SYRA modules, in compliance with the state demands on behalf of ANDROS CM and executes the control of presence/absence tension on a three-phase line with neutral.(necessary when the Syra modules are present)
- PHIL/15D-30D-60D are cabinet filters (respectively from 15A, 30A and 60A) necessary to reduce, in MINOS installations with punctual remote control of the lamps, the effects of disturbances coming from the external feeding net, that could prejudice the correct operation of installation.
The filter avoids power line carrier signals transmitted between ANDROS PL and SYRA spreading to undesired areas and preventing eventual connecting cabling charges in the installation, that provoke the weakening of the power line carrier signal.
The installation of a filter is necessary for each phase, of each ANDROS PL module.
- PAROS Modem constitutes the telephone modem module for net switching. It allows the remote user (IOS server and MINOS X software) to communicate with the central ANDROS CM.
- GSM Modem carries out the connection with the IOS server by means of communication on the GSM net.
Those optional ones are:
- ANDROS RDE collects the measurements carried out by peripheral devices (meteorological measurements and electrical parameter measurements, etc...)
- CAP 3 is a filter capable of preventing the effects of disturbances coming from outside the cabinet, upgrading the blocking action already guaranteed by the PHIL filters. It integrates in unique component three condensers for the separate filtering of each phase.
The utilization of CAP 3 is not obligatory, but it becomes necessary in the case where the PHIL filtering action is not sufficient.
Top |
| 7. |
Which types of communication are used by Minos for data transfer ?
The communication of acquired information from ANDROS is carried out by the IOS Server through different types of remote connection: via telephone switch net, GSM, GPRS or through radio links or with a dedicated log on line.
Top |
| 8. |
Which functional advantages are offered when using Minos System ?
The utilization of “intelligent” Minos System allows:
- the localization of the type of breakdown to the level of a single light point and single cabinet, diagnosing its cause
- the remote command of switching on/off of the lamp, the reduction of flow to each single light point
- the personalization of illumination according to territorial and temporal criteria (day of the year, day of the week).
Top |
| 9. |
Which are the qualitative benefits offered when using Minos System ?
The utilization of Minos System:
- it guarantees the presence of light at the right intensity where necessary
- it reduces luminous pollution and the polluting waste of the
- it assures the good operation of the system and prevents complaints
- it supplies precise information on the operating costs, measures the efficiency of the installed components, intervention times and the efficiency of the maintenance worker
- it supplies the availability of information in real time allowing timely intervention by the maintenance worker who is immediately informed of the event
- it guarantees management efficiency in terms of cost, intervention times and personalized direction of lights, supplying the right image to the administration and the city.
Top |
| 10. |
What are the economic benefits offered when using Minos System ?
The utilization of Minos System:
- It optimizes the operation of the system according to the various necessities, it avoids daily switching on to search for faults or defective photo cells
- it avoids attempted unnecessary maintenance, it avoids the management of complaints, it avoids unnecessary use of vehicles and it provides the correct material
- it extends the life of public lighting systems, avoiding unnecessary switching on of the system, supplying the correct amount of energy and identifying the most reliable components.
Top |
| 11. |
What are the management savings (maintenance+energy) with Minos System ?
With Minos System you can save on average between 25-45% on the total management of the system, allowing you to free financial resources, to assign to other plans or services.
Top |
| 12. |
How long does the investment in Minos System take to pay for ?
The financial resources freed by the savings in operating costs (energy+maintenance) with Minos System, gives you a return in investment of between 3 to 5 years.
Top |
