Document ID: 251213-PDT
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Category: Facility Infrastructure & IoT Strategy

Power Distribution & IoT Strategy: The Tree of Power

Utility Grid / Service Entrance
│
├── Step-Down Transformer (e.g., 13.8kV → 480V)
│
├── Main Switchgear / Main Distribution Panel (MDP)
│ │
│ ├── ATS (for generator backup)
│ └── Busbars
│
├── Sub-Distribution Panels (SDPs) / Switchboards
│ │
│ ├── Motor Control Centers (MCC)
│ │
│ ├── Distribution Boards (DBs)
│ │
│ └── Local Panels
│
└── Loads (Lighting, HVAC, Motors, Servers, Sockets, Specialty)

1. Overview: The Tree Analogy

To understand our facility's power infrastructure and where our analysis products fit, we use the "Tree of Power" analogy. Electricity flows from the "Roots" (Utility) up through the "Trunk" (Main Panels) and out to the "Leaves" (Individual Machines).
Effective energy management requires monitoring at different levels of this tree. While traditional BMS (Building Management Systems) focus on the Trunk and Branches, our QMT Edge Devices focus on the Twigs and Leaves, where granular operational data lives.

2. Facility Structure & Hardware

Level 1: The Roots (Utility Connection)

• What it is: The point where raw power enters our facility from the grid (e.g., Meralco) or onsite generators.
• Facility Equipment: * HV Switchgear: High voltage protection.
  • Step-Down Transformer: Converts 13.8kV/34.5kV → 400V/230V.
• Function: Provides the raw energy flow for the entire site.

Level 2: The Trunk (Main Distribution)

• What it is: The central artery of power distribution.
• Facility Equipment: * MDP (Main Distribution Panel): The massive main breaker cabinet (2000A - 4000A capacity).
  • Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS): Switches between Grid and Generator.
• Function: Protects the main facility feeder. A failure here causes a total site blackout.

Level 3: The Big Branches (Zonal Distribution)

• What it is: The division of power into major zones (e.g., "West Wing," "Production Line A," "Chiller Plant").
• Facility Equipment: * SDP (Sub-Distribution Panel): Feeds a specific floor or department.
  • MCC (Motor Control Center): A specialized row of cabinets dedicated entirely to controlling heavy industrial motors (pumps, fans, conveyors).
• Function: Distributes power to specific physical areas or high-load groups.

Level 4: The Twigs (Final Circuits)

• What it is: The final "last mile" wiring before the machine.
• Facility Equipment: * DB (Distribution Board / Load Center): The wall-mounted breaker box containing 15A-60A breakers.
  • Local Control Panel: The small box right next to a machine containing relays and start/stop buttons.
• Function: Protects the specific wire going to a specific machine.
• Strategic Importance: This is the ideal installation point for Edge Analytics.

Level 5: The Leaves (The Loads)

• What it is: The actual equipment performing work.
• Facility Equipment: * Inductive Loads: Motors, Compressors, Pumps.
  • Resistive Loads: Heaters, Ovens.
  • IT Loads: Server racks, Workstations.

3. Monitoring & BMS Ecosystem

The "Gap" in the market is at Levels 4 and 5. Traditional systems monitor the quantity of power at the top, but our devices monitor the quality and health of the machine at the bottom.

A. Central Management (Levels 1 & 2)

At the Trunk, we use Power Quality Analyzers (PQAs).

• Device Type: Class A Meter (e.g., Schneider PM8000).
• Data: Total kWh, Power Factor, Harmonics (THD), Voltage Sags/Swells.
• Goal: Billing verification and total plant efficiency.

B. Automation Level (Level 3)

At the MCC/SDP, we use PLCs and Digital Meters.

• Device Type: Industrial PLC (Siemens/Allen-Bradley) or Mid-range Meters.
• Data: On/Off status, Amps per phase.
• Goal: Process automation (turning things on/off) and departmental costing.

C. Edge Analysis Level (Level 4 & 5 - Our Layer)

This is where our Custom ESP32 Controller sits.

• Device Type: Smart DIN Rail Relay + Edge Analyzer.
• Location: Inside the DB or Local Control Panel (The "Twig").
• Unique Capabilities: * High-Frequency Sampling: Unlike a standard meter that reports 1 data point per second, our device samples current at 10kHz+.
  • FFT Analysis: Performs Fourier Transform on-chip to detect "Motor Signature" anomalies (bearing faults, rotor bar issues) before the machine fails.
  • Action: Can physically cut power (Relay) if a safety threshold is breached.

Device Integration Diagram

[A] ROOT: UTILITY SERVICE (Meralco)
│
│ Warning: No physical connection allowed to utility meter/cables.
│ Demarcation Point: The Service Entrance / Main Breaker Line Side.
│
├── [A1] Meralco Meter (Revenue Meter)
│ └── Non-Intrusive Monitoring (Optical/Pulse)
│
▼
[B] TRUNK: MAIN DISTRIBUTION
│
├── [B1] Main Switchgear / MDP (Main Distribution Panel)
│ │
│ ├── Main Breaker (ACB/MCCB)
│ ├── [B2] Power Quality Analyzer (PQA)
│ └── [B3] IoT Gateway / Edge Controller
│
├── [B4] Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)
│ └── Generator / Backup Feed
│
▼
[C] BRANCHES: SUB-DISTRIBUTION
│
├── [C1] Sub-Distribution Panels (SDP)
│ │
│ ├── [C2] Branch Circuit Monitoring System (BCMS)
│ └── [C3] Smart Breakers
│
├── [C4] Motor Control Center (MCC)
│ └── [C5] Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
│
▼
[D] LEAVES: DEVICES & LOADS
│
├── [D1] Smart Power Supply Units (PSUs)
│ └── 24V DC Systems (PLC, Controls, LED Strips)
│
├── [D2] Lighting Loads
│ └── DALI / Smart Drivers
│
└── [D3] Plug Loads & Appliances
└── Smart Sockets / Inline Modules

Device Specification Tables

[A] ROOT: Utility (Meralco Meter)

Constraint: No physical contact allowed.

[B] TRUNK: Main Distribution (MDP)

Goal: High-accuracy monitoring and Power Quality.

[C] BRANCHES: Sub-Distribution

Goal: Granular breakdown (Departmental metering).

[D] LEAVES: Special Focus on PSUs & ESP32

Goal: Monitoring low-voltage DC loads and individual appliances.

4. Summary Table: The Tree of Power