Perseus Energy 240

Perseus Energy 240: Cost-effective LAN Monitoring and Modbus Gateway Solution

The Perseus Energy 240 is the simplest and most cost-effective solution in the Perseus product line for environmental monitoring and the integration of RS-485 Modbus/RTU sensors into modern networks. As a powerful Modbus gateway, it converts data from Modbus/RTU (RS-485) to Modbus/TCP (LAN) and supports connection to SensDesk Portal-based platforms.

This compact device is ideal for companies that need a reliable remote monitoring solution for data centers, warehouses, technical rooms, or telecommunication sites. With the ability to process up to 100 sensors with 1000 variables, the Perseus Energy 240 offers a flexible and scalable solution for monitoring and analyzing environmental data.

Overview Perseus Energy 240

The Perseus Energy 240 is a LAN monitoring device specifically designed for integrating HW group and third-party RS-485 sensors via Modbus/RTU. It also serves as a gateway that converts Modbus/RTU data into Modbus/TCP, MQTT, or SNMP, enabling seamless integration into existing SCADA or NMS systems.

The device features a Meters API that allows it to read sensor data from other devices on the same network, such as the STE2 R2 thermometer, via SNMP, Modbus/TCP, MQTT, or XML. Thanks to support for Lua scripting, calendar and scheduling functions, and an open API (SNMP, XML, Modbus/TCP, MQTT), the Perseus Energy 240 offers a versatile platform for data analysis and processing.

Unlike other Perseus models, the Perseus Energy 240 does not have RJ11 ports or digital inputs (DI), but focuses on the RS-485 interface for sensor integration.

Connection to the SensDesk Portal (SaaS or on-premise) extends functionality with advanced analysis and reporting options, while the free HWg-cloud.com platform provides basic monitoring functions. The device is ideal for applications where a cost-effective yet powerful solution for monitoring and data conversion is needed.

Main Features of the Perseus Energy 240

Connectivity and Sensor Support

• Ethernet port (RJ45, 100BASE-T): The Perseus Energy 240 features an integrated web server for easy configuration and monitoring via browser interface.
• RS-485 (Modbus/RTU): A terminal block supports integration of up to 100 third-party sensors, such as power meters, temperature, humidity, or voltage sensors.
• No RJ11 ports or DI: The device focuses exclusively on the RS-485 interface and LAN-based sensor integration, making it a specialized gateway.
• Meters API: Enables reading sensor data from other devices on the LAN, such as HWg devices or SNMP-enabled UPS, via XML, Modbus/TCP, SNMP, or MQTT.

Data Processing and Analysis

The Perseus Energy 240 offers advanced data analysis features through Lua scripting, allowing the creation of custom logic. Companies can define complex conditions to monitor specific events, such as triggering an alarm if a temperature sensor exceeds a critical value. Calendar and scheduling functions allow for time-controlled monitoring tasks, while virtual sensors enable calculation of averages or other aggregated data. This flexibility makes the device ideal for applications that require precise data analysis.

Alarms and Notifications

The Perseus Energy 240 offers versatile alarm options that can be triggered both locally and over the network:

• Local alarms: SNMP Trap and email notifications can be sent directly from the device (SMTP server required).
• Network-based alarms: SMS or call notifications are possible via an external SMS gateway.
• Portal notifications: When connected to the SensDesk Portal, additional features such as device invalid alerts, PDF reports, and multi-year multigraphs are available.

Open API and Integration

The open API (SNMP, XML, Modbus/TCP, MQTT) allows seamless integration of collected data into existing SCADA or NMS systems. The Meters API is a unique feature that allows the Perseus Energy 240 to read sensor data from other devices on the LAN. For example, the device can evaluate data from a STE2 R2 thermometer or an SNMP-enabled UPS to trigger precise alarms. This data aggregation makes the Perseus Energy 240 ideal for complex monitoring scenarios and as a Modbus gateway from RS-485 (Modbus/RTU) to Modbus/TCP, MQTT, or SNMP.

Security Features

Security was a top priority in the development of the Perseus Energy 240:

• Radius – IEEE 802.1X: Supports secure network authentication.
• HTTPS with client certificate: Ensures encrypted communication.
• Admin and user accounts: Allows access control for different user groups.
• IPv6 support and SNMP v3: For modern and secure network environments.

Connection with the SensDesk Portal

Integration with the SensDesk Portal significantly extends the functionality of the Perseus Energy 240. The portal offers:

• Graphs and multigraphs: Visualization of sensor data with historical trends.
• Virtual sensors: Calculation of averages or other aggregated data.
• Device invalid alerts: Notification in case of device connection loss.
• PDF reports: For audits and reporting in regulated industries.
• Multi-user accounts: For teams with different access rights.

The SensDesk Portal is available as both a SaaS solution and on-premise. For simple applications, the free HWg-cloud.com portal offers basic features such as email alerts and simple graphs.

Typical Applications

The Perseus Energy 240 is suitable for a variety of scenarios where cost-effective monitoring and data conversion are required. Here are some of the most common use cases:

• Modbus gateway: Conversion from Modbus/RTU (RS-485) to Modbus/TCP, MQTT, or SNMP for integration into SCADA systems.
• Data centers and server rooms: Monitoring environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity via third-party RS-485 sensors.
• Pharmaceutical warehouses: Ensuring compliance by monitoring temperature and humidity.
• Telecommunication sites: Monitoring base stations and technical rooms for reliable operation.
• Greenhouses: Monitoring environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity to optimize plant growth.
• Technical rooms: Integration of sensors for power, voltage, or other parameters to ensure operational safety.

A typical example is monitoring a warehouse with cold storage rooms. The Perseus Energy 240 can connect multiple temperature sensors (e.g., Modbus/RTU-compatible sensors) via RS-485 to monitor cold room temperatures. Additionally, the device can evaluate the battery status of an external UPS via SNMP using the Meters API. An alarm can be configured to trigger if a sensor exceeds a threshold, and the notification can be sent via email or the SensDesk Portal.

Advantages of the Meters API

The Meters API is a unique feature of the Perseus product line. It enables the device to read sensor data from other devices on the same LAN network and use it for analysis or alarms. This is especially useful in complex environments where multiple devices provide data. For example, the Perseus Energy 240 can combine the temperature from an HWg device such as the STE2 R2 thermometer with data from an SNMP-enabled UPS. This data aggregation enables more precise decisions and alarms based on multiple data sources.

Modbus Gateway Functionality

A key feature of the Perseus Energy 240 is its function as a Modbus gateway. It converts data from physical RS-485 sensors (Modbus/RTU) to Modbus/TCP, MQTT, or SNMP, facilitating integration into modern networks. This feature is especially useful in industrial environments where existing Modbus/RTU sensors need to be integrated into a LAN-based monitoring system. The open API allows data to be integrated into SCADA systems, NMS systems, or other third-party platforms.

Mobile Monitoring with the HWg Monitor App

The HWg Monitor App (available for Android and iOS) provides a convenient way to monitor all sensor data at a glance. The app can connect directly to the Perseus Energy 240 or via the SensDesk Portal. It displays all sensor values on one screen and is ideal for mobile monitoring or as a wall display in technical rooms. With the app, responsible personnel can check the status of their monitored environments anytime and anywhere.

The Perseus Energy 240 is a cost-effective and powerful solution for the remote monitoring requirements of modern companies. With its function as a Modbus gateway and the ability to integrate up to 100 sensors via RS-485, this device is ideal for monitoring data centers, warehouses, telecommunication sites, and more. Support for Lua scripting, SNMP Trap, Modbus/RTU, Modbus/TCP, and the unique Meters API make the Perseus Energy 240 an indispensable tool for companies seeking a flexible and secure monitoring solution. Integration with the SensDesk Portal further extends functionality, allowing companies to benefit from advanced analysis and reporting options.

Technical Data at a Glance

• Ethernet: RJ45 (100BASE-T), integrated web server
• RS-485 (Modbus/RTU): 1x terminal block, supports up to 100 sensors with 1000 variables
• Sensors: Support for third-party RS-485 sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, voltage, current)
• Alarm options: Email, SNMP Trap, SMS/calls (with external SMS gateway)
• API: SNMP, XML, Modbus/TCP, MQTT
• Security: Radius (IEEE 802.1X), HTTPS, admin/user accounts
• Data processing: Lua scripting, conditions & actions, scheduler
• Portal: SensDesk (SaaS or on-premise), HWg-cloud.com
• Mobile App: HWg Monitor (Android/iOS)

Available Versions

Perseus Energy 240:

• Perseus 240 unit. Energy metering gateway: metal enclosure, RS485 Modbus-RTU, Meters API. Power adapter NOT included.

Perseus Energy 240 set:

• Perseus 240 energy gateway starter set. Includes: Perseus Energy 240 as above, universal power adapter 12V 1.5A