FAQ Smart Sensor Generation 1

Installation
Usage, Support & Security
User Management
Gateway
Knowledge Base
Installation documents: 

User guide for Smart Sensor Platform app and web portal 
Smart Sensor for motors installation guides
Smart Sensor for pumps installation guides
Smart Sensor for general machinery installation guides

What are the technical requirements for the installation and use of the Smart Sensor? 

The Smart Sensor works with Bluetooth® 4.0 and up. If the Smart Sensor App is not listed in the application store it means that the smart device is not fulfilling these requirements.

Please make sure that the Smart Sensor App has Location Services activated from your smart device's settings. This is required to establish a connection between your device and your Smart Sensors. 

Supported operating systems (January 2020): 

Minimum Android: 5.1.1 
Minimum iOS: 10.3.3*

*not suitable for sensor activation by vibration

Minimum Internet browser versions on Windows Operating System for tested usage of the Smart Sensor Portal (January 2020): 

Chrome 78 
Firefox 70
Internet Explorer 11
Edge 18
  

What is myABB?

myABB is a personalized channel for ABB services, helping to maximize equipment availability, optimize the lifecycle of assets and improve operational efficiency and performance. myABB account is required for use of the Smart Sensor Portal and the Smart Sensor App.  



Does the Smart Sensor require a subscription to work?

Yes. Every Smart Sensor comes with a 60-day free trial period. The trial period starts after the sensor is commissioned to an asset. After the trial period, a subscription is needed to access the data gathered by the Smart Sensor. At the moment, subscriptions are available for 1 or 2 years. 



What should I do if my Smart Sensor package is missing parts or some parts are faulty?

If you notice any faults on the Smart Sensor or other parts, please contact your Smart Sensor supplier. 



What should I do if my asset’s bearing is not found from the Smart Sensor App’s list when I activate the Smart Sensor?

Please select the closest bearing option from the Smart Sensor App and contact Smart Sensor Support to inform the details of the missing bearing. 



The asset nameplate is missing some required information. Can some fields just be left blank?

If essential asset information is missing from the nameplate, please contact the asset manufacturer for details. It is vital that all of the required fields are filled with exact information, since the interpretation of the data relies on correct initial data.  



What should I do if the system says that my subscription code has expired or has already been used?

The subscription code’s expiration date is shown on the subscription code sheet. Subscription codes will expire three years after they have been purchased even if they have not been used. In case of other questions, please contact the Smart Sensor Support Team at support.smartsensor@abb.com. 



Can the Smart Sensor be removed from the asset?

The Smart Sensor itself can be removed from the bracket and reinstalled with two screws. The sensormount is more difficult to remove and it is not recommended to do so.

Notice that removing the sensor mount might damage the motor frame and expose it to corrosion. Always use extra caution if removing has to be done.


Can the Smart Sensor be transferred to another asset?

Yes, the Smart Sensor can be moved to another asset. This requires the Smart Sensor to be first deleted from the old organization with the Smart Sensor App. During that procedure you can also choose whether the Smart Sensor's internal memory is reset or not. After deleting the old asset, you can normally recommission the Smart Sensor to a new asset. 



I'm having connection problems with my Smart Sensor!

The Bluetooth® connection might be exposed to distractions generated by for example obstacles between the device and the Smart Sensor. Besides environment, the coverage area also depends on the Smart Sensor's and the smart device’s Bluetooth® capabilities.

If retrying the connection or data transfer doesn’t solve the problem, please contact Smart Sensor Support Team at support.smartsensor@abb.com. 

Usage, Support & Security documents: 
End User License Agreement 
Smart Sensor for Motors Datasheet 
Smart Sensor for Pumps Datasheet 
User guide for Smart Sensor Platform app and web portal

Does the Smart Sensor require an internet connection? Is it possible to use Smart Sensor in areas without internet coverage?

The Smart Sensor doesn’t require an internet connection to gather data from the asset it is monitoring. The Smart Sensor stores the gathered data temporarily in its internal memory. An internet connection is required for the data transfer from the Smart Sensor to the cloud server. If the Smart Sensor App doesn't allow measurements readings due to connection problems, it is worth trying to turn the smart device into Offline / Flight Mode and reconnect it after reading the measurements from the Smart Sensor. The App will automatically upload the collected measurements to the cloud once it has established an internet connection.

 

What kind of batteries does the Smart Sensor use? Can the batteries be replaced?

There are four lithium batteries inside the Smart Sensor and they cannot be replaced. Opening the Smart Sensor's cover results in warranty void. Expected lifetime of the Smart Sensor’s batteries is up to 5 years depending on the operating temperature, measurement interval and other factors. 



For which kind of electric motors can the Smart Sensor be used?

The Smart Sensor can be used with both ABB and non-ABB motors with the following frame sizes: IEC: 56 - 500 and NEMA: 42 - 449 (non-standard motors equivalent to IEC 500). The Smart Sensor supports monitoring of Direct Online (DOL) and Variable Frequency Drive (VFD, Low-Dynamic Load) driven electric motors with a frequency range of 10 Hz - 74 Hz.  



How often does the Smart Sensor measure data and can the measuring interval be modified?

By default, the Smart Sensor measures data every one hour. The interval can be modified for each asset to a minimum of 15 minutes and maximum of 12 hours, but it is worth to mention that modifying the interval can drastically extend or shorten the lifetime of your Smart Sensor’s battery. 


How can I contact Smart Sensor Support?

The Smart Sensor Support can be contacted via support.smartsensor@abb.com. 


Which standards and certificates does the Smart Sensor utilize?

Please see the Datasheet of Smart Sensor for Motors or Smart Sensor for Pumps.



What should I do if I'm having problems with updating the Smart Sensor's software?

The software updates are important for the Smart Sensor to utilize all of its features. During the update process the smart device must be constantly within the Smart Sensor’s Bluetooth range. If you face an issue during the update process, please try a different smart device and to “Refresh Configuration” from the Smart Sensor App’s main menu. Be aware, that the update process can be safely repeated if it fails.  



What should I do if I suspect that the data given by the Smart Sensor is inaccurate?

Please make sure that the Smart Sensor is mounted properly. Also make sure that the asset details are correct in the Smart Sensor App and that they match the correct asset plate. It’s vital that all of the fields are filled with exact information, since the interpretation of the data relies on correct initial data. If some of the asset information is missing, please contact the asset manufacturer for details. If you still suspect that the data is inaccurate, please contact your local ABB Service. 


Where is the data storaged and processed?

The data is stored and processed in the Smart Sensor, user's smart device as well as on the server. Algorithms stored in the Smart Sensor perform the primary analysis, with further analysis and processing by algorithms stored on the ABB secure cloud server. 

Measurements done by the Smart Sensor are used together with algorithms that have been developed to evaluate operational parameters and these are then related to specific motor defects. For example, the solution analyzes a combination of measurements in the time and frequency domain to determine whether the bearings are defective. 

In this example, since motor-specific bearing manufacturer and type have been provided by the user it is possible to clearly determine whether the defect-related measurements are coming from the motor bearings themselves. 



Is the data transmitted to the ABB server in an encrypted form?

Industry standard encryption protocols are used to secure data transfer to the ABB cloud. The entire cloud server implementation is fully compliant with ABB’s cyber security guidelines. 

Data is stored in an encrypted form in the ABB cloud. The ABB portal uses a role-based access to ensure that the data is available only to the users with correct authorization. The connection to the ABB portal is secured with standard encryption protocols.  



Does ABB use the data provided by the Smart Sensors?

Through user consent given in the End User License Agreement ABB holds the rights to use the data provided by the Smart Sensors for development and big data analysis purposes.  


Which subscription is required to access the Smart Sensor Cloud Interface?

Users can benefit from the Cloud Interface for those Smart Sensors that have a valid and active ABB Ability™ Smart Sensor subscription.   


What are the steps to start doing an integration of the Smart Sensor Cloud Interface?

Users shall perform the Cloud Interface implementation to successfully integrate the data into their own system software. If users do not want to do the implementation themselves, support from a system integrator is required.

  1. Study the user guide: https://search.abb.com/library/Download.aspx?DocumentID=9AKK107728&LanguageCode=en&DocumentPartId=&Action=Launch
  2. Define the design requirements for their application, such as - but not limited to integration scope, validation and data visualization. Users can create their own use case based on the examples provided.
  3. Study the detailed service specifications of the ABB Ability™ Smart Sensor Cloud Interface relevant for the users’ application: https://api.smartsensor.abb.com/swagger
  4. If more details are required, users can send an email to support.smartsensor@abb.com. The Smart Sensor support team will provide a detailed external integration guideline.


Are there open-source sample codes for accessing the Smart Sensor Cloud Interface?

Yes, the sample codes are published on GitHub (https://github.com/abb-motors-and-generators/smart-sensor-api-client). These can be used as proof of concept for software developers.



Where can I find the needed feature codes (commands needed in the Smart Sensor Cloud Interface)?

Please check section 6.4 of this guideline: https://search.abb.com/library/Download.aspx?DocumentID=9AKK107728&LanguageCode=en&DocumentPartId=&Action=Launch




User Management documents: 

User guide for Smart Sensor Platform app and web portal
 

Where can I track my asset's trend data?

By making the following selections in the Smart Sensor Portal:  

→ "Asset Details" (Top-page menu)
→ "Asset Detail" 
→ Select organization, asset group and asset 
→ Select desired dates and parameters to illustrate the graph 

 

What are the differences between the app and the portal?

The Smart Sensor App is required to activate, commission and delete assets. It also provides asset usage functions for users who choose not to join an organization. The most recent asset measurements are also visible in the App.

The Smart Sensor Portal provides access to organizations and further analyzed asset data. Through the portal, organization’s admin users can also manage Asset and User Groups.  

Portal and App share some functionalities for usability convenience.  

 

Do I have to join to an organization?

No, you don’t. Smart Sensor can be activated and used without an organization. However, by joining an organization it is possible to share the Smart Sensor's data with other users inside the same organization. 



Can I change my organization?

Yes, you can. User’s organization can be changed from the Smart Sensor App and from the Smart Sensor Portal. Please note that creating new organizations is only available with the Smart Sensor App. If user belongs to multiple organizations, the active organization’s data is shown in the Portal and in the App.  



How can I delete an asset from my organization?

Assets can be deleted with the Smart Sensor App. 



What are Asset and User Groups?

Asset Groups are used to gather up and categorize assets and to manage their access rights. An Asset Group always belongs to an organization. “Other assets” is an automatically generated Asset Group when a new organization is created. 

A User Group is a set of users within the same organization that can be given access to certain Asset Group(s). For more information, please refer to the user guide for Smart Sensor Platform app and web portal.


How can I change the asset’s Asset Group?

Asset Group can be changed from the Smart Sensor App by selecting “Transfer Asset” from the asset's drop-down menu or from the Portal’s Organization Management → Asset Groups.  


How can I find “My Assets” from the Smart Sensor Portal?

By making the following selections in the Smart Sensor Portal:  

→ "Asset Details" (Top-page menu)
→ "Asset Detail" 
→ Select organization and "Other Assets"

Gateway documents: 
Gateway installation manual 
Gateway installation manual (Huawei E8372)
Gateway User Guide (Cassia)

Is there a gateway solution available for automated sensor reading? 

Yes, gateway is available to order and it can be used with different Smart Sensor types. Please contact your local ABB Service.  

 

How do I know which Smart Sensors are within my gateway's range? 

Please see the Gateway Installation Manual.  Note that the first readings can take up to 3 hours after the installation of the gateway and the adding of new sensors to the gateway's reading cycle can take up to 24 hours after the sensor has been brought to the gateway's range. 

 

What is the Bluetooth® range of the gateway? 

The Bluetooth® Low Energy range depends on the gateway's environment and obstacles. The range estimate for factory environment is 25–65 meters (80–210 feet).

 

What else do I need for the use of the gateway? 

Internet connection: 

An available internet connection without VPN (open network). Connection options are PoE (Power-over-Ethernet), Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi.

Power Supply: 

In case PoE connection is not available, a power supply (PoE injector) for the gateway is needed.

Ethernet cable: 

1 Ethernet cable is needed for PoE or for Wi-Fi connection options.
2 Ethernet cables are needed in case of Ethernet cable connection.

Computer: 

A computer with a Wi-Fi adapter is needed to configure the gateway.

 

What is the required bandwidth for data transfer between a gateway and the ABB cloud? 

The highest data requirement estimate is 250 MB + 50 MB/sensor per month. 

 

Why isn't my gateway reading measurements regularly / within stable intervals?

The gateway tries to connect to every Smart Sensor once every hour. However, it may upload measurements to the Smart Sensor Portal as rarely as once per day. This is due to the gateway's environment, internet connection stability and other variables. Since the Smart Sensor itself stores measurements internally according to the user-defined measurement interval, no measurements are lost even if the gateway doesn't upload them to the Smart Sensor Portal every hour. 

The Smart Sensor is not designed to act as a real-time measurement device and its operating principle as a long-term condition monitoring device means the Smart Sensor's value is created from stable and long-term monitoring. Therefore, the gateway's possible irregular measurement upload intervals don’t affect the measurements and analytics performed by the Smart Sensor.

Terminology

Parameters monitored by the Smart Sensor are described in the Smart Sensor Portal's Asset Details page. Every parameter has a little "i" button which opens a description of that particular parameter. 

Asset Group:

Asset Groups are used to gather up and categorize assets and to manage their access rights. An Asset Group always belongs to an organization. “Other assets” is an automatically generated Asset Group when a new organization is created.

KPI:

Key Performance Indicator

Dimension Factor:

A bearing property which tells each bearing ball's center distance from the center of the bearing circle. The Dimension Factor can be calculated by adding the outer and inner bearing radii together and dividing the sum by two.

Health trend:

Shows the percentage amount of non-healthy assets of the assets that the user has an access to.

Set measured current:

This feature allows the user to enter the measured current while the asset is operating at nominal load. Calibrating the current in this fashion improves the Smart Sensor's power calculation accuracy.

Subscription code:

A subscription is needed to use all features of the Smart Sensor Portal. For subscription purchases, please visit ABB Ability Marketplace™ or contact your local ABB Service.

User Group:

A User Group is a set of users within the same organization that can be given access to certain Asset Group. 
 

Icons & Symbols

Click an image to enlarge it.
Smart Sensor App
Condition colors
Smart Sensor App
Asset symbols
Please contact Smart Sensor Support if you come across any unknown symbols or icons.

Documents

Activating Sensors and Adding Assets 

App Initialization and User Management 

End User License Agreement 

Gateway Installation Manual 

Gateway User Guide (Cassia) 

Smart Sensor for Motors Datasheet 

Smart Sensor for Motors Installation Manual ENG 

Smart Sensor for Motors Installation Manual GER

Smart Sensor for Motors Installation Manual ENG (Clamp Bracket) 

Smart Sensor for Pumps Datasheet 

Smart Sensor for Pumps Installation Manual ENG 

Smart Sensor for Pumps Installation Manual ENG (Threaded Housing Hole) 

USB Dongle - Buying & Usage

 

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