Freezer Alarm &Backup Systems Preventing Sample Losses * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Joe DeFrancesco, Gina Koskela, Peter Sturman Oregon State University North Willamette Research and Extension Center Aurora, Oregon

Different modes of freezer and alarm failure Different modes of freezer and alarm failure Freezer malfunction experiences at NWREC Freezer malfunction experiences at NWREC Description of backup natural gas generator Description of backup natural gas generator Description of alarm system and phone dialer Description of alarm system and phone dialer Helpful hints to prevent loss of frozen samples Helpful hints to prevent loss of frozen samples Freezer Alarm &Backup Systems

Modes of Freezer and Alarm Failure Interruption of electrical power to facility Interruption of electrical power to facility Area-wide power outage; local power outage (power pole on road) Area-wide power outage; local power outage (power pole on road) Freezers, Alarm and Dialer system, need to have separate power source Freezers, Alarm and Dialer system, need to have separate power source Failure of individual freezers Failure of individual freezers Compressor failure (fan cover impediment; old age) Compressor failure (fan cover impediment; old age) Freezer plug accidently pulled Freezer plug accidently pulled Alarm failure due to circuit breaker failure Alarm failure due to circuit breaker failure High ambient temperature → overload of circuit breaker to freezers High ambient temperature → overload of circuit breaker to freezers Have battery back-up on alarms and dialer just incase back-up generator fails after a main power outage Have battery back-up on alarms and dialer just incase back-up generator fails after a main power outage Alarm batteries = 6 hr usage; 24 hr stand-by Alarm batteries = 6 hr usage; 24 hr stand-by UPS (dialer) battery = 2 hr usage; hr stand-by UPS (dialer) battery = 2 hr usage; hr stand-by

100 amp Normal service panel TRT Freezer UTC Freezer Alarm Prior to Alarm and Backup System

100 amp Normal service panel 100 amp Automatic transfer switch 7 kw Natural Gas Generator TRT Freezer UTC Freezer Alarm (w/ battery backup) Alarm w/ battery backup UPS (battery backup for dialer) Freezer Alarm and Backup System Dialer

Interruption of Electrical Power to Facility Interruption of electrical power is sensed by a Guardian 100 amp Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) Interruption of electrical power is sensed by a Guardian 100 amp Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) ATS simultaneously disconnects normal power supply to freezers and alarms ATS simultaneously disconnects normal power supply to freezers and alarms Once ATS disconnects electrical power, it activates a 7 kw natural gas generator and connects power to the freezers and alarms Once ATS disconnects electrical power, it activates a 7 kw natural gas generator and connects power to the freezers and alarms Generator is programmed to turn on once a week to test system Generator is programmed to turn on once a week to test system

100 amp Normal service panel 100 amp Automatic transfer switch 7 kw Natural Gas Generator TRT Freezer UTC Freezer Alarm (w/ battery backup) Alarm w/ battery backup UPS (battery backup for dialer) Freezer Alarm and Backup System Dialer

ATS Main Power Source Power from Generator Power to Alarms and Horn UPS Battery Phone Dialer Power to Freezers (2 separate circuits) Phone Line Power to Phone Dialer

Main Power Alarms, Horn, and Dialer TRT Freezer UTC Freezer Important: Separate circuits 1. UTC Freezer 2. TRT Freezer 3. Alarms, Horn, Dialer

Individual Freezer Failure Each freezer is equipped with temperature sensing alarm Each freezer is equipped with temperature sensing alarm When alarm set point (25°F) is exceeded for one hour, alarm system is activated When alarm set point (25°F) is exceeded for one hour, alarm system is activated Audible alarm (horn at freezer site) Audible alarm (horn at freezer site) Contact information posted on freezer doors Contact information posted on freezer doors Automatic phone dialer calls each of the pre-programmed numbers on the emergency contact list with a recorded message Automatic phone dialer calls each of the pre-programmed numbers on the emergency contact list with a recorded message Programmed to delay for answering, then to repeat message 3x each number, then 3 reps Programmed to delay for answering, then to repeat message 3x each number, then 3 reps System tested at beginning of season when freezers are empty (about every other month) System tested at beginning of season when freezers are empty (about every other month) Install individual circuit breakers to alarms; include battery backup Install individual circuit breakers to alarms; include battery backup

Freezer Alarm Schematic Automatic transfer switch UPS Auto phone dialer Freezer alarm Alarm horn

Temperature sensor for freezer to sound alarm

Dial on each freezer indicates status of operation (connected to temp gauge in freezer); high temp may be due to defrost ~ Working (refrigeration) ~ Defrost

Helpful Hints to Prevent Sample Loss Secure the freezer area Secure the freezer area Locks on freezer doors Locks on freezer doors Indoors, with cool ambient air, is best to prevent failure Indoors, with cool ambient air, is best to prevent failure Frozen jugs of water to keep freezers cool Frozen jugs of water to keep freezers cool Backup temp recorders in freezers to verify sample integrity Backup temp recorders in freezers to verify sample integrity Install alarm and backup systems; test regularly Install alarm and backup systems; test regularly