The optimisation of Power Quality (PQ) is a significant challenge for managers of electrical networks and Data Centres – in parallel with managing increasingly pressurised budgets.  The widespread use and increasing dependence upon electronic equipment and IT systems have completely transformed the nature of electrical loads.  These loads are both the major root cause– and major casualties – of problems associate with PQ. 

Mission-critical facilities must operate continuously: any power interruption – even for the shortest time – can impact business continuity resulting in operational downtime and substantial financial losses.  The increased sensitivity of processes to PQ problems means that the availability of high quality power is vital across all sectors.

 

What affects Power Quality (PQ)?

Modern Data Centres are designed with inherent redundancy in order to minimise downtime, but just as important as the mission-critical applications themselves is the quality of power supplied.

The first step towards the delivery of consistent, high quality power is to understand the nature of PQ disturbances and their causes.

The most common disturbances that adversely affect PQ are power sags or outages due to network faults. Short voltage variations due to the connection of heavy loads or network faults can be problematic, along with the distortion of currents and voltages due to non-linear loads being present in the system – or even in the systems of other utilities, for example.  Flicker due to large, intermittent loads and asymmetry in the supply voltage system can also prove challenging in terms of PQ.

 

How to guarantee Power Quality (PQ) with Socomec UPS equipment

Socomec’s market leading uninterruptible power supply (UPS) technology guarantees PQ in the most challenging critical applications.

Covering three major topologies – classified by standard EN 62040-3 – Socomec’s range of equipment has been developed to meet a wide range of requirements, from small / home offices, to the largest Data Centres.

VFD “offline”: voltage and frequency dependent – in the event of power loss from the mains supply the load is automatically switched over to an integral battery to guarantee continuous, uninterrupted supply.

Socomec’s single phase Netys PL – from 600 to 800 VA – is a multi-socket UPS for easy connectivity.

The ideal solution for PC applications, cash registers and interactive terminals, Netys PL is a compact, pluggable power protection system with a USB port and 6 output sockets providing protection against overvoltage – two of which also protect against power cuts.

VI “line interactive”: voltage independent – the m

ains power load is protected against under and over voltage by an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) which stabilises the voltage.  Socomec’s Netys PE features integrated AVR functionality, stabilising output voltage and avoiding unnecessary switching to battery mode operation, therefore preserving battery life to support black outs.

Socomec’s Netys PE range – from 600 to 2000 VA and dependent upon power consumption and backup time requirements – is ideal for SOHO and POS applications in office and retail environments. 

VFI “online double conversion”: voltage and frequency independent – the only UPS working-mode that assures total load protection against all possible mains quality problems.  The power is converted twice (AC to DC through a rectifier then DC to AC through an inverter) to provide high quality voltage, stable frequency and protection against power grid disturbances.  If the mains power is lost, the load is powered exclusively by the battery.  The internal bypass supplies the utilities in case of inverter output voltage anomalies.

A result of extensive engineering and in-depth analysis of customer needs, Socomec’s Modulys Green Power (GP) is a completely modular and fully redundant solution in the 25-600 kW power range.  Modulys GP integrates all the technological advances of Socomec’s Green Power 2.0 range, including the optimum VFI output and unitary power factor that offers the highest power density currently on the market. The range maintains its benchmark position both in terms of its reduced footprint and energy savings.

With no single point of failure, the Modulys delivers the ultimate availability, scalability and extended lifetime to critical applications such as computer rooms, Data Centres, banks, healthcare facilities and insurance and telecoms providers.

Designed around a system of redundant dual-conversion modules, Modulys can meet evolving demands on energy performance and ensures business continuity, optimising costs over the product lifecycle.

Modulys provides margin for unforeseen evolutions in infrastructure and can be upgraded at any point of its operational lifecycle.

Certification and verifications

  • The output and performance levels of the MODULYS GP have been tested and verified by an independent body
  • The MTBF value of the power modules has been certified as having the highest ranking on the market by an independent body (IEC 62380)
  • The manufacturing site is ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14000:2004 certified.

 

To find out more: www.socomec.com