A safer UPS with smaller footprint

Power Electronics / Power Management

4 June 2003 Power Electronics / Power Management Integrated Solutions

With the launch of the Delta III, Meissner has introduced an uninterrupted power supply (UPS), which it claims is safer and has a smaller footprint than most other UPSs on the market.

Available in 8, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 KVA ratings with three phase input and output, the unit is particularly diesel generator-friendly as the rectifier is not phase rotation sensitive. The latest design also reduces the number of discrete components required by using three microprocessors. These microprocessors can be programmed to alter the variables without changing the entire UPS set-up.

Deon Ferreira, design and tests manager for Meissner explains: "The reduction in the number of PC boards from 18 down to just three, makes this UPS much easier to manufacture whilst safer to repair and operate."

The three main PC boards, which all function independently, are simply attached to one another on an isolated serial bus, eliminating the vast number of interconnections previously required to link the larger number of discrete components.

"This reduces the possibility of loose cables. The less complicated we make the machine, the fewer problems there are for technicians who have to service these units and the more reliable they are for their users. This design provides far more accessible boards which simplifies and speeds up repairs," Ferreira says.

Increasing the attractiveness of the Delta III is the fact that this model comes standard with interface intelligence whereas on previous models this was an optional extra. Interface intelligence allows the computer to monitor the mains supply for power failures and automatically shut down mission critical systems when Delta III battery backup time nears its limit.

Depending on the software operating systems of the computer supported by the UPS, any open documents will be saved before the computer is shut down, thus eliminating loss of data or corruption thereof. On screen battery monitoring can take place during a mains failure and better IT management of mission critical equipment can be achieved by shutting down unnecessary load to increase backup time proportionately. The Delta III has a dual redundant power supply. This significantly reduces the risk of UPS internal control failure and therefore improves reliability. The Delta III also boasts better thermal management. This allows for better airflow and reduces the amount of hot air circulating within the unit, reducing the risk of heat related component failures. Provision has been made for future performance upgrades by providing space and connectivity for an additional PC board, with additional functionality, to be inserted at a later stage simply by connecting it into the isolated serial bus.

For more information contact Graham Beyleveld, Meissner Power Systems, 011 824 0202, [email protected]

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Power Electronics / Power Management

A safer UPS with smaller footprint

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