Electrical Power & Protection


Reliable DC power for sensor and communication networks

September 2012 Electrical Power & Protection

In the automated manufacturing environment, the use of sensors and communication equipment ensures production of quality products at a minimum cost. However, for these systems to operate at their optimum, reliable, clean voltage supplies are essential as interruptions caused by power outages or noisy power increase downtime and production costs. These can be avoided through the use of quality power supply units, battery chargers and DC UPSs.

Italian based Adelsystem has over 20 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of switch mode power supplies to meet the requirements of all applications in the field of industrial automation. Included in the range of solutions now available to automation design engineers are the Flex range of switching power supplies (up to 600 W), the CB range of intelligent battery chargers and the All-in-One uninterruptible DC power supplies that include battery charger, power supply and backup module in one compact unit.

Flex switch mode power supplies

The Flex range of products is characterised by 1, 2 and 3-phase input with current ratings up to 25 A and power flexibility that reaches 50% rated input current. The supplies are based on a semi-resonant switching circuit which allows efficiency up to 93% for a dynamic and robust supply suitable for a wide range of loads such as PLC, sensors, motors and resistive or inductive loads. Designed for optimal use of space, Flex units are compact in size with a wide input voltage range allowing one item to be used for many applications for minimal stockholding. The range conforms to the highest quality standards and guarantees reliable and durable operation with an MTBF up to 500 000 hours. Other features include:

* ‘Power Good’ relay for monitoring the output voltage level.

* Output circuits protected by magneto-thermic circuit breakers.

* Ease of parallel connection when higher output power is required.

CB intelligent battery chargers

The CB Series battery chargers with output voltage 12, 24 and 36 V are extremely compact and cost-effective. It is now possible to keep in stock a single multi-purpose product suited to an input voltage range 120-230 VAC, all battery types and able to match most current and output voltage requirements. Switch mode technology and the Battery Care concept led to the development of this advanced multi-stage battery charging method, fully automatic and suited to the most advanced requirements of battery manufacturers.

The Battery Care concept is based on algorithms that implement rapid and automatic charging, battery charge optimisation over time, flat battery recovery and real-time diagnostics during installation and operation. Battery faults such as battery sulphatation, elements in short circuit, accidental reverse polarity connection can be easily detected, identified and corrected.

Safety and long-term reliability mean optimised charge and extended battery life. Irreversible damage causing conditions are prevented by adapting charging parameters to the status of the battery and ambient conditions. Other features include:

* Multi-Stage charging – three charging modes.

* Maximum safety and protection.

* Recovery charging.

* MTBF up to 300 000 hours.

All-in-One uninterruptible DC power supply solution

The newest in the Adelsystem range, the All-in-One solution includes the battery charger, power supply and backup module in one compact unit. The product offers reliable, consistent backup of the DC supply and should be incorporated where frequent power outages or dips occur. These products are particularly useful where there is a PLC or other digital communication in operation as the UPS prevents system interruptions due to power glitches and negates the need for system re-boots. The time lost in production, while bringing the system back up and restoring all communication can amount to vast sums of money.

The power supply section is a switched mode device as supplies based on this technology are more efficient, smaller and lighter than traditional linear technology. The battery charger circuit is microprocessor based, and uses ‘smart battery management’ algorithms to ensure the cells are kept in prime condition. Visual and relay outputs warn of battery problems or failure. Charge curves for various types of batteries, open lead acid cells, sealed lead acid cells, Gel and Ni/Cd types are all catered for. Multi-stage charging (three modes: boost, trickle and recovery) ensure the fastest recharge, also allowing the recovery of deeply discharged batteries. The maximum charging current to the battery is user adjustable by means of a potentiometer on the front of the unit. To protect the battery the unit will shut down when the cell voltage reaches 1,5 V, avoiding deep discharge and battery damage. The unit also performs a battery life test. It guarantees battery reliability by continually testing the internal impedance of the cells. The system, through a battery stimulation circuit, is able to detect sulphated batteries and those with short circuit cells. Monitor signals clearly define the system’s condition via LED indication and relay contacts, these include:

* Main or backup supply, signalled by a relay.

* Battery flat, signalled by a relay.

* No mains supply, by LED indication.

* Battery fault, by LED indication.

* Low battery (less than 30%), by LED indication.

* Battery charge mode, by LED indication.

* Help, blinking code LED signals.

Recently appointed as an authorised distributor for Adelsystem, Ret Automation’s sales channels ensure that the products discussed will be accessible throughout southern Africa. Sales, service and technical assistance is available in Cape Town, Durban, East London, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.

For more information contact Rodney Topham, RET Automation, +27 (0)11 453 2468, [email protected], www.retautomation.com



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

South African businesses can alleviate energy price crisis
Electrical Power & Protection
While grid instability remains a concern, the immediate and most critical driver of South African commercial and industrial investment in renewable energy is the escalating cost of electricity.

Read more...
Real-time modelling is the key to a resilient, bi-directional energy grid
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Utilities and municipalities are facing a challenge as the country’s legacy power grid, engineered for one-way energy delivery from centralised suppliers to end-users, must rapidly evolve to meet a new paradigm.

Read more...
Shielding data centre growth from the looming power crunch
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Today’s digital economy is placing unprecedented strain on the power grid. The good news is that these challenges are not insurmountable. By adopting proactive strategies such as alternative power sources, infrastructure planning and software, operators can secure capacity, build resilient facilities and scale sustainably.

Read more...
Circuit breaker innovations
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Recent advancements in circuit breaker technology have seen a major step forward in setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability in data centres, industrial and commercial infrastructure.

Read more...
Common battery tester errors and what they mean
Comtest Electrical Power & Protection
Battery testers help quickly assess battery health, diagnose issues, and determine whether a battery needs a charge or replacement. This guide covers some of the most common battery tester errors, what they mean, and what can cause them.

Read more...
Cathodic protection design considerations that influence ESG outcomes
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Electrical Power & Protection
Major infrastructure like wharves, bridges, pipelines and tanks are at constant risk of corrosion. David Celine, managing director of cathodic protection specialist Omniflex, explains how CP system design can support ESG commitments, while simultaneously lowering costs and improving maintenance capabilities.

Read more...
Africa’s digital future – building critical power infrastructure for data centre leadership
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s digital economy is growing rapidly, and countries like South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya are leading the way. However, a major challenge remains. Sustainable and reliable power systems must form the backbone of Africa’s digital growth to ensure lasting success.

Read more...
Recovering condensate and waste heat
Electrical Power & Protection
According to Associated Energy Services, strong partnerships with thermal energy users optimise opportunities to benefit from condensate return. waste heat recovery and the prevention of system contamination.

Read more...
Quantum engine powered by particle entanglement
Electrical Power & Protection
In a landmark achievement that signals a new era in energy research, a team of physicists in China has carried out the first successful test of a quantum engine powered by particle entanglement. This technological breakthrough represents a fundamental shift in our approach to energy production.

Read more...
Advancing sustainability in South Africa’s fruit industry
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric, together with Technoserve Medium Voltage, has implemented its advanced SF6-free MV switchgear at Two-a-Day situated in Grabouw in the Overberg district.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved