Uninterruptible DC emergency power supply for fail-safe systems in industrial and medical applications
Our DC UPS systems for 12?V / 24?V / 48?V provide an uninterruptible power supply and ensure fail-safe availability of process-critical systems and components. Maintenance-free supercaps, long-life and safe LiFePO4 and lithium-ion battery packs, or classic lead-acid batteries are used. Our decentralised UPS systems provide effective protection against power failure, flicker, fluctuation, or voltage dips in DC power supplies. This prevents costly plant downtime and the loss of valuable data across a wide range of applications and fields, such as measurement and control technology, automation / Industry 4.0, motor drives, sensors, camera and security systems, industrial PCs, gateways, process control systems, medical and laboratory technology, mobile systems, and more.
The compact DIN rail version UPSI-D, with robust aluminium housing, is equipped with a universal DIN rail mounting system for quick and flexible installation in control cabinets. Used as a separate energy storage unit in a DIN rail housing are particularly long-lasting and safe LiFePO4 battery cells (lithium iron phosphate) as well as completely maintenance-free supercaps (ultracapacitors). Due to the energy storage technologies used, the UPSI system is characterised by low total cost of ownership (TCO) and high safety and longevity. Furthermore, open-frame variants for direct system integration (UPSI), compact and maintenance-free DC UPS modules for DIN-rail mounting (UPSIC), combined solutions with integrated energy storage (UPSI-DP), and IP67 outdoor versions (UPSI-IP) are available. As energy storage, Bicker Elektronik offers not only supercaps and LiFePO4 cells, but also Li-ion and lead-acid batteries.
A bidirectional converter as a central element and several charging methods, with individual adaptation of the charging end voltage (Constant Current, Constant Voltage, and Constant Power), ensure a very efficient and safe charging and discharging process for each energy store. In addition to the energy transmission line (BAT PWR), all relevant operating data of the energy storage device are continuously monitored and controlled via an I2C interface on the data line (BAT DATA).
The PowerSharing function on the input side ensures that the upstream AC/DC power supply does not need to be oversized, as the input power is kept constant and distributed according to the load and charger. This means that at low output load, more energy flows into the charging process, and vice versa.
For PC-based controllers and computer systems, the integrated reboot function automatically initiates recovery after a shutdown and return of the supply voltage, without requiring intervention from a service technician. Additionally, a battery start function allows manual activation of the (separate) energy storage, enabling initial system start-up from the battery, for example to perform diagnostics.
USB and RS232 interfaces allow data communication with controllers, PLCs, or PC-based systems. Using the HID Battery Parameter Software, settings can be conveniently configured on the DC UPS. Additionally, a comprehensive instruction set enables direct readout of sensor values and parameter configuration. The HID Battery Parameters software is available for free download for each product.
With the battery relax mode, Bicker Elektronik addresses the problem that, in many DC UPS systems, the battery pack often remains at full charge for extended periods (possibly months) to ensure continuous UPS readiness. However, when lithium-ion cells remain continuously charged at the end-of-charge state for long periods, their lifespan decreases significantly. To protect the cells, the charging MOSFET is deactivated after a defined period at the end of charge. The discharge MOSFET remains active, allowing discharge at any time. When a discharge is detected (UPS operation after power failure), the previously deactivated charge MOSFET is immediately reconnected, so the current flow through the body diode lasts only a few microseconds, and the charger returns to normal operation. This protection significantly extends battery life and increases system availability.
The minimum load detection of the UPSI control unit monitors, in backup mode (battery mode), the output load supplied by the energy storage. If the output load falls below a certain limit, the energy store is automatically disconnected from the charging and control unit, preventing unnecessary discharge by the DC UPS electronics.
We guarantee long-term availability of at least five years for the UPSI DC UPS system. Applications requiring a long service life benefit from optimal investment protection with first-class design-in consulting and comprehensive service and support from our power supply specialists. On request, our development engineers provide customised special solutions and extensive laboratory and measurement services for complete customer systems.
