Web-Ready UPS System Fits Applications To 800 kVA

May 10, 2004

True digital power quality (DPQ) for enterprise applications in models from 555 to 800 kVA can be achieved with the EPS8000 uninterruptible-power-supply (UPS) system from MGE. Combined with MGE's data-grade input filter, the system's DPQ...

Roger Allan

True digital power quality (DPQ) for enterprise applications in models from 555 to 800 kVA can be achieved with the EPS8000 uninterruptible-power-supply (UPS) system from MGE.

Combined with MGE's data-grade input filter, the system's DPQ logic and a 12-pulse rectifier create an output waveform from hundreds of precisely controlled pulses. The logic continuously compares the output power to a reference sine wave and applies subcycle correction pulses to maintain voltage regulation within 5%, even when exposed to a 100% step load.

"Because our system is based on Web-server chips with firmware that doesn't need an operating system, we've made it extremely low in cost. Such Web-server chips have dropped in price from about $200 last year to about $45 this year and continue to go down in cost," says Alan Katz, product manager.

The system features active harmonic conditioning, triple redundant power supplies (line, load, and battery), low total harmonic distortion of less than 4%, and core efficiency as high as 94.5% (with an isolation transformer). Other features include a power factor of 0.9, ±0.5% steady-state voltage regulation (±2.0% with a 100% step load), and SNMP or Modbus options. The system's PowerSentinel monitoring program enables worldwide UPS installation monitoring on a 24/7 basis.

"We've implemented watchdog technology through a third-party Web server," says Katz.

Fitting into locations as small as 121 in. wide, the EPS8000 offers a high power density of 23 kW/ft². Pricing for the 555-kVA model starts at $144,000.

MGE www.mgeups.com/us (800) 523-0142

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About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.