The availability of clean water requires use of an intricate network of control devices to continually provide this precious resource.  Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) networks control the entire water-treatment process and require clean, uninterrupted electrical power.  Control devices like programmable logic controllers (PLCs), remote terminal units (RTUs), sensors, and variable speed drives are also sensitive to various types of power disturbances.

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPSs) are commonly deployed in a wastewater facility to protect these critical process systems against power interruptions.  However, only an industrial-grade wide-temperature UPS is specifically designed with rugged internal components to reliably operate in industrial environments.  Wastewater equipment is installed in both indoor and outdoor locations subject to a host of environmental challenges including wide temperature extremes.  Only an industrial wide-temperature UPS can provide the power protection needed under these environmental conditions.

Not All UPSs are Equal

There are two main requirements for a UPS installed in a water facility:  (1) online UPS design and (2) industrial wide-temperature design.

    1. Online UPS Design: The majority of UPSs are standby (offline) and line-interactive.  They leave sensitive equipment like SCADA and PLCs, connected directly to the polluted utility power source when utility power is present.  These designs provide only minimum transient protection and voltage regulation.  In contrast, an online UPS continuously regenerates new, clean regulated sinewave power to connected equipment whether from utility power or its internal batteries.  For more information on the differences between UPS designs, read the UPS Comparison and UPS Tutorial.
    2.  Industrial Wide-Temperature UPS: Most UPSs on the market today are designed for temperature-controlled office environments and are not designed to operate reliably outside this temperature range.  Only an industrial online UPS with a wide operational temperature range of at least -20°C to 55°C (-4°F to 131°F) is designed for demanding wastewater plants.  The components and materials are manufactured to operate with a high level of reliability over this wide operating temperature range.  For example, Falcon SSG and SSG-RP Industrial UPS products are UL Listed to operate reliably from -20°C to 55°C (SSG) and -30°C to 65°C (SSG-RP).  Also, the SSG’s 10 to 12-year rated batteries reduce frequent and costly battery replacements and downtime, thereby enhancing the UPS service life.  Falcon’s SSG batteries will last 4 years at 50°C.  Many options are available such as ready-to-install NEMA 3R enclosures, powder coating of the chassis and conformal coating of boards.In conclusion, only an industrial wide-temperature UPS can assure safe and reliable operation at a wastewater facility – saving maintenance costs and potential lost revenue.To learn how Florida City Water Dept solved power problems with Falcon’s SSG Industrial UPS, click here.Falcon Electric is a recognized authority in online, industrial and military COTS UPS solutions.Our engineering-oriented company has a technical team that can answer any questions.

In conclusion, only an industrial wide-temperature UPS can assure safe and reliable operation at a wastewater facility – saving maintenance costs and potential lost revenue.

To learn how Florida City Water Dept solved power problems with Falcon’s SSG Industrial UPS, click here.

Falcon Electric is a recognized authority in online, industrial and military COTS UPS solutions.
Our engineering-oriented company has a technical team that can answer any questions.

Call 800-842-6940
sales@falconups.com
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