S&C’s PureWave UPS™ Systems Protect Test Labs from Power Outages.

Background

The development of a Storage Area Network (SAN) system involves long-term testing, requiring uninterrupted power for periods of up to several months. Custom solutions must be validated on a tight schedule to meet customer commitments. But such testing must be restarted if the equipment experiences a power interruption of just a few cycles . . . wasting valuable time and money.

The facilities of a California- based test laboratory and SAN system developer — located near an airport — were subject to momentary power disturbances due to “jet wash” from air traffic. To make matters worse, the facilities were severely impacted by the rolling blackouts that occurred in the state in 2002. Since the local electric utility was unable to prevent these types of disturbance, the SAN developer sought their own power protection.

What did they do?

For protection from rolling blackouts, they tried renting portable power generation equipment. But a generator alone could not ensure seamless power. The company’s consultant turned to S&C Electric Company for assistance. Two independent 500-kW S&C PureWave UPS Systems were specified, along with a permanent on-site standby generator, to protect three floors of test labs.

The PureWave UPS System was selected over UPS systems of other manufacture because the PureWave can be installed outdoors and permits the use of a smaller-sized generator. The PureWave UPS System also provides a substantially lower operating cost than other systems. Two PureWave UPS Systems were installed outdoors in a parking garage, near the generator and transfer switches.

Results

In the first six months of service the PureWave UPS Systems protected the labs from nearly two dozen potentially devastating power disturbances. The PureWave UPS System is designed to provide whole-facility protection from power disturbances of up to 60 seconds.

It provides seamless transfer to and from the standby generator. With the PureWave UPS Systems protecting the test labs, long-term testing can be performed without fear that short- duration power disturbances will affect the outcome. And with the standby generator, the facilities’ operations and bottom line will not be jeopardized in the event of long-duration outages.

S&C has helped customers worldwide solve their power quality needs in such diverse industries as semiconductor fabrication, pharmaceutical manufacturing, glass manufacturing, health care, biomedical labs, universities, call centers, and mail distribution.