September / October 2021 Volume 255 | No 5 www.electricalreview.co.uk
Informing the electrical industry for 140 years
Energy Storage & Batteries
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What are the benefits of modern TPPL batteries compared to more commonplace VRLA UPSs?
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Smart Buildings
UPS/Standby Power
Buildings are getting smarter, and that could mean unexpected downtime becomes a thing of the past.
Uninterruptible power supplies are crucial in today’s world; which is why it’s an essential solution all electricians should offer.
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Conten t s Regulars
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04 • Editor’s Comment A new beginning.
06 • News Stories from the sector.
44 • Talking Point There are a wealth of opportunities for electrical contractors, but where do you even start?
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45 • Products Innovations worth watching.
50 • Final Say Explosive demand for EV charging could overwhelm the grid, but data will be key to solving all those issues.
Features
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12 • Energy Storage & Batteries Michael Sagar from Enersys describes the benefits that modern TPPL batteries have versus more commonplace VRLA UPSs.
18 • Lighting Romain Seeleuthner, Category Manager at ElectricalDirect, looks at what you should consider when recommending smart lighting.
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24 • Smart Buildings Greg Hill, Senior Business Analyst at Joblogic, explains how the Internet of Things will be the Holy Grail of ensuring building services uptime.
34 • UPS/Standby Power Alex Emms from Kohler Uninterruptible Power (KUP) discusses the factors to consider when selecting a UPS backup generator and installing it into its target location.
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EDITOR
Jordan O’Brien jordano@sjpbusinessmedia.com
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Kayleigh Hutchins kayleigh@datacentrereview.com
DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Alex Gold alexg@sjpbusinessmedia.com
GROUP ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
Sunny Nehru +44 (0) 207 062 2539 sunnyn@sjpbusinessmedia.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Kelly Baker +44 (0)207 0622534 kellyb@electricalreview.co.uk
Editor’s Comment If you have missed any of the recent newsletters, or if you didn’t catch Electrical Review’s July/August issue, you may not yet be aware that Claire Fletcher has stepped down as Editor. While it’s never fun to say goodbye to someone who has been a part of the magazine for the past few years, it is a great opportunity to look toward the future. Those of you who regularly read Electrical Review may already be familiar with who I am, after all there have been plenty of features I’ve personally penned on electric vehicles and energy storage. But now I’m in the hot seat, leading Electrical Review into the next phase of its life - one that’s bound to be exciting, with celebrations for the magazine’s 150th anniversary set to commence next year. There’s quite a lot planned for the future, with updates to the magazine and website, as well as season two of Powered On, where I’ll be joined by a familiar name from Electrical Review’s past - Kayleigh Hutchins. I cannot wait for you to see all the things we have planned, but for now, this is the final issue that Claire had a hand in crafting, so you know just what to expect! So, enjoy and I’ll catch up with you soon. Jordan O’Brien, Editor
PUBLISHER
Wayne Darroch Printing by Buxton Paid subscription enquiries: subscriptions@sjpbusinessmedia.com SJP Business Media 2nd Floor, 123 Cannon Street London, EC4N 5AU Electrical Review is a controlled circulation monthly magazine available free to selected personnel at the publisher’s discretion. If you wish to apply for regular free copies then please visit: www.electricalreview.co.uk/register Electrical Review is published by
2nd floor, 123 Cannon Street London, EC4N 5AU Any article in this journal represents the opinions of the author. This does not necessarily reflect the views of Electrical Review or its publisher – SJP Business Media ISSN 0013-4384 – All editorial contents © SJP Business Media ABC Average net circulation Jan-Dec 2019 6,231
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4 Electrical www.electricalreview.co.uk Review | September ???? / October 2021
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News Britain is importing more power from overseas than ever before Britain is becoming increasingly reliant on power from overseas, as it saw a record day for electricity imports on August 20. Over the last few years, the UK has seen a number of new interconnector cables either approved or come online, with the country now seeing the fruits of those new cables. On August 20 at 12:20pm, a test on the new North Sea Link interconnector helped propel electricity imports into the UK to a brand-new high, peaking at 5,847 MW. It’s likely that we could see further peaks in the future, with the interconnector set to go live on October 1.
Government exploring ban on China’s involvement in UK nuclear power The UK Government could be about to axe China’s involvement from UK nuclear power projects, with state-owned China General Nuclear Power Group set to be kicked off the Sizewell project. Speaking to the Financial Times, a source noted, “There isn’t a chance in hell that CGN builds Bradwell. “Given the approach we’ve seen to Huawei, [Downing Street] aren’t going to be letting a Chinese company build a new nuclear power station.” EDF have reportedly already been approached to see if it could find new partners to goahead with Sizewell C without any involvement from CGN, although there’s no word on whether a partner has yet been found. There are worries within the sector that Hinkley Point C may not be viable without involvement from CGN. That’s because it utilises European Pressurised Reactor technology, which was first successfully installed at a CGN facility in Southern China. In fact, more than 100 CGN engineers have already been involved on-site at Hinkley Point C, and removing them from the project could cause a significant brain drain that will impact the development of the new nuclear power station. Meanwhile, in Somerset, CGN is said to have 50 engineers.
6 Electrical Review | September / October 2021
Electric vehicles to increase electricity demand by 25% by 2040
Demand for electricity is set to rise a whopping 25% by 2040 as a result of the uptake in electric vehicles, according to the latest research from Cornwall Insight. The latest figures from Cornwall Insight’s Benchmark power curve forecasts that by 2040 electric vehicles will contribute an additional 71.6TWh, this is a massive 31 times higher than the current level of demand for electricity from electrified transport and 25% of current annual demand, which stands at 299TWh (excluding losses). According to the report, electrification of the economy (electric vehicles and heat pumps) and use of green hydrogen as an energy carrier, all increase demand from 298TWh in 2021-22 to 628.4TWh in the Central Scenario by 2040 and up to 668.2TWh in the High Scenario.
NEWS
Siemens Gamesa first to commercialise recyclable wind turbine blades
Siemens Gamesa has become the first company to debut a commercially-available wind turbine blade that can be recycled at the end of its lifecycle. Dubbed the RecylableBlade, this is the first time that the components of a wind turbine blade could see a new lease of life after they reach their natural end atop a wind turbine. That’s because these blades are developed from a combination of materials cast together with a resin that can be easily separated from the other components. Previously it’s been difficult to recycle wind turbine blades as there was no way to separate all these components. The Siemens Gamesa RecylableBlade means that the materials that make up these components can be reused in new applications after separating.
Day-ahead power prices hit record high, following highs in balancing market Great Britain continues to see high day-ahead power prices, with no signs of a slowdown as prices hit a record high. On September 14, the day-ahead auction cleared at new records across the board, with prices peaking at £1,675.30 per MWh for EPEX and £1,750 per MWh for Nordpool. That is a significant increase on the previous record price, with EPEX peaking at £1,500 per MWh on January 14, 2021, and Nordpool peaking a day earlier at £1,499.62 per MWh. Volume weighted baseload prices also set new records at £461.17 per MWh for EPEX and £379.82 per MWh for Nordpool. This follows
record pricing set just last week, where it was £281.11 per MWh for EPEX and £285.99 per MWh for Nordpool. Phil Hewitt, Director at EnAppSys, commented, “These high prices are being set by some generators sitting out of the wholesale market to get higher prices in the balancing mechanism.” It’s unsurprising to see some generators want to take advantage of higher prices in the balancing mechanism, which hit a record high of £4,037.80 per MWh on September 9. However, all these high prices are also having an impact on interconnector capacity prices.
UK forced to rely on coal power due to reduction in wind generation
Waste luminaires achieve 83% recyclability rating in Recolight study The National Audit Office has released a scathing review of the Green Homes Grant, noting that it was over ambitious and not executed to an acceptable standard. The Green Homes Grant was designed to help kick start the UK’s so-called Green Revolution, with the Government offering to cover up to two-thirds of the cost of installing green home upgrades. Unfortunately between announcement and launch, the scheme was watered down, with improvements such as energy efficient lighting upgrades removed altogether. This was the first warning sign that the scheme may not live up to its promise, but according to the National Audit Office, the scheme was unlikely to ever be a success.
Meg Hillier MP, Chair of the Committee of Public Accounts, commented, “The Green Homes Grant scheme was set up to fail, with an undeliverable timetable and overly complex design which took little account of supplier and homeowners’ needs. “Government now expects the scheme to deliver only a small fraction of its targets for jobs supported and homes upgraded. “Meanwhile, the Government expects to spend over £50 million administering the scheme – an astonishing cost of over £1,000 per home upgraded. “The Government cannot hope to achieve its net zero ambitions if it doesn’t learn the lessons from this botched scheme.”
The UK has been forced to rely on coal power to keep the lights on, as there has been a reduction in electricity generated by wind farms. National Grid ESO has confirmed that in recent weeks coal has been providing 3% of the total electricity needed. This is largely due to unusually calm and warm weather, meaning wind turbines haven’t been turning at the normal rate we may expect at the end of August.
www.electricalreview.co.uk 7
Gossage Gossip Hot air on heat pumps
Bouncing Yeo-Yeo
All gas and gaiters
I have warned about the problem ahead if the UK Government continues to promote heat pumps as the preferred replacement for gas central heating, which is present in 86% of British homes. However, it continues to persist, despite the difference in capital cost between gas boilers and heat pumps being at least 4:1.
As part of a lengthy feature querying the need for new nuclear power stations, how magnanimous it is of The Sunday Times to quote Tim Yeo, the former Tory environment minister. He said, “We need a significant nuclear element in the energy mix if we’re going to get to net zero in the timeframe that is necessary — and that means having these new plants built.” He was cited as the current chairman of an entity called New Nuclear Watch Institute, which is funded by the nuclear industry.
Are the days numbered for electricity produced by natural gas? Judging by an inspection of the European Union’s Transparency Register, that is certainly the fear of the gas industry across Europe. This Register provides details of the number of formal meetings between EU officials and lobbyists of all kinds each month.
Right now the official reassurance line is that all technologies reduce in price as their marketplace grows in size. Just look at offshore wind electricity. There is one big difference, however. The UK was amongst the first countries in the world to adopt offshore wind power stations. In contrast, in 2019 there were 29,000 heat pumps installed in Britain, while the worldwide market for heat pumps is almost 20 million. In other words, heat pumps are an already established technology, with an acknowledged worldwide pricing structure. Even if the British marketplace does increase 20-fold by 2028, as is the official target, the cost of each installation will only marginally decrease. Certainly nothing likely to approach removing that 4:1 differential. So the question is, will homeowners ever be prepared to cough up the extra cash needed to install a heat pump? Or will any Chancellor ever be prepared to bridge that funding gap? I have a nasty feeling that the Government’s long-awaited buildings and heating policy statement, now due out in September, may dodge answering that question. Even so, it is effectively the real $64 billion question required to be addressed if we are ever to have a credible net zero strategy.
But how reliable is Tim Yeo? Back in 2015, Yeo was described by a judge when he lost a libel case as “unreliable,” “dishonest,” “untruthful,” “untrue,” and “unworthy of belief.” He has also recently been found guilty of deliberately misusing his “fiduciary powers” as Chair of TMO Renewables, and repeatedly offering misleading evidence in court. He was accused of a “dishonest strategy for maintaining control of the board,” a strategy that included “misleading existing shareholders” into thinking the company had just received a substantial cash investment, when in reality the ‘new friendly shareholders’ he had cited had not invested a penny. Amongst the latest judge’s conclusions were that Yeo was motivated by an “improper purpose,” and that his tendency to “speechify” gave his evidence a “contrived, evasive and rather selfserving quality.” I am sure it is a coincidence that the libel case he lost back in 2015 was against The Sunday Times.
Nowhere to dump it Five Swedish nuclear reactors may need to close between 2024 and 2028, simply because a temporary site for storing spent fuel will soon be full. And the Swedish government has yet to approve a final waste repository, The timetable is that the Forsmark 4 reactor risks closure in 2024, followed in 2025 by Forsmark 3, Ringhals 3 and 4 and finally Forsmark 1 in 2028. Ringhals is owned by a consortium comprising Vattenfall and Uniper, while Forsmark is owned by the same two companies plus Fortum and Skelleftea Kraft. A Swedish government decision on used nuclear fuel storage must by law be made no later than September 30 this year, so as to avoid exceeding the official permit at the interim storage site at Oskarshamn. Precisely where nuclear waste is to be stored long-term remains a dilemma which effectively faces every single government that permits nuclear power. And the more such plants are built, the more the problem grows.
8 Electrical Review | September / October 2021
And it seems that the number of meetings with those from the gas industry has more than doubled over recent months. From an average of 9.5 meetings per month back in 2018, up to an average of 19 per month over the past year. All this despite Covid restrictions. Meanwhile, the number of EU-registered lobbyists operating on behalf of the gas industry has risen to 776 between January 2020 and May 2021, from 759 in the prior period. Why this frenzy of activity? I suspect that the reason may well be to do with the impending finalisation of the EU’s taxonomy categories. Back in 2016, it was agreed that in response to many fears regarding false greenwashing claims, the EU would produce a detailed list regarding precisely which activities and which technologies would be deemed to be climate friendly. The definition is intended to be “doing no significant harm” to the environment. Subsequently a group of expert advisers to the EU has concluded that gas-fired power can only be included if it meets stringent emissions rules. These are rules with which no gas plant in Europe currently complies. Whilst excluding gas from the coveted label would not prevent gas producers from raising money via debt or equity, some companies fear it would make the option of gas-fired electricity far more expensive. Some Governments, noticeably in eastern Europe, still see gas as a necessary bridging fuel as they move from coal to renewables. The European Commission has repeatedly delayed making a final decision, but that decision is now due this autumn. All of which is concentrating the minds of those in the natural gas industry very, very hard.
SPONSORED FEATURE
Are you using the right micro-ohmmeter? Choosing the right micro-ohmmeter is critical for ensuring the continued safe operation of high- and medium-voltage circuit breakers, but which is the right one? Well, Megger may be able to help. ne of the most common uses for micro-ohmmeters is to check the contact resistance in high- and medium-voltage circuit breakers. Circuit breakers come under a great deal of stress, as they are required to break high-voltage circuits, often under load. The arc generated by the switching action can damage the face of the contacts, and this can lead to catastrophic failure of the breaker or other downstream substation equipment. Circuit breakers are critical items of substation infrastructure. They are used to switch parts of the network in and out to provide isolation for purposes such as planned maintenance and, as part of the protection system, to remove the power in the event of a fault. If they fail to operate there can be serious consequences for the rest of the network. Arcing at the contacts creates carbonised layers on the contact faces. Over time, these layers will build up and the live contact area will be reduced or become pitted, leading to an increase in contact resistance and heating. This reduces the efficiency of the circuit breaker and can lead to failures that in an active transmission or distribution system could result in the loss of a substation. One effective way of guarding against such problems is to regularly check circuit breaker contact resistance. However, this resistance should be very low, typically of the order of tens of micro ohms, which means that it can only be reliably measured with a very accurate micro-ohmmeter that has good resolution. The accuracy and resolution of the micro-ohmmeter are especially important as the carbonised layers may only increase the contact resistance by a small amount, but the consequences of this small change can make a huge difference to the performance of the breaker. The excessive heat produced as a result of the increase in resistance can actually weld the contacts together and this may result in the circuit breaker not operating at all when called upon to do so.
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Test at 10A or 100A? Contact resistance testing is clearly desirable, but the next thing to decide is the test current to use. Is 10A enough, or does it need to be more? Let’s be honest, the simplest option is to take a battery-powered micro-ohmmeter to site. There’s no messing around with power supplies and long leads or dragging heavy generators into inaccessible substations. So for years, many engineers have been using battery-powered 10A micro-ohmmeters, such as the DLRO10, for measuring circuit breaker contact resistance because these instruments are convenient and they appear to do what’s needed. But do they really?
10 Electrical Review | September / October 2021
High-voltage circuit breakers operate at currents much higher than the 10A produced by one of these micro-ohmmeters. This means that they may not react in the same way as they would if they were tested with a current closer to their normal operating level. For example, the carbonised layers may resist an injection of 10A but pass a higher test current, leading to differences in the readings. This might result in the circuit breaker failing the test unnecessarily. It is a definite fact that the stability and reliability of the micro-ohmmeter readings increase at higher currents as the very small voltages being measured are captured more reliably. This issue is recognised in IEC and ANSI standards, which both recommend higher test currents for testing circuit breaker contact resistance: 100A is the minimum for ANSI/IEEE standard C37.09, while IEC62271-100 stipulates that any test current between 50A and the rated current of the circuit breaker may be used. Inconveniently, most high-current micro-ohmmeters are 100A, 200A or even 600A mains-powered units, which need the associated power supplies or generators to power them while they are in use. It is partly this time-consuming set up that has limited the adoption of high-current circuit breaker testing. There are, however, now two solutions to this problem. If you want the smallest possible instrument, Megger has a handheld battery-powered 200A micro-ohmmeter specifically designed for circuit breaker applications. Offering class-leading performance, it uses a supercapacitor to inject a high current for a short duration to give highly accurate readings. On the other hand, if you are looking for more flexibility, the Megger battery-powered DLRO100 is designed to suit a wide range of applications including circuit breaker contact resistance measurement. It provides a test current of up to 100A and is capable of supplying a steady current for tests of a longer duration than those possible with the supercapacitor instrument. Either way, there is now absolutely no excuse for measuring circuit breaker contact resistance with low test currents. Megger’s instruments offer circuit breaker testing that meets international standards, while having the convenience and portability of go-anywhere battery power.
SPONSORED FEATURE
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ENERGY STORAGE
How batteries can assist data centres in overcoming power grid instability Michael Sagar, Senior Strategic Marketing Manager, Data Centres & EMEA, EnerSys, describes the benefits that modern TPPL batteries have versus more commonplace VRLA UPSs.
12 Electrical Review | September / October 2021
uman beings are more connected than ever, with data centres playing a pivotal role in storing our data and making it accessible. A report from IDC (Data Age 2025) highlights global trends in this regard. It predicts that 6 billion connected users will access a data centre almost 5,000 times per day by 2025. By that time, we will be generating 275 ZB of data annually as a global society. At the same time, our global energy consumption is raising concerns.
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ENERGY STORAGE
Users are striving to reduce their carbon footprint and operate in more sustainable ways. Data centres are no exception as they already consume between 1-1.5% of global energy, and the demand for data storage is growing. Reducing consumption and improving energy efficiency is therefore vital for data centre operators to meet their regulatory requirements and fulfill their social responsibilities. However, data centre uptime is also a critical performance indicator. Energy solutions, including backup power, must enable data centres to meet customer expectations without excessive power consumption. The Uptime Institute’s 2020 Global Annual Data Survey shows that this is not easy to achieve, with 78% of data centres experiencing an outage in the past three years, of which the most common cause is a power failure. Trends affecting data centre energy consumption Data centres rely on Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) for backup power during an outage. They provide a window of autonomy to allow generators to come online, or for an orderly shutdown of the system. In the past, generators would take 10 to 15 minutes to bring online, but modern technology enables automatic or remote startup. These advances mean that UPSs need to only cover the shortfall for around five minutes before backup generation comes online.
Energy solutions, including backup power, must enable data centres to meet customer expectations without excessive power consumption A significant portion of a data centre’s energy consumption is for cooling supplied by air conditioners. Cooling keeps the electronic equipment like servers and UPS batteries in an acceptable operating range. However, advances in technology allow the batteries to operate at elevated ambient temperatures. Changes in UPS battery technology Flooded lead-acid batteries were commonly used in the early days of data centres. The technology does, however, have some drawbacks. For instance, the batteries needed significant maintenance, including regular topping up with water. It also means that relatively high levels of gas are generated, which require ventilation. The introduction of VRLA (valve-regulated lead-acid) batteries achieved benefits over flooded technology by immobilising the electrolyte in a gel or absorbent glass mat (AGM) material. This eliminated the need for topping-up with water and reduced the gas emissions. AGMbased VRLA batteries are now common in data centres because of the lower maintenance and reduced ventilation requirements. Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology offers further advances compared to standard AGM VLRA batteries. The plates are formed from very high purity thinner grids, which results in a greater contact area between the plate and the electrolyte. The advantages of TPPL battery technology TPPL batteries have a higher power density than AGM VLRA batteries. The effect comes from stacking more of the thinner plates into the same
volume. As a result, TPPL batteries take up less space, normally being at least 20% smaller than their standard VRLA equivalents. This is a significant advantage for data centres as it frees up space for additional servers. High power density also helps TPPL batteries to charge quickly. They can deal with larger current peaks and have a higher charge acceptance than other lead-acid technologies. A short charging time means that batteries are ready to respond to the next disturbance quickly and can, therefore, handle multiple outages in succession. TPPL batteries also have low self-discharge characteristics. They can be stored at 20°C (68°F) for up to two years without needing a refresh charge. Battery life is a significant contributor to the total cost of ownership (TCO) of UPS solutions for data centres. Every battery has a finite life, after which it must be replaced. However, TPPL batteries have a proven lifespan of eight to 10+ years, which is typically 25% longer than VRLA batteries. In addition, TPPL technology is robust in terms of tolerating higher ambient temperatures, allowing data centres to reduce cooling and save on energy. Higher temperatures reduce battery life, so lowering energy costs should be weighed against the cost of more frequent battery replacement.
A short charging time means that batteries are ready to respond to the next disturbance quickly and can, therefore, handle multiple outages in succession Summary Data centres are playing a more vital role in the global community due to the high volume of data we generate, as well as the need for continuous access to this data. Recent increases in remote work due to the pandemic also contribute to this trend towards data centre growth. Power grid instability is a serious threat to data centre online time but increases in power demand only add to the pressure on the grid. It is crucial for data centres to have reliable backup power in the form of a UPS complemented with high-performance battery technology. Lead-acid batteries have supported backup applications in data centres for decades, and TPPL technology builds on that foundation. This advanced battery technology delivers improved performance for the demanding environment of data centres.
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ENERGY STORAGE
Power play Richard Reddy, Technical Solutions Manager at Vertiv, highlights the wide reaching impact an outage in the telecommunications industry can have, and why it’s therefore essential to invest in a robust power supply. he telecommunications industry is vital to everything from healthcare and transport to the emergency services and defence sector. It keeps businesses, governments and societies connected and running, and continues to play an intrinsic role in overcoming the economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic. As such, it has a responsibility to be always fully operational – as any unexpected power disruption to these networks can lead to data loss, businesses losing sales and hours of productivity, and even put lives at risk. This means understanding the importance of a robust power supply and how best to mitigate risks – whether through battery backups, sensors, internal cellular security or having spare parts – to reduce the likelihood of power outages, downtime and associated damages.
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Telecom networks are getting denser And it’s not only the fallout from the pandemic that has placed added
pressure on telecom networks. There are other data demands. Take, for example, the global number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which is set to grow to 43 billion by 2023, according to analysts McKinsey & Company. In response, telecom networks are becoming ‘denser’ – which means additional cell sites within the existing infrastructure. This is to deliver wider coverage and increased data capabilities, as well as add capacity for hungry data users. Network operators are also deploying telecom infrastructure assets closer to customers. For example, to support wired and wireless access. Even in places where carriers have sufficient coverage. One of the world’s largest communications providers is leading this expansion of connectivity services while seeking to maintain uptime. It runs operations in over 180 countries and is heavily investing in 5G, fibre, edge and the migration of its network from analogue to digital to build a converged and smart network. Its challenge was achieving the highest availability of service while maintaining sustainable operations.
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ENERGY STORAGE
Modernisation operations to accelerate a vision The company was already accelerating its vision of achieving sustained growth while reducing carbon emissions by investing in energy management projects. This included the stepping up of its fibre to the premises (FTTP) buildout – to offer higher broadband speeds – with a target of 20 million premises by the end of the decade. And its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. As part of this mission, the telecommunications provider decided to streamline the power distribution systems across its network of telecom exchange sites. A key area of focus involved eight of its largest core facilities. The requirements of which included centralising power, increasing power density and capacity, replacing legacy systems, and installing new smart power distribution components.
This makes the monitoring of full load operations for every circuit across the system easy. Designed with hot-swapping modules to allow for the replacement of spare parts without taking equipment offline, the units also send out an alert if a fault is occurring. Diagnostic support through a touchscreen display communicates running status and provides the agility to stay ahead of faults and downtime.
From DC to High Voltage DC (HVDC) Telecommunication companies have deployed DC power solutions for decades. Historically, telecom exchanges have operated on -48V DC for reasons of safety, durability, fault tracing and ease of battery integration. However, modern modems and communication equipment have large power demands which older power systems cannot accommodate. Furthermore, many existing exchanges have limited physical space. As part of its network upgrade, the provider needed to fit more communication lines and connections into its existing facilities. To accomplish this, the DC equipment was removed and more efficient 380V HVDC units were installed.
Historically, telecom exchanges have operated on -48V DC for reasons of safety, durability, fault tracing and ease of battery integration
Increasing operational power efficiency Deployment of the HVDC power system reduced the normal transmission current by a factor of eight when compared to the traditional 48V DC systems. The reduction in current increases the flexibility of rearchitecting the exchange site. In addition, there are plans to utilise the HVDC units in its critical facilities – which are used to prevent downtime and data loss in the case of a power outage. Along with the HVDC units, the provider uses converter systems to power all existing DC equipment. The combination means the units’ backup system and battery banks can be placed further from the load, which would be tricky and costly with a traditional DC system. By relocating the power system, the facilities have more floor space for repurposing, including for potential revenue-generating purposes. For example, they could be leased out for additional services like data colocation to local customers or partners. Operational power efficiency has also increased. Not only is there improved reliability, but upfront expenditures and operating costs are lower. Monitoring to stay ahead of faults and downtime In the digital world, real-time monitoring of telecommunication assets helps improve network reliability and availability. By accurately monitoring network loads, the currents going into them, and the batteries that store the power, businesses can improve network performance and uptime. Modern HVDC units are smart devices that can be monitored remotely via ethernet, modem or serial port from any web browser.
Digital solutions enable a future-proofed, high-efficiency network Beyond the eight facilities, the provider plans to upgrade between 12 and 20 sites in the next year with the HVDC technology. This forms part of a five-year initiative to re-engineer out-of-date processes and retire legacy services, and early implementations are already showing tangible business benefits.
Future-proofing of network infrastructure The move from an analogue to a digital network allows the provider to fundamentally change the way it conducts business. Its customers can better realise IoT benefits, such as electric vehicles, self-driving cars and communicating with new technology in smart homes or smart cities. By pushing more communications capacity through the same physical space, the provider is also in a better position to accelerate high-speed connectivity for its customers. And finally, upgrading its power system units allows the provider to easily scale capacity to meet current and future demands for data. Lower CO2 emissions The shift from a distributed to a centralised approach for its sites has resulted in the use of more energy-efficient technology that is better for the environment. Legacy DC distribution equipment offers peak efficiency levels of around 90%. With HVDC units operating at 98% efficiency, the reduction in kWh of energy being consumed means energy savings and lower carbon emissions. Mitigating disruption With business and society dependent on telecommunication networks, having a robust and reliable power supply complemented with a fail-safe emergency plan to protect key operating systems is pivotal. Dependable power supply relies on critical power equipment like UPS, backup battery banks and generators that can respond effectively to extreme weather, unexpected events or human error with steadfast performance. By mitigating these risks and deploying a quality power supply, providers can deliver the certainty of unbroken communications needed in a post-pandemic world.
www.electricalreview.co.uk 17
LIGHTING
The smart choice
18 Electrical Review | September / October 2021
LIGHTING
Romain Seeleuthner, Category Manager at ElectricalDirect, looks at what you should consider when recommending smart lighting. istorically, contractors may have steered away from suggesting smart lighting products due to the assumption that they are more difficult to install compared to more traditional options. However, today’s technology means that the installation process is far less complicated than many might expect. This is not only a benefit to the contractor, but also the customer, as installation time and disruption can be kept to a minimum. This is why smart lighting solutions are becoming an increasingly popular choice for commercial premises. But with so many options to choose from, contractors need to familiarise themselves with the products available on the market, as well as their benefits, so they can help customers select the right products that match the requirements of their business.
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Today’s technology means that the installation process is far less complicated than many might expect The benefits to the customer For customers that are unsure whether smart lighting is right for their business, it is important to explain the benefits that these products can offer. Firstly, smart lighting can result in energy efficiency savings as lights can be easily scheduled to turn on when the building is in use and off over the weekend or overnight when occupants have gone home, thus maintaining the optimal level of lighting throughout the day. Helpfully, there are even products on the market that are able to memorise regular activity and mimic these patterns so that lights automatically turn on and off throughout the day without having to set up a manual schedule. As well as ensuring that lights are only on when needed, great for energy savings, this presents a huge benefit in making buildings more secure. For example, when employees are working from home or while the office is closed during the holidays, the lights can be set so that they continue to turn on and off as though people are onsite, therefore deterring would-be intruders. Light also plays a huge role in productivity, so it is important that the right products are selected for a particular setting. For example, the main office area should have lighting that resembles regular daylight – whereas lobbies require a gentler, more welcoming hue. Having a zoned system of dimmable or colour changing bulbs will ensure that customers can adjust the lighting depending on natural daylight or to suit the purpose (and occupancy needs) of each room or area within a building. Zoned systems also mean that end-users can conveniently select the spaces to illuminate according to a customised schedule. This is ideal for companies that employ a flexible working policy, as it means that just the occupied areas of a building can be lit.
Finally, most systems can be controlled using a mobile app so those outside of the building can still control the lighting. This is ideal for making sure lights are turned on ahead of the first employees arriving to start their workday, which is particularly handy on darker, winter mornings. Alternatively, landlords, property managers or occupiers alike can use the app to check that lights have been turned off at the end of the day – and if necessary, turn them off remotely. Selecting the right solution Every building is different, so it is important to gauge from the customer what their main objective is and what they want to achieve with their lighting system. For example, they might need lights that can be zoned so that certain areas are lit, whilst others are not – or perhaps they want to be able to control the lights remotely. Speaking to customers about how the building is used and any future plans they might have for the space will also help to determine whether the system installed needs to be scalable or easily adjusted later down the line. Simple smart lighting For customers new to smart lighting, or looking for a simple solution, smart light bulbs are a great place to start. Depending on the model, these can be linked to Wi-Fi and controlled via an app, or they can be connected to a hub for central control (which is ideal if they are being used as part of a system of multiple smart products).
Speaking to customers about how the building is used and any future plans they might have for the space will also help to determine whether the system installed needs to be scalable or easily adjusted later down the line Another simple way of integrating smart lighting in commercial premises is by using smart light switches. These solutions can be paired with smart hubs as part of an integrated system – and customers have complete control via a smartphone app. They can even set up features such as voice control to effortlessly control lighting throughout the building. Smart light switches are also incredibly easy to install and can replace traditional versions like-for-like. More complex systems For customers looking for more control with a wide range of smart products from the start, or to futureproof their system to integrate further smart devices over time, a control hub or ecosystem (such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit) is ideal. As well as lighting, these are compatible with smart devices and appliances such as sound systems, speakers, PIR sensors, CCTV and heating so contractors can design a fully integrated system, and plan associated cabling requirements, that minimises disruption for the customer at a later date.
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LIGHTING
BIM me up Scotty Paul Jones, UK & Ireland Sales Director at BEG Lighting Controls, explains why using BIM provides businesses with the building blocks for the now and the future. hese days we exchange and process information digitally with increasing speed. Within seconds, we can forward on messages with a smartphone or re-order urgently needed items for a project. Perhaps in a few years artificial intelligence will automatically order the required components based on the building plan. This, and much more, could soon be possible. It is clear that we are already having to adapt to new digital tools and processes in the planning of modern buildings. A good example of this is the BIM process. The abbreviation BIM means ‘Building Information Modelling’ and stands for the networked planning, construction, execution and management of buildings throughout their entire life cycle, from the planning to its operation. All physical and functional properties of the planned building are represented in a 2D and/or 3D model. All those involved in the project, from the architect to the individual trades and the building contractor, have access to the project planning at any time and from anywhere. BIM software is available from many different providers. It is important for smooth planning that everyone involved in the project agrees on an exchange format to ensure correct presentation in different programmes. Everyone then contributes their part to the model. Take the electrical consultant as an example. In a large office complex, they have already drawn in the cabling and all the lights and switches. Now they want to add lighting control in the form of occupancy detectors. The 3D models with the corresponding information are provided by the manufacturers. The electrical consultant can conveniently download the files from a lighting controls manufacturer’s homepage. Once the electrical consultant has downloaded what they need, they can then place the detectors, for example products with high detection sensitivity, in the offices, and products with large, oval detection areas in the corridors. Depending on their use (office, corridor, toilet, etc.), the recommended products are also displayed.
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Here, the planner can see the detection range of the product directly in the software and can position the products optimally for later use in the building. One key advantage is that the software is always analysing the design. So, in the event that the desired position for the detectors is not practicable, for example because a ventilation duct is already planned in the ceiling, this is directly shown. Previously, this had to be discussed in long meetings between the individual trades. Thanks to the BIM system, the electrical planner becomes aware of the collision much earlier and can immediately look for an alternative solution. The 3D building plans in a BIM software show a so-called digital twin, they represent the building 1:1.
Thanks to the BIM system, the electrical planner becomes aware of the collision much earlier and can immediately look for an alternative solution The stored product data allows an overview of the detailed investment costs and ROI at an early stage of planning. The overall economic efficiency of the building can be realistically represented by means of BIM, which is a further advantage for the investors. But the possibilities of the BIM software do not end with the construction of the building: the product life cycles are also stored for the building owner and operator. This procedure also allows the operator to identify a replacement for a product immediately, even after many years, in order to request it from the respective manufacturer, e.g. for a building extension. This is why it is proving there is no way better to future-proof a building than by using the BIM model.
SMART BUILDINGS
How IoT will guarantee building services uptime The new Holy Grail in building services will be guaranteeing uptime. It’s looking increasingly possible thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT) and advances in artificial intelligence, according to Greg Hill, Senior Business Analyst at Joblogic.
ombining connected devices with automated systems means you can now gather data, analyse it and create actions. Just a decade ago, this would have been passed off as something out of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, but disruptive technologies are changing how we use data and act on it. IoT will enhance automation, enable efficient data collection and ensure fast and effective analytics. It will optimise workflows, streamline processes, and most importantly, enable you to predict and plan maintenance with precision. Fixing things before they break still comes with an air of futurism. But thanks to IoT, predictive maintenance is evolving at a rapid pace. It means that we will soon be able to guarantee building services uptime.
extensive repairs than may have been necessary if a progressive problem had been picked up sooner. Extensive real-time monitoring, data collection and analytics brings a wealth of extra information to the table. It means small issues are picked up sooner, common problems analysed, and preventive maintenance planned before wear and tear or breakdowns occur. IoT enables far greater precision. This, known as ‘condition-based monitoring’, is a far more efficient way of servicing, compared to arbitrary time-based maintenance. IoT means that suppliers can be far more confident about guaranteeing uptime. And businesses needn’t be worried about how to incorporate IoT into their operational models – most equipment today is already smart or can easily be retrofitted with sensors to make them smart.
The evolution of predictive maintenance In the past, building maintenance operated largely by booking in a service for equipment such as air-conditioning or ventilation. While much preventive work gets carried out in time, unplanned emergency repairs are still essential. Known as ‘time-based maintenance’, the servicing frequencies are based on warranties, supplier instructions, legislation or experience. For example, the annual servicing of an air-conditioning unit, or six-monthly cleaning and/or changing of filters. But time-based maintenance can come too late, resulting in more
Predictive maintenance will change in four key areas: • Using artificial intelligence • Real-time data • Performance metrics • Responsiveness and timely repairs
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24 Electrical Review | September / October 2021
Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligence (AI) will transform diagnostics by factoring in behaviour. For example – if a freezer in a restaurant or a supermarket is
SMART BUILDINGS
opened regularly at certain times of the day, temperature drops during these times will be ignored, but if it happened in the middle of the night, it would be flagged as a possible compression failure and automatically call an engineer. Rather than waiting for a system to fail, facilities managers and suppliers will be able to use AI to identify pre-failure patterns. Real-time data Real-time data will save significant time in diagnostics. Pre-IoT, when an engineer is called to fix an equipment issue, they may not fix it immediately. They might need to pick up a part, order it or they may even need to replace the equipment and schedule another visit. IoT provides real-time data so engineers are ready to make repairs. If it is integrated with job management software, engineers can also seamlessly swap jobs to suit expertise or the parts they have.
Time-based maintenance can come too late, resulting in more extensive repairs than may have been necessary if a progressive problem had been picked up sooner Performance data The success of IoT performance monitoring depends on deep visibility and insights into the data collected by sensors. An intelligent analytics layer will make sense of this collected data. Performance data can determine whether maintenance jobs are urgent or can be scheduled further in advance. Responsiveness and timely repairs IoT will accelerate responsiveness massively. Sensors will identify abnormal patterns, so building maintenance can be triggered automatically to intervene. For example, if a building has 10 air-conditioning units, there may be an annual servicing policy to replace all the filters. Some may be replaced unnecessarily, while others may be beyond their best. Or if the filters are only replaced when a unit breaks down, there are huge repair costs at stake. IoT makes it possible to plan optimum, automatic repair schedules for individual units. Why business models must change Presently, most building services firms provide service packages based on a set number of visits to service specific assets each year. IoT, specifically with its impact on the precision of predictive maintenance, offers the possibility of moving towards an insurance-based package, where customers pay to keep assets running for an acceptable uptime. Prior to IoT, this would have been hugely expensive for customers, but with the preciseness and predictability IoT brings to the table, maintenance companies can make such packages cost effective to customers. Sensor data from IoT devices will optimise maintenance activities and, over time, reduce costs. It means firms won’t carry out maintenance unnecessarily, or too early or too late, and will be able to make forecasts about deterioration.
Integration of systems for the future Business models will need to shift according to the different levels of IoT architecture they adopt. Integration of systems will become increasingly valuable in achieving optimum operational efficiencies. Digital synchronicity is vital – the aim is to detect degradation of equipment as early as possible and carry out maintenance quickly. First, data must be collected in real time. Then appropriate tools must process this, and take the maintenance history, operational data, design and application into account. The next step is to integrate with the system that orders parts and schedules an engineer. This is where integration with field service maintenance software completes the loop.
Complete breakdowns will become a rarity. Replacements will be diagnosed and scheduled offsite If the software has an API (application programming interface), it is ready to integrate with third-party data sources. It means that data from sensors is collected and analysed outside of the field management software but can communicate with it via an API to generate actions. If, for example, sensor data determines that a building is too warm, the AI engine can automatically communicate with the field management software, which then uses the information to create a job and schedule an engineer. This can all happen digitally without any calls. The real-time data and synchronicity between sensors, databases and systems mean that engineers’ jobs in the future will largely revolve around preventive fixing. Complete breakdowns will become a rarity. Replacements will be diagnosed and scheduled offsite. Remote diagnostics and scheduling can even happen during the night, so in the case of workplaces, for example, a problem can be fixed before the start of the working day. The world of building maintenance is set to change. IoT will provide the intelligence but it is up to building services suppliers to adapt their model. Don’t be surprised if guaranteeing building services uptime becomes the new benchmark.
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SMART BUILDINGS
What’s old is new again Many people believe that only new buildings can be smart buildings, but Jess Costanzo, Specification Sales Manager at Simmtronic, disagrees. She thinks it’s just about getting the infrastructure in place to do it. he industry-wide push to make commercial buildings into smart buildings has been accelerated this year by two factors. The first is the indication that part home/part office working looks like it will be the norm for many workers. That leads to the need for building managers to look at office space requirements, hotdesking and flexible space usage, to optimise building use and costs. The second is the need to reduce energy consumption. Lighting control systems have an important part to play in both cases. They typically use presence detectors to reduce energy use; their presence information is also increasingly shared with other systems, such as an HVAC system which then uses the same information to reduce its energy usage. For a smart building, the same presence information is also key to monitoring and optimising building use. It allows building users to be directed to free space that suits their current needs, for example meeting rooms or an available desk. It can also provide ‘heat maps’ that allow building use to be visualised in real-time or in an animated replay. Lighting control systems have a key part to play in smart optimisation of energy use. Since they control the lighting, they can potentially report on lighting energy use in real-time. This data allows energy ‘hot spots’ to be identified and then adjustments to control regimes or light levels can be devised. This is unlike an electricity metre which only tells you what energy you have used, not how to improve the usage. You may think that these smart building functions require the latest IoT technology to be installed. Certainly, IoT devices are one option for deploying smart buildings, but the lighting control system that has been in a building for up to 10-15 years may also be able to serve the same needs, without a costly refit and without all of the IT security issues that go with deploying large numbers of networked smart IoT devices. As above, much of the information you need to drive a smart building is quite possibly already in the lighting control system and the question is then how easy it is to export it into other building systems. Export of information via the industry standard BACnet protocol has been commonplace in many lighting systems for 10 years, most often to interface to the HVAC system. BACnet is popular because of its simple structure, which means that nearly all systems will successfully interoperate. But the information that it conveys is primitive, without the richness that typical smart building applications wish to exploit. The ‘new kid on the block’ that can provide the required data richness is the MQTT protocol. MQTT also has two further benefits: it delivers its data in web-like structures that software engineers can most efficiently manipulate, and it can publish events immediately when anything happens. This is in contrast to most other protocols
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Simmtronic have supplied a fully intelligent and uniquely addressable smart building solution for 21 Moorfields, a London project. This image is a public domain image by Landsec.
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SMART BUILDINGS
Each control system will typically have its own ‘address’ for each asset it controls, but this address will mean nothing to other systems. For a brand-new building that is being constructed as a smart building, the assignment of asset tags to assets should be part of the initial BIM process and should be propagated from the BIM system to all the other systems before they are commissioned. In the case of a lighting control system, which may be controlling 50,000 lights, it is important that the propagation is automated – nobody wants to retype 50,000 asset tags, nor could they do so without errors. If smart building technology is to be fitted to an existing building, another way must be found to create and propagate these asset tags. Some lighting control systems can assign asset tags automatically in regular patterns for an existing building; once again it is well worth finding out whether the system you have can do this. MQTT then provides an important link in the chain – the rich data published by the lighting control system can include the floor name, coordinates, device description and asset tag for each device. This means that any systems that subscribe to this information can then use it to build up an equivalent database description of the lighting assets.
IoT devices are one option for deploying smart buildings, but the lighting control system that has been in a building for up to 10-15 years may also be able to serve the same needs
where the recipient needs to keep ‘polling’ – repeatedly asking if anything has changed. In an MQTT deployment, other building systems ‘subscribe’ to these publications, which means that they receive notifications via MQTT of all information in which they are interested, as soon as it is published. Again, your existing lighting control system may likely contain all the information you would like to extract via MQTT and it is well worth finding out whether an MQTT interface is available for it. For any smart building deployment, a key issue to consider early on is ‘asset tagging’. If multiple systems are to share rich data about assets in the building, they must agree on a name or tag for each asset.
If your existing lighting control system can provide the smart building information you want via MQTT, the last thing to check is how close to real-time the publication of events will be. This is particularly important for the large systems that are typical of smart building deployments. Lighting control technologies vary dramatically in whether they can deliver real-time data across a large installation. At one extreme there are systems in which the state of control is ‘fully distributed’, which means that no single device knows the status of each light or sensor. Extracting real-time data via MQTT may be impossible. A number, but not all, of wireless control protocols fall into this category. Then there are systems designed around Lighting Control Modules, which know the status of the lights they control and the sensors that feed them. The question for these systems is whether the network infrastructure that links them has the capacity to deliver this information in real-time to an MQTT ‘pairing point’ where it can be exported for use as smart building data. Systems vary significantly – some have a ‘push’ architecture in which events are delivered to a pairing point as soon as they occur, while others provide access to the data only for ‘Head End’ use, so that a building manager can look at the status of one individual device at a time: in this case, real-time bulk data export is unlikely. So, when considering an MQTT interface for smart building deployment, check both the richness of the data available and the real-time performance. Preferably ask for a demonstration in a live building and see if the data gushes out or trickles.
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SPONSORED FEATURE
Delmatic’s class-leading DALI-2 lighting control solutions at the forefront of innovation elmatic are leading international suppliers of open networked, wired, wireless and IoT lighting management solutions. Delmatic systems reimagine and redefine lighting control, providing total flexibility and versatility, achieving optimum energy and operational efficiency, integrating emergency light and battery testing and monitoring, applying biodynamic tuneable-white profiles for enhanced comfort and wellbeing, and sharing valuable real-time intelligence with other smart systems. Delmatic’s modular, scalable solutions seamlessly mesh wired, wireless and mixed-mode devices across physical or cloud networks, continuously monitoring, analysing and optimising lighting and connected building services performance, while expert application of open protocol Lon, BACnet, DALI-2, IP, and MQTT technologies delivers unparalleled insights and intelligence.
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Leaders in DALI-2 system design and application Delmatic is a leader in the design and application of DALI-2 lighting management systems and offers the most extensive range of certified DALI-2 products. DALI-2 is the global standard for smart, digital lighting control in the IoT era, and builds on the benefits of the original DALI technology. It combines accurate, energy-efficient digital dimming and individual driver and lamp failure monitoring with enhanced features — including energy monitoring and data gathering. Independent DALI-2 qualification and certification by the DALI Alliance (DiiA) guarantees complete interoperability. Delmatic’s DALI-2 range include: • IP DALI-2 Buswire module - the most powerful smart-ready DALI-2 controller to be independently tested and qualified by the DALI Alliance. A class-leading Ethernet to the Edge DALI router combining full DALI2 functionality with BACnet IP and granular MQTT integration for unrivalled management, monitoring and smart data sharing. The module manages and monitors up to six DALI universes comprising DALI-2 and legacy DALI drivers, as well as DALI-2 devices such as presence detectors, absence detectors, multisensors, switches and scene-set panels. • DALI-2 Buswire module - smart digital router providing total flexibility and monitoring of lighting and DALI-2 devices along a shared DALI bus. The module manages and monitors up to sixty-four DALI-2 and legacy DALI drivers as well as DALI-2 devices such as presence detectors, absence detectors, multisensors, switches and scene-set panels. • DALI-2 Micro-multisensor - packs presence and absence detection, daylight-linking, infra-red communication and DALI-2 technology into the smallest multisensor on the market. • DALI-2 SpaceApp microsensor - combines energy-efficient lighting control and granular space-utilisation monitoring. The sensor’s unique square detection field provides detailed intelligence into not only the percentage time each area has been occupied but also how efficiently each space has been used.
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• DALI-2 Multidiscipline sensor - extends digital monitoring capabilities beyond lighting presence and daylight control to include environmental temperature and humidity measurement. Data is shared as part of an IoT solution through DALI-2, BACnet and MQTT. • DALI-2 Surface Mount sensor kit - versatile surface mount sensor kit for effortless installation The modular surface mount adaptor kit converts recessed DAL-2 multisensors and multi-discipline sensors into compact surface mounted sensors with ease. Delmatic’s cutting-edge controllers and sensors combine with powerful visuals, dashboards, user interfaces and apps to deliver real-time data and analytics on building usage and performance including occupancy heat maps, lux level mapping, occupancy tracking, energy usage mapping, hardware and network tracking, fault detection diagnosis, individual lamp and driver diagnostics, individual emergency battery testing and monitoring, while custom configured touchpanels and touchpads provide powerful local control of lighting and other connected energy consuming services. Wireless, wired and mixed-mode Delmatic’s wireless mesh platforms unlock the power of IoT with a powerful range of wireless devices including hubs, nodes, sensors and switches, with intelligent bidirectional message-hop frequency selection to optimise network speed and reliability. Delmatic’s unique mixed-mode solutions optimise the application of technology to a project, taking into account the type of fittings, architectural details, and installation methodology within each area, recognising that one approach rarely fits all. Powerful IP Wireless hubs communicate with wireless luminaire nodes and sensors to create scalable, data-rich IoT Edge devices, coexisting in both IP and DALI universes, monitoring entire property portfolios and sharing strategic data and insights in real-time with configurable MQTT payloads. MQTT is the global protocol of choice for today’s Internet of Things and Delmatic is an established market-leader in the application of MQTT for cloud-centric IoT integration. Supplier of choice for world’s most iconic buildings Delmatic is a pioneer in DALI technology and the first company to introduce scalable DALI-2 solutions for major projects. Delmatic has supplied advanced DALI and DALI-2 lighting management networks to some of the world’s most iconic projects including The Shard, The Gherkin, Battersea Power Station, and Crossrail – as well as the world’s largest DALI lighting management network of 180,000 luminaires for Abu Dhabi International Airport. Delmatic’s network of international offices and project teams work closely with clients, consultants and designers to offer unmatched advice and technical support on the design and application of advanced open networked systems that optimise energy-efficiency and sustainability. Contact Delmatic to discuss the best DALI-2 solution for your project. www.delmatic.com Email: delmatic@delmatic.com Phone: +44(0)20 3184 2000
SPONSORED FEATURE
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SPONSORED FEATURE
A new way to test voltage transformers in the field of testing he accuracy of voltage transformers is essential for the reliable operation of relay systems and correct energy metering and billing. For the accuracy of a voltage transformer, upper limits for the transmission error (amplitude and phase) are stipulated in standards for a range of operating points concerning the input variable (voltage) and the nominal load. Other specific requirements must be fulfilled depending on class, such as parameters relating to transient behaviour in capacitive voltage transformers (CVTs).
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Why do voltage transformers need to be tested? The performance of a voltage transformer can be affected by various factors. These factors include the aging of the transformer, as well as external influences, such as overloading or underloading. Other possible causes are design faults (incorrect dimensioning of the transformer core or insulation) and manufacturing defects (short circuits, insulation defects). In the case of CVTs, the divider capacitances are subject to aging, which has a negative impact on transmission accuracy. What is the best way to test voltage transformers? For many years, it was only possible to carry out accuracy tests using high voltages and heavy equipment. Nowadays, modern voltage transformer test sets, such as OMICRON’s lightweight and portable VOTANO 100, employ a model-based testing approach to achieve an impressive degree of accuracy. They perform an automatic series of measurements to model the voltage transformer based on its equivalent circuit. This method provides detailed test data, such as ratio accuracy, turns ratio, polarity and excitation curve.
At which stages of the lifecycle should voltage transformers be tested? Over the service life of a voltage transformer, many tests are needed at various times to ensure that safety, quality and operation fall in line with specifications. Tests performed during the production process enable the condition and performance data to be determined at various stages in the factory. As a result, defective or inaccurate units can be identified before final assembly, and the efficiency of the process is enhanced, saving expensive laboratory time for the final unit test. Once production is complete, compliance with the specifications required in the standard should be verified through primary injection tests. Reference measurements with VOTANO 100 that can be used later for comparison as ‘fingerprints’ are also recommended before the transformer leaves the factory. In the substation, the benefits of VOTANO 100 are even more obvious: When the transformer arrives at the installation site, the lightweight device makes it very easy to test the equipment for any damage that may have incurred during transportation. Once the transformer is fully installed, tests can be carried out again to ensure the system is functioning correctly in the operating environment. Tests should also be performed as part of a regular maintenance program throughout the service life of voltage transformers. In some cases, such as the conversion of switchgear, the accuracy will have to be verified again using on-site measurements. An awareness of the condition of the transformer helps to avoid expensive faults, failures, and subsequent lengthy service interruptions.
32 Electrical Review | September / October 2021
SPONSORED FEATURE
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UPS/STANDBY POWER
How to choose a UPS standby generator Alex Emms, operations director at Kohler Uninterruptible Power (KUP), discusses the factors to consider when selecting a UPS backup generator and installing it into its target location. ata centres with critical loads need protection from longer-duration blackouts along with short-term power aberrations and cuts, providing protection to this level calls for a generator, as well as a UPS. To date, the UK has had a reasonably robust national grid for power distribution, backed up by access to power from continental Europe. However, that doesn’t mean power cuts in the UK are impossible, nor are they unknown. For example, in November 2016, London’s West End was blacked out for several hours, while in March 2018, the Harbour Exchange data centre in London experienced a long-duration power cut. This impacted connected cloud service providers and communications companies with services remaining unavailable or degraded throughout the day. These events could become more common, however. It has been reported that Great Britain faces its greatest risk of blackouts for six years this winter, as old coal plants and nuclear reactors shut down and energy demand rises as the economy emerges from Covid-19 restrictions. Incidents like these, coupled with concerns over the loss of aging nuclear and coal-fired power station capacity, motivate data centre operators to
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protect themselves against longer-term blackouts, as well as mains power aberrations and failures lasting milliseconds or seconds. Such protection must come from a UPS-generator pair, rather than just a UPS. The generator and UPS as a pair The correct set up of a generator/UPS pair starts with understanding the two components’ complementary roles. During normal operation, the generator is powered down, although maintained and ready to start immediately on demand; it is described as a standby generator. Meanwhile, the utility mains supply flows through the UPS to the critical load. The UPS handles any short-term power aberrations or dropouts. However, there is always the possibility of a power blackout that lasts longer than the battery autonomy, irrespective of how much energy storage capacity is provided.
Correct generator sizing is important, with oversizing usually being advisable Accordingly, the generator is connected to an Automatic Mains Failure (AMF) detection panel, which initiates a generator start-up if a power cut becomes critically extended. Once the generator output has stabilised, it is switched onto the essential parts of the facility’s load, including the UPS. While the AMF should start the generator early enough to allow for this stabilisation, it should not signal a start during every minor
UPS/STANDBY POWER
alarm signal to warn that it will not transfer the load from the UPS to the raw generator output, in the event of a fault. Such situations can be avoided by using electronic governors, ensuring that the generator is designed specifically for UPS support and thoroughly tested during commissioning.
supply disturbance. To avoid this, the AMF signal is typically delayed for two to ten seconds after mains failure detection. It’s equally important to avoid switching the load back to the mains prematurely. If mains power re-appears, it may be part of the utility company’s fault location procedure or because of an automatic breaker operation. The fault may still exist, causing the supply to disconnect again almost immediately. To prevent these false starts, most AMF-controlled generators will continue to deliver power for at least two minutes after the mains supply is restored. AMF support is essential - but generators need two further features to fulfil their UPS standby function. The first concerns their ability to start reliably and quickly on demand, and the second is about supplying the UPS with an AC waveform that’s stable in both amplitude and frequency. Generators in standby applications use diesel engines like those found in large lorries. To ensure reliable start-up, they should be well maintained, with an adequate fuel supply and a healthy battery for starting. Sufficient coolant and oil are also essential. The generators can be kept warm by mains-powered engine water heaters, (or jacket heaters); a mains-powered battery charger is used to trickle-charge the starter battery. The diesel engine drives an alternator that converts its mechanical power into electricity. In the UK, this is usually single-phase 230 V or three-phase 400 V. The voltage amplitude is set by how the alternator is wound, while its stability is controlled by an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR). The alternator’s output voltage frequency – usually 50 Hz in the UK – is determined by the engine speed. Typically, generators have an engine speed of 1500 rpm that equates to 50 Hz electrical output frequency, although this depends on the alternator design. In any case, frequency stability, which is essential for UPS synchronisation, is assured by a mechanical or electronic engine governor that regulates the engine’s fuel feed. Mechanical governors use springs and spinning weights to regulate fuel flow. They are lower-cost than electronic types, but they are less responsive and provide less stable engine speed – and therefore voltage frequency – regulation. Electronic governors regulate by counting the teeth on the alternator flywheel as it rotates. This approach is highly responsive and provides very stable engine speed regulation; accordingly, it is nearly always used by UPS standby generators. Without this stability, the generator’s frequency range or slew rate may be wider than the UPS can accept. In the worst case, the UPS will set an
Sizing and environmental considerations Correct generator sizing is important, with oversizing usually being advisable. In most facilities, the generator must support air conditioning and emergency power, as well as the UPS load. As an approximate guideline, 1.5 x nominal UPS capacity should be allowed for transformerless UPS’; this rises to 2 x nominal capacity for transformer-based UPS’; and 3 x nominal capacity for air conditioning. Technology of engines and the load has evolved and it is more important than ever to discuss the specific requirements with the supplier when sizing the installation. Another sizing recommendation is to select generators according to their continuous rather than standby rating, as this will equip them better for running at any time and for any duration. Additionally, the generator’s ability to support a step load should be reviewed, especially if the critical load does not have any soft start facility. The generator, once selected, must be installed into its environment correctly. Most standby generators use a base tank which is double-bunded to ensure capture of any spilt fuel. Acoustic noise is another form of pollution, especially if the generator runs at night, but acoustic housings, with various noise attenuation ratings and costs, are available to mitigate this issue.
While the AMF should start the generator early enough to allow for this stabilisation, it should not signal a start during every minor supply disturbance. To avoid this, the AMF signal is typically delayed for two to ten seconds after mains failure detection When running, generators create considerable heat and exhaust fume volumes. Usual practice is to install them outdoors in weatherproof and acoustic enclosures, to ensure sufficient airflow for cooling - it also simplifies the venting of exhaust fumes. The generator must be installed on a flat, level surface such as a purpose-built concrete slab. It should also be positioned as close as possible to the AMF panel and/or the essential services board, to minimise the required power and signal cable lengths. Conclusion Most data centres with critical loads regard generators as essential complements to UPS’ within their power protection systems; they cannot afford to shut down during a power failure, even if the UPS allows them to do so gracefully. This article has shown how generators can fulfil their role successfully, if they are well-prepared, carefully matched to the UPS, and installed into their environment with sufficient care.
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UPS/STANDBY POWER
Why UPS maintenance matters Chris Cutler of Riello UPS explains why regular maintenance is crucial to the long-term performance of your uninterruptible power supplies and outlines the benefits of giving a bit of TLC to your UPS. ninterruptible power supplies offer you that ultimate protection against unplanned downtime. Whether it’s in a mission-critical setting such as a data centre or hospital, or in a sports stadium, office or shop, they work away in the background to help keep your vital equipment and systems running. But once you’ve got your UPS protection in place, there’s no room for complacency and the worst thing you can do is think you’ve got everything sorted so you can forget about it. That unit is a sophisticated piece of kit in its own right. It’s probably cost anywhere from a few hundred pounds for the smallest system, through to tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds for larger installations. To get the best out of such an investment, you need to look after it. Wear and tear over time is unavoidable. It goes without saying that if your UPS and batteries aren’t well maintained, you’re taking an unnecessary gamble that it won’t work correctly when you need it most, with all the disastrous consequences that a dropped load can bring. However, adopting a proactive approach to maintenance offers much more than simply reducing your risk of failure. It ensures your UPS runs more efficiently, which in turn reduces power consumption. It also maximises the lifespan of the system, which optimises your total cost of ownership (TCO).
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That’s why mission-critical sites such as data centres tend to opt for an ongoing maintenance plan. These agreements spell out the emergency response time for engineers to attend site in the event of something going wrong. They also include provision for at least one Preventive Maintenance Visit (PMV) a year. Even for UPSs that aren’t covered under a maintenance contract, regular service visits are highly recommended. It’s similar to getting an annual ‘health check’ for your car or boiler – it provides that peace of mind that everything’s working properly. Competence is critical We’ll get to the nitty-gritty of what a PMV should include shortly. But firstly, let’s tackle the thorny question of who is going to carry out the service visit. As touched on above, a UPS is a complex electrical device that needs handling with care. Your general maintenance or electrical engineer is unlikely to have the product-specific knowledge to carry out the task. Someone who isn’t familiar with a UPS can easily carry out service procedures in the wrong order or accidentally throw an incorrect switch – never forget that human error is the most common cause of downtime.
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UPS/STANDBY POWER
Also bear in mind that many product warranties are invalidated if the UPS isn’t maintained correctly. However, you don’t necessarily need to go straight to the manufacturer to arrange a service visit. What’s important is whether the engineer is competent and fully trained on the particular UPS you have. Before any PMV on your UPS, remember to ask for proof the engineer is trained and certified for the specific manufacturer and UPS model. Don’t forget, sub-contractors are often substituted at the last minute if the originally scheduled engineer is unavailable, so it’s always worth double-checking.
If your UPS and batteries aren’t well maintained, you’re taking an unnecessary gamble that it won’t work correctly when you need it most The ABCs of a PMV Engineers will typically kick-off a maintenance visit with a thorough visual inspection of the unit and its key components for any obvious signs of wear and tear. They’ll also take a close look at the batteries for swelling, corrosion, damage or leakage. Next up, the engineer will check all the electrical connections as some may have started to come loose and need a bit of tightening up. This element focuses on circuit breakers, contactors, fuses, cabling, transformers, PCBs, fans, capacitors and the UPS’s communications slots.
Most UPS maintenance providers these days use thermal imaging cameras for this. Heat is a tell-tale sign of a loose connection, and no matter how experienced the service engineer, this more advanced technology can detect ‘hotspots’ better than the human eye or touch. It’s also important to check the battery terminal connections and make sure they’re at the correct torque setting. Next on the agenda is a series of mechanical tests of the UPS’s functionality. This includes downloading historical operating and alarm logs for analysis, along with testing the unit across a range of operating modes to see whether everything runs as expected. Mission-critical environments such as a data centre may require more in-depth functional testing. This could include using load banks that allow the engineer to test the UPS and batteries across a range of simulated loads without ever putting the critical loads at risk. A thorough PMV should also examine the installation environment and whether there’s anything that could damage the UPS or speed up the rate of component deterioration. These factors include a build-up of dust, excessive heat or humidity, and poor ventilation. In an ideal world, these issues would have been ironed out during the initial design, installation and commissioning stage. But circumstances change, and the day-to-day environment might be significantly different from when the UPS was installed or even since the previous service visit. The PMV also provides the perfect opportunity for the engineer to install any necessary firmware updates. Making sure your UPS has the latest software is an easy – but sometimes overlooked – way to ensure it runs at its best. Not only can this have a positive impact on performance and reliability, but firmware updates can also improve the energy efficiency of the unit. Once the engineer has finished all the tests, inspections and system updates, their final task is to fill out a detailed service report. This includes all the readings from the PMV, as well as a comprehensive rundown of any potential faults and recommended remedial actions, for example, listing any consumables that are due for replacement. Prevention is better than cure When it comes to UPS maintenance, a basic rule of thumb is that preventive action is far more effective – and less costly in the longer term – than being reactive. Let’s take UPS batteries as an example. Typically they’ll have either a five or 10-year design life. But best practice shows that it’s best to proactively replace them in service years three to four (for five-year) or seven to eight (for 10-year), as this significantly reduces your risk of failure. One of the outcomes of a PMV might be to recommend a similarly pre-emptive approach to capacitors and fans, two other key components of your UPS. Replacing these ageing parts is known as a UPS Overhaul, which is basically a cost-effective way to extend your unit’s service life. Not only do the new capacitors and fans lower the likelihood of you experiencing a major system failure, but they also offer a much-needed boost in terms of reliability, performance and efficiency. By taking a proactive approach to UPS maintenance, you’re not only optimising your total cost of ownership (TCO) over the lifespan of your UPS, you’re also far less likely to suffer damaging equipment downtime or be forced into the more expensive option of replacing an entire UPS.
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UPS/STANDBY POWER
We need backup! Stewart Gregory, VP Power Products at Schneider Electric UK&I, highlights the importance of backup power, and why it’s a critical solution for electricians to offer. usiness owners are more concerned than ever about the reliability of their electricity supply. Severe storms, heat waves, and floods are regularly threatening utility-supplied power. A sudden blackout can shut down critical equipment, impact smart home applications, and bring the point-of-sale system at businesses to a halt. Not to mention, many people regularly deal with frequent brownouts caused by an overburdened or ageing power grid. Such power disruptions threaten the digital connections many small businesses have come to depend on. To proactively deal with this power uncertainty, electricians can play an important role by offering their customers a practical solution. An uninterruptible power supply can keep businesses up and running, even when the power goes down. UPSs provide both backup power protection and surge protection. They incorporate a battery that can power electronics and appliances during an outage or brownout. When not in use, the battery is constantly recharged, so it will be ready to go when called upon. What’s more, it will kick in instantly as soon as power is disrupted – even during a minor flicker – so data is protected and connected equipment doesn’t suffer any damage that power fluctuations can cause.
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Without the protection a UPS offers, computers, smart TVs, gaming consoles and other devices can be exposed to power fluctuations that can shorten their lifespans considerably Power outages are increasing You don’t have to look very far back in the headlines to find examples of outages from severe weather – and human error – cutting power to large populations. In August 2020, the California Independent System Operator overseeing the state’s electricity grid imposed rolling blackouts as heat-related demand came close to surpassing supply. Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses were affected. And only a month earlier, more than 700 million people in India were left in the dark as three of the country’s five grid systems failed, due to demand surpassing capacity. As in California, extreme heat drove utility customers to turn up their air conditioners, taking down utility supplies in 20 of the country’s 28 states. And less catastrophic failures also occur regularly, caused by increasingly severe storms or ageing electrical infrastructure. While such outages may be brief or affect smaller populations, their impacts can still
40 Electrical Review | September / October 2021
be significant. For homeowners, it can mean damage to sensitive – and costly – electronics. Without the protection a UPS offers, computers, smart TVs, gaming consoles and other devices can be exposed to power fluctuations that can shorten their lifespans considerably. Sudden power surges can cause irreparable damage to the equipment, with an unexpected, expensive replacement as the only solution.
Some businesses simply cannot operate if an outage or other power disturbance takes the POS system offline Unique protection needs of small businesses UPS protection is even more critical for small businesses, where downtime can translate to unhappy customers and lost revenue. Many owners are concerned, and with good reason. In a recent survey of more than 500 small- and medium-size business executives, 37% reported having lost business due to computer-related downtime. Many different applications can be impacted by a power outage or disruption. Point-of-sale systems, for example, are critical components for many companies, helping to manage sales, track inventory, and even aid workforce management. Some businesses simply cannot operate if an outage or other power disturbance takes the POS system offline. Similarly, safety and security also are bottom-line considerations for any business operation. Alarm and notification systems, along with security cameras and related telecom and Wi-Fi equipment, must remain operational during outage situations. Finally, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment (HVAC) poses a risk to operations should it go offline during an outage. Customers and employees might choose to leave if conditions become too uncomfortable. And for some businesses, such as restaurants, bakeries, and veterinary offices, an HVAC failure could be especially damaging. Why electricians should urge the use of UPSs UPSs provide reliable power to the equipment so vital to business continuity and working and learning from home. As an electrician, your customers are looking to you for help with UPS selection and installation. You have a big role to play in empowering customers to minimise their power-related disruptions. Providing UPS solutions is also a great way to increase revenue and build your own business’ reputation. For electricians, UPSs offer an opportunity to expand their business portfolio with reliable backup power solutions that enable their customers to stay connected and productive.
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Contact us +44 (0) 207 062 2526 The Awards include the following categories: Power - Product of the Year - Sponsored by Omicron Power - Project of the Year - Sponsored by Omicron Lighting - Product of the Year Lighting - Project of the Year Fire Safety & Security - Product of the Year Fire Safety & Security - Project of the Year Energy Efficiency - Product of the Year Energy Efficiency - Project of the Year Innovative - Project of the Year Sustainable - Project of the Year Data Centre Design & Build - Product of the Year - Sponsored by Centiel Data Centre Design & Build - Project of the Year Data Centre Cooling - Product of the Year Data Centre Cooling - Project of the Year Data Centre Colocation - Supplier of the Year - Sponsored by Vertiv Technical Leader of the Year Consultancy/Contractor of the Year - Sponsored by ECA Outstanding Project of the Year - Sponsored by Riello UPS Outstanding Product of the Year - Sponsored by Riello UPS
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TALKING POINT
The evolving electrician Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of the campaigning charity, Electrical Safety First, considers how electrical contractors have a host of opportunities available in our increasingly electric world. uring lockdown, electricians were among those considered ‘essential’ workers – a clear illustration of how important electricity is to our society, and it’s becoming more so. The Government’s green agenda has ambitious climate change targets to reduce the UK’s greenhouse gas (GGH) emissions. As a large proportion of the UK’s emissions arise from domestic buildings and vehicles, this will have a major impact on the homes we live in and the way we use energy. It will also open up an array of opportunities for the 21st century electrician. In 2018, it was estimated that our homes were responsible for 15% of our GHG emissions and transport over 25%. Road transport – particularly cars – were the biggest contributor. So it is not surprising that homes and cars are at the cutting edge of our electrical transition. Decarbonising heat — reducing and eliminating the greenhouse gases it produces — is essential to tackling our climate emergency. Currently, the UK has around 27 million homes, with most (around 85%), heated by gas. Heat pumps are considered a green alternative to gas boilers, so Ministers have proposed banning conventional gas boilers in all homes. The Government’s Future Homes Standard will require from 2025 that all new homes be future-proofed and provide low carbon heating. So electricity, now increasingly produced from renewable sources, is set to play a key role in new builds. Retro-fitting low carbon heating in existing homes will be a greater challenge – the UK needs to retrofit approximately 26 million homes, but also a greater opportunity for the forward-thinking electrician. The mainstreaming of electric vehicles (EVs) creates another natural opportunity for the electro-technical professional. Official figures estimate that over 38 million cars in the UK will have to be replaced by Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs). Wherever possible, people prefer to have a dedicated EV home charging point installed, as it offers rapid charging and built-in safety features. The demand for such charging points will increase, particularly as the emerging second-hand market in EVs matures, making them more affordable. Revised infrastructure and planning measures will be needed to address this growth – and the significant installation issues for apartments and areas of high-density housing. But such ideas can’t be translated into a reality that is both safe and effective without appropriately qualified and competent installers. A continuing legacy of the pandemic appears to be the increase in homeworking, which may be convenient but isn’t without safety concerns. Around half of all UK domestic fires arise from electricity, with most caused by electrical products – homeworking usually requires a number of these items, from laptops to printers and mobiles. At the beginning of the first lockdown, we did some research around this issue. Outcomes showed that over 40% of new homeworkers were at risk from electrical fire from various sources. This included overloading sockets and daisy-chaining leads – not surprising, given the frequent lack of sufficient sockets to deal with the modern proliferation of electrical goods.
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44 Electrical Review | September / October 2021
While many of those working from home don’t currently need a particularly sophisticated technology to do their jobs, the increase in hybrid or homebased working is likely to change that. And the development of the home office is likely to provide further encouragement to the inevitable mainstreaming of the smart home and whole-house integration of the Internet of Things. Living in a home that doesn’t fully meet your needs might be tolerable when you spend most of your time elsewhere – but addressing this becomes increasingly important if you spend more time at home. So, here is another clear opportunity for the evolution of the ‘traditional’ electrician. It won’t be news to anyone reading this article that these expanded opportunities for electrical contractors exist in the midst of a significant skills shortage. One estimate is that an additional 12,500–15,000 skilled electricians will be required by 2024, to meet anticipated demand. The electrification of heat and transport, combined with the ongoing development of smart technology, means that this is likely to be a conservative estimate. Suitably qualified electro-technical experts are key to our future – not simply to achieving the green agenda but to delivering it safely and professionally. Difficulty in finding suitably qualified contractors could lead to households using incompetent or unqualified installers to undertake work – or, worse still, do it themselves. This could not only be potentially dangerous but also breach regulatory guidelines.
Growing the base of highly trained, specialised and certified installers now, will be critical if we are to reach net zero – and ensure safety Growing the base of highly trained, specialised and certified installers now, will be critical if we are to reach net zero – and ensure safety. So Electrical Safety First is campaigning for the Government to introduce a clear and consistent policy framework, to provide industry with long-term certainty of demand and encourage investment in training. Grants and/or tax incentives to encourage individuals to upskill and enter the low carbon market, must also be considered. And, as the market grows, we would want to see minimum installation quality standards introduced across the whole industry. The charity believes that the Government must consider how consumers are supported through the transition to decarbonisation of heat and the greater use of electricity in their homes. Concerns around cost to the consumer have already hit the headlines and a lack of awareness and understanding of the forthcoming changes required on our road to net zero must also be addressed. But to make the changes needed, first and foremost, we need professionals who can do the job. Because the future is definitely electric.
PRODUCTS
Knightsbridge presents new innovative LED downlight LED lighting applications and installations are set to be transformed with the launch of a brand new and innovative downlight from Knightsbridge. SpektroLED breaks through the limitations of traditional LED downlights, offering unrivalled choice in versatility, performance, and style in one unique package, doing away with the need to specify multiple LED lamp types. It is also designed and manufactured in such a way that installation is quick and easy. The new downlight can be configured to offer 40 variants from the one product thanks to its selectable wattages and CCTs and choices of bezel. Depending on the required illumination either 5W (up to 465 lumens) or 8W (up to 795 lumens) can be pre-selected via a switch on the rear of the lamp body. Once chosen, there are four CCTs available – 2,700K, 3,000K, 4,000K and 6,000K – the desired colour temperature selected by a sliding switch also on the rear of the lamp body. Further customisation is then possible through the various bezel options that allow the lamp to complement or contrast with a room’s décor or colourways. These permutations of wattage, colour temperature and bezel choice make SpektroLED a genuine 40-in-1 solution.
Knightsbridge • 0158 2887760 Find out more: www.mlaccessories.co.uk
Megger launches STX40, a versatile and readily portable cable fault locator Megger’s STX40 offers a readily portable fault location system for use on low- and medium-voltage cables. Featuring advanced safety features and seven fault locating methods, the Megger STX40 is fast and easy to use. It weighs up to 80 kg less than its predecessors, and its IP43 ingress protection makes it suitable for use indoors and outdoors The STX40 can deliver surge energy of 2000 J at up to 32 kV and can be used for DC voltage decay prelocation, testing and burning at up to 40 kV. It provides excellent results on legacy PILC cables as well as on XLPE- and EPR-insulated types. To maximise user safety, the STX40 incorporates features that are usually found only on larger, non-portable test sets. These include the F-Ohm system and the F-U system. Featuring an integrated time-domain reflectometer with a large 10.1-inch colour screen, the STX40 offers an extensive range of fault location methods. These include insulation resistance testing, time domain reflectometry (TDR), HV DC proof testing (DC hipot), burning, TDR-based pre-location (ARM) and transient pre-location methods (ICE, DECAY), surging/thumping in multiple voltage stages, sheath testing and sheath fault pinpointing.
Megger • 01304 502101 Find out more: uk.megger.com
SunPower Group appoints new Sales & Marketing Director SunPower Group, the UK’s leading distributor of power and lighting products, has announced the appointment of Russell Parr as Sales & Marketing Director, giving insight into SunPower’s half year results where they have seen exponential growth exceeding expectation. Parr joined the business in November 2020 from Primelight Electrical where he ascended through a series of senior sales and operations positions, eventually serving as Sales & Marketing Director, leading growth efforts, following its acquisition by a private equity firm. Commenting on the appointment, Andy Wall, CEO of SunPower, stated, “Russell brings a wealth of sales experience and achievement to the SunPower team, being the clear choice to help us deliver on our ambitious growth plans as we look to strategically double the business over the next five years.” Alongside this Parr added, “SunPower is a fantastic business with a vastly experienced team, I look forward to continuing our journey together. Consolidating on our plans will allow us to build upon the great foundations we already have in place to drive SunPower’s potential business growth forward.” Whilst most businesses have reported a strong post-pandemic performance improvement, SunPower has accomplished a step further by outperforming its 2019 figures which in itself was a record year.
SunPower Group • 0118 9823745 Find out more: www.sunpowergroupholdings.com
www.electricalreview.co.uk 45
PRODUCTS
ABB delivers high current and power density for compact IT equipment with MicroDLynxII ABB’s new MicroDLynx IITM DC-DC converters help meet the power needs of demanding, data-hungry applications, providing highly accurate voltage regulation in a compact, 232 mm² footprint – with a power density of 167 A/in². The new MicroDLynx II power modules provide the precision power required for equipment including high-speed switches and routers, AI processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), high-current field programmable gate array (FPGA) processors, and ARM-based processors – and it does so in a small footprint that frees up valuable space for additional computing capacity and functionality. In addition to the MicroDLynx II DC-DC converters, ABB has announced a new version of Digital Power Insight. The Digital Power Insight software integrates with ABB’s digital products – including AC-DC and DC-DC power supplies, digital bus converters, and point-of-load/voltage regulator modules – enabling communication between the power supplies and customer end-use equipment via a PMBus interface. The new ProGUI III version of the software combines previous versions of the Digital Power Insight tool (including the graphical user interface, command line interface, and original ProGUI versions) into a single, software solution for all ABB Power Conversion digital power supplies and modules – including the new UJT060 MicroDLynx II.
ABB • 0808 2582000 Find out more: global.abb/group/en
New additions to the Click Part M wiring accessories range Scolmore continues to invest in new products and improvements to its extensive range of wiring accessories and has just announced new additions to its Part M range. The range of visually contrasting accessories that comply with current building regulations Part M, now includes GridPro Frontplates and a Shaver Socket. GridPro is a comprehensive range of frontplates and modules designed to offer installers flexibility. The new 6-24 gang, anthracite grey Part M GridPro additions have been developed as a high-quality, flexible and modern solution to assisted living wiring requirements. The 115/230V dual voltage shaver socket is intended for use in bathroom areas, with the colour contrasting frontplate designed to aid visibility. A brochure with details of the full range of Part M visually contrasting products and solutions is available to view on the Scolmore Group website and can also be downloaded from the Scolmore Group app.
Scolmore Group • 01827 63454 Find out more: www.scolmore.com
Omicron announces new features as part of Test Universe 4.30 update Version 4.30 of Test Universe, Omicron’s solution for advanced settings-based protection testing, expands the possibilities when testing with Sampled Values (SV). Configurable datasets with up to 32 values are now supported. The output of the Optional Fields offers new settings and the scope has been adapted to the latest developments in the IEC standard. The generation of up to three SV streams is also possible with the CMC430. For tests that require a large number of binary outputs or even the use of several ISIO200 devices, the virtual binary outputs are now also supported. Furthermore, control operations can be performed for excitation of the devices under test. In addition, the reuse of tests has been improved, device names can now be renamed easily. The revised design of the start page simplifies access to both the OMICRON Control Center (OCC) and the Protection Testing Library (PTL) for performing automated tests as well as to the most frequently used test modules. Two new states have been added to the automated evaluation of test results in the OCC for clearer visualisation. In addition to improvements based on customer feedback, the usability and testing procedure of the PQ test templates have been optimised.
Omicron • 01785 848100 Find out more: www.omicronenergy.com
46 Electrical Review | September / October 2021
PRODUCTS
ABB debuts DecaDLynx II voltage regulator with industry-leading power density ABB has debuted the new ABB DecaDLynx II voltage regulator, which claims to be an industry leader in power density. With IT and networking technologies continuing to pack more features and processing capacity into smaller packages, printed circuit and wired board space is at more of a premium than ever before. For power engineers and board designers, that can mean less board space available for required power components. ABB is helping to free up board space with its new, high power density 90 A DecaDLynx II power supply. The DC-DC converter fits into a 327 mm² footprint and achieves a 178 A/in² power density – one of the highest available. The DJT090 DecaDLynx II power modules can accommodate input voltages ranging from 7.0 to 14.4V DC, with precisely regulated, programmable output voltages of 0.50V to 2V. The power supplies can be linked in parallel with up to eight units to achieve a maximum output current of 720A. ABB’s DecaDLynx II power modules meet the rigorous power density and efficiency requirements of demanding applications, such as high-speed switches and routers, artificial intelligence processors, high-current field-programmable gate array (FPGA) processors, test and measurement devices, and data storage equipment.
ABB • 0808 258 2000 Find out more: global.abb/group/en
Legrand introduces the Infinium acclAIM fibre solution Legrand has unveiled its latest fibre breakthrough, the Infinium acclAIM fibre solution. The new acclAIM fibre solution redefines fibre connectivity by replacing pre-terminated cassette-based solutions with direct connections – to deliver the lowest insertion loss available on the market. Hyper-scale, cloud, and 5G network managers now require higher density and improved scalability that comes with the implementation of next generation 2fibre connectors. However, when upgrading fibre systems, they are also experiencing challenges such as polarity, optical loss, delivery, design/deployment headaches, and high costs associated with cassette use. The acclAIM fibre solution dramatically decreases or eliminates many of these challenges, thanks to: •N ear infinite scalability to promote unlimited migration paths. •L ink configuration options such as standard, array, distribution, convergent, or mixed. •M ultiple media interfaces such as 10GBASE, 25GBASE, 40GBASE, 100GBASE, 400GBASE, and beyond. •A pplication-defined polarity, enabling polarity to be adapted to any link configuration – pre-planned, on-site, or on the fly. •D irect mating breakout allowing acclAIM connectors to mate directly to an array of twin fibre patch cords. •N o gender considerations – just direct connections. •F lexible density beyond ultra-high densities.
Legrand • +1800 934 5432 Find out more: https://bit.ly/2XQG9ek
Unicrimp adds new All Round Banding range Unicrimp, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, continues to expand its cable accessories portfolio with the addition of a new range of All Round Banding. The new products will sit within the growing Unicrimp Q-Fire fire-rated range. They will provide users with an expanded choice of fixing solutions, suitable across a range of applications and environments and will ensure that they are keeping in line with current regulations. The pre-punched steel banding is highly versatile and has multipurpose uses – to secure cables, pipes, ducts and conduits. It is easy to cut and bend and the prepunched holes allow for easy fixing using nail, screws, or bolts. The All Round Banding range now comprises a choice of a non-coated galvanised steel finish in 12mm and 17mm widths, LSF coated options in black (12mm and 17mm widths), plus red and white colour choices (available in 12mm widths). They are all supplied boxed in a 10 metre coil size.
Unicrimp • 01827 300600 Find out more: www.unicrimp.com
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PRODUCTS
Fluke renews ‘Buy a Fluke, get a free Fluke’ offer this autumn Fluke has relaunched its autumn seasonal promotion, encouraging customers to claim a free product when they purchase a Fluke tool between September 1 and December 15, 2021. The promotion covers a broad range of industrial and electrical tools, network testers and calibration equipment for residential and commercial use. Customers who purchase Fluke tools through authorised Fluke distributors can use their original invoice to claim their free product through Fluke’s website. The ‘Buy a Fluke, get a free Fluke’ offer is divided into six levels depending on the value of the qualifying purchase. The minimum purchase for customers to claim a free product is £100. A qualifying purchase includes Fluke’s electrical and industrial test tools, Fluke Networks and Fluke Calibration products. Customers can then choose a second product from a selection of free tools available, including clamp meters, digital multimeters, advanced testers, and accessories such as equipment cases. For each of the six qualifying purchase levels, there is a fixed range of products to claim, based on the value of the original purchase through an authorised Fluke distributor. At the highest level, Fluke customers have the option to claim a free advanced measurement tool.
Fluke • 0207 9420721 Find out more: www.fluke.co.uk/freefluke
ABB adds DC-input version to MPR-Series power supply family ABB has added a new DC-input version to its MPR series, creating additional options for customers looking for compact, high-density, hot-swappable power supplies. Both compact power supplies provide 700 W output power. ABB says that both the AC-input and DC-input power supplies feature 9 x 2.15 x 1.57in form factors, offering one of the most compact options available today. The MPR0712TE (AC-input version) and MPR0712DC (DC-input version) medium-power units are interchangeable. The MPR rectifiers achieve power densities of 23 W/in³ and energy efficiencies of up to 94% at 50% load, achieving an 80 PLUS Platinum grade. The MPR0712TE features a front 90-to-264-volt AC input, rear +12-volt DC output, and a 700 W output power. The MPR0712DC allows for a front -44 to -72-volt DC input and a rear +12-volt DC output with a 700-W output power. Both the AC and DC versions can operate over a wide temperature range of -5 C to 50 C. The 9in-long, hot-swappable power supplies are well-suited for 12 V distributed power architectures, mid-end and blade servers, networking equipment and attached storage, routers and switches, as well as advanced workstations. Both the AC and DC versions feature a PMBus-compliant I2C communications bus.
ABB • 0808 258 2000 Find out more: global.abb/group/en
New and improved Inceptor Omni downlight from Ovia Ovia has updated its popular Inceptor Omni fire-rated, tri-colour, dimmable downlight. The new Omni V2 boasts a recess depth of just 53mm, thanks to the Flow integrated driver, which means there is no need for an insulation bracket. Omni V2 is supplied with push-fit Flow connectors which feature push-in, low maintenance terminals to offer another time-saving benefit for installers. With the driver now incorporated into the Flow connector, this means that insulation can be laid over the fitting. Among other key features is a colour temperature adjustable switch – a built-in, three position switch which allows for instant change of the colour temperature. The lumen output has been increased to 600 lumens and it now offers an improved 60⁰ beam angle with all colour temperature selections. The faceted front lens has also been increased, now measuring 49mm. Omni V2 offers the option for a fixed bezel (IP65 rated) or adjustable bezel (IP54 rated) in one fitting. It comes with the fixed bezel in a white finish as standard. The adjustable version and other finishes can be bought separately. A simple twist and lock feature means the bezel can be quickly and easily replaced.
Ovia • 01827 300640 Find out more: www.oviauk.com
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PRODUCTS
ESP announces second phase of RekorHD CCTV revamp ESP has expanded RekorHD into a comprehensive analogue CCTV range. Analogue CCTV remains a popular choice. Whilst the RekorHD kit format is providing a convenient solution for a wide range of CCTV applications, the new analogue CCTV additions will meet the increasing demand for a comprehensive analogue CCTV range. The newly expanded Rekor HD range offers an increased number of cameras. There is now a wider choice of camera lenses for different focal requirements, infrared coverage for night time visibility and options for either a bullet or dome camera style. All cameras are housed in IP rated contemporary housings suitable for external use. The camera housings are available in a choice of white and grey housing finishes to maximise their appeal for a range of building exteriors and interiors. In addition to the existing 4-channel RekorHD kit, a new 8-channel kit will be introduced. The kits contain DVR, cameras, hard drive and camera cable. To increase flexibility in the range, the DVRs will be made available separately alongside a 16-channel DVR option to cater for larger scale applications. All DVRs will incorporate a range of hard drive capacity options.
ESP • 01527 515150 Find out more: www.espuk.com
ABB provides reliable, efficient power conversion for industrial applications ABB has expanded its line of proven CC-series conduction-cooled rectifiers. The line-up sees the addition of the CC2725AC34TZL, CC2725AC48TZL and CC3500AC52TZL power supplies. The new rectifiers feature wide output voltage ranges to provide the precise power needed for various industrial applications, as well as the high power density and efficiency required in industrial systems. Output voltage ranges and efficiencies for the new power supplies are: •C C2725AC34TZL – 28-36 volts DC (VDC) output range and 94% efficiency •C C2725AC48TZL – 30-58VDC output voltage range and 95% efficiency •C C3500AC52TZL – 42-53VDC output range and 80 PLUS Titanium-level 96% efficiency ABB’s new CC2725AC48 rectifier introduces a new level of power density, in part due to its compact size and reduced weight. All three of the new CC-series rectifiers employ fanless thermal management techniques to better channel and manage heat and maintain optimally rated power levels. By placing power conversion components near, or even in contact with, a metal casing, excessive heat can be wicked away via conductive cooling. Additionally, the rectifiers can be adapted to integrate with an applications’ existing heat sink or chill plate, enabling even higher power densities and efficiencies at a system level.
ABB • 0808 258 2000 Find out more: global.abb/group/en
New busbars provide mission-critical facilities exceptional flexibility, performance and safety for the most demanding critical power applications Starline’s XCP High Power Busbar is a new offering ideal for installations that require 630-6300 A for continuous duty at 1000 V and ambient operating temperature up to 55 degrees – all while being deployed within extremely compact dimensions. Complementing the operational features, the XCP High Power Busbar’s proprietary software guarantees fast and accurate layout/REVIT development. Starline offers complete High Performance (XCP-HP) and Standard Performance (XCP-S) solutions that are specifically designed to meet ever-changing power requirements. The new XCP High Power Busbar offers: •F lexibility – Extra-compact, efficient, and easy-to-install with features and accessories that help simplify the planning and design of mission-critical infrastructures. With copper or aluminium conductors, a full range of components and power connections, as well as tap-offs up to 1250 A – the XCP product line can be configured and customised for any project design, including multi-floor distribution. •P erformance – A unique design using high-end materials that enables industry-leading ambient temperature ratings, low electrical losses, and negligible electromagnetic emissions. • S afety – Certified and manufactured in accordance with IEC 61439-1 and 6 and contains features such as fire and seismic resistance, high short-circuit ratings, excellent ingress protection, and superior insulation technology to help ensure the operations team safety.
Starline • 01183 043180 Find out more: www.starlinepower.com/highpowerbusbar
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FINAL SAY
Driving change with data Nick Sacke, Head of IoT Solutions at Comms365, believes data can unlock valuable insights that will help overcome some of the challenges associated with the explosive demand for EV chargers. s part of the ‘Road to Zero’ strategy, the pressure is on for the UK Government to meet its EV targets. Reports suggest that chargepoints must now be fitted five times faster than the current rate in order to cope with the demand brought about by the expedited ban on selling petrol, diesel or hybrid cars, which was moved from 2040 to 2030. However, in order to achieve optimum efficiency and maximise the use of EV chargepoints, operational challenges that come as a result of the huge increase in demand must be taken into consideration. These challenges can be mitigated through the efficient and effective use, collection and analysis of data, however.
A
Chargepoint challenges EV chargepoint network infrastructure undeniably faces a number of operational challenges, with regards to both the number of chargepoints available and how they are used by the public. Two recurring issues that require prioritised consideration are ‘ICEing’ and ‘hogging’. ‘ICEing’ defines an internal combustion vehicle parking within an EV bay, preventing the space from being used correctly by EV users. Hogging is where EV vehicle drivers are found using an EV bay, however they continue to occupy the space for longer than necessary, surpassing the duration of a full charge and preventing other drivers from utilising the resource. Solutions to operational behaviours are becoming increasingly focused on the two aforementioned behaviours, as they heavily interfere with the effective use of EV infrastructure. Comms365 recently carried out vital research which suggests that the general public feel less worried about the impacts of ‘ICEing’ and hogging than local councils. It is possible that this is because the general public are yet to face challenges that seem inevitable as a result of this continued behaviour, such as having no chargers available to use. Such scenarios will undeniably become increasingly common, as the demand for electric vehicles increases between now and 2030. Therefore it is vital that as the use of EVs continues to be encouraged, an effective charging model is put in place, with improved infrastructure that can keep up with the increasing demand. Familiar territory Local authorities and governments must meticulously analyse the existing EV infrastructure, in order to put an effective plan in place to overcome these challenges. Monitoring the percentage of utilisation and the time of the day it occurs is vital, in order to understand the changes that must happen to avoid greater issues further down the
50 Electrical Review | September / October 2021
line. Existing research highlights some data points, indicating that there is currently a low utilisation of EV points in the UK. Despite evidence suggesting that we are yet to reach peak EV demand, this may also highlight that the general public are not aware of existing chargepoint locations. The functionality of EV chargers is improving, however this is not as much as a priority compared to users being able to easily locate them. Being able to swiftly locate a chargepoint was deemed as ‘essential’ by 81% of both EV drivers and non-EV drivers in recent studies carried out by Comms365 and Cenex. Cultural mirroring must be considered for the use of EVs – there must be a matching of consumer experience between EV and ICE vehicles to encourage adoption. This is supported by research which found that 23% of non-EV drivers don’t want their refueling experience to change when switching to an EV. Solutions such as facilities in car parks that inform visitors of the number of EV chargers, which of those are currently in use, and the estimated time until a charge will be available, would greatly improve the existing model. This would help to meet the goal to ultimately create a similar environment to that of a petrol station, with a manageable queue of drivers waiting for an available station.
It is vital that as the use of EVs continues to be encouraged, an effective charging model is put in place, with improved infrastructure that can keep up with the increasing demand The Scottish Government is already attempting to deal with bay ‘hogging’ through issuing fines for those who remained parking in an EV bay beyond their charge session. Whilst this can be effective in managing misuse, some enforcement models are proving to be problematic in rural areas, where there is limited capacity to implement regulations. There is ultimately a clear cultural challenge as authorities work to implement a fair system. A rapid charging facility that enables EV drivers to quickly ‘top up’ their vehicle with enough power to complete the rest of their journey may be a realistic option to achieve cultural mirroring, utilising the vast technology and deployments we have available today. Stakeholder collaboration Data collection, analysis and sharing is crucial in ensuring the effective rollout and expansion of EV charging infrastructure. In order for ‘islands’ of chargers to be managed well, data must be shared with stakeholders. At present, data rests in silos, and is controlled by the chargepoint network operator. With pressure from Central and Local Government building, they must ensure that chargepoint datasets are available to be freely shared through industry standard protocols (OCPP and OCPI), in
FINAL SAY
order to grow new operational policies and enable the network to operate more effectively. The collecting, sharing and analysis of such data, paired with IoT and additional data sources, will crucially identify trends and challenges and help to further streamline processes and ensure efficient data use. It is possible that EV infrastructure may not work entirely, unless stakeholders collect, analyse and share essential data effectively, contributing to a far wider collaboration with integrated information, such as traffic counts, signals and highway network operation. Whilst we can be sure that issues and problems will appear, it is clear that with access to the right information, data will help to provide the solution. Meeting public needs Other than the ability to easily access EV chargers, what other needs will users have? Will the needs of disabled drivers be considered and effectively planned for? There have been recent initiatives using ANPR at chargepoints, as having accessible information about each driver could potentially help to develop a network of designated EV bays that disabled drivers can be clearly directed to. The bays designed for disabled drivers would of course need to be easily identifiable, with a different design, and more space to maneuver wheelchairs.
Electric vehicles can be incentivised further with dynamic charging plans, with varying prices that align with electricity grid load and managing peak times. Those who charge at quieter times may pay less, which would help to create a sustainable system with a lower risk of being overwhelmed by the increasing demand. The opportunities are endless, but can only be fully explored with the right data collected to provide meaningful insight. Conclusion A streamlined, user friendly and efficient electric vehicle charging experience is of course in all stakeholders’ interests. If users are not confident that they will be able to access and use chargepoints, they are unlikely to adopt electric vehicles as encouraged by the UK Government. A simple, readily available charging model is crucial, in order to motivate and support the general public as we move towards the petrol, diesel and hybrid ban in 2030. By deploying IoT EV bay monitoring and further technology solutions with extensive, accumulated data flow at the core of the infrastructure, everyone can gain from an improved user experience and effective transport networks, as we prepare for the inevitable changes and increased demand that the future holds.
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