Supercapacitors store and protect UPS operation

The UPSI-2406DP2 uninterruptible DC power supply is equipped with fast-charging supercaps as energy storage devices. The DC UPS module bridges power failures, voltage drops and flicker in the 24V power supply for DC loads up to 100W. This allows the failsafe power supply of embedded IPCs, drives and actuators, sensors, cameras and ensures measurement, control and regulation technology in safety-relevant systems.

The compact UPSI-2406DP2 for DIN-rail mounting is suitable for long-term 24/7 operation in switch cabinet applications and decentralised, self-sufficient installations. It can be used in Industry 4.0, automation, robotics, image processing, medical and laboratory technology, transportation, process and safety technology, inspection, traffic monitoring, energy, communication, POI and POS, vending and payment systems.

Certifications

The DC UPS UPSI-2406DP2 has international safety certifications for worldwide use, including ETL UL61010-1 / -2-201, CSA C22.2 61010-1-12 / -2-201, CB Scheme IEC 61010-1 /-2-201. For uninterruptible DC power supplies with short and medium backup times, there are maintenance-free, longlife supercaps available offering more than 500,000 charging and discharging cycles. In contrast to batteries, which store energy via a chemical reaction, supercaps (ultra-capacitors) are based on electrophysical principles and are charged and ready for use within a very short time. The charging time for the UPSI-2406DP2, for example, is two minutes. Under comparable conditions of use, supercaps have a service life that is up to 10 times longer than classic lead-acid batteries. Supercap cell balancing ensures optimal charge distribution and high capacity stability. The UPSI-2406DP2 works across a wide temperature range, from -20 to +65°C.

In normal operation, the system electronics of the UPSI-2406DP2 make the nominal voltage supplied by the mains available at the output, charge the supercap energy storage device and monitor the voltage thresholds at the input. If the voltage falls below the defined threshold, the system switches over to UPS backup mode within fractions of a second and ensures an uninterrupted and regulated power supply for the connected 24V DC application. With a nominal capacity of 160F (usable 0.972Wh or 3.5kJ) the integrated supercaps provide enough energy to backup a load of 96W for approximately 30 seconds or a load of 25W for approximately 120 seconds.

Figure 1: Bicker uses supercaps to store energy in the UPSI-2406DP2

Power sharing

The intelligent distribution of the charging currents (PowerSharing) ensures that the upstream AC/DC power supply does not have to be oversized, but that the input power of the UPSI-2406DP2 is kept constant and distributed accordingly to the load and supercap charger. With a low load at the output, more energy flows into the charger and vice versa. In this way, energy consumption, space requirements and costs in the application can be reduced, advises Bicker. The DC UPS module has an integrated USB interface for connection to an IPC system. The UPSI-2406DP2 is recognised directly by the operating system as a UPS without the need for additional driver or software to be installed. It is also pre-programmable for autonomous operation. The UPS Gen2 Configuration software is available for download free of charge. It can be used for setting and pre-programming all parameters of the UPSI-2406DP2 as well as for real-time monitoring with charge status display. The adjustable parameters include load sensor (mA), shutdown delay, maximum backup time, minimum battery capacity before power up, ignition timer and restart delay. The data connection to the IPC system is established via the integrated USB interface.

Figure 2: UPS Gen2 Configuration software is available free of charge

Power-fail measures

In the event of a power-fail, the UPSI-2406DP2 signals the failure of supply voltage via the integrated interface, so that a controlled shutdown of the computer system can be initiated. In this way, valuable data can be saved. The integrated reboot function of the DC-UPS automatically initiates the restart of the supplied IPC after the supply voltage has returned, without the need for costly on-site intervention by service staff by ensuring completely self-sufficient computer systems at inaccessible locations. All inputs and outputs are arranged on the front of the UPSI-2406DP2 for ease of access. In addition to the connections for input and output voltage with status LED, the front panel includes a relay contact (power-fail), an RS232 communication interface and a USB interface. The compact and high-quality aluminium housing measures 63 x 120 x 100mm and is equipped with a DIN rail holder on the rear for flexible and quick top-hat rail mounting.

Service and support

Bicker Elektronik guarantees long term availability of at least five years for the DC UPS UPSI-2406DP2.

The company also provides design-in advice, service and support.