PULS UF20 range of buffer modules

Ever watched the lights in your office flicker? This is a result of the power dropping down known as a brown out or even a very short time without power known as a black out. Both power anomalies cause problems, sometimes even more so that long power cuts. A study has been done and proved that a majority of all power cuts are less than a couple of seconds.

The PULS UF20 buffer modules are designed to provide power for a limited time, as the name suggest buffer the load until the power is back on-line. The UF20.241 and UF20.481 work on 24Vdc and 48Vdc respectively and will provide 480 watts of power for a short term operation. Each UF20 can provide peak currents of 20A that are electrically limited to protect against power surges and a wide array of output signals including buffering, ready and inhibit.

Why not a battery? The UF20 units are designed with electrolytic capacitors and as such have higher output efficiency, longer life, greater reliability and wider temperature operation. A battery will work with about 20% efficiency during short term power consumption which is far worse than a capacitor. For example, a 12V 7Ahr Lead Acid battery will provide less than 2Ahrs over 5 minutes. Batteries will commonly work for about 5 years, depending on the type, number of cycles and temperature. A capacitor will operate for well up to 15 years with a better resistance to cycles and temperature. Batteries are a chemical reaction that is very dependent on temperature, too high it will fail; too low it just won't work (common temperature range is 10 to 40 Degrees). A capacitor will work without de-rating or loss from as low as -40 Degrees and up to 60 Degrees.

Short term black outs can be notoriously bad and in some situations dangerous. One application that the PULS buffer modules are operating is as a backup for crane control joysticks. When the power cuts even for a short time, the joystick will reset its zero point to where the control stick currently is. Normally, this would be the mechanical centre point; however, it was found that if the driver is moving the crane during the short power outage this can be reset to a directional position causing the mechanical centre to act as if the driver was pushing a direction. When the joystick is then released and automatically moves to its mechanical centre the crane would move out of control. Utilising the buffer modules and working with the PULS technical team these safety hazards are no longer a problem.

Harry Moore, Managing Director of PULS UK comments, “ PULS have a number of unique products designed to help our customers with not always the most common of problems, I feel that it is our understanding and support that helps PULS UK customers achieve peace of mind when they see their machine is powered by PULS.”