Police force entrusts its reserve power supply to Hoppecke

The ten year old batteries currently powering two systems at the Police Mutual Assurance Society's headquarters in Lichfield, Staffordshire, have reached the end of their design life, so the Society is upgrading its UPS capability.

Jason Howlett, Hoppecke's Regional Managing Director - Northern Europe, said: "For the Police Mutual Assurance Society a reliable energy source is vital for data security in the event that power off the grid is lost.

"We won this important new contract because we can deliver the complete solution. Unlike most reserve power providers, who use subcontractors to install the batteries, our UK team is taking responsibility for everything from product manufacture, supply and installation to maintenance and we are also organising removal and recycling of the old batteries."

Hoppecke is acknowledged for its expertise in stationary battery systems and network- independent energy sources using lead-acid, FNC or Lithium-Ion technology to meet demanding customer safety standards.

Following an in-depth site survey at the Police Mutual Assurance Society and examination of its two UPS systems, Hoppecke will upgrade the batteries with a solution that comprises 6V battery blocks, each weighing 25kg.

One set of 62 blocs of grid│power VR M 6-170 (power.com SB 6-170) batteries will be installed in the 60kVA UPS system and one set of 66 blocs of grid│power VR M 6-170 (power.com SB 6-170) in the 80kVA UPS system. Hoppecke will also take charge of installation to ensure a seamless changeover.

The batteries will be housed in a dedicated basement facility and due to space constraints Hoppecke's field service engineers will deploy a scissor lift to gain access and manage the installation. 

The old batteries will be removed to a collection point after which Hoppecke will organise for the lead and plastics to be recycled as well as removal of the acids so that they can be nullified. To ensure minimum inconvenience to the Police Mutual Assurance Society, Hoppecke's engineers will work to a tight timescale, with just one day allocated for each UPS battery changeover.

Lenny Ellis, Facilities Manager at the Police Mutual Assurance Society, said: "We're very impressed with Hoppecke's attention to detail in determining the best solution for our needs. The new batteries will provide us with a cost effective and reliable reserve power supply for many years to come and since the changeover will be managed by Hoppecke's own experienced engineers there will be minimum disruption to our operation." 

Founded in 1866, the Police Mutual Assurance Society provides savings and investment, mortgages, insurance and loans exclusively for serving and retired police officers, staff and their families and has 200,000 members.