Rugged DC UPS features maintenance-free long life Supercaps

The outdoor DC UPS units are dust and waterproof in accordance with protection class IP67. The robust aluminium housing contains the complete DC UPS control and charging electronics as well as the maintenance-free Longlife Supercap energy storage.

The well-engineered circuit design and the high quality of all components used in the closed system allows fanless 24/7 continuous operation in the extended temperature range from -20 to +70°C. The intelligent DC UPS with tailor-made software provides a well featured complete system with added value for demanding customers and applications.

Extensive application possibilities

Typical applications of UPSI-IP-2 series include i.a. heavy industry, petrochemical industry, tunneling and mining, safety and building technology, offshore / onshore energy, communications, commercial and special vehicles, industrial trucks, food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries, agriculture, medical and laboratory technology.

The UPS systems ensure the uninterruptible and safe DC power supply of sensitive and process-relevant control modules, embedded computers, actuators, sensors, motor drives, etc.

Maintenance-free Supercap energy storage technology

Unlike batteries, which store energy by the detour of a chemical reaction, ultracapacitors (Supercaps) are based on the electrophysical principles of the double-layer capacitor and are charged and ready for use within a very short time, operate in a wide operating temperature range and convince with a high current-carrying capacity, power density and reliability.

Due to the high cycle stability (more than 500,000 charge and discharge cycles), energy storage units with Supercaps have a particularly long service life and are practically maintenance-free. For the supplied application, this means an increase in long term availability while minimising maintenance efforts.

Ultra-wide-range input with integrated EMC filter

On the input side, both DC UPS systems have a high efficiency DC-DC converter with ultra-wide-range input from 7 to 36VDC (UPSI-1208IP-23UW) or 8 to 36VDC (UPSI-2406IP-24UW). To suppress network-sided electromagnetic interference, an additional EMC filter module is upstream of the converter.

Intelligent DC UPS control and charging electronics

In normal operation, the μC-controlled system electronics of the integrated UPS module provide the nominal output voltage, charge the supercapacitors and monitor the voltage thresholds at the input. If the voltage falls below the defined voltage threshold, the system switches to the UPS backup mode within fractions of a second and ensures the uninterruptible and regulated output voltage for 12VDC or 24VDC consumers.

The intelligent distribution of charging currents (PowerSharing) ensures that the input power is kept constant and distributed accordingly to the supplied load and the Supercap charger. With a lower load at the output, more energy flows into the Supercap charger and vice versa.

Minimum load detection (load sensor)

The minimum load detection monitors the supplied output load during UPS backup operation. If the load at the output falls below a certain limit, the longlife Supercaps are automatically disconnected from the control unit so that the energy storage device is not unnecessarily emptied by the DC UPS electronics.

Reboot function for self-sufficient systems

The integrated reboot function can be used to activate the automatic restart of a supplied computer system as soon as the mains voltage returns during a shutdown or at a later time. For example, self-sufficient IPC or embedded box PC systems can be shut down in a controlled manner after a power failure and then restarted independently without any intervention of a service employee being necessary.

Software connection, pre-programming and monitoring

To set and pre-programme the UPS parameters as well as for energy storage monitoring, the UPS software 'UPSI HID Configuration' is available for free download at the respective product on Bicker's website. 

For data communication with controllers or PC-based systems, the UPSI-IP-2 series has an integrated USB communication interface. In addition, a comprehensive instruction set enables the direct readout of sensor values and setting of parameters. The open communication protocol offers system developers individual possibilities of connection to their own system.

Robust aluminium housing with IP67 protection

A robust aluminium housing with pressure compensation element protects electronics and energy storage against mechanical effects. The sealed housing elements and connections are resistant to water, ice, oil and dust according to protection class IP67. Mounting brackets are already mounted on the housing for quick and secure installation.

Long term availability and comprehensive value-added services

The company Bicker Elektronik grants a three year warranty on the UPSI-IP-2 series, as well as a long term availability of at least five years. For applications with long running time an optimal investment protection is given.

System developers also benefit from personal design-in advice and first-class service and support from Bicker Elektronik's power supply specialists. On request, the R&D engineers realise customer-specific special solutions and also offer extensive laboratory and measurement services for complete customer systems.

UPSI-IP-2 series also available with LiFePO4 battery technology

For even longer bridging times, Bicker Elektronik also offers the UPSI-IP-2 system with lithium-ion battery technology based on particularly safe and long-lasting lithium iron phosphate cells. Compared to LCO / NMC cells, the LiFePO4 cells have a much more stable chemical compound of the cathode material and convince with increased safety and a roughly ten times higher cycle stability (6,000 charging and discharging cycles).

Bicker's high quality BP-LFP battery packs also feature an integrated high performance Battery Management System (BMS) to maximise service life.

All product benefits at a glance

• Extremely rugged DC UPS units with IP67 protection
• Maintenance-free longlife Supercaps as integrated energy storage
• High cycle stability >500,000
• Ultra-wide input range
• Regulated output voltage
• Extended temperature range -20...+70 °C
• Fanless 24/7 continuous operation
• USB communication interface
• Load sensor and timer function
• Extensive energy storage monitoring
• Robust aluminum housing with pressure compensation element
• Pre-assembled mounting brackets
• Long term availability at least 5 years
• Three years warranty