Context
Outdoor applications often face challenging conditions such as temperature extremes, humidity and limited maintenance access. In these environments, reliable and efficient power backup systems are critical to keep essential infrastructure running.
To meet these requirements, Gertek designed and delivered customized UPS systems that combine robustness, high efficiency, and flexibility for future energy needs.
Challenge
Traditional UPS solutions typically rely on large battery banks with up to 40 batteries per string. In our configuration, this leads to several issues:
- Higher risk of battery failure due to harsh environmental conditions
- Complex and costly maintenance
- Limited adaptability to new battery technologies like lithium
- Inefficient thermal management affecting lifespan and reliability
Gertek challenge was to design and build a compact, reliable, and future-ready UPS solution that could operate in harsh outdoor environments while keeping maintenance and failure rates low.
Solution
Gertek deployed more than 10 UPS systems up to 45 kVA on the field so far. Each UPS system is based on CE+T Power’s Sierra 25 48/230-277 converter, which operates with a 48 Vdc battery bus at its core. This bus acts as the central link between the AC power and the batteries, allowing energy to flow efficiently in both directions.
Key features of the solution
- Reduced battery count: Only 4 batteries per string, compared to 40 in conventional systems, drastically lowering the failure rate.
- Battery flexibility: Integration of both lead-acid and lithium batteries without limitations.
- Smart battery management: Direct communication with the BMS (by using Lithium Batteries) through our Inview monitoring & control, enabling advanced monitoring and optimized performance.
- Thermal resilience: A robust thermal design for both cooling and heating ensures the UPS and batteries perform reliably in all weather conditions.
- Autonomy: Each system provides 20 minutes of autonomy to secure critical loads.
Results
With this tailored approach, Gertek now offers a reliable, efficient, and flexible UPS solution perfectly suited for harsh outdoor conditions. The simplified battery configuration reduces failure risks and maintenance costs, while the system’s thermal and control features guarantee stable performance year-round.
Applications
Here are some examples of where these outdoor UPS systems are ideally suited
- Telecom infrastructure (base stations, relay towers)
- Railways and transportation (trackside equipment, signaling)
- Critical communication systems
- Industrial sites and remote facilities where space and access are limited
- Energy storage and renewable energy sites exposed to varying climates