Super powers converge at Supercomm

More power, smaller models, greater efficiency: These were the catch phrases surrounding the power sector at Supercomm '99. Remote monitoring was another feature for some companies as power vendors showed off the newest offerings at the biggest trade show in the industry.

In response to the trend toward network decentralization, Telect Inc. introduced the All-in-One high current circuit breaker panel, which provides breaker capabilities and an optional low-voltage load disconnect. The modular panel is designed for ease of use in locations where power needs change frequently. The breaker panel is also appropriate for remote locations and central offices that need comprehensive power management in one compact frame, as well as co-location bays that require additional or secondary high current distribution beyond the main distribution frame.

Also for networks or remote locations and COs, the company featured the new Intermediate GMT/KTK dual 100-A fuse panel. The panel distributes up to 200 A across 16 circuits.

Included in its DC Power Systems, Liebert Corp. highlighted the Helios DC System 600/48 that powers -48 VDC loads with a capacity of up to 600 A. It can be equipped with a combination of 25, 50 and 100 A plug-in rectifiers. The system, which can be mounted on a single 7-foot-by-24-inch frame, consists of an enclosed front access distribution/control panel, rectifier shelves and battery trays.

"People cannot live without front accessibility, flexible architecture and fuse and breaker distribution," said Robert Bauer, president of Liebert. "Small businesses are catching on to redundant systems, [although] they used to be reserved for large mainframes."

With demand for surface-mount, multivoltage power sources on the upswing, Astec introduced the AK40A, a high-density DC/DC converter that operates from either 24 or 48 VDC inputs. It provides output voltages in the 1.5 to 12 VDC single and 1.8 to 5 VDC dual ranges.

"A product like this has network powering capability, as well as local powering," said Jacques Poulin, director of marketing. The product also features input differential and common mode filtering, input undervoltage lockout with hysteresis, output overvoltage protection, remote shutdown and loadsharing.

Astec also presented the Helios Rectifier 200E/48, an evolution of the Helios Rectifier 200I/48. The new design features low total harmonic distortion, AC and DC circuit breaker protection, plug-in design, active power factor correction, remote and automatic high voltage shutdown and thermal shutdown protection. The Helios PowerNode 2600/130 is a compact, integrated -130 VDC power system delivering up to 2600 W to optical network units deployed in fiber to the curb applications.

Making size a priority, Yuasa Inc. increased the capacity of its industrial front termination PowerLock battery to 150 Ah, offering one of the highest energy densities available in its size. It can be used for distributed power, wireless, PBX, cable and other telecom applications where space is limited and high power is essential. "It does not generate money, but you need it," said Dave Lesser, product manager for Yuasa, regarding the power of power.

The PowerLock product also offers safe plug-and-play installation, eliminating the need for users to attach connectors and bolts. This reduces the risk of improper installation, according to the company. The battery also has integrated handles for easier installation and a patent-pending dual terminal design offering the choice of front or top termination.

Does size really matter?

"There is higher power, and everything is smaller," said Fred Lewis, director of marketing for HC Power Inc., echoing a common theme that more compact equipment is optimal. The company announced the DensePak 480 V, a three-phase input switch-mode power system. The DensePak power platform, with 225 A power shelves, is a modular power system providing up to 10,000 A of power for -48 V systems.

The DensePak series HVRB Rectifier Bay has seven shelves, each of which provides 225 A. The HVS DensePak power shelf input is 480 VAC and has a three-phase input with less than 5% total harmonic distortion. In terms of power trends, Lewis said it "has to be as simple as possible from size to ease of operation."

Expansion was the name of the game for Lambda Electronics at Supercomm. The company expanded its line of surface-mountable power supplies with a high power DC/DC converter that is lightweight enough to be handled by pick-and-place equipment. The SM30 features a low profile surface mount package that facilitates tight card pitch requirements. It features remote on/off for complex system timing requirements and 24 or 48 V nominal inputs for wireless/cellular and CO applications. The converter powers telecommunications systems in broadband distribution, networking and switching applications, industrial process controls and LAN/WAN equipment.

MGE UPS Systems focused on its Topaz S3 2 kVA Inverter, which features pulse width modulation technology. The inverter produces a distortion-free AC sinewave using the company's digital power quality technology, which enables the inverters to meet surge demands without being oversized. Customers "want to rack-mount everything," said Nancy Nelson, marketing manager of MGE UPS Systems. "The telco market is a big focus for us."

Other features include overload capability, field-selectable voltages and frequency, and an Inston Static Transfer Switch that enables the inverter to operate either on-line or in standby mode. The inverter can be used for telecommunications, Internet service, building security and networking applications, which demand reliable, uninterrupted AC power from a DC source, said Nelson.

Keeping in line with the trend toward smaller equipment, Alpha Technologies showcased the AlphaGen 3.0 DC curbside generator system for broadband powering. It offers a low profile that eliminates the need to have large quantities of batteries. It can be powered from either natural gas or propane fuel and was designed for safe, unattended operation. It also incorporates built-in safeguards, including comprehensive control and alarm functions to protect the system, the operators and the public.

In addition to focusing on efficiency in developing its products, Lucent Technologies emphasized remote monitoring. "We also paid more attention to aesthetics," said Daniel Johnson, marketing communications manager for Lucent's Power Supplies and Components Network Products Group. "By year end, one will be able to dial from the Internet [in order to monitor power]."

The company updated the Galaxy Power System 4812, which features a Galaxy Millennium Controller, allowing remote monitoring. The system is suited for -48 VDC applications and provides power from 100 to 400 A in a half-height cabinet for mounting on top of VRLA batteries, up to 800 A in a full-height single cabinet or up to 1200 A in a dual cabinet arrangement.

Compact and reliable, the AGM 25 power plant from C&D Technologies can be used for customer premises, fiber optics, outside plant and other applications requiring smaller increments of -48 VDC power. It incorporates hot swappable, high frequency -49 V, 7.5 A rectifiers, and delivers 22.5 A of total DC current in a 23-inch rack space.

The company also displayed its 48/30 modular switch-mode rectifier, which offers 48 volts at 30 A in a five-rack space and is ideal for confined areas. Up to six units will fit in a single shelf, mountable in a 23-inch rack. "It is about easy access in tight areas," said Robert McIntyre, marketing manager for C&D.