In the water industry, the ‘WIMES’ standards provide a benchmark for reliability and compliance. Within the WIMES series, there are 9 specification groups, WIMES 3.0 refers to ‘Electrical’ and 3.07 refers specifically to ‘uninterruptible power supplies’ covering areas such as operating environment, electrical supply characteristics, status indications and noise levels, battery characteristics and, input protection.
While conventional UPS systems provide essential backup power, WIMES 3.07-compliant UPS systems stand out for their adherence to rigorous standards set forth by the Waste and Industries Management & Electricity Supply body. These systems are meticulously engineered to meet the stringent requirements outlined in WIMES 3.07, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in harsh environments where uninterrupted power is non-negotiable.
Understanding the Core Functionality
Standard UPS System
A standard UPS system serves as a critical safeguard against power interruptions. It acts as a bridge between the primary power source and the connected devices, ensuring seamless power supply during outages or fluctuations. These systems commonly find application in various sectors, from data centres to healthcare facilities, where uninterrupted power is paramount.
WIMES UPS System
On the other hand, a WIMES UPS system is engineered with specific standards tailored to the water industry. These systems adhere to stringent guidelines outlined by the Waste and Industries Management & Electricity Supply body, ensuring compliance with industry-specific requirements.
Key Distinctions
Design and Construction
WIMES UPS systems are meticulously designed and constructed to withstand the harsh environments often encountered in the water industry. They must be designed in accordance with BS EN 62040-2, a European standard that “applies to movable, stationary, fixed or built-in, pluggable and permanently connected UPS for use in low-voltage distribution systems with an environment being either residential, commercial, light industrial or industrial, which deliver output voltage with port voltages not exceeding 1 500 V DC or 1 000 V AC and which include an energy storage device.”
In addition, a WIMES 3.07 compliant UPS should ensure that components requiring regular inspection or maintenance should be easily accessible and, where necessary, replaceable.
Enhanced Durability
In comparison to standard UPS systems, WIMES UPS systems boast enhanced durability features. These may include reinforced components, advanced thermal management systems, and ruggedized casings, all contributing to prolonged lifespan and reliability in demanding environments.
For example, the minimum degree of protection of the WIMES UPS enclosure should be IP 21 (Protected against solid objects over 12mm, e.g. fingers and protected against vertically falling drops of water e.g. condensation).
However, many in the industry require enclosures that are rated to IP 54 (Protected against dust limited ingress, not harmful deposits and protected against water splashed from all directions, limited ingress permitted)
Compliance and Certification
One of the primary distinctions lies in compliance and certification. WIMES UPS systems undergo rigorous testing and certification processes to ensure adherence to industry-specific standards and regulations.
For example, batteries used for WIMES UPS systems should be VRLA and a minimum design life of 10 years.
This compliance not only instils confidence in the reliability of the system but also facilitates seamless integration within the waste and industries management infrastructure.
Recommended UPS systems
Borri Spa, part of Legrand have manufactured a UPS system specifically to meet WIMES 3.07 standards with a purpose-built rugged enclosure rated to IP 54 that allows for enhanced ventilation. The unit has air inlet and outlet fans at the front and allows for front access to its internal components for easy maintenance and replacement of parts. Fully customisable, the RAL paint colour of the enclosure can also be fully tailored to meet the requests of the customer.
Find out more about the Borri WIMES 3.07 UPS System
View Compliant WIMES UPS Systems
In essence, while both standard UPS systems and WIMES UPS systems serve the fundamental purpose of providing uninterrupted power supply, the latter distinguishes itself through tailored design, enhanced durability, and stringent compliance with industry-specific standards. Whether in water treatment plants, industrial facilities, or other critical sectors, opting for a WIMES UPS system ensures reliability, compliance, and peace of mind in the face of power challenges.