The UK’s power grid is in a very perilous position. Whilst delays in replacing the country’s ageing power store have been widely publicised, little attention has been given to the increase in power usage and the affects this is having on our available resources.
Consumer dependence on data storage and an increase in inner city developments, where London has seen a 20 percent growth in the last year, are also very serious factors that are contributing heavily to the notable increase in power disturbances.
Energy regulator Ofgem reported at the end of last year that the culmination of increased consumer consumption and lack of improvement seen in replacing ageing power resources would result in a mere two percent surplus by winter 2015. This surplus means greater susceptibility to fluctuations in power, therefore increasing risk to companies.
These stark warnings have prompted a large rise in the re-evaluation of power protection policies. Whilst many companies already have strategies in place, either internally, externally or both, many of these are coming under strict review. What would have been suitable ten years ago is most likely to now be outdated and therefore a risk.
To meet the demands for greater resilience, power protection policies are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Electrical design infrastructures have gained in complexity and critical back-up power equipment such as Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems are at their most advanced level yet.
Many audits carried out by leading UPS specialist Power Control Ltd (PCL) on existing back-up power frameworks have highlighted that although many function adequately, the performance and resilience can be increased and where this is the case, businesses are opting to add an extra layer of protection.
Working with leading contractors, PCL is able to meet the increasing demands for delivering complete project solutions that not only consider the critical power element but also the entire electrical strategy.
One such company to recently extend its power protection strategy to support its business expansion is Vision Express Ltd. The fast growing company has recently built a new distribution centre works and lens crafting department in Nottingham. Any power fluctuations and breaks in power here could damage the company’s hi-tech lens equipment and conveyor belt system and result in £1000s of damage.
In partnership with one of its preferred electrical contractors, PCL supplied, installed and commissioned a Borri B9000FXS within a matter of weeks. With a very short time frame to work within, precision planning was essential and both PCL and its electrical partner worked tirelessly to ensure the entire project and all electrical works were executed seamlessly.
Another household name, which for contractual reasons cannot be named, has also improved its power protection landscape by replacing its end of life unit with the purchase of two Borri B8000FXS UPS units, which are now handling added capacity at the global travel review company’s newest facility.
Appointing an approved specialist contractor, PCL carried out a series of surveys to determine the load on the old UPS, which found that it had been operating at much less than its capacity. From this, PCL presented a resilient N+1 solution to fit within the area of the existing system and integrate with the existing electrical infrastructure.
Chosen not only for its redundant solution but also its ability to deliver a complete turnkey package, PCL designed the installation to enable the new system to be deployed without having to lose power to the connected load.
Commenting on PCL’s recent projects, the company’s managing director, Mark Trolley said: “The need for added levels of power protection has never been greater. The significant rise in power disturbances, which are being further augmented by the increase in dependence on data storage and continued infrastructure growth, have meant that many are assessing their existing business continuity strategies.
“Findings have resulted in the requirement for added levels of protection; more sophisticated electrical infrastructures and improved back-up power technology.
“Unlike other UPS companies, PCL prides itself on its unique expertise in electrical infrastructure, which encompasses every element of the critical power path. By looking at the total power protection strategy, PCL delivers maximum protection and significant efficiency and financial savings for businesses nationwide.”
Formerly Borri Ltd, PCL rebranded in January 2015 to give the company greater opportunities to offer a wider pool of equipment, technical services and project solutions. This scope also further emphasises PCL’s commitment to delivering tailored power protection solutions for the UK and overseas markets.
PCL continues to be committed to Borri three phase UPS products and technologies and remains an official UK distributor for the Italian UPS manufacturer. PCL continues to receive direct manufacturing and technical support from Borri Spa whilst maintaining its high level of engineering involvement, which is supported by its all encompassing service and maintenance programmes and high UPS and product, spares stock levels.
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