Although uninterruptible power supply systems in data centers are vital to business continuity and protecting the bottom line, power loss can be much more devastating in other situations. Consider a petrochemical station or a ship at sea, where the loss of power may well be a matter of personal safety and even a loss of life. Or an assembly plant, where a power failure could lead to a waste of inventory and many working hours of labor.
Thus, when applying uninterruptible power supply (UPS) technology to industrial applications, customers have a range of issues to consider before choosing the right solution. One that will ensure not only successful disaster recovery and business continuity but also offer improved protection, performance, and the proper functioning of the facility and the equipment in it.
Industrial UPS is a perfect way for electrical contractors to improve the market of new and current customers. It’s just a matter of knowing all possible UPS applications in commercial and industrial settings – many of which might not be immediately evident.
In general, applications that are vital in commercial or industrial buildings – and thus need uninterruptible power supply protection– fall into one of four categories:
- Continuity of the business operation, which denotes the processes needed to keep the business running and avoid damage to the facilities, such as machinery on the production line.
- Safety and security services, including emergency lighting, security cameras, fire alarms, and smoke extraction systems.
- Heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems are needed not only for the benefit of employees and consumers but also for business purposes – such as the safety of temperature-sensitive equipment or goods in a manufacturing plant.
- Data and smart business applications, including IT systems that support integrated inventory, sales, and supply chain functions.
You can find many advanced industrial uninterruptible power supply (UPS) applications in these categories. The following are only a few examples of different industries.
Building and Infrastructure UPS applications
Small to medium-sized buildings such as department stores, restaurants, and hotels are protected by the ‘house’ group uninterruptible power supply solutions. ‘Infrastructure’ applies to highways and tunnels, airports, wastewater treatment plants, and the like.
The obvious applications include point-of-sale systems, alarms, telecommunications systems, including Wi-Fi, HVAC, and IT systems.
But there are still several not-so-obvious applications in play, including digital signage and alarm devices, elevators, pumps, and power management systems. Think of a parking garage or a parking lot during a power outage: without uninterruptible power supply systems’ backup, you can’t process payments or raise the doors, which is not good for any organization.
Abundance Of UPS Opportunity In Healthcare
Likewise, healthcare is rife with applications that need industrial uninterruptible power supply protection. Operating rooms, ambulance, and intensive care units provide the low-hanging fruit. Natural candidates are also useful and sensitive devices that include MRI and CT scan systems.
Laboratories, nursing stations, and wastewater treatment facilities require systems that may not be top-of-mind. Healthcare facilities often rely heavily on their IT systems, so UPS security would also be requested by data centers, server rooms, and wiring closets.
Safeguarding Essential Transportation Applications
Airports also have many essential applications that need uninterruptible power supply backup, including all air traffic control systems, runway lighting, and control systems for automation. Consider the systems for luggage inspection, including consoles, workstations, and x-ray systems, as well. Besides many emergency services, including call stations, lighting, and fire alarms, airports have different automation systems, such as luggage handling. They also have major parking facilities that need uninterruptible power supply backup.
Related opportunities are offered at train and subway stations. Consider track change control systems, tracking systems, and passenger and staff contact systems. Automated fare collection systems, as well as ticketing kiosks and automated platform screen doors, demand industrial uninterruptible power supply (UPS) protection. Imagine if the electricity went out shortly after you ordered a cup of coffee and the cash register went down— with no backup there. The store will not only lose business, but it may leave many prospective customers dissatisfied.
Concentrate On Industrial UPS and Its Impact On Business Outcomes
Concentrating on such discussions leads to an improved focus on business value and proposition. It emphasizes what an industrial UPS provide – enhanced protection against lost business and ensuring customer friendly services without any disruption—for example, the coffee shop instance.
In other situations, such as hospitals or airports, a power failure’s business implications can be much more severe. These issues present opportunities for electrical contractors to participate in constructive conversations with customers, educating them on the importance of uninterruptible power supply systems in protecting their business interests – whether it is revenue or consumer protection.
So, suppose you are exploring options in uninterruptible power supply systems. In that case, it is recommended you get in touch with a qualified consultant first to evaluate your unique business requirements. Doing so ensures you implement the most appropriate solution for your facility!
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