Socomec claimed it has installed the world’s first compressed air UPS system at a major data centre.
The Air-DRUPS critical power solution is installed at the Co-operative Bank’s Pyramid building in Stockport, UK, and replaces a previous back-up system of lead-acid batteries.
The compressed air powered UPS kicks in as soon as a mains power failure is detected and, using a series of scroll generators driven by compressed air, provides the vital power coverage until the backup generator kicks in. Pnu Power, a UK company that makes battery-free back up power, makes the compressed air generators. These combined with a Socomec double-conversion UPS system.
Martyn Hulme, Managing Director Co-operative Estates, said: “When our UPS system was up for renewal we wanted to find a greener system that would make the lead acid batteries obsolete. This is the first time this compressed air system has been used in this way and we are confident that others will follow our lead.
“The initial capital outlay is comparable to similar UPS systems although higher than those using batteries but the total cost over the lifetime of the product is much lower making it highly attractive.”
