Customised UPS systems for offshore rig hazardous areas

In a recent project, R. STAHL e.g. supplied a custom-engineered compact DC UPS system for Ex zone 1 that was installed on an offshore platform off the coast of Gabon in Central Africa. This system is equipped with robust, corrosion-proof CUBEx housings manufactured from copper-free cast aluminium that are designed for extreme environments. In this case, they withstand temperatures up to +50 °C. The UPS provides up to 4,000 W in operation and includes NiCd batteries with a 300 Ah capacity in an Ex e battery container, a central control module with all required specification- and standard-compliant UPS components, and a DC energy distribution board to protect the connected loads. Redundant charging technology is an integral part of the enclosed system, which achieves excellent thermal power loss management with reliable dissipation from the pressurised chamber. The UPS features a software-free design and contains no rotating parts like fans. Temperature-compensated charging, power diodes for voltage adjustment, and Ex LEDs to display the UPS status ensure very reliable operation and excellent safety. R. STAHL''s integrated Ex UPS guard monitors the standard-compliant operation of the system according to EN 60079 ff.