Switzerland-based engineering firm ABB has launched a 480V UL version of its Conceptpower DPA 500 modular UPS, for use in data centers and IT sites in the US.

Initially launched as a 400V IEC version in 2013, the Conceptpower DPA 500 is an online, double conversion modular UPS that scales to provide up to 3 MW of clean, reliable power. Now a version which complies with Underwriters’ Laboratory (UL) standards makes this product available to a wider market. 

abb dpa500 front
– ABB

Online swapping cuts cost

The product is based around 100 kW slide-in modules, five of which can be installed in a single frame, with up to six frames configured in parallel. UPS modules can be added to the system as power requirements grow, thus avoiding the need to over specify the initial design configuration.

Modules can be inserted and removed with the UPS still running, which simplifies routine maintenance and eliminates service-related downtime, as well as cutting inventory levels of specialized spare parts. Online-swap technology can help achieve “six nines” availability (99.9999 percent), says ABB. 

The product is a high-power transformerless UPS system, built using online double conversion technology, with 96 percent operating efficiency.  

Underwriters Laboratories, founded in 1894, is a US safety certification organization, whose requirements are seen as more rigorous than the IEC specifications which hold sway in most of the rest of the world. 

By adding UL compliance, ABB can brings its products to the North American markets after fifteen years providing them in Europe and Asia Pacific.

The Conceptpower DPA 500’s modularity is possible because of its decentralized parallel architecture, in which each module contains all the hardware and software required for full system operation. The modules share no common components; each of them has its own independent rectifier, battery charger, inverter, static bypass, logic control and control panel. With all the critical components duplicated and distributed among individual units, potential single points of failure are eliminated. 

“ABB is making a concerted effort to expand its overall portfolio for our customers and partners in North America,” said Hans Pfitzer, vice president of engineering and product management in ABB’s power protection product group. ”Expanding the Conceptpower DPA 500 platform to support UL standards and voltages strategically positions ABB to provide our data center customers with a complete portfolio of power quality products.”