Case Study: Thales

Bespoke backup power for unique factory conditions

Bespoke backup power design for Thales provides solution for unique factory conditions

The Project

Bespoke R&D and install project.

The background

Thales is a global manufacturing company operating in aerospace, defence, security, transportation, and is a significant prime contractor in these sectors globally. Thales UK is responsible for key research, development, manufacture, supply technology and services to the above sectors in the UK. 

Thales Belfast required Continu to design a UPS solution for a Motion System Platform Test Bed. The load was 3 phase peaking @ 17kVA. It had to be contained in a portable IP54 rated enclosure. The UPS was required to work in 2 different environments including exposure to the outside environment and under exposure to a wide range of temperatures and various fluctuations to humidity. The design was required to be mobile and resistant to unusual shocks and vibrations.

The solution

Continu designed and installed a stable solution that met all the strenuous requirements of this project. Time was taken to fully understand the environment and unique circumstances that the backup solution was required for. This included incorporating braked wheels suitably sized for the weight of the system (500kg) and sized to allow stability of the system, internal fan with temperature control to the enclosure as it was a sealed unit (IP54) to allow heat dissipation from the UPS. Rubber anti-vibration mounts were fitted to the enclosure to ensure the internal equipment can withstand vibration while being transported. External flexible cables fitted with commando plugs & sockets to allow easy connection to external electric supplies and load.

The team at Continu tested the solution at the Continu testing site and utilised the APC Smart UPS 20kVA with internal battery/bypass panel as well as bespoke IP55 rated enclosures.

The result

“The service provided was professionally designed, planned and implemented to deliver an outcome that exceeded our expectations and was within budget and timeframe. Clear and helpful additional support was also given to train our on-site personnel in the operation and maintenance requirements of the installed equipment.”
Trevor Stevenson, Facilities Manager, Thales Air Defence Ltd

“The service provided was professionally designed, planned and implemented to deliver an outcome that exceeded our expectations and was within budget and timeframe. ”
Trevor Stevenson, Facilities Manager, Thales Air Defence Ltd