DC Power Solution & Backup for Underground Mining Communications Systems
If you’re looking to install or replace a leaky feeder communication system, choosing the right DC power supply and battery backup is a key decision. Leaky feeders are underground communications systems that make wireless comms possible within mines and other underground challenging environments. They’re often essential for safety and productivity, and it’s crucial they have an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) you can trust. At Helios, we design DC & AC power conversion solutions for critical infrastructure. We’ve supplied DC power backup systems for leaky feeders in mines across Australia and South America, and we can customise the ideal solution for your application. Some of the Leaky Feeder DC Power Systems manufactured by Helios Power Solutions AMP-K4405 30VDC, 5.5A Power Supply with 48VDC Battery Charger AMP-K4310 30VDC, 5.5A Power Supply with 24VDC Battery Charger AMP-K6227 Dual output leaky feeder power supply 2x36V constant current limited at 5A + Dual 55V 20A float Lithium batteries charger Top 5 considerations for a leaky feeder DC power system 1. How robust is the DC power supply and backup? Your DC power system and backup need to operate flawlessly in a dusty, hot environment. Only shortlist solutions that are convection cooled (no fans) or have a high operating temperature. 2. Does it have a versatile design? Look for solutions that are easy to install (i.e. rack mounted), have a wide input range for VAC (to withstand voltage fluctuations), and can have two different voltages levels ( 30V for the amplifiers and other for the charging batteries). 3. Can you monitor the system or control it remotely? Realtime monitoring of the power supply should be a non-negotiable in any modern leaky feeder. So too should be remote monitoring via TCP/IP. 4. What customisations can you make? You should be able to customise your DC power solution to your needs. Whether you want batteries charged at 12V, 24V or 48V, digital or analogue meters, lithium or lead-acid batteries – it should be your call. 5. Is the power system locally produced and supported? If something happens, how reliable is the supply chain for repairs? Are the components produced locally or on-hand? Are technicians available to support your teams? How does the Helios solution stack up? At Helios work closely with leaky feeder producers, mining communication consultants and mining operations in Australia. So we understand what works best in mines here and how to make the customisations you might need. The Helios Power Systems leaky feeder power supply is a battery-backed, convection-cooled (no fans) DC power system that can be fully monitored and is designed for harsh underground mining applications. This system has the DC power supply for charging the backup system (batteries) and the 30VDC required for powering up the leaky feeder network (power amplifiers) in the same 2U rack unit. In case of mains failure the battery bank can provide power for ### hours. Standard Features Convection cooled ideal for dusty environments ( this depends on the output power required) Wide input range 180-300VAC (capable of handling transient spikes) 12V, 24V or 48VDC options for battery backup 30VDC to power amplifiers Short circuit and OVP protection High operation temperature Battery Circuit breakers Easy installation, diagnosis and management Active relays to turn loads ON/OFF Designed and made in Australia Optional Features Digital or analogue meters for Voltage and Current Remote control and reporting over TCP/IP. Ability to report back to the control room in real-time LED Indications alarms – front panel Terminals – Phoenix or Stud N+1 Redundancy Specific alarms System reset button Battery Backup type (lithium and lead-acid) and autonomy Conformal coating Other Helios solutions for mining applications Helios also support the mining sector with a range of other custom solutions for operational safety and continuity. These include: Battery chargers and battery banks for substations and switchgears Power supplies and DC distribution panels for SCADA & telemetry networks Fully customised power distribution panels via TCP/IP Power systems for security surveillance and emergency systems For technical support about our off the shelf products and customised power conversion solutions, get in touch today. Contact Our Engineering Team
New 1500W DC Power Module for Critical Comms
We are thrilled to announce the availability of a new 1500W AC/DC Power module for 48VDC and 24VDC powered equipment and backup systems. The high efficiency modules are compatible with the ICT Modular Power Series, MPS Ultra, Hybrid Power Series and Hybrid Ultra which offer remote Ethernet-based communications for monitoring and control; enhanced security and reliability features including SNMPv1/v2c/v3 and TLS 1.2; fan fail detect alarms; and advanced battery management features for sealed lead acid and lithium ion batteries. Modular DC Power Systems with Smart Distribution Products Compatible with the ICT 1500W Module MPS Ultra – 2U Redundant Hot Swap Modular DC Power System up to 12kW Read more 24V & 48V Modular Power Series DC Power System: 700W – 6000W Read more Hybrid Power Series up to 3kW Dual Output DC Power System 48/24-12Vdc Read more Hybrid Ultra Series – up to 7.5kW Dual Output DC Power System 48/24-12Vdc Read more Applications Fixed Wireless Access Radio Access Networks FTTP/H PON GPON Distributed antenna systems (DAS) SCADA Contact Us For Technical Assistance For technical support about our off the shelf products and customised power conversion solutions, get in touch today. Contact Our Engineering Team
New Highly Integrated DC/DC Front-end Filters for Defense and Railway Applications
At Helios, we are thrilled to announce that the new MCF series of front-end filters are now available. The MCF series was designed to comply with the requirements of MIL-STD 1275D (Characteristic of 28 volt DC electrical systems in military vehicles) and MIL-STD 461 (Requirement for the control of electromagnetic interference characteristics of subsystems and equipment). This filter series accepts 9-36Vdc input voltage (50Vdc for 1 sec.) which is suitable for military vehicle with 28V bus systems respectively 24V bus systems They are also applicable for both heavy industrial and rolling stock applications. MCF-028005-001 DC/DC Front-end Filters: 45W Read more MCF-028015-001 DC/DC Front-end Filters: 250W Read more EMI Filters EMI Filters The MCF series offers active input over-voltage protection which clamps over-voltages for maximum 50ms up to 100V to a safe level of 40V and absorbs +/-250V spikes with the internal protection circuits. By connecting the MCF module with a few additional MLCCs, its internal EMI filter meets MIL-STD 461G limits. Besides, it also features other active protection functions for an advanced protection of the DC/DC converter module such as remote on/off control, overload protection, output short-circuit protection, reverse polarity protection, inrush current limitation, etc The MCF filter module is a fully integrated front-end module. In addition to complying with MIL-STD 1275D and MIL-STD 461G, it also fulfills the EN 50155, RIA 12 and NF F 01-510 standards for rolling stock 24V bus systems. It greatly reduces the time to design the EMI-filter and peripheral circuits, save system space and provide a comprehensive system protection. The MCF filters meet the environmental MIL-STD 810F specification for shock and vibration. The operating temperature range of -40°C to 105°C (optionally -55°C) allows to use these MCF filters with DC/DC converters in a wide range of demanding applications. For technical support about our off the shelf products and customised power conversion solutions, get in touch today. Contact Our Engineering Team
How Smart DC Power Distribution Panels Protect your Critical Wireless Network’s Uptime
If you’re setting-up or upgrading a private wireless network with remote tower sites, incorporating a Smart DC Power Distribution panel is a smart call. Smart DC Distribution Panels provide you with remote monitoring and control over your DC-powered devices. This feature is unique to the ICT range supplied by Helios, and can help you: Free up your technical resources Provide a more reliable network with greater uptime Save time and money troubleshooting issues at remote sites In this article, we’ll look at the popularity of private wireless networks, the challenge of maintaining those networks and how Smart DC Power Distribution Panels provide an answer to those challenges. Table of contents Automation and the rise of Critical Wireless Networks The Challenge with Maintaining Critical Wireless Networks Monitor and control remotely with Smart DC Power Distribution Panels Automation and the rise of Critical Wireless Networks Reliable communications has always been important for large-scale operations, but as we move towards industry 4.0 and industrial automation, access to reliable wireless voice and data communication is becoming a non-negotiable. Public networks might be great for just that: the public, but for business with critical operations they can fall short in a number of areas. They don’t always offer the remote coverage, security or reliability required. The answer for an increasing number of businesses is to design in their own private network, which they control. The kinds of businesses investing in private wireless networks today include mining operations, emergency services, utilities, factories, warehouses, ports, airports, and anywhere reliable voice or data communications are critical. The challenge with maintaining critical wireless networks Wireless communication networks – whether fixed wireless, mobile wireless , LTE/4G/5G or wireline – all require a range of network devices to operate effectively at multiple sites, often in remote locations. If a device such as a microwave radio, routers or a network switch locks up because a power surge or mains failure , parts of the network can go down. The fix might be as simple as doing a power cycle on the component, traditionally requires a technician to visit a remote network tower site and diagnose the problem. For remote sites this can mean helicopter rides or long drives. All to find out the problem was as simple as doing a power-cycle (basically, turning it on and off again), or the technician doesn’t have what’s needed on-hand to fix the issue, and needs to make an expensive and time-consuming return trip. In the meantime, your network (and your operation) is either down or relying on a finite backup DC power supply. Monitor and Control Remotely with Smart DC Power Distribution Panels The DC Distribution Panels are an important part of a communications site design. They allow you to connect to a DC power supply and distribute that power to multiple devices. However, that’s where they stop. Smart DC Distribution Panels, like those provided by Helios, take your design to a new level. These panels plug into a TCP/IP ethernet connection to provide remote monitoring and control. Yes the NOC team can carry out the initial troubleshooting in the office looking at real time information and controlling the loads connected to Smart Distribution Panels. With the right Smart DC power solution you can: Remote Power Cycling Ping WatchDog Turning an electronic device off and on. Power cycling can be done manually by pressing the on/off button or remotely via the network. By doing remotely you free up technical resources therefore decreasing operational expenditure. The IP/Ping WatchDog function replaces a human who would have to travel several km (or hours) to the site just to flip the power switch off and on. With the “IP WatchDog”, the device is power-cycled without human intervention. Often, end users don’t even notice that something was not working. Load Shedding Alarms Shed-non critical loads to preserve back-up battery in order to prolong power to priority loads. Monitoring and alarm reporting of each output for pinpointing of issues with connected loads. Alarms can be sent to multiple email accounts. Popular Range of Smart DC Distribution Panels DC Distribution Series 3 Dual Bus 160A, 10-60VDC $863.00 – $1,940.00 Select options ICT240DB-8IRC Dual Bus Front Access 200A DC Distribution Panel $2,499.00 Select options ICT200DF-20BRC Smart 10/10 GMT DC Load Distribution Panel Read more ICT180SE-12IRC Smart DC Power Distribution Panel For 12V Or 24VDC Read more DIN Series DC Power Distribution Unit 60A $719.00 Select options Essential, the smart panels keep your finger on the pulse of your network anywhere, anytime. You can monitor and control from your computer or smartphone using a standard browser. There is no special software required. By monitoring and controlling DC power loads remotely you are able to deal with many problems faster, and with little to no extra cost or downtime. Additionally, you can focus your resources and people towards real issues that require attention (rather than performing simple power-cycles). The result is a more robust, more cost-efficient wireless network that you can trust with mission-critical operations. Helios provide a wide-range of ICT Smart DC Distribution Panels , and we can help you find the one that fits your needs. We can also make a number of customisations if you require them. Check out our brochure of custom-made DC Distribution panels and find out what can be done when you have the right products and technical expertise in DC Power Conversion Solutions. DC Power Systems with integrated Smart DC Distribution are also available in case you have space limitations and a small amount of loads. DC Power Systems with Integrated Smart Distribution 12V Modular Power Series DC Power System: 700W – 4900W Read more 24V & 48V Modular Power Series DC Power System: 700W – 6000W Read more Hybrid Power Series up to 3kW Dual Output DC Power System 48/24-12Vdc Read more Hybrid Ultra Series – up to 7.5kW Dual Output DC Power System 48/24-12Vdc Read more For technical support about our off the shelf products and customised power conversion solutions, get in touch today. Contact
New Dual Output DC Power System for Wireless Communications Networks
48V And 24V DC Power System With Integrated 12V Or 24V DC Converter Managing your backup system and critical loads with two different voltage levels is now possible with the new ICT Hybrid Ultra and ICT Hybrid Power Series. The dual output voltage configuration brings more flexibility while maintaining a high level of reliability with the standard battery management features and ethernet enabled monitoring capabilities. The new series are ideal for restricted space applications where the primary DC voltage is positive or negative 48V or 24V DC, and auxiliary voltage of 12V or 24V DC is required to power certain devices at the site. ICT Hybrid Ultra Series Up to 7500W output Power 700W/1500W AC-DC Power modules – 48V or 24V DC output 700W DC-DC Converter Module – 12 VDC output Dual 100 amp battery breakers with battery management module 4 or 8 fully managed load outputs Digital and analog inputs for temperature and site sensors Full range of certifications including CSA/UL, FCC Class B, CE, ROHS ICT Hybrid Power Series Up to 3000W output Power 700W/1500W AC-DC Power modules – 48V or 24V DC output 700W DC-DC Converter Module – 12 VDC output Dual 100 amp battery breakers with battery management module Digital and analog inputs for temperature and site sensors Full range of certifications including CSA/UL, FCC Class B, CE, ROHS Applications Two-way Communications Networks Trunked Radios Systems Backhaul DAS SCADA Security & Surveillance Main Features of Modules Integrated Intelligent Control Module – ICM Controller TCP/IP remote Ethernet communications for monitoring and control Embedded web server for plug and play set up HTTP/HTTPS, SMTP, SNMPv1/v2c/v3 protocols supported AC input voltage, DC output voltage, system current reporting (local and Ethernet) Four site monitoring sensor inputs with alarm reporting Local and remote output voltage and current limit adjustment Up to 30 days logging at 1 minute sampling rate, csv file download, major event logging Integrated Load Distribution Module (just for Hybrid Ultra Series) Display current reading of each of four load outputs Remote on/off control of individual outputs or entire load bus over Ethernet User definable alarm level indications (sent via Form C and Ethernet) User-definable load disconnect and reconnect levels Definable automatic load shedding Auto-ping automatic power cycling of specified load outputs Power-up delay sequencing Battery Management Module Temperature-compensated charging Display of battery voltage status Battery current, state of charge, run time remaining reporting Adjust LVD settings Configure advanced battery management features such as Boost charge parameters Max charge current Battery capacity Battery test timer Battery discharge test cut-off voltage. This features are available with Lead Acid batteries. The modular series is compatible with Lithium-ion batteries but battery monitoring and reporting is done by the battery itself. (read Using DC Power Supplies and Battery Chargers with Lithium-ion batteries for more info) Contact Us For Technical Assistance For technical support about our off the shelf products and customised power conversion solutions, get in touch today. Contact Our Engineering Team