Unique Power Requirements for Smart Grid and ESS Applications

Power supplies used in smart grid and ESS environments face unique challenges:

• High Surge Withstand Capability: Equipment connected to distribution networks must meet OVC III or OVC IV surge protection levels.
• Long-Term Stability: With 24/7 operation common in ESS, power supply MTBF ratings and thermal management are critical.
• Extreme Environmental Resilience: Outdoor cabinets, high-temperature, sub-zero, and high-altitude locations demand superior environmental adaptability.

Four Key Criteria for Selecting Power Supplies

• Flexible Output Voltage & Power Ranges
  Outputs should include 12V, 24V, and 48V with ±5% adjustability to accommodate system fine-tuning. Choose from 20W, 40W, 150W, 500W, or 1000W depending on load needs to optimize cost and efficiency.
• High Efficiency & Low No-Load Power Consumption
  Efficiency above 90% helps reduce thermal load and power loss. For smart meters and IoT standby devices, <0.1W no-load consumption is especially valuable.
• Certifications & Insulation
  Products should be certified to UL / IEC / EN 62368-1, 60335-1, 61558, and offer insulation ratings of 4000VAC or higher for safety and compliance.
• Environmental & Reliability Indicators
  Operating temperature should range from at least -40°C to +85°C. Support for 5000m altitude and EN 55032 Class B EMI compliance (without external filters) help streamline design and reduce costs.

Smart, Safe & Durable - Built-In Protection Matters

ARCH Electronics offers a broad portfolio of AC-DC power modules and switching power supplies tailored to these demanding applications. Key protection features include:

• Over Voltage Protection (OVP) - Automatically cuts output during abnormal voltage surges.
• Over Current Protection (OCP) - Prevents overheating and failure by limiting overload.
• Short Circuit Protection (SCP) - Immediately disables output in case of output shorting.
• Over Power Protection (OPP) - Regulates output beyond rated capacity to ensure stability.
• Over Temperature Protection (OTP) - Shuts down when internal temperature exceeds safety thresholds.

These features allow real-time detection and rapid response to anomalies-especially crucial for unattended systems like smart grids and ESS-enhancing safety, reliability, and product life.

Power Range Application Scenarios & Recommended Products

• 20W–150W
  Recommended: ARCF20, ATCW40, ARCV60, AJCV150
  Applications: Smart meters, sensor nodes, microcontrollers, energy gateways
  Features: OVC III/IV support, compact size, < 0.1W no-load, EMC Class B compliance
• 150W–500W
  Recommended: ARF240, ARF500
  Applications: Edge computing devices, mid-size storage cabinets, energy monitors
  Features: Conduction cooling, semi-potted rugged design, PFC >0.9, EMI Class B
• 500W–1000W
  Recommended: MQF500, AQF700C, AQF1000C
  Applications: Large smart grid nodes, distributed ESS, EV infrastructure
  Features: Current sharing, remote ON/OFF, reinforced isolation >4000VAC