CAN-Based Ecosystem for Managing Power and Distribution Equipment

Alpha Technologies Ltd. announced the release of its first products to incorporate Alpha IQ™, a CAN-based ecosystem that uses a single IP connection and intelligent peripheral devices to connect all the power and distribution points in a critical facility. Alpha also announced the initial availability of its AMPS HP2 product line, a next generation version of its popular modular inverter/UPS system used to deliver battery backed AC power for mission critical applications. In addition, Alpha launched the Smart BDFB, the first power distribution product to incorporate Alpha IQ intelligence.

“Intelligent monitoring and control of all the power devices in a Central Office or Critical Facility is a longstanding goal that has previously been hindered by the premium placed on IP addresses,” said Grant Clark, Vice President of Product Management & Development. “Alpha IQ solves the IP address problem by using the CAN bus to connect different devices to our CXC HP Controller, enabling an operator to use a single IP address to connect to all the power and distribution equipment in the office. The launch of the AMPS HP2 product line and Smart BDFB marks the next steps towards our vision of Single Point Management for all power devices in a facility.”

The versatile AMPS HP2 can be configured for use as an Inverter or a UPS in either single, split, or three-phase arrangements. Medium size (10kVA-30kVA) versions are available in 19- and 23-inch rack-mount versions, with large versions (40kVA, 75kVA) available in 7-foot box bays. A 120kVa version is expected early in 2017. All AMPS HP2 products use the same core modular inverter modules and are controlled by Alpha’s CXC HP Controller.

Alpha’s Smart BDFB is the latest innovation in Central Office power distribution. Unlike other smart products, the Smart BDFB with Alpha IQ uses a proprietary CAN network to supply the information to a centralized controller, enabling both local and remote monitoring of voltages, currents, and breaker trip alarms. Advanced remote configuration and fault management for all Alpha IQ devices is possible via a single gateway which includes support for IPv6 networks as well as SNMPv3 secured communications protocol.

In addition to the Alpha IQ features, the Smart BDFB is optimized for the larger loads in today’s data-rich network, with two additional panels that help ensure the BDFB does not run out of power before using all the fuse or breaker positions. And Cable management is improved by Alpha’s Top Termination cabling option and extended depth design.