DRUPS Conversions

Diesel (or Dynamic) Rotary Uninterruptible Power Supply devices were conceived to combine the benefits of a static UPS with a diesel generator.

A DRUPS system can operate in a smaller footprint, and without the need for constant air-conditioning associated with a static UPS.

The disadvantages seen by clients are more frequent and more expensive maintenance regime, and with certain manufacturers reliability issues.

Often a building’s use will change, or the client will alter the infrastructure extensively so that the load supported by a DRUPS can handle a break in supply in event of an outage – such instances include the splitting of IT and mechanical loads. In instances such as this, clients are now considering converting DRUPS machines into generators. 

The benefits of converting rather than replacing are environmental, financial, expediency and reduction of disruption.

The fact that the majority of the DRUPS componentry remains on site means less scrapping of equipment, and less manufacturing of new, replacement equipment.

Financially, the most expensive component of a generator set is the engine. Retaining the engine offers a considerable saving compared to buying new, complete generators.

On the assumption that a sound plant replacement strategy exists, there are also considerable savings to be made from not requiring crane lifts and specialist plant-moving contractors.

A new 11kV alternator will typically be available in 12-16 weeks (less for LV), whereas a new 11kV generating set is typically 22-26 weeks. Much of the enabling works can be completed during the alternator build time, meaning a conversion can be completed well within the typical build period of a new genset.