MTU Kinetic PowerPack 500 kVA (#9357)

MTU KINETIC POWERPACK (KPP) OR DYNAMIC ROTARY UPS

The mtu Kinetic PowerPack provides dynamic uninterruptible power supply through kinetic energy and is engineered to withstand the most demanding power supply challenges. It’s a competitive alternative to static or traditional UPS systems with battery backup. The dynamic UPS technology is based on kinetic energy and consists of a diesel engine coupled to a kinetic energy accumulator (flywheel) via an electromagnetic clutch. mtu Kinetic PowerPacks ensure reliable and environmentally friendly uninterruptible electrical power and power conditioning. Without the need for batteries, the system offers the highest power density (kW/sq²) in the industry with a high system efficiency in conditioning mode, low total cost of ownership, small footprint, scalable solutions, and a compact design.

HOW DOES A DYNAMIC UPS SYSTEM WORK?

mtu Kinetic PowerPacks comprises a constantly rotating kinetic energy storage unit with flywheel, an mtu diesel engine and an alternator which, depending on the operating mode, also operates as an electric synchronous motor with its preferred compensation characteristics. A special control unit with the accompanying switchgear and a choke that acts as a line filter, complete the system. Power from the public grid drives the synchronous alternator, which acts as an electric motor in this operating mode. This in turn drives the flywheel in the kinetic energy storage unit which weighs tons and is designed as an electric machine with double rotor system. This serves as the 'energy accumulator' which stores energy and makes it available in the unlucky event of a power outage.

If the public power grid fails, the mtu Kinetic PowerPack acts immediately and without interruption because it is already in operation anyway. Part of the energy stored in the flywheel is used to drive the generator, that starts producing electrical power. Meanwhile, another part of the stored rotational energy is used to facilitate very fast start-up of the diesel engine. Within the shortest possible time the engine accelerates to its rated power output and can now start producing electrical power via the generator and stabilize the flywheel. This naturally happens without any gap or interruption – hence the name 'Uninterruptible Power Supply'.

With mtu Kinetic PowerPacks, no battery is required. Previously, Rolls-Royce only had mtu standby generator sets in its portfolio for dealing with power outages. These require a certain amount of time to get going, however. To bridge that gap and ensure an uninterrupted flow of power, customers have often resorted to batteries. In mtu Kinetic PowerPacks, however, no such battery is needed, since the energy in the kinetic energy storage unit can be made available immediately for generating power until the mtu diesel engine comes on-line.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN ADVANTAGES OF A DYNAMIC UPS?

There are many advantages to a Dynamic UPS system versus a Static UPS with batteries. Here are a few of them with some further explanations:

• Dynamic UPS offer an all-in-one system, combining UPS with a generator for power conditioning. This setup can be a smaller footprint and more cost effective than a static UPS, batteries and separate generator.
• Dynamic UPS does NOT need batteries as backup power or bridge to a generator start, thus providing a lower TCO and no need for future battery replacements. Additionally, dynamic UPS installations do not require a separate and climatized room to store batteries.
• Dynamic UPS can be configured to higher power demand than a static UPS. Normally a single static UPS is limited to around 1.5MVA per unit, while a dynamic UPS can be configured up to 3MVA per unit.
• Dynamic UPS have a higher fault capability and larger input voltage window than static UPS, which makes them more suitable for sites with poor input power and/or dynamic loads such as motors or MRI/CT scans.
• Dynamic UPS can be installed in outdoor containers, since they are less impacted by ambient temperature variation and require less air conditioning.
• Dynamic UPS can be installed in parallel to increase overall power delivery. One unique architecture for dynamic UPS is called “Isolated parallel”, where each UPS behaves independently even though their power outputs are combined.
• Due to its design an configuration, Dynamic UPS installations can eliminate the need for other critical equipment like ATS, Switchgear, STS, etc.
• Dynamic UPS are ideal for very large installations (10MW+) and for operation in dirtier environments.
• Dynamic UPS can be configured to operate in medium voltage range (6 – 36kV) matching substations and reducing the need for input transformers.
• Dynamic UPS have a long life (over 20 years) with proper maintenance.