Bedrock Automation has introduced a cyber secure, standalone uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for industrial control system applications. Born as the UPS for the Bedrock control system, the Bedrock UPS.500 features powerful onboard electronics that enhance the performance advantages of lithium ion (Li-Ion) polymer battery technology, manage Bedrock’s patented Black Fabric deep authentication cyber protection, and enable secure Ethernet communications. A sealed NEMA4x aluminum housing provides protection from cyber tampering and enables use amidst the most challenging field installations.
“As industrial devices get more intelligent, they also become more vulnerable to disruption,” said Albert Rooyakkers, CTO and vice president of engineering for Bedrock Automation. “When we set out to redefine the industrial control system for the next generation of industrial operations, it was clear that we needed battery backup far more capable and elegant than anything currently on the market. By drawing on our deep process automation, electronics and cyber security expertise, we built the Bedrock UPS.500 and are pleased to offer it now for use with any control system,”
High performance in small footprint
The Bedrock UPS.500 provides 24 V DC 12Ah of power for any DCS, PLC, PAC or SCADA RTU application. An onboard secure microcontroller controls the Li-Ion polymer battery cell-by-cell, augmenting the high density, rapid charging, extreme temperature tolerance and extended life that characterizes Li-Ion technology. Compared to traditional systems using lead acid batteries, the Bedrock UPS.500 extracts all of the advantages of lithium energy storage, including extreme energy density and significant improvements in size, weight, and useful life. The UPS.500 recharges 10 times faster than conventional lead acid battery system.
“Brownouts and other power interruptions can result in costly lost production, jeopardize quality and even introduce safety hazards,” said ARC Analyst Mark Sen Gupta. “That is why companies invest so heavily in large backup systems, which can take up valuable floor space and require expensive air conditioning. But we don’t see this centralized model as compatible with the IIoT. We see a trend toward distributed units that use less energy, less space and are less susceptible to external forces. This is the need that Bedrock Automation is addressing by making its UPS available for general control applications.”
Embedded cyber protection
The UPS.500’s onboard electronics enable Bedrock Automation’s patented Black Fabric embedded deep trust ICS cybersecurity, which works transparently and instantly upon startup to manage Bedrock’s patented authentication process. This authentication strategy protects the hardware, firmware, software and communication of the UPS throughout its entire lifecycle.
Secure Ethernet
With the secure onboard microcontroller comes secure 10/100 Mbit Ethernet IPv4 and IPv6 communications and support for Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Embedded Web Server and embedded IEC 62541 - OPC Unified Architecture Server. Bi-directional communications enable control, diagnostics and status reporting. More than 35 diagnostic variables can be easily monitored, trended, alarmed and historicized via SCADA, enterprise and cloud applications securely.
Field ready
The UPS.500 is also rugged, shock- and vibration-proof and designed for use in extreme environments. Encased in a sealed aluminum housing, the UPS.500 is compliant with IP67 and NEMA 4X standards for resistance to water, ice, oil and dust. The sealed all aluminum case reduces installation costs by eliminating the need for separate environmental protection enclosures.
Pricing and availability
The Bedrock UPS will be available for delivery in June of 2016. The suggested US list price is $4000. Visit BedrockAutomation.com for more information.
