Universal Power Supply: One Module for All Configurations

A few years ago, we were still developing electronic modules with specific transformers according to the power supply of each device. Therefore, we had to design the same product for each type of power supply and assemble it in 6 different ways:

• 110-120 Vac
• 208 Vac or three-phased
• 220 Vac (Europe 50 Hz)
• 240 Vac
• 347 Vac
• 480 Vac

During a meeting with a lighting management specialist working for the city of Mexico, we realized the importance of creating an integrated module with a universal power supply. In fact, countries such as Mexico, where voltage variations are significant, have very little support for electronic systems with transformers specific to a given power supply. In other words, our electronic systems would not survive well in these conditions. The idea of creating an integrated module with a universal power supply was therefore logically desirable.

Universal Power Supply: A Cutting-Edge Solution

After more than a year and a half of research and development, in 2015, our team of engineers succeeded in creating the new universal power supply design that operates at any voltage between 100 and 527 volts, 50 Hz. or 60 Hz. This is the widest voltage range ever offered on the market.

This original, innovative and daring idea allowed us to reduce failures due to voltage fluctuations and especially breakages caused by overvoltage. Of course, there was a cost to manufacturing such a power supply, but the advantages for the customer quickly became undeniable. In electronics, price is very much influenced by production volume. In addition, having to produce only one SKU allows us to optimise our supply chain and manufacturing operations. Customers streamline their supply by having only one model to choose from.

Tangible Benefits for City Street Lights

We noticed that many city managers don’t know exactly how many streetlights they manage or what their respective power supply voltage is. The use of universal power supply eliminates the tedious exercise of inventorying luminaries according to power circuits, greatly facilitates the planning phase during installation and the purchasing process. It also limits installation errors (a node connected to the wrong voltage will be instantly broken and out of warranty). As a result, integrated modules offering universal power create significant savings at the installation stage of a project. Indeed, the installer cannot choose the wrong product depending on the power supply voltage: there is only one product to install! The efficiency, scalability, robustness and ease of use of a system may come at a cost. However, when compared to other cheaper systems, we see that they do have higher costs in terms of maintenance, durability and inventory since it is necessary to return regularly to replace the installed products. The installers avoid keeping multiple models of equipment in their warehouses and on the go.

Canada offers a particular voltage to industrial-type consumers: 347 V (600 V three-phased). Few suppliers have mastered this network. In the United States, there is a need in the commercial sector for modules capable of handling 480 V. In Europe, it is rather the frequency that is different (50 Hz). Dimonoff covers all of these situations, with a single SKU, which is undeniably a competitive advantage and peace of mind for our customers.

Easy International Implementation

Mexico was a great inspiration for us in realizing the needs of cities for universal power systems. The importance of a well-orchestrated inventory management (quantity of the ”SKU”) and the excessive number of breakages pushed us to implement this system in all Dimonoff products and solutions.

As a result of this technological breakthrough and the high reliability of our systems, we recently partnered with the Mexican government to install three smart lighting pilot projects in several Mexican cities over the next 12 months. Organized by the Mexican National Commission for the Efficient Use of Energy (CONUEE), this large-scale project was set up with the objective of developing a smart electrical system for Mexico and testing new technologies that would generate future savings in energy consumption and maintenance costs.

In conclusion, the use of a universal power supply offers you the possibility to have a larger number of power supply types connected. In addition, it allows for a more durable scalability and a more interesting quality/price ratio in the long run.