Riello UPS Helps Car Maker Stay Ahead Of Competition

Based in Hethel near Norwich, Norfolk, Lotus Cars is  renowned as one of Europe's foremost sports car    manufacturers. In addition to producing the world-beating Elise and Esprit models, Lotus is also a highly successful consultant to many other famous manufacturers. In fact, in 2002, 10% of the entire World's car production had engine designed with the help of Lotus.

Because all Lotus' project and manufacturing work has to be right first time, every time, any interruptions or inconsistencies in the mains power supply have to be taken very seriously. In fact, even the briefest hiccup in the power delivered to vital manufacturing equipment could well have disastrous and     potentially expensive consequences. Moreover, any interruptions in the power supply to the mainframe computers that Lotus uses for its design and consultancy work could cause undesirable data processing errors to occur.

Mindful of the risks that can be caused by breaks in the mains power supply, Lotus  approached Riello Galatrek. The brief was to specify and install a high capacity Uninterruptible Power System (UPS) and generator, capable of supporting Lotus' IT and comms equipment, should the power fail. Following the Riello Galatrek TEC Project manager's site visit and appraisal, the recommendation was to use one of Riello UPS’ highly acclaimed Master Dialog three phase units with a 60kVA capacity.

Every model in the Master Dialog range uses an innovative double-conversion on-line capability with a transformer isolated inverter output. This means that the load is powered continuously by the inverter, using a EMI filtered, stabilised and regulated sinewave supply, that makes the UPS ideal for LANs, servers, data centres, industrial equipment, comms devices and any application requiring the ultimate in reliable power protection.

Master Dialog provides Lotus with an outstanding long runtime solution for its critical IT and data processing applications, with the opportunity to extend back-up power to several hours duration using matching battery extension packs. As an alternative, users can choose to adopt the same solution as Lotus by specifying one of Riello UPS’ range of highly advanced auxiliary generator solutions. 

All Master Dialog models are supplied complete with Riello UPS’ multi-platform PowerShield² UPS monitoring and control software. This program displays real time information on critical UPS data such as mains voltage, UPS load and battery charge. It also allows remote interrogation of UPS logs and operating parameters, to enable easy diagnosis of potential alarm and fault conditions. PowerShield² can instigate an unattended, orderly shutdown of single and networked PCs. It also allows users to define their own shutdown procedures, and establish critical file server shutdown hierarchy.

For complete peace of mind, Lotus also specified the Riello UPService remote monitoring package. This monitors the UPS for any changes in operation, linking with the customer service team to offer round the clock diagnostics and support and enables Riello's service engineers to be on-site before a fault   situation becomes critical.

So, with Riello powering the wheels of innovation at Lotus, all its customers can be sure to receive the highest levels of service from this world-leading manufacturer.