Editor’s choice
POWER SUPPLY SOLUTIONS: WHY THE SUPPLIER MATTERS
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROVIDER A power supply product can only be considered a solution if it comprehensively fulfils the needs required of it. For this reason, cost and specification alone are insufficient criteria for making a purchase. With test and measurement tools evolving rapidly and the variety of power supply products expanding, the supplier’s approach, expertise and support become pivotal factors in the decision-making process. The key attributes that professionals need to prioritise when seeking a suitable supplier should be a customer-focused approach, extensive experience within the industry and in-depth expertise. While specification and price matter, an ideal solution can only be achieved when the supplier works closely with clients to meet their specific needs. This involves not only providing essential components, like power supplies or EMC filters, but also offering bespoke or adapted solutions for particular applications. Of course, the supplier needs the expertise, capability and inclination to develop these custom solutions.
EXPERIENCE AND INNOVATION The supplier's experience is also vital. A company with a long and successful history is likely to possess a deeper understanding of efficiency, compatibility, power capacity and voltage and current ratings. Such a company will
Precise test and measurement tools are vital for industry experts involved in the design, monitoring and optimisation of systems and equipment. Without them, it is almost impossible to identify problems and ensure that apparatus is safe, functional and efficient. Procuring an appropriate power supply is a prerequisite for such operations, however, this can be a taxing experience without the support of a knowledgeable and experienced supplier. Russell Parr, CEO of Sunpower, offers insights on the qualities industry professionals should seek in a power supply solutions provider.
also be capable of integrating top-quality components that ensure optimal performance, safe installation, effective thermal management and protection from voltage variability. Furthermore, a reliable supplier should meticulously adhere to compliance and testing standards, which are essential for test and monitoring specialists. Compliance with EMC standards should be a given, while a comprehensive range of assessments, including Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF), Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT), Highly Accelerated Test Screen (HASS), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), vibration, thermal modelling and salt spray testing are necessary to ensure that products meet the safety, performance and endurance standards expected by both the supplier and the clients. Excellence should not stop at the point of sale, however. Beyond the purchase, a commendable supplier, confident in the quality of its power supplies, will offer ongoing support throughout the product's lifespan, backed by extensive warranties. When selecting a supplier, the goal should always be to establish a long-term partnership - and there are a number of important advantages to doing this. A supplier that gets to know a customer over the long term will better understand their objectives and thus be in a position to offer more customised and effective solutions. Given the rapid advancement of technology and the increased focus on environmental concerns, power supplies will need to
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evolve accordingly. A forward-thinking supplier will already be developing innovative solutions with sustainability in mind. These are the advanced and environmentally friendly solutions that testing and monitoring professionals will need in the future.
Suppliers that are aiming to make power supplies more sustainable have adopted a number of innovative approaches. Firstly, they are seeking ways to incorporate recycled materials into products without impacting quality and they are also enhancing recyclability at the end of their products’ lifecycles. In addition, they are increasing energy efficiency and accommodating a broader range of renewable energy sources to lower carbon emissions. This includes developing remote performance monitoring for renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power. A proactive supplier will already be working on power supplies that address these future needs.
While choosing the right power supply can be a daunting process due to the vast range of options available, partnering with an established and trusted supplier like Sunpower simplifies this process. With over two decades of experience, Sunpower provides a wide range of solutions that are safe, reliable, efficient, cost- effective, sustainable and made from the highest quality components. Additionally, beyond out- of-the-box products, the company is an expert in providing tailored solutions designed to meet the needs of individual clients.
Sunpower
www.sunpower-uk.com January 2024 Instrumentation Monthly
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