VOLTAGE STABILITY AND OPERATIONAL CONTINUITY: A STRATEGIC SUPPLY FOR A CENTRAL BANK IN EAST-CENTRAL AFRICA
In many African countries, power quality is challenged by load variations, evolving infrastructures and harsh environmental conditions. The result is voltage fluctuation, which affects the reliability and lifespan of electronic and electrical systems – from IT systems and security devices to control infrastructure.
When the application is mission-critical, such as a central bank, stable power supply is not a detail: it’s a business requirement. Voltage dips can cause service downtime, equipment stress and increased operational risk.
THE CUSTOMER’S CHOICE: SIRIUS ADVANCE WITH ADVANCED PROTECTION AND MAXIMUM ELECTRICAL SAFETY
To meet these challenges, the customer selected Sirius Advance, Ortea’s top-tier three-phase voltage stabiliser, in a configuration tailored for high reliability. Standard features include:
- Incoming circuit breaker
- By-pass switch with interlocked breaker
- Motorised output breaker
- Integrated automatic power factor correction
Additional enhancements:
- Isolation transformer for galvanic separation
- EMI/RFI filters to protect sensitive loads
- Additional circuit breakers tailored to input/output specifications
PRODUCT FOCUS: WHY SIRIUS ADVANCE IS BUILT FOR CRITICAL APPLICATIONS
Sirius Advance handles unbalanced loads and network disturbances with precision:
- Independent-phase regulation, output voltage accuracy ±0.5%
- Voltage settable via display, PC or Ethernet
- Load variation handling up to 100%
- No harmonic distortion introduced
- 10″ multilingual touch interface with VNC remote access
- Ethernet/USB/MODBUS connectivity
- Surge protection with SPD Class I (input) and II (output)
- Supercapacitors to restore optimal voltage after blackout
Remote monitoring and predictive maintenance features support installations in strategic or remote locations.
ORTEA: EXPERTISE, QUALITY AND RELIABILITY FOR MISSION-CRITICAL ENERGY
This project showcases Ortea’s approach: tailored power quality solutions, built around real site needs (network, loads, continuity). All equipment complies with CE directives and is certified ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001.
In critical environments like central banks, where power is a pillar of resilience, Sirius Advance with isolation and filters is the trusted answer.
FAQ
- Why does a central bank need a voltage stabilizer and not “just” a UPS?
A UPS protects against power outages and provides backup runtime for a limited period; a stabilizer like Sirius Advance instead addresses voltage quality when the grid is available but unstable (undervoltage, overvoltage, unbalance). In mission-critical environments, the two solutions are often complementary: the stabilizer reduces upstream stress and increases the reliability of the whole system. - What is the purpose of an isolation transformer in a configuration like this?
An isolation transformer provides galvanic separation between the grid and the loads, improving electrical safety and limiting the transfer of disturbances (especially common-mode) to sensitive equipment such as IT, security and control systems. It is a typical add-on when the goal is maximum operational resilience. - When does it make sense to add EMI/RFI filters?
EMI/RFI filters are recommended when high-frequency disturbances are present (or need to be prevented) and may affect sensitive devices and communications. In electrically “noisy” installations with critical loads, they help improve overall electromagnetic compatibility and system stability. - Which features make Sirius Advance suitable for critical applications?
Because it combines high regulation accuracy (independent phase control, ±0.5% accuracy), the ability to handle large load variations, advanced protections (input/output SPD, circuit breakers and interlocked by-pass), and connectivity for monitoring and remote support (Ethernet/USB/MODBUS, VNC access). Together, these elements increase continuity and controllability.
