Description
Detailed Parameter Table
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
| Product Model | NPBU-42C |
| Manufacturer | ABB |
| Product Category | Network Power Backup Unit |
| Input Voltage | 48 VDC nominal (40–60 VDC range) |
| Backup Output | 48 VDC regulated (±1%) |
| Current Capacity | 100A continuous (200A peak, 10s) |
| Energy Storage | Supercapacitor bank (1200F) |
| Hold-up Time | 150ms @ full load (configurable) |
| Transition Time | <500µs during grid failure |
| Communication | Dual-redundant S+ Bus, MODBUS TCP |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +70°C (derating above 60°C) |
| Certifications | UL 61800-5-1, IEC 62443-3-3, IEEE 1613 |
| MTBF | >1,000,000 hours |
| Parallel Operation | Up to 4 units N+1/N+2 |
ABB NPBU-42C
Product Introduction
The ABB NPBU-42C is an advanced network power backup unit engineered for ABB’s Symphony® Plus distributed control systems, delivering mission-critical power continuity for industrial automation networks. Unlike conventional UPS systems, this unit utilizes supercapacitor-based energy storage to provide instantaneous 48VDC backup power during grid interruptions, protecting controllers like SDCS-CON-6 from unexpected shutdowns. Designed specifically for power generation and transmission applications, the NPBU-42C integrates with ABB’s S800 I/O racks and Harmony controllers to maintain system integrity during voltage sags, swells, or complete blackouts.
Its core function bridges power gaps between primary source failure and generator start-up, enabling graceful shutdown or sustained operation of safety-critical processes. The ABB NPBU-42C actively monitors input quality, automatically engaging its 100A output within 500 microseconds when anomalies exceed configured thresholds. With cyber-secure communication protocols and ruggedized construction, it serves as the last line of defense for grid substations, turbine control cabinets, and pipeline SCADA systems where milliseconds of power loss could trigger catastrophic failures.
Core Advantages and Technical Highlights
Ultra-Fast Power Transition: Leveraging supercapacitor technology, the NPBU-42C achieves <500µs switchover – 200x faster than traditional battery UPS. This prevents controller reboots during brownouts, maintaining process continuity in steel mill rolling stands or paper machine drives.
Intelligent Load Management: Predictive algorithms calculate discharge curves based on real-time load (10A–100A). The unit prioritizes critical loads during extended outages, shedding non-essential circuits via integrated contactor control signals.
Extreme Environment Resilience: Rated for -40°C cold starts without heaters, the hermetically sealed supercapacitors withstand 98% humidity and 5g vibration. Conformal coating meets ISA-71.04 G3 severity for corrosive environments.
Cybersecurity by Design: Hardware-enforced IEC 62443-3-3 compliance includes secure boot, firmware signing, and role-based access control. Communication channels use AES-256 encryption between NPBU-42C and control processors.
Typical Application Scenarios
In thermal power plant burner management systems, the ABB NPBU-42C sustains flame scanner controllers during grid disturbances. Its 150ms hold-up allows fuel valve sequencing to complete, preventing furnace implosions while backup generators synchronize.
For offshore HVDC converter platforms, the unit bridges 48VDC power during lightning-induced transients. Supercapacitors immune to temperature swings maintain reliability where lithium batteries fail. The NPBU-42C‘s parallel capability (N+2) ensures redundancy for critical I/O racks monitoring thyristor temperatures.
In hydroelectric governor control, it provides ride-through capability during turbine runaway events. The ABB NPBU-42C‘s 200A peak current briefly powers servo motors to close guide vanes, avoiding overspeed disintegration when main power fails.
Related Model Recommendations
SDCS-POW-4S: Primary 48VDC supply with active PFC; charges NPBU-42C
SDCS-CON-6: High-integrity controller; protected by NPBU-42C during outages
NPBU-MON-42: Health monitoring module; tracks supercapacitor ESR for NPBU-42C
SDCS-RLY-4S: Safety relay; executes load shedding commanded by NPBU-42C
NPBU-BP42: Bypass cabinet; enables maintenance of NPBU-42C without downtime
S+ PWR MGMT: Software suite for optimizing NPBU-42C discharge strategies
ABB NPBU-42C
Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions
Installation preparation: Ensure reinforced floor mounting (35kg weight). Verify input DC source impedance <0.1Ω. Use 95mm² copper cables for main terminals (torque 12 N·m). Maintain 100mm clearance for airflow. Pre-charge supercapacitors via AUX port before energizing.
Maintenance suggestions: Quarterly verify hold-up time with calibrated load bank. Annually measure supercapacitor ESR via diagnostic port (should be <15mΩ). Replace cooling fans at 60,000 hours. Use ABB’s S+ Power Manager for predictive health reports – replace unit when capacitance drops below 80%. Never expose to oils or solvents.
Service and Guarantee Commitment
ABB provides a 5-year warranty for the NPBU-42C, including supercapacitor degradation coverage. Global critical response teams deliver 24/7 support with 4-hour remote diagnostics and 24-hour on-site service for priority sites.
Lifecycle commitment extends to 2040 with guaranteed spare availability. Customers receive complimentary firmware updates enhancing cybersecurity and load management algorithms. All modules undergo 1,000-cycle endurance testing with full performance validation reports compliant with IEEE 1188 standards.
