When it comes time to evaluate where your power supply will be used, what determines an extreme environment? An extreme environment will prove challenging for some standard power supplies, and you’ll need to know when it is time to look for something more robust and ruggedized or consider a custom power supply.
Below is a quick overview of what can be classified as an extreme environment in the power supply world. Extreme environments can be determined by:
- Extreme Temperatures
- The standard operating temperature range for a power supply is -40°C to +85°C range. High heat above +85°C and freezing environments below -40°C can cause a major threat to a power supply. An environment that is too hot can cause rapid degradation of components and lead to failure, while extreme cold can cause components to become less conductive. If the power supply you need will be used in one of these extreme temperature ranges, look for a wide temperature power supply that features operating temperatures outside of the standard -40°C to +85°C range.
- High Humidity
- An environment with high moisture can also cause malfunction or complete system failure. These will typically be environments like ships, greenhouses, or outdoor applications exposed to the elements. If your power supply will be used in an environment with high humidity or moisture or in a wet and damp application it will need to be sealed in order to protect it.
- Frequent Shock and Vibration
- High levels of shock and vibration are typically seen in applications such as heavy machinery and vehicle power solutions. Shock and vibration can cause major stress on internal components and can lead to mechanical failure. An extreme environment like this will require a ruggedized component that has specialized mounting, shock absorbing materials, and resistant coatings. Many industrial power supplies offer protection against shock and vibration, but sometimes a custom power supply will to be considered depending on requirements.
- Dust and Contaminants
- Dust and contaminants, such as sand, pose a huge threat to power supplies. These factors are typically present in outdoor and industrial settings and can cause eventual mechanical failure.
All of these factors can be indicative of an extreme environment and the need for an adequate power supply that can withstand the risks posed. Some standard power supplies will feature specifications that will help protect against these extremes, but sometimes a COTS supply will not be able to meet the high demands of such environments. When that is the case, a custom or modified power supply will be needed to meet all of the necessary requirements.
One example of a power source Wall designed for an extreme environment is the custom converter we created for use in a military grade defibrillator. The supply that was needed had to be fully operational across land, air or sea, with a chance of exposure to high temperatures and other extreme conditions that are usually encountered in military contexts. The supply also had to be protected against frequent shock and vibration that it would likely face in these extreme environments it would be used in.
The Wall team was able to deliver a converter that held up under these harsh conditions, offered a wide input range, and met the stringent requirements of both medical and military safety certifications. It was approved not only to to the EN 60601-1 3rd edition medical standard, but also to the DO-160 military aircraft standard.
Wall Industries is committed to engineering and manufacturing excellence in even the most challenging environments. Get in touch to discuss how we can help with your next project.
For more information on designing power supplies for extreme environments, check out our white paper.
