Medical Construction & Design

SEP-OCT 2017

Medical Construction & Design (MCD) is the industry's leading source for news and information and reaches all disciplines involved in the healthcare construction and design process.

Issue link: https://mcdmag.epubxp.com/i/871544

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 63 of 78

uninterruptible power during a power loss, as well as gain the specifi c benefi ts described above. How fl ywheel works Flywheel UPS systems can trace their development back to defense purposes served during World War II. Flywheel power storage systems using mechanical bearings came into production roughly in 2000. Rather than using stored chemical energy as a battery would, a fl ywheel uses the stored rotational energy from a spinning mass. In the event of a power interruption, energy is extracted from the mass, providing suffi cient emergency power prior to the standby power source kicking in. A fl ywheel operates like a motor, absorbing energy from the electrical distribution system to rotate a shaft. Upon loss of power, the rotating shaft continues to spin due to inertia. The rotational inertia seamlessly transforms the fl ywheel from a motor into a Houston Methodist Hospital Employs Flywheel Technology to Support UPS Needs Houston Methodist Hospital has adopted fl ywheel technology into its electrical infrastructure to support UPS needs in its ongoing North Tower project in the Texas Medical Center. At 902,000 square feet and 390 patient beds, the tower has a large quantity of essential care and non-patient care loads that demand UPS. To minimize the required fl oor space needed and to bet- ter align with the hospital's needs, multiple fl ywheel UPS systems are being installed. Upon completion, the hospital will have two independent UPS distribution systems supporting a variety of loads. The fi rst is an N+1 confi guration of three 750 kW fl ywheels, supporting such extra-low- voltage systems as nurse call, security, technology and data systems and build- ing systems. This system is modular in design and can be expanded in the future. The second is a 300 kW fl ywheel dedicated to hospital operating rooms. generator, keeping the downstream electrical power distribution system energized long enough for an emergency generator to come online. Choosing between battery and fl ywheel UPS For any facility, the benefi ts and costs of technologies must be weighed to determine the best approach to a successful design. ROI for a fl ywheel system compared to a traditional battery UPS is as short as three years, but what may be appropriate for one end user may not fi t the needs of another. Key considerations for a UPS system utilizing fl ywheel technology include: Rendering: EYP Health A-1083-0817 ©2017 LATICRETE International, Inc. All trademarks shown are the intellectual properties of their respective owners. A product brand of LATICRETE International, Inc. Doc t o r s ' O ffice s Waiting R ooms High Traffic Areas Operating Roo m s g P a ti e nt Roo m s B a t h r oo m s A Silver Ion, Antimicrobial Coating for Demanding Floors. www.laticrete.com l 866.966.1329 Q Mitigates microbial growth Q Fast return to service Q Dozens of colors and textures Q Safe, high traction flooring Q Easy maintenance SPARTACOTE ™ FLEX PURE ™ Clinical Plus

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Medical Construction & Design - SEP-OCT 2017