UPS for Air Warfare Destroyers

APC Technology design, manufacture, test and supply UPS project.

APC Technology successfully designed, manufactured, tested, and supplied custom uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems for the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) program. Following the successful delivery of rugged computing solutions for the P3 Orion project, APC Technology secured a contract through Raytheon Australia in July 2013 to provide UPS systems for the AWD fit-out project. 

The project involved the development of highly reliable UPS solutions designed to maintain continuous power to critical onboard systems, including communication and information networks, COMCEN systems, and audio-visual equipment used throughout the ships. 

Custom UPS Design Requirements

One of the major requirements outlined in the project RFQ was the need for a UPS system capable of achieving efficiency levels above 90% while producing minimal heat emissions. After conducting extensive research into existing UPS products available in the market, APC Technology identified that no off-the-shelf solution could fully satisfy the project specifications.

As a result, APC Technology chose to engineer and manufacture a fully customised solution. This led to the development of two compact and high-performance systems:

• 3RU 3KVA UPS solution
• 2RU 1KVA UPS solution

At the time of development, these units delivered world-leading performance for their size. The solutions also incorporated lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery technology, which was considered cutting-edge before becoming more widely adopted across the industry.

Advantages of LiFePO4 Battery Technology

The LiFePO4 battery packs used within the UPS systems provided several operational and safety advantages. One of the key benefits was the constant discharge voltage, which simplified voltage regulation circuitry and improved overall system safety.

Compared to standard lithium-ion batteries, LiFePO4 batteries also offered:

• Longer cycle life
• Slower capacity loss over time
• Improved reliability for mission-critical applications
• Enhanced operational stability

These features made the battery technology highly suitable for demanding defence and naval environments where reliability and long-term performance are essential.

Services and Products Provided

APC Technology managed the complete delivery process for the UPS project, including:

• System design
• Product certification
• Prototype development
• Manufacturing
• Comprehensive testing

The project delivery schedule was completed within 12 months from the effective start date. APC Technology supplied approximately 100 UPS units consisting of:

• 3RU high-power 3kW UPS systems
• 2RU low-power 1kW UPS systems

Long-Term Partnership with Raytheon Australia

APC Technology has maintained a working relationship with Raytheon Australia for more than eight years, with collaboration increasing as the partnership developed over time.

Raytheon Australia acknowledged APC Technology’s performance throughout the Air Warfare Destroyer program, highlighting the company’s strong customer focus, collaborative approach, and commitment to delivering successful project outcomes.

The company was also recognised for its ability to resolve complex technical challenges and take ownership of issues that arose during the development of the custom UPS products. This contribution played a significant role in the success of both the CIS project and the broader AWD program.

As a result of this successful partnership, APC Technology was later contracted to provide solutions for the SEA 1654 AOR project as a supplier to Raytheon Australia.

Key Features of the UPS Systems

The custom UPS solutions developed for the Air Warfare Destroyer program included the following features:

• Dual conversion online UPS technology
• Adjustable charge capability
• Input range of 100 to 270VAC, 47Hz to 63Hz
• Output of 230VAC 60Hz ±0.1%
• Power factor greater than 0.96
• Support for loads with a power factor of 0.85 or higher
• Battery management and charging for LiFePO4 battery packs
• Operating temperature range of 0°C to 50°C
• System indicators including:
  • Sounder
  • Output available
  • Battery charged
  • Battery depleted
  • Battery 50%
  • Charging
  • Hold up

Sources

• APC press release issued October 2013 – “APC develops new UPS”
• Information from APC UPS datasheet – available on request
• Quote sourced from APC press release issued October 2018 – “APC Technology Win Contract to Supply Radio Opera to Raytheon Australia”