In the News

September 15, 2000

Ultra-low maintenance nickel-cadmium batteries power emergency lighting systems at the CityPoint office development

960 Alcad Vantage ultra-low maintenance rechargeable batteries have been installed in the CityPoint building, a spectacular 41-storey new office development in Ropemaker Street, London, where they will power three static inverter systems supplied by Chloride Safety Systems to provide emergency lighting support.

The CityPoint building will offer nearly 52,000 square metres of high quality office accommodation above a large landscaped square, and includes two 12-storey galleria with six retail and restaurant units, a fitness centre and leisure area incorporating an eight-lane swimming pool. A skyline restaurant is also planned, offering breathtaking views over London.

Such is the number of lighting fittings in the building, the three inverters have been installed in the basement, 16th and 39th floors in order to achieve an even power distribution. Due to the large number of batteries, together with the sophisticated charging and changeover circuitry, each of the inverters weighed around three tonnes. Installing them required the use of one of the UK's largest cranes by the electrical contractors, Mathew Hall.

The central battery powered inverter systems installed in the CityPoint building are designed to provide up to three hours of reliable, continuous AC power for lighting and exit signage in the event of a normal supply failure. In order to meet their requirements for long battery life, low maintenance costs, maximum reliability, and minimum whole-life costs, Chloride Safety Systems decided that the inverters should be powered by Vantage nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries, as Alcad sales engineer, Trevor Maddocks, explains:

"At first sight, the selection of the Vantage nickel-cadmium batteries seems expensive as, when compared on a capacity basis, they have a higher initial purchase cost than Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries. But in this particular case Chloride Safety Systems was looking at the whole-life cost of ownership, including maintenance, testing and replacement, as well as administrative costs, and this is where the ultra-low cost design really comes into its own.

"For example, thanks to the combination of corrosion free construction and the tried and tested pocket plate technology the Vantage can continue to supply power for 20 years or longer. And, unlike lead acid batteries, there is no risk of 'sudden death' failure.

"In addition, no water filling is necessary during the 20 year service life because of the controlled recombination of gas which minimises water loss from the electrolyte. Vantage is also very durable, and can survive treatment which would destroy lead acid batteries. It can tolerate up to15 percent AC ripple and can be over-discharged or reversed without damage. Prolonged abusive overcharge can easily be compensated by refurbishment with water."

Alcad Vantage ultra-low maintenance batteries are available in capacities ranging from 5Ah to 476h. The batteries installed at the CityPoint building comprise: 303 off VN190 (190Ah), 338 off VN142 (142Ah) and 319 off VN238 (238Ah).

Press contacts:
Catharina Soderlund, Alcad.
Tel: +46 491 68100 Fax: +46 491 68110
Andrew Bartlett, Roger Staton Associates.
Tel: +44 (0) 1628 487222 Fax: +44 (0) 1628 487223

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