Riello - Multipower
Riello Multi Power UPS: Modular Critical Power for KZN & South Africa
The Riello Multi Power is a three-phase modular UPS platform designed for facilities
where downtime is not acceptable under any circumstances. Hot-swappable power
modules mean individual components can be serviced or replaced while the system
continues to carry the critical load. No bypass. No exposure. No interruption.
MPEI installs, commissions, and maintains Riello Multi Power systems across KwaZulu-
Natal. We recently completed a 126kVA Multi Power installation for a 24/7 logistics
facility in Durban, a client whose operation has zero tolerance for maintenance bypass
events.
What Makes the Multi Power Different
Most three-phase UPS systems require a maintenance bypass to service any internal
component. During that bypass window, the critical load is connected directly to the
grid with no power conditioning and no battery protection. For many facilities that is
manageable. For a 24/7 operation, it is an unacceptable risk.
The Riello Multi Power solves this with a modular architecture. The system frame houses multiple independent power modules that share the total load equally between them. If one module develops a fault and drops out of service, the remaining modules
automatically absorb its share of the load without any interruption to the critical load.
The system keeps running. The failed module is flagged for replacement and swapped
out at a convenient time, hot, without bypass.
This automatic load sharing and failover capability is what separates the Multi Power
from conventional UPS platforms. It is not just a maintenance convenience. It is genuine
built-in redundancy at the module level.
Why a Load Study Is Not Optional?
The load sharing architecture creates a critical sizing consideration that is frequently
overlooked. If the system is sized exactly to its current load with no headroom, a single
module failure will cause the remaining modules to exceed their combined capacity. The system that was designed to protect the load becomes the source of the outage.
Correct MultiPower sizing requires a proper load study before the system is specified.
MPEI conducts on-site load studies to establish actual load measurements across all three phases, peak demand figures, power factor, load growth projections, and the
correct number of modules to achieve genuine N+1 or N+2 redundancy.
N+1 means one module can fail and the remaining modules carry the full load without
overloading. N+2 means two modules can fail simultaneously with the same result.
Which redundancy level is appropriate depends on the criticality of the load and the
client’s risk tolerance.
A Multi Power that looks correctly sized on paper but has not been through a proper load
study may be running with no real redundancy at all. The modules are strong and robust
by design, but no module recovers from being asked to carry more load than it was built
for.
MPEI sizes every Multi Power installation against measured load data, not estimates.
That is the only way to guarantee that the redundancy the system promises is the
redundancy it actually delivers.
For KZN facilities running continuous operations, the Multi Power is the correct
platform, provided it is sized correctly from the start.
The Riello Multi Power Specifications Overview
Power range: scalable from base configuration to 200kVA and beyond depending on
frame size and module count
Topology: online double conversion
Input power factor: greater than 0.99
Output power factor: 0.9
Efficiency: up to 96% in double conversion, up to 99% in eco mode
Hot-swap power modules: yes, without system shutdown
Parallel capability: yes, for increased capacity or redundancy
Battery management: advanced, with configurable charge parameters
Monitoring: SNMP, potential-free contacts, Modbus, optional external monitoring
cards
Riello Multi Power Services in KZN
MPEI supplies and installs Riello Multi Power systems across
KwaZulu-Natal and SouthAfrica. Every installation includes full system commissioning, battery bank
testing, load verification, and handover documentation. We size the system correctly for your load profile and future growth requirements before a single cable is run.
Preventive Maintenance Scheduled on-site maintenance covering power module
condition assessment, capacitor and cooling fan inspection, battery terminal torque
verification, firmware check, and full written service report. Annual or biannual intervals
depending on site criticality.
Battery Impedance Testing The Multi Power battery bank requires structured
monitoring to maintain system reliability. MPEI conducts per-cell impedance testing of
the full battery string using the Hioki BT3554. Every battery receives a pass, warning, or
fail classification. Written report delivered within 48 hours of the site visit.
Power Module Replacement Hot-swap module replacement without bypass. The
critical load remains protected throughout the replacement procedure.
Emergency Callout Same-day emergency response across Durban and KZN for alarm
conditions, module faults, battery failures, and system events. 24/7 availability.
SLA Maintenance Contracts Structured service level agreements for facilities
requiring scheduled maintenance, priority emergency response, and documented
service history. Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers available depending on response time
requirements and scope of cover.
Battery Bank Maintenance for Multi Power Systems
A Riello Multi Power installation typically carries a significant battery bank. The 126kVA
system MPEI recently commissioned runs 40 x 100Ah VRLA batteries. In KZN’s
operating environment, with continuous float charge, regular load shedding discharge
cycles, and ambient temperature variation, batteries degrade faster than the nameplate
cycle life suggests.
Reactive battery management, replacing batteries after a failure event, is not an
appropriate strategy for a mission-critical system. By the time a battery fails under load,
the damage to the critical load has already occurred.
MPEI recommends annual impedance testing for all Multi Power battery banks. The test
is conducted on-site with no system downtime, every cell is measured individually, and
the written report gives you a clear picture of which batteries are healthy, which are
approaching end of life, and which require immediate replacement.
SLA maintenance contract, with scheduled
annual battery impedance testing and priority emergency response included.
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Serving KwaZulu-Natal
MPEI is based in Durban and provides Riello Multi Power service across the full KZN
province including Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay, Empangeni, Newcastle, Port
Shepstone, and surrounding areas. Out-of-province service is available on request.
Request a Quote or Service Visit
Phone: 031 100 2679 Cell: 078 515 4731 Email: service@powerinfrastructure.co.za
Online: Request a site assessment
Mtshali Power Electronics & Infrastructure (MPEI) is a Durban-based critical power and
infrastructure specialist. Level 1 B-BBEE. KwaZulu-Natal and SADC region
