Beatrice Lang
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems are essential for businesses, organisations, and individuals who require an uninterrupted power supply. Power outages can lead to data loss, equipment damage, and productivity loss. While UPS systems are designed to provide a backup power supply during power outages, they also raise concerns about increased electricity consumption. The energy efficiency of a UPS system is a key factor in evaluating its electricity usage, as the conversion process from AC to DC power and back can result in energy loss and higher costs. Some newer or more expensive UPS units feature high-frequency designs that eliminate the need for large transformers, while others offer dual conversion efficiency of up to 97.5%, reducing operating costs and environmental impact. However, factors such as battery age, voltage, and load capacity can also influence the overall efficiency and electricity consumption of UPS systems.
Does running a UPS cost more electricity?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Energy efficiency | The Vertiv Liebert APM2 300-600kVA UPS has a dual conversion efficiency of up to 97.5% |
| Energy efficiency | The HUAWEI 2000-A series 6kva 10kva Tower type online UPS has an efficiency of up to 96% |
| Energy efficiency | The Delta Amplon N series 6/10kVA UPS has an overall efficiency of 95% |
| Power consumption | A UPS can increase power consumption by almost 40% |
| Power consumption | A UPS consumes an additional 100w when actively charging the battery |
| Power consumption | A UPS with an old battery will require more effort and time to charge and thus consume more electricity compared to a new one |
| Power consumption | A UPS can consume about 120 watts while charging |
| Power consumption | A UPS can consume about 20 watts after the battery is charged |
| Power consumption | A UPS can consume about 60-70 watts at idle |
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What You'll Learn
Energy efficiency of UPS systems
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems are essential for businesses, organisations, and individuals who require an uninterrupted power supply. UPS systems provide a backup power supply during outages, ensuring that critical applications continue to run.
The energy efficiency of UPS systems is a critical consideration, as it directly impacts electricity consumption and costs. UPS systems are designed to convert AC power to DC power and then back to AC power, resulting in energy losses during the conversion process. Therefore, improving the efficiency of UPS units can lead to both ecological and economic advantages.
There are several ways to maximise the energy efficiency of UPS systems:
- Regular maintenance: UPS systems require regular maintenance to ensure optimum performance and energy efficiency. Consumable parts need to be inspected and replaced, and issues affecting energy efficiency, such as overload and high temperatures, should be monitored and addressed promptly.
- Modular UPS systems: Upgrading to a modular UPS system can improve energy efficiency by allowing data centre operators to add UPS capacity in proportion to the growth of their IT load. This helps to maintain a high load factor, which is more energy-efficient.
- Eco/bypass mode: Some UPS systems feature an "eco mode" or "bypass mode" that improves efficiency by allowing utility power to bypass the rectifier and inverter, eliminating losses from these circuits. However, this mode may come with trade-offs in performance or reliability, so it is important to consult with the UPS provider before enabling it.
- Right-sizing: Ensuring that the UPS power system and load profile are appropriately sized for the load requirements can help optimise energy efficiency. Older UPS systems may experience significant efficiency losses when operating below 70-80% of capacity, while modern systems can maintain high efficiency even at lower loads.
- ENERGY STAR-certified models: Selecting UPS models that are ENERGY STAR-certified can help reduce energy losses by up to 30-55%. These models are designed to save energy without compromising performance or incurring additional costs.
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Energy loss during AC-DC conversion
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are used to provide backup power to computers and other equipment in the event of a power failure. The UPS system converts AC power to DC power, which is then converted back to AC power to run the equipment. This conversion process can result in energy loss, which may lead to higher electricity consumption.
The efficiency of a UPS system's AC-DC conversion depends on its design and quality. High-quality converters can typically convert AC power to DC power and back to AC power with an efficiency rate of around 85-90%. However, there might be energy losses due to heat, wiring, and other electronic components in the system.
For example, the Vertiv Liebert Industry series UPS products are designed with advanced control technology and power electronic conversion technology, offering dual conversion efficiency of up to 97.5%. This high efficiency significantly saves operating costs and reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO) and environmental impact. Similarly, the Delta Amplon N series UPS provides an overall efficiency of 95%, helping to reduce the total cost of ownership of the system.
The use of UPS systems with high conversion efficiency can help mitigate the potential energy loss during the AC-DC-AC conversion process. However, it is important to note that the overall energy consumption of a UPS system depends on various factors, including the power quality, load, and operating conditions.
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Cost-saving UPS products
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems are essential for businesses, organisations, and individuals who require an uninterrupted power supply. UPS systems provide a backup power supply during outages, ensuring that critical applications continue to run.
However, UPS systems are known to consume a lot of electricity due to the conversion process from AC to DC power and back to AC power, which can result in energy loss. This has led to the development of cost-saving UPS products that aim to reduce energy consumption and lower electricity costs.
One such example is the Vertiv Liebert Industry series UPS, which offers advanced control technology and power electronic conversion technology. The Vertiv Liebert APM2 300-600kVA model boasts a dual conversion efficiency of up to 97.5% significantly reducing operating costs and the total cost of ownership.
Another cost-saving UPS product is the HUAWEI 2000-A series 6kva 10kva Tower type online UPS, which delivers continuous, high-quality AC power with up to 96% efficiency, helping save up to 50% in energy costs.
The Delta Amplon RT series UPS is also a notable cost-saving UPS product. It provides powerful power protection in a compact 2U size, with a pure sine wave output that supplies pure electrical energy to the load. The Amplon N series 6/10kVA model, in particular, has an overall efficiency of 95%, effectively reducing the total cost of ownership.
Lastly, CyberPower offers a range of energy-saving UPS systems, with their GreenPower UPS™ technology reducing UPS power consumption and electricity bills. Their CyberPower UT1050EG UPS model, for instance, can reduce energy consumption by up to 93% and save up to $35 per year.
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Power consumption of UPS at idle
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems are essential for those who require an uninterrupted power supply. However, the power consumption of UPS systems is a concern for many. UPS systems are designed to convert AC power to DC power and then back to AC power, which can result in energy loss and higher electricity consumption.
The power consumption of a UPS system at idle can vary depending on various factors, including the specific UPS model, its efficiency, and the number of batteries connected. Some UPS products with Energy Star certification have published power consumption data, which generally falls within the 2 to 5-watt range.
For example, the SUA5000RMI5U UPS model has an online thermal dissipation spec of 430 BTU/hr, which translates to around 125 watts. Considering an efficiency of 96%, this UPS model would consume approximately 150 to 160 watts at full load.
Another example is the SUA1500RM2U UPS model, which has a watt capacity of 980 watts and a battery charger power of 144 watts. Its efficiency at full load is 95%.
It is worth noting that the number of connected batteries does not affect the UPS charger power. However, more batteries will result in a longer charging time. Additionally, the power consumption of a UPS system can be influenced by the presence of fans, which require electrical energy to spin.
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UPS battery age and charging
The lifespan of a UPS battery depends on several factors, including the environment, number of discharges, and operating temperature. Most UPS batteries should last between three and five years. Lead-acid batteries, for example, typically last three years.
Temperature plays a significant role in battery degradation. Elevated temperatures reduce the longevity of a UPS battery. As a general rule, every 8° C (15° F) rise in temperature will halve the battery's life. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain an operating temperature between 20-25° C (68-77° F) for optimal performance. Additionally, the ambient temperature during storage is crucial. If the temperature is between -15° C and +30° C (+5° F and +86° F), a full recharge cycle should be performed at least every six months. For higher temperatures, between +30° C and +45° C (+86° F and +113° F), the recharge cycle should be carried out at least every three months.
The load on the UPS unit also affects battery life. It is recommended not to exceed 80% of the UPS unit's rated capacity. Overloading the UPS can lead to a rapid discharge during a power failure, potentially reducing the battery's life expectancy.
Prolonged charging and short discharging times can be indicators that a UPS battery needs replacement. If a battery is taking longer than usual to charge or is discharging quickly, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan. Additionally, batteries over five years old should be replaced to prevent erratic performance.
To optimise the life expectancy of a UPS battery, it is advisable to replace it within five years, as VRLA batteries have an end-of-life of five years. Regular maintenance and firmware updates can also help identify any issues and ensure access to the latest battery-related improvements.
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Frequently asked questions
Running a UPS does cost more electricity as UPS systems are designed to convert AC power to DC power, which is then converted back to AC power. This conversion process can result in energy loss, which may lead to higher electricity consumption.
Yes, the age of the battery can impact electricity consumption. Older batteries will require more effort and time to charge and thus consume more electricity compared to newer batteries.
Yes, there are some UPS products that are designed with energy efficiency in mind. For example, the Vertiv Liebert APM2 300-600kVA UPS has a dual conversion efficiency of up to 97.5%significantly save operating costs. Similarly, the Delta Amplon N series UPS has an overall efficiency of 95%reducing the total cost of ownership of the system.
