Wiktor Wise
In today's world, we rely on the immediate availability of countless services, and any interruption to our electricity supply can be disruptive and costly. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that provides emergency power when the main power source fails. UPS systems are present in places such as data centres, hospitals, office buildings, and transport infrastructures, where they ensure the continuity of electrical services during power failures. UPS technology varies, but all systems have the same purpose: to protect critical infrastructure from power fluctuations and provide backup power to prevent damage, data loss, and downtime.
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What You'll Learn
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is an electrical device that provides emergency power to a load when the main power source fails. UPS systems are important as they protect devices from power problems and prevent damage, data loss, and downtime. UPS systems are especially useful for devices that can lose data when power is unexpectedly lost, such as computer systems, data servers, and networking equipment. UPS systems are also used in settings with mission-critical equipment, such as medical and laboratory systems, as well as industrial devices.
There are three basic types of UPS systems: online double conversion, line-interactive, and offline (also called standby or battery backup). Online UPS systems use a technology called double conversion to provide the highest level of protection by isolating equipment from raw utility power and converting power from AC to DC and back to AC. This makes online UPS systems ideal for devices that are very sensitive to power quality. Line-interactive UPS systems maintain the inverter in line and redirect the battery's DC current path from the normal charging mode to supplying current when power is lost. Offline UPS systems are a cost-effective choice and are suitable for devices requiring lower power capacity, such as small offices, personal home computers, and other less critical applications.
UPS systems can use different types of energy storage, including rechargeable batteries, kinetic energy stored in heavy rotating flywheels, and fuel. The more energy stored in the UPS system, the longer the backup power can be maintained. UPS systems also vary in terms of the number of electrical phases they receive and transmit, with single-phase and three-phase UPS systems being the most common. Outdoor UPS systems may be pole, ground (pedestal), or host-mounted, and may include additional features such as a battery heater mat or a fan system to cope with extreme temperatures.
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UPS as emergency power
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is an electrical device that provides emergency power when the main power source fails. UPS systems are designed to protect against power loss or issues with power quality, such as unsafe changes in voltage output. UPS units are particularly useful for preventing damage, data loss, and downtime in devices that can lose data when power is unexpectedly lost, such as computer systems, data servers, and industrial devices. They are also used in settings with mission-critical equipment, including medical and laboratory systems.
UPS systems are available in a range of capacities and configurations to meet specific requirements. They can be differentiated by the number of electrical phases they receive and transmit, with single-phase UPS for smaller power consumers and three-phase UPS for larger power consumers. UPS systems can also be categorised as on-line, line-interactive, or standby. On-line UPS systems offer the highest level of protection by isolating equipment from raw utility power and are ideal for sensitive equipment. Line-interactive UPS is similar to standby UPS but includes a multi-tap variable-voltage autotransformer to adjust the output voltage. Standby UPS provides basic features such as surge protection and battery backup.
The size of the battery in a UPS system determines how long it can provide power, while the inverter determines the amount of power it can output, typically measured in volt-amperes (VA) or watts (W). UPS systems with larger batteries can provide extended backup power, making them suitable for longer power outages. For example, the CyberPower CP900AVR can keep essential gear running for up to four hours during a blackout, while the CyberPower CP1350AVRLCD3 offers even higher output and runtime.
UPS systems can also be combined with other power sources to enhance their capabilities. For instance, dynamic uninterruptible power supplies (DUPS) can be integrated with a diesel generator to form a diesel rotary uninterruptible power supply (DRUPS). This combination provides a longer reserve running time or capacity, making it suitable for applications requiring more than 10,000 W of protection. By using a transmission gearbox, the rotational inertia of the flywheel in a DRUPS can directly start a diesel engine, which can then spin the flywheel to maintain power.
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UPS system types
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is an electrical device that provides emergency power to a load when the main power source fails. UPS systems are typically used in settings pertaining to computer systems, data servers, industrial devices, or in settings with mission-critical equipment, such as medical and laboratory systems. UPS systems are also used to protect networking equipment and other devices that can lose data when power is unexpectedly lost.
There are three major types of UPS system configurations: online double conversion, line-interactive, and offline (also called standby and battery backup). These UPS systems are defined by how power moves through the unit.
Online double conversion UPS systems use a technology called double conversion to provide the highest level of protection by isolating equipment from raw utility power, converting power from AC to DC and back to AC. This type of UPS protects the critical load from virtually all power disturbances, including subtle harmonics and waveform distortion. Online UPS systems provide the most precise regulation of output voltage and the strongest protection against abnormal input voltage, making them ideal for devices that are especially sensitive to power quality.
Line-interactive UPS systems rely on the battery to condition power, so this type tends to drain its battery more frequently than online UPS systems that condition power through the double-conversion process. When AC input power fails, the unit’s transfer switch opens and the power flows from the battery to the UPS output. Line-interactive UPS systems are typically used in rackmount applications below 5000VA and are ideal for applications that require higher-quality power or are more critical to your business, such as control systems or network equipment.
Standby (offline) UPS is the simplest type of uninterruptible power supply. During normal operation, the load is directly connected to the utility voltage through a transfer switch, allowing it to pass through unconditioned. As the power passes through, there is no voltage or frequency regulation, but there is typically some form of surge suppression that can provide protection against voltage spikes. Standby UPS is usually sized under 2kVA and can serve as a simple solution for customers requiring a low-power and low-cost option.
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UPS applications
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is an electrical device that provides emergency power when the main power source fails. It is used to protect equipment from damage in the event of a power failure. UPS systems are typically used in settings pertaining to computer systems, data servers, or industrial devices, as well as in settings with mission-critical equipment, such as medical and laboratory systems. UPS applications are diverse and can be found in a wide range of industries.
One of the primary applications of UPS systems is in data centres. Data centres require a reliable and uninterrupted power supply to ensure the continuous operation of their computer systems and data storage devices. A UPS system provides emergency power during power outages, preventing data loss and system disruptions.
UPS systems are also commonly used in the healthcare industry, particularly in hospitals and medical laboratories. Medical equipment, such as patient monitoring systems, diagnostic devices, and life-support systems, require a constant and stable power supply. UPS systems ensure that sensitive medical equipment remains operational during power failures, helping to maintain patient safety and critical care services.
In industrial manufacturing, UPS systems play a crucial role in maintaining uninterrupted power for various industrial devices and processes. Industrial applications often involve the use of heavy machinery, automated systems, and process control equipment that rely on a consistent power supply. UPS systems protect against power interruptions, helping to prevent equipment damage, production disruptions, and potential safety hazards.
Additionally, UPS systems find applications in telecommunications and networking infrastructure. Telecommunication towers, data transmission equipment, and networking devices require a reliable power source to maintain connectivity. UPS systems ensure that communication networks remain operational during power outages, preventing service disruptions and maintaining critical communication channels.
UPS systems are also utilised in commercial and residential buildings to provide backup power for essential systems. For example, in office buildings, a UPS can be used to power security systems, emergency lighting, and communication systems during a power outage. In residential settings, a UPS can be employed to protect sensitive electronics, such as computers and home entertainment systems, from power-related damage.
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UPS power factor
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is an electrical device that provides emergency power to a load when the main power source fails. UPS systems are designed to protect equipment from damage in the event of a power failure. They are used in any situation where electrical equipment is sensitive to power loss or issues with power quality, such as unsafe changes in voltage output. UPS systems are commonly used in settings pertaining to computer systems, data servers, industrial devices, and mission-critical equipment, such as medical and laboratory systems.
Historically, most large UPS systems had a power factor of 0.8, which meant that a 100 kilovolt-Ampere (kVA) UPS could only deliver 80 kW of real power. This resulted in buyers paying for a 100 kVA UPS but only receiving 80 kVA of actual capacity. To address this issue, modern UPS systems have higher power factors, typically ranging from 0.9 to 1.0, which means the real power in kW is much closer to, or even equal to, the apparent power in kVA.
The power factor of a UPS system is influenced by the type of load connected to it. UPS manufacturers often assume a power factor of 0.9 for resistive, inductive, or capacitive loads, which are common in domestic settings. However, in industrial settings, the power factor can vary depending on the specific equipment and loads connected to the UPS.
It is important to note that the output power factor of a UPS also varies between different types of UPS systems. For example, for standby or line-interactive UPS systems, the input power factor is equal to the output factor. In contrast, online UPS systems use double conversion technology to provide the highest level of protection and can handle a wider range of input voltages, making them suitable for sensitive equipment and locations with unreliable power sources.
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Frequently asked questions
UPS stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply. It is an electrical device that provides emergency power when the main power source fails.
A UPS system uses rechargeable batteries, flywheels or fuel to provide backup power. It switches to this stored energy when it detects a power failure, providing near-instantaneous protection.
UPS systems are used in places where a reliable, quality power supply is required at all times. This includes data centres, hospitals, office buildings, transport infrastructure and industrial settings.
The three major types of UPS system configurations are online double conversion, line-interactive and offline (also called standby and battery backup).
