Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

A UPS, which stands for uninterruptible power supply, is a type of uninterruptible power supply that is usually equipped with a battery so that in the event of a power outage from the power grid, power will continue to be supplied to the device in question behind the UPS. The UPS thus acts as a buffer that will allow emergency power to safely terminate systems or continue operation until power is restored.

UPS are also devices designed to protect against sudden voltage dips and spikes, as well as electrical interference with electrical equipment.

UPS Applications

Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS ) have three primary uses. The first is to sustain the operation of connected equipment during a power outage. The second, and no less important, use of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) is to ensure safe shutdown of systems. This protects the company from data loss, damage to equipment or destruction of equipment due to a sudden power cut. The last application of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) is voltage filtering. This is very important in the case of critical systems and devices sensitive to interference from the network - the use of a suitable uninterruptible power supply (UPS) (such as Liebert GXT4 by Vertiv) allows the connected equipment to operate for longer.

Advantages of having a UPS

The right UPS will allow you or your company to protect your devices and data from sudden power supply problems. An uninterruptible power supply ups will help you to continue working during short power outages. An automatic voltage regulator will also protect sensitive equipment from damage caused by power surges. You also won't lose data when your computer is unexpectedly shut down due to a power outage.

Where can an uninterruptible power supply be used?

UPS are very versatile and can be used in many different applications. In practice, the most important to ensure continuity of power and protection against data loss. The most important applications where ups power supplies will prove extremely helpful are:

• Server rooms and data centers - For critical infrastructure such as server rooms and data centers, all power outages can have serious consequences. By using UPSs, we will be able to protect against dangerous situations in the event of mains power failures that could potentially lead to online service interruptions or equipment damage.

• Industry and Manufacturing - Industrial and manufacturing plants need continuity in the supply of electricity to every piece of equipment on the plant. Otherwise, valuable equipment can be damaged, and any interruption in production means heavy losses for the plant. Uninterruptible power supplies are therefore needed in virtually every plant, where they will ensure uninterrupted production and protection against equipment damage.

• Schools and universities - Educational institutions using ups power supplies will be able to provide protection for computers, servers and multimedia equipment. Thus, they will ensure business continuity and protection of students' data, etc.

• Medical facilities - In hospitals, clinics, hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities, reliable power supply for the operation of medical equipment, on which human health and life often depend, is crucial. A UPS turns out to be required for the functioning of such devices as ventilators, medical monitors and other critical equipment.

• Security systems - An ups uninterruptible power supply will allow uninterrupted operation of security systems such as surveillance cameras, sensors used in alarm systems and access control systems. This will ensure uninterrupted protective operation of our buildings, even in the event of a power outage.

• Home use - UPS can also be used as an emergency power source in a domestic environment. They can be used to protect the operation of computers, routers, televisions and other devices when the power goes out.

Types of UPS

UPSs come in several versions, which differ in their applications. We need to consider which UPSs meet our needs and will be best for our application. Typically, UPSs are divided into:

• Offline/Standby UPS - These are the simplest and cheapest uninterruptible power supplies. In their case, connected devices are powered directly from the mains. They provide basic protection against power outages. When the mains power is cut off, they switch to charging the device through the battery.

• Line-interactive - These are an improved Offline type of ups power supply. The difference is that this type of device also has an automatic voltage stabilization function. It will come in handy wherever you need protection against voltage fluctuations. However, the problem with this power supply and the regular Offline version can be a short output voltage decay, which occurs when the control system compresses voltage differences by switching from one tap to another.

• Online - Ups power supplies of this type are the most advanced, thus also the most expensive. An online power supply operates continuously, always supplying power through its batteries, which are continuously charged from the mains. They will provide the best protection against any power problems, not least because they do not experience a power outage at the time of switching, as power is continuously supplied from the battery. This type of UPS is usually used for high power, above 5000 VA.

Types of batteries used in UPS units

Uninterruptible power supplies ups can use several types of batteries depending on performance, cost and durability requirements. The most common battery types used in UPS are:

• Lead-acid (VRLA) - Relatively inexpensive and maintenance-free lead-acid batteries. They are most commonly used in UPS due to their safety provided by a sealed design that minimizes the risk of acid leakage and their low cost. On the other hand, the disadvantages of these batteries are their limited lifespan - typically 3 to 5 years and high weight.

• Lithium-ion (Li-ion) - A newer type of battery with a higher energy density that allows for less weight and size. These batteries also have a longer lifespan (typically 7 to 10 years). The downside with these batteries is the higher purchase cost, but it is an excellent choice for modern and advanced UPS systems where higher performance and longer life are required.

• Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) - This is a less common type of battery in ups power supplies, but useful in some specific applications. These batteries have a high resistance to extreme temperatures and deep charging cycles. The problem with them can be the cadmium used in their construction, which is a heavy metal that creates recycling and disposal problems.

• Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) - An alternative to nickel-cadmium batteries. They are more environmentally friendly than them and have a higher energy density. However, they have a shorter life than NiCd and less resistance to deep discharge cycles.

Which UPS to choose?

When choosing an uninterruptible power supply, a lot depends on the customer's specific needs and budget. If uninterrupted operation of critical infrastructure such as server rooms, data centers, medical devices, etc. is required, then it will be best to choose power supplies Online. In the case of less critical infrastructure, where there is a small amount of power, for example, to provide emergency power to home and office equipment such as a computer, where switching time is not so important, the ideal solution to ensure business continuity will be Offline UPS. Of course, you should also pay attention to other parameters, such as the backup time, the volume of operation of the device, etc. general principles, however, we have quoted above.

UPS brands

Stovaris' UPS offering is constructed on the basis of solutions from three renowned suppliers of these devices: Vertiv, Eaton and Socomec. These are companies known for their innovative solutions, durable devices and great price/quality ratio.

Summary

UPSs are key devices for anyone who wants to protect their data and equipment from power problems. By investing in the right UPS, you will ensure peace of mind and continuity of work, even in the event of any problems like power failures.

Our specialists with years of experience will help you choose the right ups power supply for your applications.

This group of products is based on the companies' solutions:

Eaton | Socomec | Tripp-Lite | Vertiv