An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is an electrical device that provides emergency power to connected equipment during utility power failures or voltage fluctuations. It ensures continuous operation, protects against data loss, and prevents hardware damage. UPS systems are critical in modern technology environments where power reliability is essential, such as data centers, healthcare facilities, and industrial automation systems.
| Type | Functional Features | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Offline/Standby UPS | Switches to battery backup during outages; minimal protection | Home computers, small office equipment |
| Line-Interactive UPS | Regulates voltage without switching to battery; moderate protection | Entry-level servers, networking equipment |
| Online Double-Conversion UPS | Provides seamless power with zero transfer time; advanced isolation | Data centers, medical imaging systems |
| Modular UPS | Scalable design with hot-swappable components | Cloud computing infrastructure, large enterprises |
| Smart UPS | Integrated IoT connectivity for remote monitoring and management | Smart buildings, industrial IoT systems |
A typical UPS system consists of:
Advanced models include thermal management systems, harmonic filters, and network interface modules.
| Parameter | Importance |
|---|---|
| Power Capacity (kVA/kW) | Determines maximum load support |
| Transfer Time (ms) | Critical for sensitive equipment (0ms required for online UPS) |
| Runtime at Full Load (minutes) | Defines emergency operation duration |
| Efficiency (%) | Impacts energy costs and heat generation |
| Waveform Output | Sinusoidal for critical equipment, simulated sine for basic loads |
| Battery Technology | Lead-acid (cost-effective) vs. Lithium-ion (longer lifespan) |
| Manufacturer | Representative Product |
|---|---|
| Schneider Electric | Galaxy VX (Modular UPS, 500kW scalable) |
| APC by Schneider | Symmetra MW (3-phase modular system for data centers) |
| Eaton | 93PM Series (99% efficient double-conversion UPS) |
| Vertiv | NetSure DC Power System (Telco-specific UPS) |
| UPS5000-E (Lithium-ion battery integrated system) |
Key considerations:
Case Study: A 500kW data center selected modular online UPS systems with lithium-ion batteries, achieving 99.999% uptime and 15% energy savings through eco-mode operation.