Uninterruptible Power Supply: UPS in The Data Center

Uninterruptible Power Supply
(UPS)
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that allows a computer to keep running
for at least a short time when the primary power source is lost. UPS devices also provide
protection from power surges.
A UPS contains a battery that "kicks in" when the device senses a loss of power from the
primary source. If an end user is working on the computer when the UPS notifies of the
power loss, they have time to save any data they are working on and exit before the
secondary power source (the battery) runs out. When all power runs out, any data in your
computer's random access memory (RAM) is erased. When power surges occur, a
UPS intercepts the surge so that it does not damage the computer.
UPS in the data center
Every UPS converts incoming AC to DC through a rectifier and converts it back with an inverter.
Batteries or flywheels store energy to use in a utility failure. A bypass circuit routes power around
the rectifier and inverter, running the IT load on incoming utility or generator power.
While UPS systems are commonly called double-conversion, line-interactive and standby designs,
these terms have been used inconsistently and manufacturers implement them differently: At least
one system allows any of the three modes. The International ElectroTechnical Commission (IEC)
adopted more technically descriptive terminology in IEC Std. 62040.
Types of UPSs and their core features:
 Voltage and frequency independent (VFI): Voltage and frequency independent (VFI)
UPS systems are called dual or double conversion because incoming AC is rectified to DC to
keep batteries charged and drive the inverter. The inverter re-creates steady AC power to run
the IT equipment.
When power fails, the batteries drive the inverter, which continues to run the IT load.
When power is restored, either from the utility or a generator, the rectifier delivers direct
current (DC) to the inverter and simultaneously recharges the batteries. The inverter runs
full time. Utility input is completely isolated from the output, and bypass is only used for
maintenance safety or if there is an internal electronics failure. Since there is no break in
the power delivered to the IT equipment, vacuum fault interrupter (VFI) is generally
considered the most robust form of UPS. Most systems synchronize the output frequency
with the input, but that's not necessary, so it still qualifies as frequency independent.
Every power conversion incurs a loss, so the wasted energy has historically been
considered the price of ultimate reliability.
 Voltage independent (VI): Voltage independent (VI), or true line interactive UPSs
have a controlled output voltage, but the same output frequency as the input.
Frequency independence is rarely a concern with power in developed countries.
Utility power feeds directly to the output and IT equipment, and the rectifier keeps
the batteries charged. The inverter is paralleled with the output, compensating for
voltage dips and acting as an active filter for voltage spikes and harmonics. Rectifier
and inverter losses only occur when incoming power fluctuates. Flywheels and
motor/generator sets also qualify as VI.
When incoming power fails, or the voltage goes out of range, the bypass quickly
disconnects from the input and the battery drives the inverter. When input power is
restored, the bypass re-engages the input, re-charges the batteries and keeps output
voltage constant. UPS vendors who use paralleled power sources claim no loss of
reliability. The result is around 98% energy efficiency.
When incoming power fails, or the voltage goes out of range, the bypass quickly
disconnects from the input and the battery drives the inverter. When input power is
restored, the bypass re-engages the input, re-charges the batteries and keeps output
voltage constant. UPS vendors who use paralleled power sources claim no loss of
reliability. The result is around 98% energy efficiency.
 Voltage and frequency dependent (VFD): Voltage and frequency dependent
(VFD), or standby UPS, is operationally similar to VI and is sometimes
mistakenly called line interactive. In conventional VFD systems, the inverter is
turned off, so it can take as long as 10 to 12 milliseconds (ms) to start creating
power. That break can crash servers, making legacy VFD UPSs a bad fit for data
centers
New VFD concepts have the inverter producing power within 2 ms after being activated.
The bypass is normally engaged, just as with VI, so equipment operates directly from the
utility or generator. Since the inverter isn't working until power fails, there is no voltage
control or power consumed, enabling efficiencies as high as 99%. Power failure or voltage
outside of range opens the bypass switch, disengaging input from the output; the inverter
starts operating from the batteries. The rectifier is only large enough to keep the batteries
charged.
Advantages and disadvantages of UPS
Advantages to using uninterruptable power supplies include:
 No delay between switching from the primary power source to the UPS.
 Can better support critical instruments compared to generators.
 Consumers can choose the type and size of UPS, depending on the amount of power they
need to supply to a device.
 UPSs are silent.
 Maintenance of UPS systems is cheaper compared to generators.
Disadvantages to using uninterruptable power supplies include:
 The inability to run heavy appliances- because UPSs are run off of batteries.
 If substandard batteries are used, users may end up replacing the batteries often.
 UPSs may need professional installations.

UPS VS. Generators, surge protectors, inverters and AVRs
Unlike UPSs, generators do not seamlessly keep devices running once the primary device is lost.
However, generators do provide power for a longer period of time compared to UPSs. UPS systems
don’t provide power as long because batteries power them.

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Uninterruptible Power Supply

UPS in the data center

Advantages to using uninterruptable power supplies include:

 Can better support critical instruments compared to generators.

 UPSs are silent.

 Maintenance of UPS systems is cheaper compared to generators.

Disadvantages to using uninterruptable power supplies include:

 UPSs may need professional installations.

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