Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

Explanation
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a
source that can switch to battery backup in the
event of a power outage. Multiple devices can be
connected to a UPS, such as a power strip, and the
UPS usually provides features such as surge
protection and noise filtering.

When the voltage drops, the UPS detects this and

switches to the backup battery. The components
connected to the UPS can then be powered for a
limited time (often between 10 and 45 minutes)
until normal power is restored or until the system
is properly shut down.

This will not allow you to continue normal

business functions but will protect data from
damage caused by sudden power loss and
improper shutdown.
Photo by OpenClipart-Vectors on Pixabay

Meaning of Uninterruptible Power Supply.

UPS systems maintain balance power levels and prevent fluctuations that can cause important
damage to an electrical ingredient. That's why they play such an important role in risk management
for healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing facilities where keeping electrical
systems up and running is a priority.

In the event of a power outage, it may take some time for the emergency generator to take over.
Even the smallest interruption can have devastating outcomes in many industries and should be
eliminated at all values.

Types of UPS systems include:

Generally, UPS is classified into three types, such as:
1. Offline/Standby UPS
2. Line Interactive UPS
3. Double Conversion Online UPS
Offline/Standby:
Offline/Standby UPS is the simplest type of UPS and works as a battery backup. These models are
designed to detect changes in voltage above and below certain points, switch to internal batteries,
and then convert that energy into alternating current.

The process can take up to 25 milliseconds, depending on the drive. Then to keep connected
devices running AC power is used. Offline/Standby UPS provides the shortest power backup time,
typically offering five to 20 minutes.

Line-Interactive:
The Line Interactive UPS detects voltage fluctuations and acts as a backup power source during
power outages and surges, as well as standby models. What sets Line Interactive UPS apart from
others is that they use an internal autotransformer to detect and adjust small voltage changes
without switching to internal batteries.

This feature allows the Line Interactive UPS to protect connected devices from small voltage
changes and outages without affecting their ability to function as a stand-alone power source. A
Line Interactive UPS typically provides a slightly larger power backup window – up to half an
hour – but can take several hours with capacity expansion.

Double-Conversion Online:
Online/Double-Conversion UPS is the most advanced type of UPS and provides constant power
flow. They convert AC to battery power and then back to AC, eliminating power transfer time
because the units never have to switch power modes.

A constant stream of power keeps internal batteries charged, which activate when power is lost.
The internal batteries are automatically recharged when external power is restored and the UPS
begins to transition from AC to the battery and to AC power again. Online/Double-Conversion
UPS is used for critical electronic equipment.

Battery Backup vs. UPS

The terms "battery backup" and "UPS" are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the
same thing and do not work in the same way.

Battery backups turn on in the event of a power outage. Their purpose is to enable the safe
shutdown of digital and mechanical devices in the event of an outage. Power outages and power
surges do not always trigger a battery backup.
However, since An uninterruptible power supply continuously monitors incoming power, so not
just blackouts it is able to respond quickly to all types of power interruptions.

To reduce costs some solar-enhanced uninterruptible power supply systems can even be
programmed to use their own batteries during peak times.

Use of an Uninterruptible Power Supply:

By protecting sensitive and critical equipment from any type of power interruption UPS systems
help ensure business continuity. This includes the granting of interim power in the event of:

● Outages - total loss of power

● Power drops - reduction in voltage magnitude and duration for a short time.
● Power spikes - Sudden or unexpected increases in voltage.
● Overvoltage - a voltage that exceeds its upper design limit.
● Undervoltage - voltage that falls below the required limits.
● Harmonic distortion - unwanted electrical signals caused by voltage and current
fluctuations in the electrical distribution system.
● Noise interference - any unwanted electrical signal that distorts or cancels out desired
signals.
● Frequency fluctuations - short-term changes in voltage and current levels.
● Switching transients - power interruption caused by sudden circuit changes.

Monolithic vs. Modular design

The original UPS design was monolithic. This type of UPS is relatively inexpensive, but the
components are separate and the equipment must be scaled vertically (like rack servers) when
power and redundancy requirements change. This type of UPS is a good choice when damage
caused by a power interruption or failure carries a low risk.

Modular UPS systems are more costly, but their elements are hot-swappable. By connecting
additional subsystems as needed this type of UPS can be scaled horizontally. This type of UPS is
a good choice when there is a moderate to high risk of damage caused by a power interruption or
failure.

Both types of UPS use inverters to call up a backup power circuit when the primary power is
interrupted. Some modular designs include solar charge controllers that provide an additional layer
of redundancy and ensure a continuous, filtered power flow.
Mechanical and Batteryless UPS systems:
There are three main types of mechanical UPS, two of which are also non-battery. All three are
true VFI or double conversion systems, but the interconversion is purely mechanical: ###

● Motor-generator (MG) sets combine an engine with a generator. A motor is equivalent

to a rectifier in a VFI UPS and a generator is equivalent to an inverter. Mains power powers
the rectifier, which drives the DC motor and charges the batteries. When the power goes
out, the battery keeps the motor running so the generator continues to supply power to the
load. MG sets are more often used to keep power to other mechanical devices such as air
conditioners than to power actual ITEs, although there was a time when they were quite
prevalent in old mainframes.

● Diesel-Rotary UPS (DRUPS) are similar to MG sets, except that there are no batteries in
them – except to start the generator – and the built-in diesel engine starts and maintains
power when a mains failure occurs. The flywheel keeps the generator spinning long enough
for the generator to stabilize before the mechanical clutch connects it to the generator.
Again, these are used to keep power to the air conditioners rather than to power the ITE.
They are often chosen as a cost-effective alternative to stand-alone generators when
maintaining uninterrupted cooling is particularly important.

● Flywheel UPSs have similarities to MG and DRUPS kits, but with a big difference. The
generator is turned by an electric motor when electrical power is available, but the system
only includes a heavy flywheel to keep the generator spinning, usually until the auxiliary
generator restores power. The flywheel moves on air or magnetic bearings with almost no
friction in a vacuum-sealed housing that can hold power for up to 30 seconds. Combined
units can extend the runtime to several minutes without generating the heat common with
other UPSs.

UPS power factor:

Power factor (pf) is the difference between the actual and apparent power. This is very
misunderstood, but very important for the buyer to know. Historically, most large UPSs had a pf
of 0.8, which meant that a 100 kilovolt-ampere (kVA) UPS could only deliver 80 kilowatts (kW)
of actual power.

Most of today's modern UPS have a pfs of 0.9 to 1.0, which means that the actual output in kW is
much closer to or even the same as the apparent output in kVA.
Central vs. Distributed UPS:
Distributed UPS usually means a small UPS mounted in each equipment cabinet, although
sometimes there is a UPS for each row of cabinets. There are small VFI UPSs, but many are VFD
or VI designs, so it's important to know which technology you're buying.

Small rack mount UPSs often have a pfs of only 0.7, so a UPS advertised as 1000 kVA may only
deliver 700 watts. These have their place, but usually in situations with only one or two equipment
racks where a centralized, stand-alone UPS would be uneconomical.

Small, distributed UPS are not always as well maintained as larger systems, so faulty batteries are
often not recognized until it is too late.

Battery and Its life:

Batteries are an evolving technology, especially due to their increasing use in electric vehicles.
Batteries are massive, so the structural power of the floor should constantly be substantiated.

Three types of batteries are commonly used today:

● Flooded lead or wet cells are the most expensive but generally have the longest lifespan
of 25 years or more. However, they require separate, fireproof rooms with acid drains,
hydrogen detection alarms, exhaust fans, eyewash stations, deluge showers, and protective
gear. They are also the most responsible, require regular maintenance, and are generally
used in the largest and most sophisticated installations.

● Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA), also known as sealed cells, uses a paste electrolyte
instead of liquid and is contained in sealed packages with small vents. They charge more
slowly than wet cells to avoid hydrogen emissions, so they can be used in any space without
special construction or protection. Warranties are usually 10 years, but actual life is often
only 3-5 years depending on local power stability and how often the batteries are partially
discharged and recharged. Longer-life VRLA batteries are available at a higher cost but
must usually be specified. It is also slightly less bulky than wet cells.

● Lithium-ion (Li-ion) is the newest battery available and can be used in most jurisdictions
without special rooms or structures. There may still be cities that consider them dangerous,
but their chemistry and construction are quite different from those ignited in ultra-compact
electronics. Li-ion batteries are smaller and lighter than VRLA, can be partially discharged
and recharged without degradation, and are expected to last longer than VRLA. However,
they are still too new for long-term data.
Battery life:
UPS systems generate heat regardless of battery type, so UPS operating time without air
conditioning is limited. The actual limit depends on factors such as the size of the room, other
equipment, and the heat load of the building, but a generally accepted rule of thumb is 30 to 60
minutes.

At some point, the Uninterruptible Power Supply or UPS system will overheat and go into a self-
protective thermal shutdown. So without a generator to restart cooling, longer battery life is a waste
of space and money and greatly increases battery replacement costs, especially when using VRLA
batteries.

Failure of one battery requires the entire string to be replaced or the other cells will fail
prematurely. If IT personnel are concerned about the proper shutdown, this is best accomplished
with a feature available on the largest UPSs that sends a signal to the network to shut down the
ITE when the battery life reaches a predetermined level.

For generators, UPSs are often configured with only a few minutes of battery life. Quality
generators should start and stabilize within seconds, but sometimes a longer duration is required
to allow time in case the generators fail to start. This should be unnecessary for redundant
generators.

Battery Strings:
The most common part of a UPS that fails is the battery. Therefore, the best configuration uses at
least two strings of batteries to provide the required endurance.

Battery monitoring and maintenance:

Many newer UPS systems include third-party battery monitoring. If not, it should be specified as
an additional requirement. Batteries tend to fail when suddenly loaded, which is exactly when they
are needed the most.

There are several types of monitors, with manufacturers debating which one is best, but any
monitoring system will alert weak or faulty cells before disaster strikes. Wet cells require regular
maintenance. Batteries should be replaced whenever checking shows a weak cell.
Advantages of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

1. Installation
Installing a UPS system is considered an easy process. It does not require much space. In fact, it
easily fits into a small space. And also connecting new devices is not so difficult here. The UPS
contains several ports that support different devices.

2. Reliability
The UPS is extremely sensitive to power failure. Having a UPS system ensures that there will be
immediate power in the event of a power outage. There is no manual intervention here. In the same
way, the battery inside the UPS is automatically charged whenever power is available.

3. Consistency
When the UPS is connected to the system, it can provide continuous power. For normal operation,
the UPS will be able to supply power for about 6-8 hours. In a situation such as a prolonged power
outage, the UPS provides the user with the ability to safely shut down their system. Be that as it
may, data loss that occurs due to power failure can be effectively prevented with a UPS.

4. Protection
Basically, having a UPS system means that it will be the perfect protection for your electrical
equipment. There are many circuits on this device that constantly monitor the electricity level.
Whenever a power failure occurs, the UPS immediately starts supplying power from the battery
source. Not only surges, but the UPS system can also effectively prevent spikes, sags, and other
outages.

5. Filtering
A type of UPS known as Line-interactive UPS ensures a clean flow of electricity to connected
devices. Any power coming into the UPS has been filtered accordingly to remove any
abnormalities. The end result is a power-free system.

Disadvantages of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

1. Costs
The main problem with the UPS system is the cost associated with it. The battery used in an
Uninterruptible Power Supply usually makes it more expensive. These costs even increase for
companies that need multiple UPS systems. So not all users will be able to afford them.
2. Maintenance
Using a UPS system also comes with a number of considerations due to the maintenance associated
with it. This is even worse for businesses with a large number of UPS connections. A qualified
electrician must be appointed to manage the wiring systems and ensure flawless service. In
addition, for the proper functioning of the UPS system, it must be adequately ventilated, as it
regularly releases fumes.

3. Durability
Since the battery is behind the operation of the UPS system, it is not made to last forever. As with
other types of batteries, performance degrades over time. A standard UPS can last an average of
10 years before the unit dies. Here is an option to get a UPS by replacing the battery. Therefore,
users should be prepared to pay a few bucks for new batteries.

4. Device protection
Since the UPS is powered by batteries, it is not recommended for use in appliances that require a
significant amount of power. For example, a UPS cannot be used as a backup source for an air
conditioner with high energy consumption. Even the time for which the UPS can provide backup
power is limited. So, if you live in places where there are long-term power outages, a UPS will not
be the best choice.

5. Energy consumption
A UPS system always draws more energy than a stand-alone device. The amount is significantly
higher than the actual amount requested by the device. This is because the battery used in the UPS
should remain charged at all times. For this, it must be connected to an electrical outlet, which
contributes to more energy wastage.

Considerations for Selecting and Using UPS Systems:

There are several important points to consider when choosing a UPS system, including

Modularity: Most modern battery UPS are modular. They consist of several smaller UPS and
battery units that can be combined as needed to provide capacity, redundancy, or both. It is no
longer necessary to overbuy in anticipation of long-term growth.

Current modules can be purchased and installed as needed, and an additional module or two can
be installed for redundancy. For example, a 100 kW UPS may have six 20 kW modules to provide
N+1 redundancy.
Battery capacity can be added to modularity in an equivalent way. Furthermore, the modules in
most systems are hot-swappable, so a faulty module can be removed and returned to the factory,
and a replacement shipped overnight for user installation without interrupting operations.

As mentioned above, flywheel UPS can also be modularly combined to increase size, uptime,
and/or redundancy. However, they must be supplemented and maintained by trained personnel.

Stepping function: When electrical equipment is suddenly subjected to heavy loads, performance
can become temporarily unstable, such as when household power is restored and lights flicker, or
when large motors are started and lights dim for a moment. This is of most concern when running
a 2N UPS redundancy, as a failure of one UPS requires the other UPS to immediately absorb the
entire load.

It is also a concern with VFD UPSs where the full load is transferred to the inverter during a power
failure and can be problematic in VI systems or systems operating in eco mode. When evaluating
large UPS systems, it is important for the electrical engineer to obtain transient load data from
UPS vendors, compare them, and explain the results to the owner.

References:
1. UPS by Wikipedia
2. Uninterruptible Power Supply Working Principle by sScholars Center
3. Definition of UPS by Lifewire