Data centers and critical equipment use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect against power surges and temporary power outages.
The UPS provides continual power, delivering backup power to critical infrastructure and systems when a main power system goes down. Unlike a backup power system, like a diesel generator or auxiliary power system, the UPS delivers almost instantaneous power in the event of a power surge. This energy is provided by a battery, flywheel, or super capacitor.
Industrial uninterrupted power supplies are critical for protecting your most important IT and telecommunication systems from inconsistent voltage and power fluctuations that cause damage. This includes servers, computers, and data centers. The UPS provides consistent protection for your information and data. It can save your business valuable time and money between when power goes down and your backup generator kicks in.
What Is Uninterruptible Power Supply?
Even today, no data center or telecommunication facility is completely safe from outages and events that impact the power supply. Hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, natural disasters, or urban events like construction can all have an impact on power.
A short, seconds-long outage can still be a problem for your operations or data. Longer interruptions, like a few hours, can be a disaster for your business.
Modern servers and data centers are more susceptible to outages. These highly efficient systems are built to reduce cost and power, but the slightest variance in power or voltage can cause problems, including failure and data loss.
A well-maintained, reliable UPS system can protect you and your business, and keep you in the game.
Options for Uninterruptible Power Supply
There are several types of UPS systems.
Offline/Standby System
An offline/standby system provides surge protection and battery backup. If incoming voltage drops or increases to a certain level, the system kicks in by using an internal storage battery. These systems are often designed specifically for certain equipment like a computer.
Standby UPS systems many times include a line-interactive feature with a multi-tap variable-voltage auto transformer. This allows the UPS to increase or decrease the output voltage of the transformer to provide protection against power spikes and sags without tapping into the reserve battery power.
Battery-Backed Online Double Conversion System
This UPS system converts AC power to DC to charge a series of batteries. The batteries are connected to the inverter, so power transfer switches aren’t necessary. When power is lost, the batteries automatically maintain power. The online system provides the highest level of continual protection for sensitive electrical equipment.
Rotary or Flywheel System
This system uses a high-mass flywheel to store energy and is usually connected to a motor-generator system. The wheel spins continuously, offering protection against power spikes and sags. Typically, the flywheel system is also connected to a battery-based system to provide power for longer outages or events. Most flywheel systems provide 10 to 20 seconds of power before output stops and the flywheel ceases. Larger flywheels, or linked flywheels, will provide more output.
A flywheel provides much higher current output than other UPS systems. They can better manage high-current events, like a compressor load or motor startup. Medical equipment such as an MRI will also use a flywheel system.
Hybrid Rotary System
These systems operate in an offline/standby mode when power conditions are steady within a preset window, providing a much higher efficiency. When power fluctuates or spikes outside of the presets, the system switches to an online double-conversion mode, allowing the UPS to compensate for voltage variations without using battery power.
Hybrid systems are often used by high-efficiency applications that still require the protection of a double conversion system.
Uninterruptible Power Supply for Modern Data Infrastructure
Electrical systems are complex, and care must be taken in planning the configuration, installation, and maintenance of the UPS. Infrastructure needs to be analyzed before installation, and proper ventilation and bypass systems to support maintenance must be considered. Steps should be taken to ensure the safe use and storage of batteries, which can be heavy and are a potential fire hazard.
Companies and facilities rely on data and telecommunications infrastructure. They need safe and reliable uninterruptable power supplies to provide protection against power surges and temporary power outages.
Modern infrastructure such as computers, servers, database centers, and IT equipment are particularly susceptible to power fluctuations. Data and information lost in a power outage and event can be costly.
Protect your business, equipment, infrastructure, and information. Whatever your need, it is important to seek out an expert to discuss your requirements, equipment, and infrastructure needs and determine the best UPS for you.
