How to use UPS uninterruptible power supply system in conjunction with generator

With the increase of extreme weather and storms, power outages may continue to increase. When there is a power outage, the UPS power supply will provide electricity to allow our equipment to continue working without a power outage. However, the duration of power provided by UPS uninterruptible power supply is limited. In order to ensure that the equipment has sustainable electricity to continue working for a longer period of time, a generator is usually added.

Although we have a backup generator, it takes a certain amount of time to start the generator during a power outage, and there may still be a power outage between the outage and the start of the generator. During this period, the equipment will immediately stop working, which will affect our work data and some important equipment. Therefore, in general, we will use UPS and generator in combination. We refer to such a system as a UPS uninterruptible power supply system to ensure smooth operation of our work and other sensitive equipment.

So how can UPS power be used in conjunction with a generator, and what are the benefits of using UPS power in conjunction with a generator?

A. How to use UPS power in conjunction with a generator:

Generators typically support the power needs of critical tasks such as heating, air conditioning IT、 Electronic devices, etc., can lead to constantly changing electricity demand. The frequently changing load requirements make it difficult for the generator to maintain consistent frequency output. These changes may trigger certain UPS systems to turn on and deplete UPS battery power.

The online UPS system continuously converts the input AC power (whether from the main power source or the generator) into DC power, and then converts it back into stable AC power through sine waves. This is the power wave required for sensitive computers and other devices.

B、 The benefits of using a UPS system with a generator:

There are many advantages to using a UPS uninterruptible power supply system together with a generator.

1.The UPS power system bridges the power gap when the generator is started. When a power outage occurs, the generator will not immediately turn on. In fact, it may take up to a minute for the generator to start generating electricity. Within the time interval required for the generator to start working, the UPS system will immediately switch to the battery backup power source, so the connected equipment will not be affected by power outages. For sensitive office equipment, having a UPS system to bridge the gap will ensure that your devices, work, and productivity remain connected and protected.

2. Clean the input power supply of the UPS power system. The generator may produce inconsistencies and fluctuations within the voltage and frequency range. The online UPS system can withstand unstable generator power and provide consistent and clean output, ensuring that your sensitive equipment continues to operate normally.

C、 How to match the generator with UPS power supply:

If the main power supply fails, the UPS power supply will provide uninterrupted power supply to the load, act as a power bridge, maintain the operation of critical systems until the generator power is established and synchronized with the UPS power supply, and then provide power to the load for operation.

The power of the generator must meet the requirements of the UPS power supply it supplies. In addition to meeting the maximum load capacity of the UPS power supply, there must also be sufficient capacity to charge the UPS battery and compensate for the conversion losses of the UPS power supply.

D、 Select UPS uninterruptible power supply system for the generator:

1. Dual conversion UPS power supply:

A UPS power supply with an online dual conversion topology (and generator mode) will continuously filter out dirty electricity and generate clean AC output power. Dirty power supplies are noisy and produce sawtooth shaped sine waves, but they can prevent maximum power output. Dirty power sources also require your equipment to work harder to operate, which may shorten its lifespan. In contrast, clean power sources produce smooth sine waves and allow for maximum power output.

2. Backup UPS power supply:

Equipped with a UPS power system, it can handle the wide frequency range generated by the generator. Backup and line interactive UPS power systems are usually more sensitive and switch to battery power more frequently. In contrast, online dual conversion UPS uninterruptible power supply systems will limit the need for battery backup power and ensure seamless operation of connected devices.

Summary: After being used in conjunction with a generator, the UPS power supply can continuously switch in the event of a power outage, preventing the equipment from sensing the power outage and allowing it to work continuously. It can also give us enough time to start the generator. And the generator can provide us with a longer power supply.