Uninterruptible Power Supply

In today's highly electricity dependent era, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) backup power equipment has become a key device to ensure stable power supply. Whether it is an enterprise's data center or an important appliance in the home, it cannot do without its protection. Below is a detailed explanation of the relevant knowledge of uninterruptible power supply (UPS backup power supply) equipment for everyone.

1. Definition and basic principles of uninterruptible power supply (UPS backup power supply):

Uninterruptible power supply is an electrical energy storage device containing a backup battery, which is a constant voltage and constant frequency uninterruptible power supply mainly composed of an inverter. The basic principle is to stabilize the mains power and supply it to the load for use while charging the internal battery when the mains power is normal; When the mains power is interrupted (accident power outage), the uninterruptible power supply (UPS backup power supply) immediately supplies 220V AC power from the battery to the load through the method of inverter zero switching conversion, so as to maintain normal operation of the load and protect the software and hardware of the load from damage.

2. Classification of uninterruptible power supply (UPS backup power supply):

A. Classified by working principle:

Backup uninterruptible power supply system: It is usually powered directly by the main power supply and only switches to the backup power supply when there is a power outage or abnormal voltage. Its structure is simple and inexpensive, but the conversion time is relatively long, usually between a few milliseconds to tens of milliseconds, suitable for home and small office environments that do not require high power switching time.

Online uninterruptible power supply system: When the mains power is normal, it is converted into DC power through a rectifier, and then converted into AC power through an inverter to supply the load, while charging the battery. When the mains power is interrupted, the battery immediately supplies power to the load through the inverter, and the conversion time is zero. The online uninterruptible power supply system has functions such as voltage stabilization, frequency stabilization, and filtering, which can provide high-quality power supply for loads. It is commonly used in data centers, large enterprises, and critical task equipment that require high power quality.

Online interactive uninterruptible power supply system: combines the characteristics of backup and online. When the mains power is normal, the inverter is in reverse operation to charge the battery; When the mains power is abnormal, the inverter quickly switches to a forward working state, converting the battery's electrical energy into AC power to supply the load. The conversion time is relatively short, usually within a few milliseconds, suitable for medium-sized office environments and server rooms.

B. Classified by Capacity:

Low power uninterruptible power supply system: generally refers to an uninterruptible power supply system with a power below 10KVA, suitable for households, small offices and other occasions.

Medium power uninterruptible power supply system: with a power range of 10KVA-100KVA, suitable for medium-sized enterprises, data centers, and other occasions.

High power uninterruptible power supply system: with a power of over 100KVA, suitable for large enterprises, telecommunications operators and other occasions.

3. Key indicators of uninterruptible power supply system:

A. Capacity (VA or W): refers to the maximum power that an uninterruptible power supply system can provide, and the appropriate capacity needs to be selected based on the actual demand of the load. Generally speaking, the capacity of an uninterruptible power supply system should be slightly greater than the total power of the load to ensure stable power supply even when operating at full load.

B. Backup time: refers to the time during which the uninterruptible power supply system can continue to supply power after the main power supply fails. The backup time is generally related to the battery capacity and load size. Users need to choose the appropriate battery capacity according to their actual needs to ensure sufficient backup time during power outages.

C. Conversion time: The shorter the time required to switch from the main power source to the backup power source, the better. The conversion time of different types of uninterruptible power supply systems varies. The conversion time of online uninterruptible power supply systems is zero, while the conversion time of backup uninterruptible power supply systems is relatively long.

D. Efficiency: refers to the energy conversion efficiency of an uninterruptible power supply system in different operating modes, usually expressed as a percentage. The higher the efficiency, the less energy the uninterruptible power supply system consumes during operation, which can save energy and reduce usage costs.

E. Voltage regulation range: refers to the range within which an uninterruptible power supply system can stably output voltage. The uninterruptible power supply system should be able to maintain stable output voltage in the event of significant input voltage fluctuations, in order to protect load equipment from the effects of voltage fluctuations.

4. Application scenarios of uninterruptible power supply system:

A. Data center: The data center carries a large number of servers, storage devices, and network equipment, which have extremely high requirements for power stability and reliability. The uninterruptible power supply system can provide uninterrupted power supply for data centers, ensuring business continuity and protecting data security.

B. Industrial control: Automated production lines, control systems, and other equipment in factories require high stability of electricity. Once there is a power outage, it may cause the production line to shut down, resulting in huge economic losses. Uninterruptible power supply systems can provide stable power to industrial control equipment, ensuring the normal operation of production lines.

C. Home office: In homes and small offices, devices such as computers, routers, printers, etc. also require stable power supply. Uninterruptible power supply systems can protect these devices from power outages, voltage fluctuations, and surges, preventing data loss and equipment damage.

D. Communication base station: Communication base stations are an important component of communication networks and require 24-hour uninterrupted power supply. The uninterruptible power supply system can ensure the normal operation of communication base stations during power outages, avoid signal interruptions, and ensure smooth communication.

5. Selection, use and maintenance of uninterruptible power supply system:

A. How to choose an uninterruptible power supply system:

Determine load demand: Calculate the total power of all devices that need protection, consider the type of load and the requirements for power quality, and select an uninterruptible power supply system with appropriate capacity and functionality.

Consider backup time: Determine the backup time of the uninterruptible power supply system based on actual usage scenarios and requirements, and select batteries of corresponding capacity.

Choose brand and quality: Renowned brands of uninterruptible power supply systems usually have more reliable quality and more guaranteed after-sales service. You can understand the product quality and performance of different brands by viewing product reviews, user evaluations, and other methods.

Cost considerations: The price of uninterruptible power supply systems varies depending on factors such as brand, capacity, and functionality. Users need to consider their actual needs and budget comprehensively and choose products with high cost-effectiveness.

B. Maintenance and use of uninterruptible power supply system:

Correct installation and connection: Install and connect according to the requirements of the product manual to ensure that the uninterruptible power supply system is correctly connected to the mains and load. Pay attention to good grounding to prevent electric shock and equipment damage.

Regular charging and discharging: The battery in the uninterruptible power supply system needs to be charged and discharged regularly to maintain its performance. Generally speaking, the battery can be fully discharged every few months and then fully charged.

Maintain good ventilation: The uninterruptible power supply system generates a certain amount of heat during operation, so it is necessary to maintain good ventilation and avoid use in high temperature and humid environments. The uninterruptible power supply system can be placed in a well ventilated area or equipped with cooling fans and other devices.

Regular maintenance and inspection: Regularly maintain and inspect the uninterruptible power supply system, including checking the battery status, inverter operation, fan operation, etc. If there are any problems, they should be dealt with in a timely manner to ensure that the uninterruptible power supply system is always in good working condition.

In short: Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) backup power supply equipment plays a crucial role in modern life and work. Understanding the working principle, classification, key indicators, application scenarios, and how to select, use, and maintain uninterruptible power supply systems can help us better ensure power supply, protect equipment and data security.