What Are the Types of UPS and Which One is Most Suitable for Your Business?

UPS or Uninterrupted Power Supply is a type of immediate power source which is activated automatically when there is a failure of the input power source. UPS systems are electrical equipment that is integrated into an electric system and provides protection not only against power disruption but smooths out voltage spikes, noise, quick reduction in voltage, harmonic distortion, instability in the frequency, and other disturbances that may cause severe harm to connected load (computers, telecommunication equipment, and others devices). In other words, UPS plays a crucial role in providing some runtime so that devices connected to the main input supply can be shut down properly and strategic data can also be saved in the standard manner. UPS’ are now an integral part of every office and workstation. They are finding increasing applications in a vast number of fields like data centers, industries, telecommunication, hospitals, banks, and insurance

 

Types of UPS Systems:

Given the fact that UPS systems are very much important for continuing performance and productivity of any organization, it is important to understand the different types of UPS systems available on the market.

Broadly speaking, UPS systems are classified into two categories: online UPS and offline UPS. They are further divided into various types which have been dwelt upon in a depth in the following paragraphs.

 

Offline UPS System:

This system is called the Standby or Battery Backup UPS system as well. This is the least expensive UPS solution and offers the basic form of backup and surge protection. A transfer switch brings the battery backup online when there is a failure in the main input supply. In most cases, when there are minor sags or surges, this UPS system remains offline. Hence, this system cannot ensure good quality and uniform power sources for the connected load. Some important features of this system have been enlisted below:

  • Though offline UPS can switch to back up fast enough to prevent power disturbances and eradicate minor surges, they cannot maintain a perfect power supply for sensitive IT infrastructure.
  • Offline UPS has relatively better battery life. The longer range of power for which standby UPS remains offline puts less drain on the battery which ensures comparatively longer battery life.
  • Depending upon the Offline UPS system, the break in power ranges between 4 milliseconds to 8 milliseconds before the Transfer Switch activates the battery back-ups and connects them to output. 4-8 milliseconds, though seems insignificant, is unaffordable for large data centers and communication networks. Therefore, an Offline UPS system is deployed for not-so-sensitive infrastructure.

The suitability of Offline UPS System:

If you are looking for a UPS system for home offices, small offices, and others that have aggregated voltage requirements of 1500VA or less, you should go for the Standby UPS system. This system can provide power protection to desktop computers, gaming consoles, workstations, and wireless access points, and other devices. As a thumb rule, if you can afford a runtime of 8 milliseconds or below, you must go for this UPS solution, otherwise, look for other sophisticated UPS systems.

Line-interactive UPS:

The main difference between offline and line-interactive UPS systems is that the inverter remains on during normal power supply and it does not switch off whether prime power is available or disrupted. If power fluctuation is the major concern for you, rather than power failure, a Line-interactive UPS system can provide you with a cost-effective solution. Some distinct features of this system have been discussed below:

  • Line-Interactive UPS system can tackle and smooth out small under-voltage and over-voltage- about 20% of the standard voltage. They use a variable voltage autotransformer or buck-boost converter to perform this task.
  • Since this system counts on batteries for power conditioning- smoothing out voltage spikes or surges- therefore, there is always a strain on batteries. This strain leads to quick drainage of the battery and in a longer turn, makes the life of batteries shorter.
  • This system has a 4-6 millisecond runtime before the output is connected to backup batteries in case of power failure. Hence, line-interactive UPS system has reduced switching time as compared to offline UPS systems.

Suitability of Line-Interactive UPS System:

This UPS solution is generally deployed at small businesses and departmental servers. They can provide immediate power sources in case of a power failure and carry out voltage regulation aa t smaller scale. But it is still not suitable for greater reliability and longer battery life. If you are looking for this sort of UPS solution, Double Conversion is the right answer for you.

Double-conversion online UPS:

Double-conversion UPS solution is a highly sophisticated one and it is generally deployed for the protection of sensitive IT infrastructure from power failure and raw power fluctuations resulting from brownouts- spikes, surges, noise, sags, and voltage transient. This is called Double Conversion because this system converts power twice. First, it converts incoming AC power into DC by using a rectifier and then converts DC power to AC and eventually feeds connected load and batteries with AC power. The whole process of double conversion is carried out to ensure power conditioning so that the connected equipment can be provided with uniform and high-quality power. From a power point of view, this system provides ideal output power performance. Some features of this system are given below:

  • If you are looking for a UPS solution for applications with 10kv or more voltage requirements, the double conversion ups system should be your first choice.
  • In case the prime or main input AC power fails, the battery power is provided to the connected load seamlessly. In other words, there is no transfer time in case of power loss.
  • This system ensures the highest level of security for your equipment. There is insolation between the connected load and main input supply that makes sure that connected devices remain protected from power irregularities.

Suitability of Double Conversion UPS System:

Double Conversion UPS systems are installed for running servers for database management, hospitals, communication networks, manufacturing facilities, and other areas where automatic tasks are performed. This system does provide enough power for soft power shutdown and makes sure that your business is protected from data loss that may occur for sudden and abrupt shutting down of systems.

Some Words About Morgan Inland LLC:

Morgan Ingland LLC has always served its customers with cost-effective ICT hardware and IT services. We provide every IT product that is required for modern offices and businesses including but not limited to Offline UPS, Line-Interactive UPS, and Double Conversion UPS systems. In addition, our solution designers have multi-year experience and expertise to design and suggest the most befitting UPS solution that accommodates your needs and reflects your budget. Please contact us at 415-704-8713 or email us at info@miatlantic.us.