In simple terms, UPS power refers to the continuous electrical supply provided by an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system during a main power failure or outage.
The difference between a normal and UPS power
While the normal power is supplied by the main traditional power supply system, the UPS power comes from the backup power source.
Moreover, while the former power supply can fluctuate, get interrupted, and may cause damage to connected systems, the latter power supply provides an uninterrupted and regulated power supply that protects the connected devices.
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What is a power backup system made of?
The primary components include:
- A rectifier or charger: It is an important component that converts the AC power from the mains into DC power. As it charges the battery with the converted DC power, it is called a ‘charger’.
- A battery: This is where the UPS stores the electrical energy, and the capacity varies from one model to another, depending on the utilization or facility needs.
- An inverter: This component helps convert the stored DC power into AC power to supply clean and regulated power to the connected devices.
- A switch: It is a static switch that helps basic UPS systems to bypass the need to convert AC to DC power when there is a continuous main power supply from the mains.
However, UPS devices also need secondary components like power conditioning filters, LCD, shutdown or remote monitoring software, and mounting set-up. Advanced solutions may additionally include IoT integrations, swappable battery modules, extended backup time, critical load outlets, predictive failure modules, noise detection systems, surge protectors, energy-saving accessories, ECO modes, higher power factor essentials, automatic restart modules, and temperature conditioning filters.
Benefits of UPS power supply
- Provides continuous and uninterrupted power backup when the conventional electrical power fails.
- Regulates the voltage and supplies clean power without spikes or fluctuations.
- Stores the power in the batteries and distributes it whenever there is a need.
- Protects the connected devices from short circuit damage with the help of UPS power protection components.
- Helps with energy and cost savings in terms of easy maintenance and damage/surge protection.
- Ensures the facility or the infrastructure is power-supported throughout the day and night without interruption.
How does UPS generate power?
For you to understand how a UPS system can generate power, you must first know “How does a UPS work?”. In general, the power backup system continuously evaluates the input power supply from the main grid and checks for power failure or an outage.
- In the case of no outage, the system converts the input AC power to DC power and ensures it gets stored in the battery for the future.
- In the case of an outage, the system makes use of the stored energy in the battery to supply electricity to the plugged-in equipment or devices.
This is how UPS generates and supplies power.
Types of UPS operation
1. Offline or standby
This type involves a standard or basic UPS operation wherein the system uses the battery only when an outage occurs. In this case, switching to battery power is the mode of operation.
2. Line-interactive
This UPS is similar to standby mode but comes with additional voltage regulation and power conditioning features that protect the devices. Hence, this type of UPS solution is more reliable than the standby mode.
3. Online or double-conversion
This type is more advanced than the standby and line-interactive models and operates continuously on a UPS battery. This is different from the other two types, wherein switching happens. As the operation involves AC to DC and DC to AC conversions, it is called double conversion. Also, they protect against spikes, surges, or fluctuations and supply the cleanest power.
