Power interruptions are quite a common thing these days, and although many of us might experience them, we do not realize how harmful they might be for some delicate electronics we own. Even minor fluctuations in electricity can lead to hardware failures, data corruption, or worse – to permanent damages. Thus, UPS has become an indispensable tool in this world full of technology.
But have you ever thought about what exactly the term "UPS" means? What does a UPS do?
The Purpose of Using a UPS
If you wonder what a UPS stands for and what is its function, then you should understand that this term stands for an uninterruptible power supply. A UPS serves as protection against unstable power sources. However, its role is not so straightforward as described above.
What Is UPS?
UPS is an abbreviation of the term "uninterruptible power supply". Such a system acts as an electric appliance, which can immediately provide backup power in case of failure in the primary power source.
Unlike generators, which require time to turn on, a UPS can react almost instantly by using the battery it is provided with. This device can work until the backup source such as a generator kicks in to provide longer-term power.
Therefore, a UPS plays the role of the intermediate step between the time of power outages and the turning on of generators.
Why Is It So Important?
As you see, the importance of a UPS lies in providing backup power in case of a failure in the primary power supply. But there are other reasons why UPS is a necessity in your household or business premises.
Namely, UPS is necessary since electronic devices require a certain amount of electricity to run. In case power fluctuations exceed this norm, the electronic devices will inevitably face damage. Below are listed several types of power problems, which might occur:
Voltage spikes and surges: too high levels of voltage might burn up the circuitry
Voltage drops (sags): too low values of voltage might cause malfunctioning of systems
Power failure: in case a complete power outage occurs, data will be lost, and devices will suffer
Electrical noise: this kind of disturbance decreases the working time of the devices
As you can see, UPS will help you get rid of all these issues by regulating power.
How UPS Technology Works
Let us see in detail what is going on when the UPS works. It is necessary to explain the process in terms of what the connected devices expect from the UPS in terms of the provided electricity.
For example, in a typical computer system, electricity should come in the form of alternating current of a certain voltage and frequency. Otherwise, the whole system will cease to function.
A UPS can solve this problem by serving as a backup power source and power regulator at the same time. Below is described how a UPS works.
Normal Working Condition
Under normal circumstances, electricity passes through UPS and gets to connected devices while battery charges itself.
Detection of the Power Problem
A UPS continuously monitors the incoming electricity and reacts to any possible problem.
Turning to Battery Power
In the blink of an eye, UPS starts providing devices with electricity by using the battery and inverter.
Maintenance of Operation
Connected devices will work as before without interruptions giving the users the chance to save their work or perform the automatic shutdown process.
Now you see why UPS is so useful.
Key Features of UPS Systems
We have already seen that the role of UPS is not simply providing backup power. There are additional features that make it a useful tool in our lives. Below is the list of core features of a UPS.
Surge protection: A UPS acts as a protective shield for your devices when any kind of surge is occurring
Voltage regulation: Some UPSes can regulate minor power fluctuation without switching to battery power
Backup power supply: In case of power failure, the UPS will supply electricity
Intelligent communication: This UPS feature allows performing the automatic shutdown of devices
Thus, there is more to a UPS than meets the eye.
Different Types of UPS Systems
As you can see from above, UPS can provide backup electricity for your devices and even protect them from some types of electrical problems. However, there are various kinds of UPSes. Let us examine some of them in more detail.
Standby UPS
A standby UPS system is the most primitive kind, which can be found mainly in homes and small companies.
A standby UPS acts in such a way that power passes through it during regular condition. Once the problem in primary power supply occurs, the system turns to the backup electricity source. The whole process takes place in just a couple of milliseconds.
Standby UPS is equipped with basic protection features like protection against surges. Moreover, this kind is inexpensive and easy to use.
Line-Interactive UPS
A line-interactive UPS system is more advanced compared to a standby UPS system. Usually, this kind is used in small businesses or companies where there is a slight voltage fluctuation in the power grid.
The peculiarity of this type lies in its ability to regulate voltage fluctuations automatically without switching to the backup power supply.
Such capability is achieved due to the use of a special element called autotransformer.
Double-Conversion UPS
This kind of UPS system can provide maximum power protection. It operates in such a way that any incoming electricity converts into electricity of a particular voltage. Therefore, there is absolutely no danger of any electrical disturbances coming to your devices.
Due to its efficiency, this kind is widely used in data centers, medical centers, telecommunications infrastructure, and others. Large scale infrastructure of companies like Google requires UPSes of this sort. Below is listed the places of its use:
Data centers
Medical centers
Telecommunications system
Industries
As you see, a double-convertable UPS is widely utilized in critical situations when backup power is crucial.
The Usage of UPS System
UPS system finds application in various spheres of people’s activity. Here are listed the places where it can be applied.
Home Usage
At home, a person might want to purchase a UPS system to protect his/her home computer and router. In this case, a UPS is used to preserve data from any possible interruptions caused by power problems.
Usage in Offices
In office, UPS systems serve as additional protection for servers and other devices that are used in office activity.
Use in Industries
In industries where critical activities are carried out, it is essential to use a good UPS to protect devices and maintain the work process.
Protection from Intermittent Power Problems
One of the great benefits of a UPS is that it protects devices from any fluctuations in the power supply. The moment power goes out or is not enough for the work of your devices, you do not have any problems because the UPS works immediately.
Often, UPS is used together with backup generators. However, it takes some time to turn it on. That is why UPS serves as an interim source of electricity until a generator starts to operate.
Choosing the Proper UPS
The question remains – how should we choose the proper UPS to protect our devices? You will find below the criteria that you should pay attention to:
Number of protected devices
Maximum power capacity
Time of backup period
Amount of necessary protection
Depending on the chosen parameters, you should select a UPS system. In some cases, it might be a standby UPS, whereas, in others, a double-conversion UPS would be better.
