Uninterruptible Power Supplies

An uninterruptible power supply, commonly known as UPS Power Supply, is an easy-to-install device that is designed to provide power to your computers, servers, server rooms and data centres in case of main energy failure, electrical surge or unexpected energy cut-off. These devices contain a battery that guarantees power to your computer system or PC for a certain period of time, creating an extended run long enough to shut down software or save the current task and shut off the computer.

UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply Types

There are several types of UPS system solutions available:

• Online UPS - A system of supplying power by converting AC input (utility power) to DC and reconverting it to stable AC by the inverter while constantly charging the batteries. Supplies power without momentary power breaks in the event of a power outage.
• Standby UPS - A system where, normally, AC input (utility power) is connected to devices and when a power outage or abnormal voltage is detected, the inverter starts feeding the device using power from the batteries. In the event of a power outage, a few milliseconds of momentary break occur in AC output.
• Parallel processing UPS - While power from AC input (utility power) is supplied, the bidirectional inverter connected in parallel corrects voltage and absorbs noise. Because this is an online inverter (parallel) system, it has both high efficiency and high reliability.
• Hybrid UPS - This system consists of three modes: double conversion mode, economy mode, and active filter mode. This type of UPS automatically selects the power feeding mode to best suit the power situation and load conditions. With this type of UPS power supply unit, it is possible to shift between the respective modes with no momentary break in output voltage. Double conversion mode is selected when the power situation is poor and economy mode is selected when the power situation is good.

At RS Malaysia, you can find different types of uninterrupted power supply units for various applications from trusted brands like Riello, Phoenix Contact, and Eaton to ensure that your critical systems remain operational during power disruptions. These reliable industrial UPS power supply units provide essential power backup. They can even be integrated with monitoring relays and signal conditioners to ensure critical systems remain stable, safeguarding data integrity and system functionality across diverse industries.

How to Choose the Right UPS Device for Your Needs

Selecting the appropriate Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is crucial for ensuring continuous operation of your critical equipment. Consider these factors when choosing the right UPS for your application:

1. Assess Power Requirements and Backup Time

Calculate the total power consumption of all devices you need to protect. Check the wattage ratings of each piece of equipment and add them together for your total power requirements. For safety, add 20-30% to this total to account for power spikes and future expansion.

Next, determine the backup time your UPS needs to power your equipment during a power outage. For instance, you might need only a few minutes to safely shut down computers, or several hours to keep critical infrastructure operational.

2. Choose the Right UPS Type and Capacity

Select from three main types: Standby (offline), Line-interactive, or Online (double-conversion), based on your power quality needs and budget.

Standby UPS systems are suitable for basic protection in home or small office environments. Line-interactive UPS systems offer better power conditioning for small to medium-sized businesses, and Online UPS systems provide the highest level of protection for critical applications in data centers and industrial environments.

You should also ensure the UPS capacity (VA rating) matches or exceeds your calculated power requirements.

3. Consider Form Factor and Number of Outlets

Choose between tower and rack-mount UPS units based on your available space and installation requirements. Ensure the UPS has enough battery-backed and surge-protected outlets for all your devices, including future expansion needs.

4. Evaluate Features and Communication Options

Look for useful features like LCD displays, energy-saving modes, and automatic voltage regulation. If you need advanced monitoring capabilities, check for communication ports (USB, serial) or network cards (SNMP), which allow for remote management and monitoring of your UPS system.

5. Plan for Scalability and Long-Term Costs

Consider modular UPS systems if your power needs might increase over time. Consider not just the initial cost, but also long-term expenses like battery replacements and energy efficiency.

6. Assess Environmental Factors

Make sure the UPS is suitable for your operating environment. Consider factors like temperature, humidity, and noise tolerance, especially for industrial applications. Extreme temperatures can reduce battery life and affect the overall performance of the UPS. High humidity levels can cause corrosion and electrical short circuits, while excessive running noise can make a UPS unit unsuitable for quiet environments.

By carefully considering these factors, you can rest easy knowing you have an uninterrupted power supply unit that provides optimal protection for your equipment. Remember, investing in the right UPS now can save you from costly downtime and equipment damage in the future.

Industry Application of Uninterruptible Power Supply Units

Healthcare & Medical Facilities

In healthcare and medical facilities, an uninterruptible power supply is crucial for maintaining the functionality of life-saving equipment and essential systems during power outages. For instance, UPS units are used to ensure uninterrupted power to operating theatres and intensive care units, safeguarding against sudden power disruptions that could endanger patient lives. Additionally, an industrial UPS system supports critical data systems that manage patient records, ensuring they remain operational and accessible at all times.

IT Services

For IT services, UPS power supplies are vital to protect against data loss and hardware damage due to power interruptions. An uninterruptible power supply maintains power to servers and network devices, allowing for a safe shutdown or continuous operation during a power outage. For example, data centres use high-capacity industrial UPS systems to ensure their servers and cooling systems continue functioning seamlessly. Another application is in network operations centres where UPS devices prevent disruptions in monitoring and managing network traffic.

Financial Institutions

Financial institutions, such as banks, investment firms, and insurance companies, rely heavily on industrial UPS systems to ensure continuous operation and data integrity. An uninterrupted power supply unit supports trading systems and data processing centres, which are crucial for real-time financial transactions and services. For instance, banks use UPS devices to protect their ATM networks, ensuring they remain operational during power failures, thus maintaining customer service and access to funds. Similarly, investment firms depend on industrial UPS systems to secure their trading floors, where even a brief power interruption could result in significant financial losses.