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What is uninterruptible power supply (UPS)? - Definition from WhatIs.com

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DEFINITION

uninterruptible power supply (UPS) Posted by: Margaret Rouse WhatIs.com

c s o n Contributor(s): Robert McFarlane, Toon Diegenant and Patrick Tierce

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An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that allows a computer to keep running for at least a short time when the primary power source is lost. It also provides protection from power surges.

A UPS contains a battery that "kicks in" when the device senses a loss of power from the primary source. If you are using the computer when the UPS notifies you of the power loss, you have time to save any data you are working on and exit gracefully before the secondary power source (the battery) runs out. When all power runs out, any data in your computer's random access memory (RAM) is erased. When power surges occur, a UPS intercepts the surge so that it doesn't damage the computer.

UPS in the data center Every UPS converts incoming AC to DC through a rectifier, and converts it back with an inverter. Batteries or flywheels store energy to use in a utility failure. A bypass circuit routes power around the rectifier and inverter, running the IT load on incoming utility or generator power. While UPS systems are commonly called double-conversion, line-interactive and standby designs, these terms have been used inconsistently and manufacturers implement them differently: At least one system allows any of the three modes. The International ElectroTechnical Commission (IEC) adopted more technically descriptive terminology in IEC Std. 62040. Voltage and frequency independent (VFI) UPS systems are called dual or double conversion because incoming AC is rectified to DC to keep batteries charged and drive the inverter. The inverter re-creates steady AC power to run the IT equipment.

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Figure 1.

When power fails the batteries drive the inverter, which continues to run the information technology (IT) load. When power is restored, either from the utility or a generator, the rectifier delivers direct current (DC) to the inverter and simultaneously recharges the batteries. The inverter runs full time. Utility input is completely isolated from the output, and bypass is only used for maintenance safety or if there's an internal electronics failure. Since there is no break in the power delivered to the IT equipment, vacuum fault interrupter (VFI) is generally considered the most robust form of UPS. Most systems synchronize the output frequency with the input, but that's not necessary, so it still qualifies as frequency independent.

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Figure 2.

Every power conversion incurs a loss, so the wasted energy has historically been considered the price of ultimate reliability. The newest VFI systems claim better than 96% efficiency at nearly all loads. Voltage independent (VI), or true line interactive UPSes have a controlled output voltage, but the same output frequency as the input. Frequency independence is rarely a concern with power in developed countries. Utility power feeds directly to the output and IT equipment, and the rectifier keeps the batteries charged. The inverter is paralleled with the output, compensating for voltage dips and acting as an active filter for voltage spikes and harmonics. Rectifier and inverter losses only occur when incoming power fluctuates. Flywheels and motor/generator sets also qualify as VI.

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Figure 3.

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When incoming power fails, or the voltage goes out of range, the bypass quickly disconnects from the input and the battery drives the inverter. When input power is restored, the bypass re-engages the input, re-charges the batteries, and keeps output voltage constant. UPS vendors who use paralleled power sources claim no loss of reliability. The result is around 98% energy efficiency.

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Figure 4.

Voltage and frequency dependent (VFD), or standby UPS, is operationally similar to VI and is sometimes mistakenly called line interactive. In conventional VFD systems the inverter is turned off, so it can take as long as 10 to 12 milliseconds (ms) to start creating power. That break can crash servers, making legacy VFD UPSes a bad fit for data centers.

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Figure 5.

New VFD concepts have the inverter producing power within 2 ms after being activated. The bypass is normally engaged, just as with VI, so equipment operates directly from the utility or generator. Since the inverter isn't working until power fails, there is no voltage control or power consumed, enabling efficiencies as high as 99%. Power failure or voltage outside of range opens the bypass switch, disengaging input from output; the inverter starts operating from the batteries. The rectifier is only large enough to keep the batteries charged.

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Figure 6.

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This was last updated in April 2015

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[-] pulsator

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- 10 Aug 2015 3:59 AM

I use a CPAP machine to help with my breathing when I am asleep. I need a UPS so that when the mains power (240v) drops out I can continue sleeping without having a panic attack due to being unable to breath easily. Which one? Reply

[-] Meredith Courtemanche

t

- 11 Aug 2015 11:35 AM

Hi @pulsator: Try posting this question under the UPS tag on ITKnowledgeExchange.com. It's a sister site with peer Q&As. Reply

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[-] mesguerra1 - 11 Jul 2017 2:21 AM

So long story short, an uninterruptible power supply basically powers up your machine when the suddenly goes out or the flow current has been on a sudden low or high. If the power flowing in your PC is not regulated then it will be vulnerable to early detection of damages. Reply

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[-] miladssss - 13 Mar 2018 1:56 AM

Hi everybody, I'm looking for ups with power system brand? did you ever hear about it? if you have information about it company and you know them site. Please tell me. Thanks a lot Reply

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