What is an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)?

Without adequate UPS systems providing uninterrupted power to your electronic systems such as computer networks and servers, building management systems and security systems, a power outage, however brief, can cause most organisations to grind to a halt. This can result in lost information, productivity and profit. The easiest way to provide secure power protection your mission critical systems and bottom line is to invest in high quality UPS systems. 

What are UPS systems?

An Uninterruptible Power Supply - UPS - is a system capable of supplying high-quality electrical power to a 'load' (such as a computer network), without interruptions.

A diesel generator cannot be considered a UPS system because, in the event of a power outage or disturbance, there will always be an interval between the power failing and the standby diesel generator starting up. This break in power supply may result in significant financial losses and explains the need for UPS systems.

UPS systems not only provide protection against all types of power supply failure but are also capable of filtering a vast range of power disturbances found in the mains power supply thus providing more electrically sensitive loads with a clean power supply.

In summary, the Chloride range of UPS systems perform two functions:

• To filter disturbances from the mains power supply
• To supply uninterrupted power to the load in the event that the mains power supply fails

How do UPS systems work? The UPS system is positioned between the incoming mains power supply and the load. The UPS system has a battery or backup power source to provide electrical power in the event of a mains power supply failure. The length of time that the load can be supported, the autonomy, depends on the size of the UPS battery. The UPS system provides time to shut down essential computer systems in a safe and orderly manner to prevent data loss/corruption, or allows time for a standby diesel generator to be started up to support the load. When the mains power fails, the UPS system switches to the backup UPS batteries, ensuring a clean, unbroken power supply is immediately available to keep the load fully operational. It also gives computers and data surge protection and defence against an assortment of power problems. Depending on its size, the UPS system can be plugged into a 13-amp socket or hardwired by an electrician into the mains supply board. UPS systems are tools to ensure business continuity.

Impact of power problems

Disturbances to the electrical power supply, such as loss of electrical power (black out) a reduction in the mains voltage (brown out) or electrical 'noise' (surges, spikes or transients) can affect the performance and lifespan of electronic devices, so it is important that the electricity supply is stable and clean. Electrical noise except in its worst cases is typically an ‘unseen’ event but results in the largest threat to the operating capabilities of electronic equipment and contributes to the premature ageing of electronic components.
 

Power problems can cause:

Power problems can be traced to one or more sources:

Up and running – business continuity

Business continuity is the objective and to meet this, Chloride UPS systems come with a wealth of features and capabilities that create a communications interface between the UPS system and the load, whilst allowing the user to monitor the UPS and battery performance. User friendly software means that you can customise your UPS system to meet specific requirements, including setting up automatic load shutdown procedures. Built-in advanced battery care will optimise UPS battery performance and maximise operating life.

For more detailed information on how UPS systems work please visit our consulting section or request a technical seminar.