Choosing the Right UPS for Your Growing Business

There are various uninterruptible power supply (UPS) solutions, however, one size does not fit all. Businesses in expansion mode should assess their needs and make sure they're meeting all legal and regulatory standards, including those for full bypass control. In this post, we'll break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision on which UPS solutions will work best for your business.

Uninterruptible power supply selection starts with a plan and a business goal. The purpose of the hardware is to continue supplying power in the event that the utility service is disrupted; however, administrators are responsible for determining the length of time that power will be maintained, the amount of redundancy that is required, the size of the supply that is required, whether or not it must eliminate power anomalies, and how frequently the system must be online in order to provide backup power. To learn more about Eaton UPS' features, read our insightful article about this subject.

Covered in this article:

What Is A UPS System?
Unpacking Battery Types
Calculating Your UPS Power Needs
What are the advantages of utilising a UPS?

What Is A UPS System?

A UPS system, also known as an uninterruptible power supply, is an electrical device that supplies emergency power to a load when the input power source or mains power fails. A UPS system has three basic purposes: it conditioning incoming filthy power from the utility company to provide clean, uninterruptible power; it offers ride-through power to cover for sags or short-term outages; and it permits seamless system shutdown during a total power outage.

Single-phase, three-phase and split-phase UPS

The number of electrical phases that a UPS receives and sends is described by its phase, such as a single-phase UPS or a three-phase UPS. Three-phase power is generated by electrical utilities because it is the most effective way to transfer electricity across large distances. Furthermore, for bigger power consumers such as major data centres, industrial manufacturing, and hospitals, the power remains three-phase, necessitating the need for a three-phase UPS. Power is converted to single-phase power for smaller power consumers, such as residential or commercial buildings and the majority of schools.

Certain applications demand a UPS that can safeguard both single-phase and three-phase equipment. A split-phase UPS, which can supply 120V and 208V output concurrently, is frequently the best solution for these systems.

Unpacking Battery Types

Wet cells, or flooded lead acid batteries, last 25 years in large UPSes. They're large, heavy, and need professional maintenance, special rooms with hydrogen detection, exhaust fans, acid spill containment, showers, and eyewash stations.

Valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries—sealed cells—have been the main alternative. These need to be replaced every three to five years, especially if unstable power causes multiple discharge and recharge cycles. Long-life versions cost more and may last 10 years but may need several expensive replacements over the UPS's lifetime.

New Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries outlast VRLA batteries. These batteries are still being studied and new chemical configurations discovered. Unlike VRLAs, usage doesn't affect lifespan. Li-ion cells are smaller, lighter, and can be partially discharged and recharged without reducing lifespan. These batteries are still associated with phones and tablets.

UPS Li-Ion battery chemistry and packaging differ from phones and other devices. Most admins can install these batteries safely. They cost more than VRLA batteries and are incompatible with some UPSs, but they pay for themselves over time.

Calculating Your UPS Power Needs

While configuring an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), there are three crucial elements that must be taken into account: the runtime, the capacity, and the intended load. The intended load refers to the total voltage and amperage of all of the connected electronic devices (i.e., how long it can supply battery power for). When the capacity of the UPS closely matches the entire load without falling below the appropriate levels, it operates at its highest level of efficiency. To put it another way, you won't want to make the mistake of utilising a UPS that has a capacity that is smaller than the load that you anticipate.

The generally used formula for estimating the runtime of a UPS is simple, but you must first know a few additional numbers.

1. Determine the UPS battery's capacity in ampere-hours (Ah). This information should be supplied in the UPS literature, on the listing page, or directly on the battery.
2. Determine the UPS's input voltage.
3. Add up the watts used by all connected devices to calculate the overall load for the UPS in watts.
4. Divide the total load by the battery capacity multiplied by the input voltage.

A UPS with a battery capacity of 150Ah, an input voltage of 10V, and a load of 700 watts, for example, should be able to handle a two-minute runtime (150 x 10, divided by 700).

What Are The Advantages of Utilising a UPS?

Your computer might benefit from having an uninterruptible power source, sometimes known as a battery backup. It can function as a backup power source in the event that the electricity goes out, as a power "conditioner" to prevent voltage spikes and drops from disrupting the flow of electricity to your computer and other devices, and as a noise reducer for noisy power sources.

Introducing Eaton UPS Solutions

Eaton is the industry leader when it comes to the provision of uninterruptible power supplies, sometimes known as UPS. Back-up power of the highest quality and reliability is provided by Eaton UPSs in all environments, including network closets and server rooms, as well as enterprise and co-location data centres.

About Eaton

Eaton is a global leader in intelligent power management with a mission to enhance people's lives and safeguard the planet. Eaton's mission is to help its clients effectively control their electricity use now and in the future by conducting its business in an ethical and environmentally responsible manner and providing them with reliable and innovative energy solutions. By taking advantage of the electrification and digitalisation trends, Eaton is hastening the transition to renewable energy and addressing some of the world's most pressing power management issues.