Know What is UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

Currently, the use of electronic devices is increasingly spreading, both in households, offices, and in various industries. However, unstable electricity supply is still a common problem in many areas. In order to overcome the risk of power failure and protect electronic devices from damage that might occur due to power failures, the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is here as a very important solution. Thus, in this article we will discuss some important things about this UPS. Let’s see the full explanation below!

Definition of UPS

UPS is an electrical device that functions to provide temporary electrical power to electronic devices when the main electricity supply is interrupted or cut off. Thus, when the main power supply is interrupted, the equipment connected to the UPS can still operate for some time to prevent data loss or damage to the equipment.

UPS function

The main function of the UPS is to protect electronic devices from power supply disturbances, such as sudden blackouts, surges or voltage drops, and transient surges that can cause permanent damage to the equipment. In addition, the UPS also helps extend equipments uptime in an emergency, which provides an opportunity for users to save their work and take precautions before safely shutting down a device.

How UPS Works

The UPS works by collecting electrical power from the main source and continuously charging its internal battery. When the mains supply is stable, the UPS will provide direct power to the equipment by converting AC to DC power without relying on batteries. However, in the event of an interruption to the mains supply, the UPS will automatically switch to battery and convert the DC power back to AC so that the equipment can continue to operate.

UPS Types

There are several types of UPS that differ from one another because each type is designed for different needs and environments. The following are some types of UPS that are commonly used:

1. Standby UPS

This type of UPS provides basic protection at a more affordable cost. When the main supply is normal, the UPS becomes offline and only act as a direct connection to the equipment. In the event of a power outage, the new UPS will switch to battery and provide power.

The advantages of this type of UPS include affordable cost, high efficiency, and compact design. However, on the other hand, there are drawbacks such as using the battery during a power outage and not suitable for loads above 2kVA. This type of UPS is most suitable for use by personal users.

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2. Line-Interactive UPS

This UPS offers additional features in the form of automatic voltage regulator. Line-interactive UPSs can adjust the output voltage according to input voltage fluctuations without having to switch to batteries.

Its advantages include high reliability, good efficiency, and optimal voltage adjustment. However, the drawback is that it is not suitable for use above 5kVA capacity. This UPS is often used in situations of unstable power supply.

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3. UPS Double Conversion Online

This type of UPS provides the most protection because it always provides power by converting AC power to DC and immediately back to AC. Online UPSs provide maximum resistance to power failures, but costs and power consumption can be higher.

The advantages of this UPS are its ability to adjust the voltage very well and it is easy to connect in parallel. However, on the other hand, this UPS has disadvantages in the form of low efficiency and high prices, especially for types with power below 5kVA. Even though it is close to the ideal UPS description, this device generates quite high heat.

So, UPS or Uninterruptible Power Supply is an important solution to protect electronic devices from unstable power supply disturbances. With various types of UPS available, users can choose according to their needs and desired level of protection. Using UPS properly can improve the reliability of electronic devices, prevent potential damage, and minimize data loss due to power failures.