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[All you need to know about UPS] What is UPS?
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A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) is a device that continues to supply electricity for a certain period of time when a power outage occurs. In English, it is called "UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)".
This UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) can protect computers, hard disks, servers, modems, routers, etc. from unexpected power outages, and ultimately protect important data and manufacturing equipment.
How does a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) keep electricity flowing during a power outage? The mechanism is actually quite simple.
Imagine an extension cord that is commonly used in offices and homes. It is a cord that connects to a power source in the wall and has multiple outlets at the end, which send electricity to the devices connected to it. It is easy to understand if you think of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) as an extension cord with a storage function.
First, electricity is sent from the power source to the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies). The electricity is then sent straight to the equipment connected to it, and at the same time the electricity is stored in a storage battery inside the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies). Then, in the event of a power outage or other emergency, power is supplied from the storage battery to each device. This allows the supply of electricity to continue without interruption for even a moment.
What is the difference between a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) and a generator?
A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) has a built-in storage battery. In the unlikely event of a power outage, it automatically switches to power supply from the storage battery, so it can continue to supply electricity to each device without interruption. However, the typical backup time is about 5 to 10 minutes, so it cannot withstand long-term power outages. It is a good idea to use it to safely shut down a system or as a bridge until a generator starts up.
Generators are generally started only after a power outage occurs. It takes about a minute for them to actually start generating electricity, during which time the supply of electricity to various devices is halted. On the other hand, generators can continue to generate electricity as long as they have fuel such as gasoline or diesel, making them effective in the event of a long-lasting power outage.
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) has become a "must-have" for both private companies and government agencies because the foundations of industry and life are filled with things that require electricity: systems that must be kept running at all times, data related to customers and money, and equipment that could be damaged if necessary procedures are not followed.
A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) is needed during a power outage. Living in modern Japan, it may seem like it's rare to encounter a long-term power outage. So why do we need to spend money to install a UPS?
Power outages include short-term voltage drops of 0.02 to 2 seconds, known as "instantaneous voltage drops," and power outages of less than one minute, known as "instantaneous power outages." The number of power outages per household at TEPCO in fiscal 2021 was 0.1*1. On the other hand, it is said that instantaneous voltage drops occur as often as once a month in some areas. In other words, even if long-term power outages are only experienced about once every 10 years, instantaneous voltage drops are experienced quite frequently in some areas.
In factories that handle precision equipment and data, and in offices that handle important data, these issues alone can have a major impact. UPS plays a very important role in preventing production line stoppages, server stoppages, and data loss.
*1 Source: Number of power outages per household | TEPCO in a table
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) is also necessary as a backup power source or emergency power source in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake, typhoon, or fire. Power outages in such cases can last for a long time. The typical backup time of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) is 5 to 10 minutes. First of all, you can safely shut down your system or computer while the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) is supplying power. It is also a good idea to use a generator in conjunction with it.
What types of UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) are there?
This method has little power conversion loss. Since there is a slight interruption during a power outage, it is ideal for applications where an interruption is not a concern, such as security cameras.
Details page: What is Passive Standby UPS?
This is a method that provides particularly high quality power supply because it always supplies stable power through Inverter. In the event of a power outage, it switches power without any interruption. It is ideal for communication base stations, communication servers, etc.
Details page: Double Conversion Online UPS?
The bidirectional Inverter improves the power quality on the power supply side by correcting the power factor and absorbing noise. In the event of a power outage, the power is switched over completely without interruption. It is also highly efficient, making it ideal for power equipment such as production facilities.
Details page: What is Parallel Processing UPS?
For a list of specific products, please see" SANYO DENKI CO., LTD. 's Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) Product List."
There are two types of batteries installed in UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) - lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries. The battery life of a UPS is 2 to 5 years for conventional lead-acid batteries, but lithium-ion batteries can last up to 10 years*3. This has many advantages, including reduced maintenance costs due to the longer battery life, a smaller UPS, and less capacity loss due to aging.
*3 Varies depending on usage environment and ambient temperature
Details page: A thorough comparison of UPS lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries!
When selecting a UPS, you should consider the following points:
1. Backup target device
② Capacity
③Backup time
④ Input/output voltage, frequency, wiring method (number of phases and lines)
⑤Power supply method
⑥Battery type
⑦Optional features
Details page: How to choose a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies)! Capacity, backup time, etc.
As you proceed with your UPS selection and begin comparing detailed performance, it is a good idea to look at things like the following:
①Power supply quality
2) Reliability (less likely to break down)
③Battery life
④Size (space saving)
⑤Usage environment
⑥ Certification mark
With proper maintenance, you can continue to use your UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) safely. During daily and regular inspections, it is important to carefully replace maintenance parts such as batteries and check the operating environment.
A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) will reach the end of its life in about 5 to 15 years, depending on the capacity and usage environment. If you continue to use a UPS beyond its lifespan, problems will arise, such as an increased failure rate, which will no longer serve as insurance, and increased maintenance costs. If a UPS has outlived its lifespan and fulfilled its role, consider replacing it at the appropriate time.
How is a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) actually used?
Data stored on a computer may be lost if the power supply is suddenly cut off due to a power outage. In the worst case scenario, the computer system itself may be destroyed, making it impossible to recover the data. If you need to continue working during a power outage, you will need to combine a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) and a generator to back up your electricity.
Servers store all kinds of data, including systems, websites, and email. If a power outage causes the system to malfunction or data to be damaged, it can cause major damage to the entire company. To prevent such situations, a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) is necessary.
In recent years, systems have been developed to ensure data safety by connecting a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) and server via LAN. When a power outage occurs, Uninterruptible Power Supplies power to the server. If the power outage continues for a long time, for example if the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) battery level falls below 50%, the server is programmed to automatically shut down safely. This protects the system and data on the server.
There are many industries that should use UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies).
The medical field is a typical example of where a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) is needed. Hospitals have a variety of medical equipment. If a power outage occurs, lives that could have been saved may be lost. It is extremely important to use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) to continue supplying electricity.
In addition, it is important to take measures against power outages, such as Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), for vaccine refrigerators and deep freezers that must be kept at low temperatures. If the temperature inside the refrigerator rises due to a power outage, the vaccine may deteriorate.
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) is also essential in the financial industry. Financial companies such as banks and securities firms have introduced multiple UPS systems. Furthermore, each UPS is installed in a separate location. They have built a system that can provide a stable supply of Uninterruptible Power Supplies, even assuming physical damage such as the destruction of part of a building due to an earthquake.
Using Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) can prevent damage to production equipment and objects, and the need to redo production processes. After comparing the possible damage caused by a power outage with the cost of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies), you can then begin to consider installing one.
Writing assistance: Toshiyuki Nishizawa, Senior Sales Engineer, Sales Department, SANYO DENKI CO., LTD.
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