What Is A UPS System? UPS is an acronym that stands for Uninterrupted Power Supply (Source). It is defined as an electronic device power back-up system used to ensure uninterrupted power for various electronic devices. A reliable power source is required for providing unbroken power to various devices that handle loads of work, and UPS systems meet this requirement. A UPS system differs from an emergency or auxiliary power system or a standby generator in that the device provides very nearly instantaneous protection from power outages. At any moment or for any reason, power supply can be cut off suddenly. Power outages result from electrical poles being damaged by storms or even by traffic accidents. The components of a UPS System A UPS is a static system with equipment such as rectifier charger, inverter, transformer mechanisms and battery. The work of the rectifier charger is to convert utility AC power to regulate DC power that in turns maintains the battery at full charge for operations of the static inverter. The battery power source acts as an energy supplier for the inverter when the line voltage drops or the supply falls. The transfer mechanism system consists of a static switch and a by-pass circuit. The circuit can isolate the UPS from the power source and the electrical load as well to transfer the load from a preferred power source to an alternative source as required. Basic types of UPS Systems -Basically, there are three types: Standby Power System- this is most commonly used to protect POS equipment and single-work stations. It monitors the power-line and when a problem is detected, it switches to battery power. -Line Interactive- this is the most commonly used UPS for network environments. It is mainly used for small networks-up to enterprise applications. In this UPS system, the battery-to-AC power converter (inverter) is always connected to the output. The inverter works in reverse when the input AC-power is normal so as to provide battery charging. -Double Conversion Online UPS- this is mostly used for critical applications such as server farms and hospitals among others. It avoids momentary power lapses by providing power continuously from its inverter. This UPS system provides power from its inverter even when with proper power line functioning. Importance of a UPS System Sudden loss of power during data transfer can result to serious damages, making the computer hard drive for instance, inaccessible. Computers are usually fragile machineries that can be damaged by sudden power fluctuations or outage. The items
in a computer system such as hard drives can be affected and data can be lost when power goes off unexpectedly, and when the computer shuts down improperly as well. To protect the computer and other electronic devices, from such unfortunate scenarios, you need an electrical device such as UPS system. The UPS system will acts a battery backup power supply that will automatically provide your devices with sufficient power, long enough to allow you save your data and properly shut down the machines. Additionally, a UPS device not only protects the computer from lack of power, but also protects it from too much power. It is also a surge protector because it shields the computer from little flickers or brownouts, among other electrical disturbances that we do not notice, which are capable of causing havoc to our computers.