Electricity is a commodity that we usually use as naturally as water. It is only when supply problems occur – for example in the event of a complete failure or voltage fluctuations – that we realize how dependent our everyday life is on a reliable power supply. Not only in the private sphere, but also in companies, outages can cause great damage.
In this guide, you will learn how to ensure an uninterrupted power supply and avoid damage.
What is an uninterruptible power supply (UPS)?
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) secures the power supply for connected electronic systems in the event of a power failure. If the mains supply is interrupted or the current values are above or below the permissible tolerance range, the UPS immediately supplies the connected, sensitive systems with current or protects them against overvoltages.The UPS differs from a general backup power supply (AEV) in that it can supply critical loads immediately. With an AEV, on the other hand, there is always a short interruption. Depending on the device and the task being performed, even a brief interruption can lead to undesirable consequences such as defects or loss of data.
Even with an uninterruptible power supply, some solutions may result in a short interruption of the power supply. However, this is only a few milliseconds. It is particularly important to weigh up how sensitively a device reacts to a malfunction and to check the product characteristics carefully when purchasing the UPS.
Why do I need a UPS?
A UPS usually protects not only against supply interruptions, but also against voltage fluctuations such as undervoltages or overvoltages. Although power failures are rather rare in Western Europe, fluctuations in voltage or frequency changes occur more frequently than many are aware of. Undervoltages occur, for example, during short circuits or inrush currents of large electric motors. In contrast, the voltage in the mains increases when larger loads are switched off or lightning strikes.Energy suppliers continuously monitor the mains voltage and mains frequency and, if necessary, readjust them at the supply points to the mains. However, they can only do this across the board. However, fluctuations or even isolated power failures can occur at certain points and regionally.
As the energy turnaround progresses, this situation could worsen even further, as electricity from offshore wind farms or solar cells, for example, is generated irregularly and can sometimes cause considerable voltage peaks.
A UPS can remedy this situation by compensating for fluctuations in the power grid and also providing energy from accumulators in the event of a power failure. The accumulators are first charged from the power grid and then recharge themselves automatically after use.
UPS for private households
Many electronic systems that people use as a matter of course in everyday life require energy: telephones, computers, TV sets, refrigerators and freezers… But not only devices for communication, entertainment and kitchen appliances are affected. Security functions in the home are also often dependent on electricity, such as security cameras and, increasingly, smart home installations.
Devices such as laptops and computers are complex. The more sophisticated they are, the more sensitive they become to voltage fluctuations. If they are suddenly turned off without shutting down properly, system failures and damage to media or hard drives can occur, significantly affecting the performance of the device. In the worst case, important data is lost and cannot be recovered. Damage caused by overvoltage can also lead to defects.
Even simpler models of a UPS under 100 euros can avoid expensive and annoying defects in standard household electrical appliances. They protect against overvoltages, voltage peaks, lightning strikes and other disturbances of the power supply.
UPS for companies
Downtime caused by power interruptions is frustrating for everyone. In addition, production downtime can lead to financial losses and damage the company. Every year, billions of dollars in global losses are incurred due to supply disruptions and related downtime.
Worse still, expensive special equipment used in research, for example, is often very sensitive and can be damaged to such an extent that it can no longer be used, even with the shortest interruptions in the power supply. Uninterruptible power supply is also essential in corporate IT. Whether servers, desktops, printers or telephone systems – the damage that can be avoided by UPSs is often considerable.
UPSs for professional use have a much higher performance and in the best case offer intelligent and flexible solutions such as scalable autonomy times. In addition, they offer extended options for remote monitoring of the UPS.
Picture source: AdobeStock 117290213
