Choosing the Best UPS Solution for Your Business Needs
Selecting the right Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for your business has never been easier. With the right information, you can make the best choice for your needs and ensure that you have functional and reliable power management systems in place. Learn all about UPS solutions and find out how to choose the one that’s best for you.
Understand Your Backup Power Needs.
It’s important to understand how much backup power your business needs in order to choose the best UPS solution. The amount of power required will depend on many factors such as the type of equipment used, the number of users connected to the system, etc. Make sure you take all these into account when selecting a UPS to ensure that the system can provide enough power to maintain critical operations during an outage.
Consider Battery Life and Maintenance.
Once you have an idea of the total power needed, you must also consider how long the UPS can provide this level of power. The type of battery your UPS uses will help you determine how long it can continue to provide power during a blackout. If you’re looking for a longer run time, batteries such as Gel or AGM may be more appropriate, as these batteries require less maintenance and can last for up to 12 years. Meanwhile, Lead-Acid and Lithium-Ion batteries will provide the highest run times but need more maintenance to ensure they stay in good condition.
Compare UPS Technologies and Topologies.
When shopping for a UPS solution, it’s important to compare the different technologies and topologies. Technology refers to the type of UPS while topology is defined as the architecture of how components are induced in a device, network, or system. Common technologies include standby, line interactive and double conversion UPS systems, while common topologies include on-line uninterruptible power supplies (on-line UPS), transformer bypass on-line (or online flywheel) systems and off-line/standby designs. Comparing these elements can help you choose the ideal product for your business needs.
Choose an Appropriate Power Rating and Output Voltage.
Consider the wattage of your system and the type of output voltage required. Your power rating should balance between enough power to cover all your critical functions without overloading the UPS capacity. Output voltage, on the other hand, should be sufficient to handle peak load levels such as system startups and larger power applications.Choose an appropriate device that can convert AC input power to DC output power or back again.
Review Efficiency and Environmental Impact Ratings.
From wattages and voltages, to operating temperature and noise levels it’s important to determine the efficiency ratings of a UPS before making your final choice. This will ensure that you get the most power from your system while reducing environmental impact. Many modern designs are well over 90% efficient for ac-dc conversion purposes, greatly reducing energy costs and waste. Look for systems that have power saving features to further reduce energy consumption when possible.