Many construction projects start with prominent persons shoveling the traditional first scoop of sand and end with them cutting a big ribbon. However, the work between these two events is important for the facility managers, builders, and design engineers who are part of the project.
Whether you are a modernizing a facility or building a new one, you need to make critical decisions during the build and design stages, including the use of crucial power equipment. For vital applications that need constant electricity supply, you require back-up generators and UPS power supply to ensure uptime even during micro-outages and power disturbances.
UPS power supply solutions serve two purposes – condition incoming electricity and bridge the time gap between power failure and startup of the generator. There are different products in this category based on factors like power density, size, operational efficiency, topology, and storage technology. Each facility has unique needs, therefore requires suitable solutions.
To select the right UPS power supply system for your requirements, you should consider the following essential elements:
- System Performance
First, analyze each UPS power supply platform’s power protection performance, topology, and features. You should thoroughly review product specs and assess the product’s ability to handle step loads and overloads, which are normal in industrial and manufacturing applications.
- Reliability
In engineering, reliability refers to the probability that a component or system will work properly under the mentioned conditions for the specified time period. Further, in electrical systems, reliability is gauged on the product’s likelihood of failure.
High reliability can be achieved through the practical design of the overall electrical platform. UPS power supply reliability is vital for mission-critical plants and facilities. Check the vendor’s guarantee about their system’s dependability by requesting white papers, studies, and scientific research that back their claims. You can also ask for customer references from users who have similar applications and needs.
- Runtime
Today, an on-site generator can start and fully support the needed load inside 15 seconds. However, UPS is still being overprovisioned with multiple runtime minutes through batteries. This expense is no longer required or justifiable.
Therefore, you should select a UPS power supply system with minimal runtime to reduce product footprint and maintenance and operating costs while maintaining availability and reliability.
- Total Cost of Ownership
Cost is an important factor too. Keep in mind that the solution with the least initial cost could turn out to be unfeasible over the long term. Traditional battery-based UPS power supply systems need regulated temperatures, space, battery replacement cycles, and frequent maintenance, all of which can increase costs.
Select a solution with no battery replacement expenses, low cooling and maintenance requirements, and high operating efficiencies. Units that are not built with battery cabinets will consume less space.
- Maintenance
Traditional battery-based UPS power supply systems utilize electrochemical energy stored in VRLA (valve-regulated lead-acid) batteries. These batteries need to be maintained each quarter and replaced after a few years. Such preventive measures can ensure the batteries and UPS work properly.
Alternately, you can select a UPS power supply system that utilizes kinetic energy to deliver short term power. This type of product does not require replacement cycles and needs less maintenance compared to battery-run options.
To sum up, pick a suitable UPS power supply system for your commercial or domestic application, do proper research, and probe the vendor with questions. Consult licensed professionals to get advice on the right electrical systems for your needs.
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