Uninterruptible power supplies, or UPS, are equipment that allows IT infrastructure to stay operational for a short period of time when the primary power source is interrupted. These interruptions can include brownouts, fluctuations, spikes, or complete power outages. This helps users or teams avoid damage to hardware, losing or corrupting data, and promote equipment availability. For organizations, there are three types of UPS available: online double conversion, line interactive, and standby. All provide protection from all power anomalies, however, the difference in how the protection is executed.
3 Types of UPS:
The UPS systems, categorized into standby, line interactive, and online double conversion UPS, each offer unique characteristics to manage different power issues. From basic power backup support to handling minor power fluctuations to offering comprehensive power protection, these systems cater to varied requirements. As such, the choice between these three fundamentally depends on the complexity of the IT infrastructure and the degree of power stability needed.
Standby UPS
Standby UPS are often called offline UPS in some organizations. They are the most basic type of UPS on the market. With standby UPS, utility power flows through the equipment in normal operations while charging the UPS battery. Whenever power issues occur, they switch to the battery backup to protect the attached IT devices. Offline UPS are most common in smaller systems and office desktops, oftentimes the most cost effective solution available.
Line Interactive UPS
Line interactive UPS uses automatic voltage regulation technology to keep equipment online. They operate very similarly to standby UPS, with the added feature of regulating voltage automatically. In normal mode, utility power runs the connected devices while charging the backup battery. The line interactive ups monitors incoming supply and detects if it is too low or too high. This is allows the line interactive UPS to provide a safe output voltage regardless if the input voltage spikes or drops too low. If voltage falls below a certain threshold, the backup battery kicks on and provides power continuity. This type of UPS is typically found in small business infrastructure.
Double Conversion UPS
Online double conversion UPS, sometimes referred to as online UPS, provide the best and most reliable form of power protection available. It is called a double conversion because it converts the incoming AC power into DC power for the battery. Then the inverter converts it back to AC for output to attached devices. Overall, online double conversion is the most common UPS for enterprise applications. This completely isolates your load from any power anomalies from the utility, making it the best choice for sensitive IT equipment.
In summarization, offline or standby UPS can only turn its battery on and off. When a critical load drops too low, the backup will turn on and switch power over to the battery. In a system protected by line interactive systems if the power drops low, the UPS will regulate the output and assist with producing a consistent voltage. If it drops too low, a switch will transfer the load onto the DC battery backup. In an online double conversion system, the power is regulated consistently by running through the online UPS. The battery will automatically take the load if power drops too low. There is no need for a transfer, making it the safest option.
