When the mains power is interrupted, UPS can switch from zero conversion to battery power, protecting equipment from data loss and hardware damage. From backup to online, reasonable selection and regular maintenance are key to ensuring the continuity of power in the computer room.

 A.    What is a computer room Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS):

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) in data centers, server rooms, and other critical facilities is an important equipment to ensure stable operation. When the mains power is suddenly interrupted, UPS can provide continuous power to avoid data loss or hardware damage caused by accidental shutdown of equipment.

 B.     The function, type, and precautions of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS):

1. Basic functions of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS):

The main function of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is to provide temporary power in case of abnormal mains power. Its core functions include:

-Instantaneous switching: When the mains power is interrupted, the UPS can switch to battery power within 0 milliseconds to ensure uninterrupted operation of the equipment.

-Voltage stabilization filtering: eliminates power problems such as voltage fluctuations and frequency deviations, and protects precision electronic equipment.

-Backup time: Depending on the battery capacity, provide power for several minutes to several hours to buy time for activating the generator or saving data.

2. Common types of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS):

According to the working principle, UPS can be divided into three categories:

(1) Backup UPS: With a simple structure and low cost, it is suitable for small computer rooms or office equipment. When the mains power is normal, it is directly supplied, and after a power outage, it switches to battery mode, with a switching time of about 10 milliseconds, and has little impact on non sensitive equipment.

(2) Online interactive UPS: equipped with automatic voltage regulation function to cope with voltage fluctuations. Shorter switching time (about 4 milliseconds), suitable for small and medium-sized data centers.

(3) Online UPS: always outputs pure power through an inverter, with zero switching time, suitable for large data centers or critical loads, but at a higher cost.

3. Key points for choosing an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS):

(1) Load capacity calculation:

It is necessary to calculate the total power (in watts or kilowatts) of all equipment in the computer room and reserve a 20% -30% margin. For example, if the total power consumption of the device is 5kW, it is recommended to choose a UPS with a power consumption of 6kW or more.

(2) Backup time requirement:

Determine based on the actual scenario:

-Short term backup (5-15 minutes): used to save data and safely shut down.

-Long term backup (over 1 hour): requires a large capacity battery pack or generator.

(3) Battery type:

Lead acid batteries are low-cost but have a shorter lifespan (3-5 years), while lithium batteries are lighter and have a longer lifespan (8-10 years) but are more expensive.

4. Installation and maintenance precautions:

(1) Installation environment:

-Avoid high temperature and humidity, and maintain good ventilation.

-Keep away from flammable materials and isolate the battery cabinet separately.

(2) Regular inspection:

-Test the power-off switching function once a month.

-Clean equipment dust and check battery status every quarter.

(3) Battery replacement:

When the battery capacity drops below 80% of the nominal value, it needs to be replaced to avoid sudden failures.

5. Common problems and solutions:

(1) UPS frequently switches to battery mode: Possible cause: unstable mains voltage. Solution: Install a voltage regulator or check the circuit.

(2) Shortened backup time: Possible reasons: battery aging or overload. Solution: Replace the battery or reduce the load.

(3) Equipment alarm: Determine the type of fault based on the indicator light or code, such as overheating, overload, etc., and promptly contact professional personnel for handling.

6. Economic analysis:

The investment cost of UPS includes equipment procurement, installation, and post maintenance. Taking 10kW online UPS as an example:

-The initial purchase cost is approximately 20000 to 50000 RMB (depending on the brand and configuration).

-The total cost during the battery replacement cycle may reach 50% -70% of the initial investment.

In the long run, choosing high-performance models can reduce electricity expenses, such as UPS with a conversion efficiency of 95% saving hundreds of RMB annually compared to 90% models.

7. Future Development Trends:

(1) Intelligent management: Remote monitoring of UPS status through IoT technology, predicting faults and optimizing energy consumption.

(2) Green and energy-saving: The new topology structure reduces energy loss, and some models can recover braking energy.

(3) Modular design: Supports hot swappable expansion for on-demand upgrades.

Summary: Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) in computer rooms is a key equipment to ensure power continuity. It is necessary to select the appropriate equipment according to actual needs and pay attention to daily maintenance to extend its service life. Through scientific allocation and management, operational risks and economic costs can be effectively reduced.