Uninterruptible Power Source (UPS) Design

 Uninterruptible power sources are available in three different types. Knowing them will help you decide which type of system you want designed as well as which among them suits you best. Whatever type of UPS you need, NYE can be of help.

• Online UPS

Likewise called the double conversion UPS, this system uses either double or delta conversion technology. Compared to its offline counterpart, an online UPS has its DC/AC inverter always connected. There is no transfer time between the battery and the main power source; as a result, it can provide better protection from total power failure, spikes, electrical noise, and more.

With the double conversion technology, network equipment won’t receive direct power from the AC outlet. AC power instead travels toward a rectifier where it is converted to DC power. After that, it then travels to the battery then to the inverter. Once power is converted back to AC, it's then delivered to the appliances.

During a power failure, an online system will maintain a consistent current flow to protect network equipment. In the event of power outage or fluctuation, the rectifier is bypassed automatically, and the battery will be the one providing power until the main power source is restored. Due to an online UPS’ seamless circuitry, it costs more than offline units and even line-interactive systems.

We are also capable of designing online uninterruptible power sources that are more affordable and cost-efficient.

• Offline UPS

Also called a standby unit, the offline UPS is generally used for delivering short-term backup power to computers, VoIP equipment, and modems. It’s made of an AC/DC and DC/AC inverter, a battery, static switch, and a low-pass filter for decreasing switch frequency from a surge suppressor and o/p voltage.

The unit will receive utility power via a direct AC connection. Both the unit and its inverter will be put on hold until emergency power is required. Depending on the model, it can also be used for protecting data and sensitive equipment from power interruptions such as spikes and surges. Compared to the other types of UPS, this one is the least expensive.

Once a standby UPS detects main power failure, it will then initiate the supply of backup power. The process will take milliseconds following a failure though response times may vary depending on how the unit is designed.

Although the switch time isn’t instantaneous, it happens in a very short period of time and won’t be able to interrupt power flow toward your equipment. Meanwhile, if the power outage is expected to last for a long time, the unit’s backup power will let you save data before shutting down your equipment, allowing both of them to last.

• Line-Interactive UPS

Line-interactive units are commonly used in small businesses. They are designed in a way that they function like a standby UPS but with an automatic voltage regulator included. Basically, it’s a mixture of standby and an on-line UPS. As a result, it will be able to automatically regulate voltage.

During a power failure, line-interactive systems will provide protection to sensitive data and equipment. They’re basically more expensive than the typical standby units but are a bit more affordable than online systems. Also, they can maintain performance during both low and high voltage conditions.

Which Unit to Choose

Each UPS unit has its own advantages and downsides, and due to such limitations, it’s important to decide which unit you want before we can proceed to create the design. During the designing process, we will incorporate several techniques that will help create a more efficient unit for your facility.

If you need a simple and inexpensive option, then the standby UPS is a perfect choice. It features high efficiency since it won’t continuously use the battery, except during frequent switching. The downside is that it has lower spike protection and produces a not so reliable output.

However, if you’re aiming for the highest reliability and protection from total power failure and spikes, the online UPS is ideal. It also involves zero switching time, although it’s a bit more complicated to design and will cost you more during the manufacturing process. Likewise, its overall efficiency is lower as the inverter is always on.

Lastly, if you prefer a unit with zero switching time and lower operating costs and power consumption, then the line-interactive UPS is for you. Unfortunately, it’s a bit larger and heavier than the other two. Additionally, it will end up depleting battery power a lot faster if the AC power is unstable.

 The designs we create at Nearby EngineersNew York Engineers include either a sine wave or a simulated sine wave output.

A sine wine output is a smooth and repetitive oscillation of AC power and is considered as the highest wave output quality. Advanced UPS units produce sine wave output for operating sensitive equipment as it makes sure that they won’t shut down during the process of switching from utility to battery power.

On the other hand, a simulated sine wave output generates an approximated sine wave with the use of pulse wave modulation. As such, it’s considered to be a more cost-effective option, particularly for pieces of equipment that don’t need sine wave output. Additionally, the technology used for producing such output is more affordable and more common in most line-interactive and standby systems.

During the designing process, we will make sure to work with you and ask for your initial feedback and other inputs so we can implement them on the design before finalizing. We’ll even run a simulation in a 3D environment so you can see how the system will perform once the installation is successfully completed. We’ll also make sure to spot any issues present and deal with them accordingly.

Why Choose Us?

We at Nearby EngineersNew York Engineers are composed of a team of professional designers and engineers who have been working in the MEP (manufacturing, engineering, plumbing) industry for years. Our years of accumulated experience have allowed us to create comprehensive and detailed designs for your uninterruptible power sources.

We believe in the power of early-stage design and how it can optimize your engineering decisions and make or break your UPS project. We can confidently say that we qualify as your best partner because we take pride in the following:

• Solid Portfolio

We have designed UPS systems and other MEP projects for hundreds of clients in Chicago and beyond. Our years of experience have helped us cement our extensive portfolio in the MEP design field.

• Great Reputation

As one of the top engineering firms in Chicago, our clients always come back for more assistance. We do our best in every project and add value to our clients and to the whole industry at large.

• Smooth Collaboration

Our technical advisors, designers, and the rest of the team constantly work with the clients during the design stage to ensure that their needs are met spot on. We also make sure to process transactions on time and on budget.

• Industry Leadership

We engage in and take leadership positions in major professional organizations to get closely involved in the implementation and development of standard practices in the MEP sector.

•  Indisputable Experience

We have been in the industry for long years, and our team is constantly growing year by year. We couldn’t have possibly stayed in the industry this long without genuine value and competence in place.

Whatever MEP project you have, no matter how technical or challenging, Nearby EngineersNew York Engineers can manage. We apply state-of-the-art technology in every project and strive to balance performance and cost. We take the time to understand your vision and business goals and learn them by heart. When getting down to the design process of your UPS project, we make your business ours. We pay attention to technology, sustainable, collaboration, and customer service in every project we tackle.

If you want to have a custom design for your uninterruptible power source, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your trusty Nearby EngineersNew York Engineers.