Why do only on-line ups provide true crucial load protection – power continuity
A True On-Line UPS system operates without switching between power sources, ensuring uninterrupted load supply during utility mains failures. In contrast to non On-Line systems, which experience interruptions due to switching actions, the True On-Line UPS maintains power by deriving energy from a battery after the rectifier stops functioning. This type of UPS also isolates the load from the mains supply, beneficial when connecting to diesel generators, as it provides a stable harmonic load. The On-Line UPS continuously delivers load power and immediately reflects any changes, whereas non On-Line systems only show load issues during mains failures, risking shutdown and potential power loss. Overall, True On-Line UPS ensures seamless power transfer and offers 'Clean' power isolation.
The best description of a True On-Line UPS system would be:
A UPS system that did not require any switching action to take place. Allowing it to continue supplying the load during a utility mains failure. An example of a system that is not On-Line would be an emergency lighting system. This system uses a contactor to supply power directly to the lights while the utility mains supply is present. Also when the mains supply fails, the contactor changes over and supplies power to the lights from a battery-backed inverter. There is a short interruption to the load due to the switching action of the contactor. A True On-Line UPS has a rectifier at its input to provide a DC source to keep the battery on charge and also providing a power source for the inverter. Therefore in the event of a utility mains failure it is only the rectifier that stops working while the DC source for the inverter is derived from the battery instead of the rectifier.
A further advantage of the True On-Line UPS system is that it provides isolation of the load from the supply source. This can be advantageous in the event of a utility mains failure where a diesel generator provides the mains power. The On-Line UPS system provides a known harmonic load to the diesel generator; with a non On-Line UPS the actual load harmonics can be seen by the diesel generator. Causing it to fail when the UPS returns to normal operation.
On-Line UPS vs non On-Line UPS system
The On-Line UPS is constantly supplying the load, any additions or changes to the load by the client will be highlighted immediately.
This is in contrast to a non On-Line UPS system, where the first indication of any load problem would be during a utility mains failure. Where the diesel generator refuses to accept the load and shuts down, resulting in loss of site load.
In conclusion, a True On-Line UPS system provides seamless transfer between normal operation.This is from the utility mains supply to battery operation in the event of mains failure.
In addition, it provides isolation between the ‘Dirty’ mains supply and the load which requires ‘Clean’ power.