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UPS - The Basics Pt17

Andy Palmer

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Jan 30, 2024

UPS the basics

DC voltage window/selectable battery quantities

Did you know that some UPS systems have a DC voltage window to allow users to more accurately design their UPS system to fit their needs?

Products such as the Schneider Electric APC Easy 3M series have a selectable nominal DC bus to allow operators to install +/-192 to +/-240VDC with this product and, through the software, the UPS system will work with the battery set installed.

This means much more flexibility when wanting to reach a certain runtime/autonomy. Manufacturers utilising a static nominal DC bus may not be able to achieve the runtime easily utilising their preferred battery partner. Often examples of this can overshoot the required runtime by some distance, whilst offering the client more than they want/need is great, but this would obviously come at additional cost to the client. An unnecessary cost if flexible/selectable nominal DC bus values were available.

An example of this may be when utilising larger battery sets which cannot be adjusted, for shorter runtimes. Something like a 60kW requirement, just missing out on a 15 minutes window utilising 40Ah batteries would need to step up to the next size battery to exceed the requested 15 minutes autonomy. This results in a large overrun on runtime, perhaps in the region of 10 minutes above the desired runtime. The cost implications of this may be significant too.  Somewhere in the region of £3-4K more for a larger battery set might not prove value for money.

The solution in this scenario may be to look at UPS manufacturers that can accommodate a sliding scale. Losing 4x 12V batteries which aren’t needed will save money day 1 and again years in the future when replacements are due.

Something to consider when reducing battery DC voltage is that the current increases and therefore cable and protection devices need to be correctly rated for safety and discrimination.

For more UPS the basics, general information or technical quotations, our sales team are always on hand to lend an ear, offer their advice or come up with the solution which suits your application best.

Get in touch today if you need support on your next UPS system.

Contact the team today to discuss a Critical Power Solution tailored to you.

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