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UPS Systems – Components That May Fail

Tags: uninterruptible power supplies, diesel generators, load bank

Maintenance

An uninterruptible power supply is a complex electronic device with a number of components that deteriorate with age and use. It is therefore in the client 's interest to have regular maintenance carried out on the UPS to ensure that it is working correctly and that the components that are known to deteriorate with age and use are monitored.

On analogue designed UPS systems it is necessary to regularly monitor and adjust the operating parameters of the control circuitry to ensure that the UPS is operating in its most efficient mode. With the digital designed UPS systems there are fewer adjustments to be made as; unlike their analogue counterpart the circuits do not alter with the aging of their components. However, in addition to the batteries and fans there are a number of components in the power circuits that need to be monitored and replaced on a regular basis. A Maintenance contract with a reputable company specializing in power protection is strongly advised especially when you may require 24-7 callout 365 days of the year.

All the components mentioned here have a recognised design life dependent upon their operating conditions. Normal operating conditions would assume that the UPS and its battery is installed in a clean, dry environment with a constant ambient temperature not exceeding 20 ? C. Also it is generally accepted that it is more prudent to operate the UPS at a load not exceeding 80% of its kW rating.

Batteries

Battery life, it should be noted that UPS systems generally use the sealed valve regulated lead acid battery, is determined by the manufacturer and is generally quoted with the expectation that the battery will be operated in an ambient temperature of 20C and not exceeding 25C. The design life of the battery by the manufacturer will be quoted in terms of 3-5 year life or 7-10 year life, in exceptional cases it can be as much as 10-12 years. The lower figure quoted normally takes into account both the ac ripple on the dc charging current of larger UPS systems and also the fact that on smaller systems the battery has less airflow round it.

It is possible to monitor the life of the battery by carrying out a regular (every six to twelve months) controlled battery discharge, checking each bloc on float (normal operation) and after a set discharge time. This can identify any blocs that may be prematurely failing, equally, as a matter of вЂ

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<h1>UPS Systems – Components That May Fail</h1><br />by John East<br />Maintenance<br /><br />An uninterruptible power supply is a complex electronic device with a number of components that deteriorate with age and use. It is therefore in the client 's interest to have regular maintenance carried out on the UPS to ensure that it is working correctly and that the components that are known to deteriorate with age and use are monitored.<br /><br />On analogue designed UPS systems it is necessary to regularly monitor and adjust the operating parameters of the control circuitry to ensure that the UPS is operating in its most efficient mode. With the digital designed UPS systems there are fewer adjustments to be made as; unlike their analogue counterpart the circuits do not alter with the aging of their components. However, in addition to the batteries and fans there are a number of components in the power circuits that need to be monitored and replaced on a regular basis. A Maintenance contract with a reputable company specializing in power protection is strongly advised especially when you may require 24-7 callout 365 days of the year.<br /><br />All the components mentioned here have a recognised design life dependent upon their operating conditions. Normal operating conditions would assume that the UPS and its battery is installed in a clean, dry environment with a constant ambient temperature not exceeding 20 ? C. Also it is generally accepted that it is more prudent to operate the UPS at a load not exceeding 80% of its kW rating.<br /><br />Batteries<br /><br />Battery life, it should be noted that UPS systems generally use the sealed valve regulated lead acid battery, is determined by the manufacturer and is generally quoted with the expectation that the battery will be operated in an ambient temperature of 20C and not exceeding 25C. The design life of the battery by the manufacturer will be quoted in terms of 3-5 year life or 7-10 year life, in exceptional cases it can be as much as 10-12 years. The lower figure quoted normally takes into account both the ac ripple on the dc charging current of larger UPS systems and also the fact that on smaller systems the battery has less airflow round it.<br /><br />It is possible to monitor the life of the battery by carrying out a regular (every six to twelve months) controlled battery discharge, checking each bloc on float (normal operation) and after a set discharge time. This can identify any blocs that may be prematurely failing, equally, as a matter of вЂ<br /><h2>About the Author</h2><p>Power Continuity Systems have close ties with many industry leaders. Energy Consultancy and Installations. For further information regarding <a href="http://www.powercontinuity.co.uk">uninterruptible power supplies</a> please visit our website.</p> <br /><h3><a href="http://www.content4reprint.com/computers/ups-systems-components-that-may-fail.htm" title="UPS Systems – Components That May Fail">Article Source:</a> <a href="http://www.content4reprint.com" title="Free high quality articles">Content for Reprint</a></h3>