PacB Group // Four Factors to Consider When Selecting a Business-Critical UPS System

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Four Factors to Consider When Selecting a Business-Critical UPS System

Power interruptions are associated with the loss of production at industrial plants or inability of large retail centres to stay open because lights are not working, lifts are out of order, and HVAC systems are down. Data centres normally have advanced UPS systems installed to ensure uninterrupted power supply to prevent damage to the servers and loss of data. But what about critical functions like at a hospital where even one minute of power loss can cause patient deaths in the operating rooms, emergency care rooms, and intensive care units?

The same holds true when such a power cut occurs on a passenger ship or at a large fuel refinery. In these instances, it can mean the difference between life and death, and large financial losses. UPS systems, as available from us, should be installed not only at office buildings and retail centres, but industrial plants, petrochemical plants, on ships, and wherever power interruptions can cause critical failures. When it comes to the selection of a UPS for such applications, it is essential to consider critical factors for disaster recovery, safety, and functioning of operations, regardless of the power interruptions. The following issues should not be ignored when choosing UPS systems for critical business or industrial settings:

Energy Efficiency

It is of little use to install a business-critical UPS system if it is not energy-efficient. Yes, the cost of an energy-efficient system is normally more, but when it comes to long-term savings, you will be able to recoup the initial higher purchase cost. Also, keep in mind that the energy efficiency of the UPS will help to improve your firm’s environmental friendliness.

Load-Handling

The UPS must be up to the load imposed on it. Keep in mind that the UPS is supposed to protect sensitive, critical, and valuable equipment against power interruptions. The UPS must thus be powerful enough. Here it is important to obtain the specifications regarding the maximum load that the system can maintain and for how long it is able to do so. The unit must be able to handle the maximum load for a long period, or a short burst at a time, with equal efficiency. Make use of a firm that has experienced staff on board to help you assess the load requirements to ensure that an appropriate UPS is recommended. Note that any UPS protecting industrial equipment must have measurement, monitoring, and reporting features to enable alerts of critical issues.

Integration with Existing Network

The UPS must be integrated with your current network. If this is not possible, consider another type, since you will want to monitor usage. Choose a system with good security features to prevent sabotage and unauthorised changes to system settings.

Operational Environment

Where will the UPS be installed? If it is in a data centre, it will have to operate at very low temperatures, such as zero to -40 °C. The humidity range is anything from zero to 95%. In this instance, most UPS systems will be fine, but when a UPS system must be installed on a boat at sea where humidity levels can be high, and where there is corrosive salt content to consider, it becomes a new challenge. The UPS must be able to operate within the particular environment where it is installed, whether it is at freezing cold temperatures, in the middle of the African bush, or in an environment where it is subjected to high temperatures for prolonged periods.

Call on our experts to help your firm select the most appropriate UPS to meet your operating environment’s needs, your load-handling requirements, energy efficiency parameters, reliability, and integration requirements.