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    • AC Efficiency

      The ratio of the output power from the UPS to the input power from the AC utility in Line mode.

    • AC Ripple

      Refers to an unwelcome AC component that can be superimposed on the DC output from a UPS rectifier/charger circuit. AC ripple should be prevented from reaching the battery because it causes internal heating and deterioration of the battery poles.

    • AC Utility

      The electric power furnished by an electric power plant.

    • AH

      The unit of battery capacity.

    • AMF

      Automatic Mains Failure Detection is a useful function for standby power generators. A generator fitted with AMF can detect and respond to a mains failure by automatically starting up and becoming a 'mains replacement' for the UPS.

    • Ampere (Amp or A)

      The unit for electric current.

    • Automatic Battery Test

      Is a scheduled test designed to identify any battery weakness before it can cause an online battery failure and system crash. It comprises short simulated and actual discharges of the battery and alarm generation if the battery voltage falls below a preset level during the test.

    • Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR)

      An AVR regulates voltage to the appropriate level.

    • Autonomy

      Also known as back up or discharge time, battery autonomy is a measure of the time for which the battery will support the critical load during a mains failure. Autonomy is a function of battery charge state, capacity and load size.

    • Availability (A)

      Is a useful measure of downtime per year for systems subject to failure and repair. It is defined as the probability of a system being operational at any given time during its working life; A = MTBF/(MTBF + MTTR) Where MTBF = Mean Time Between Failures and MTTR = Mean Time To Repair.

    • Backup Time

      The time provided by battery in a UPS system when AC utility loss.

    • Battery Charging Current

      The current used to charge the battery, regulated from the AC utility by the circuit inside the UPS.

    • Blackout

      A total loss of electrical power.

    • BMS

      UPS systems are often required to integrate with operators' BMS or Building Management Systems so that they can be supervised and managed as part of an overall building management strategy.

    • Buck and Boost

      A function to adjust the output of UPS. When the voltage is under normal condition then the UPS will boost the voltage higher. When the voltage is over normal condition then the UPS will buck the voltage lower.

    • Bypass

      A power path around a UPS system. An automatic bypass is used by the UPS to switch its load to the mains if it experiences an overload or internal failure. A manual, maintenance or service bypass allows an engineer to isolate, maintain or remove the UPS without interrupting power to the load.

    • Bypass

      A power path around a UPS system. An automatic bypass is used by the UPS to switch its load to the mains if it experiences an overload or internal failure. A manual, maintenance or service bypass allows an engineer to isolate, maintain or remove the UPS without interrupting power to the load.

    • Capacity System

      This is a parallel system where the total capacity of the UPS modules is sufficient to fully support the load, but without any redundancy. Therefore, the failure of any single module will cause severe overloading on the remaining modules. Alternatively, the load may be switched to raw mains.

    • Circuit Breaker

      A protective device that interrupts the current flow when it exceeds a specified value.

    • Cold start function

      The UPS can be started directly from the battery without AC utility power. This is sometimes referred to as DC start.

    • Communication

      UPSs can often communicate with computer equipment, allowing the UPS to trigger a controlled, automatic shutdown of the computer. This is typically done when the mains power has failed and the UPS battery power is nearly depleted.

    • Crest factor

      The ratio between the crest (peak or maximum) value and the root-mean-square (RMS) value of an alternating current. Some computer power supplies draw current with a crest factor of between two and three.

    • Current Limit

      The function of a circuit or system that maintains a current within its prescribed limits. UPS systems have an electrical current limit that regulates the output current to a value within the UPS's specifications. Current limiting may occur when a load demanding high inrush current is turned on.

    • DC Efficiency

      The ratio of the output power from the UPS to the input power from the batteries while in Battery Mode.

    • DC Voltage

      Typically used to refer to the battery voltage.

    • Double Conversion

      An on-line UPS system receives mains AC power, rectifies it into DC for conditioning and battery charging, and then inverts it into clean AC to supply the critical load. In the event of mains overvoltage or failure, the UPS continues to supply the load from its battery with no transfer delay. Provided the mains power disturbance duration is less than the battery autonomy, the event remains invisible to the load.

    • Double Conversion Efficiency

      The double conversion efficiency of a UPS is determined by comparing the output power to the load with the input mains power applied to the UPS, with both figures expressed in kW. This efficiency improves as the load approaches the maximum UPS capacity, so efficiency can be maximized by running the UPS as close to full load as possible.

    • Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

      Unwanted noise during the operation of a power supply or other electrical or electronic equipment.

    • Fast Charging

      This refers to a fast battery charging system designed to reduce charging time. In such cases, the designer must be highly skilled and employ advanced technology in controlling the charging system to prevent battery damage.

    • Float charging

      A battery charging scheme suitable for UPS batteries, designed to maximize battery life.

    • Frequency

      The number of completed cycles in one second, defined as Hertz (Hz). Power systems operate at either 50 or 60 Hz worldwide.

    • Galvanic isolation

      Two circuits are considered 'galvanically' isolated if their only connection is a transformer coupling. A standard transformer-based UPS design typically lacks galvanic isolation because the neutral line passes from the input, through the static bypass switch, to the output.

    • Generator

      A standby generator is a backup electrical system that operates automatically. Within seconds of a utility outage, an automatic transfer switch senses the power loss, commands the generator to start, and then transfers the electrical load to the generator. The standby generator begins supplying power to the circuits. After utility power returns, the automatic transfer switch transfers the electrical load back to the utility and signals the standby generator to shut off. It then returns to standby mode, awaiting the next outage. To ensure proper response to an outage, a standby generator runs weekly self-tests. Most units run on diesel, natural gas, or liquid propane gas.

    • Harmonic Distortion

      Distortion of an electrical sine wave caused by the power supplies of certain electronic devices. It can be mathematically represented as a distortion of a pure sine waveform.

    • Hot-swappable Batteries

      Allows users to easily replace UPS batteries without powering down the UPS.

    • Input Power Cord

      The cord for the AC input of the UPS, typically containing three wires: Line, Neutral, and Ground.

    • Inrush current

      The current drawn by an electrical device when power is initially applied. Computer equipment typically draws an inrush current of three to ten times the nominal operating value.

    • Inverter

      Part of the UPS system that converts DC power back to AC.

    • Isolation

      The degree to which a device, such as a UPS, can electrically separate its input from its output.

    • Isolation Voltage

      The maximum AC or DC voltage that may be continuously applied from input to output and/or chassis of a power supply.

    • kVA (kilovolt-ampere)

      1000 volt-amperes. VA is the unit of apparent power, S.

    • Leakage Current

      A term relating to current flowing between the AC supply wires and earth ground. This does not necessarily indicate a fault condition. In power supplies, leakage current usually refers to the 60 Hertz current that flows through the EMI filter capacitors connected between the AC lines and ground (Y caps).

    • Line Interactive UPS

      A hybrid design that aims to deliver a higher level of performance than a conventional off-line system by incorporating voltage regulation features into the bypass line.

    • Load

      Any electrical device connected to a power source is considered a 'load.' In the context of a UPS, the load refers to the amount of current/power required by the connected electronic equipment.

    • Manual Bypass Switch

      A manually operated transfer switch used to bypass the primary electronics within the UPS. Enabling it allows service engineers to perform maintenance without interrupting power to the load.

    • Modular

      Modular UPS systems are configured by plugging up to five modules into a 19” rack to meet the application load's capacity and redundancy requirements. This approach offers greater flexibility and scalability compared to a complete cabinet housing a single standalone system.

    • Module

      A UPS module is a self-contained unit that includes all the necessary hardware and software for complete system operation. Modules can be paralleled to create a redundant solution, eliminating single points of failure.

    • MTBF

      Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) is a metric representing the average time a device will operate before a failure occurs. MTBF ratings are measured in hours and indicate the reliability of hardware devices, such as UPS equipment.

    • MTTR (mean time to repair)

      The average duration between a device's failure and its return to operational status.

    • N+n redundancy

      Describes the configuration and redundant capacity of a parallel redundant system. 'N' represents the number of modules required to support the critical load, and 'n' signifies the number of additional, redundant modules, also known as the coefficient of redundancy.

    • No Load Shut Down

      The UPS will automatically shut down when utility power fails and no load is connected. This feature is designed to extend battery life.

    • Noise (Electrical)

      Any unwanted electrical signal.

    • Nominal Voltage

      A standard voltage value assigned to a circuit for conveniently specifying its voltage class.

    • Off-line System

      In an off-line system, the critical load is powered directly from the mains via the bypass line during normal operation. The load is switched to the UPS inverter output if the mains power fails or exceeds predefined voltage limits.

    • Online (double conversion) UPS

      A type of uninterruptible power supply that continuously converts incoming AC power to DC and then inverts the DC back to AC. This double conversion process isolates protected loads from power disturbances. The UPS batteries will support the load if conditions exceed a set limit.

    • Overvoltage

      An abnormally high voltage sustained for an extended period.

    • Phase

      Load current is drawn from a voltage source.

    • Power Factor

      Power factor is a ratio defining the relationship between useable power in Watts and total supplied power in VA (Volt Amperes). The power factor imposed by a load on a UPS system can be either lagging or leading. Traditional data centre loads have been lagging, but blade servers, which impose a leading power factor, are becoming increasingly popular because of their dense and flexible processing power. The closer the power factor is to unity, the greater is the power efficiency of the UPS operation.

    • Power Factor (PF)

      The ratio of true power to apparent power in an AC circuit. In power conversion technology, power factor is used in conjunction with describing the AC input current to the power supply.

    • Power failure

      Total loss of utility power: Causes electrical equipment to stop working.

    • Power Management Display

      The Power Management Display, visible on the front panel of UPS equipment, allows operators local monitoring and control access to the UPS. It comprises a mimic diagram with LEDs showing the status of the UPS, control keys allowing an operator to manage the UPS, and an LCD display providing more detailed information about UPS events and status. The display also shows information during start-up, shutdown and diagnostic activitie.

    • Power range

      Generally segmented by low range (below 5 kVA), mid-range (5–20 kVA) and high range (above 20 kVA).

    • Pulse-width modulation (PWM)

      A circuit used in switching regulated power supplies where the switching frequency is held constant and the width of the power pulse is varied, controlling both line and load changes with minimal dissipation.

      • Rack-Mount UPS

        UPS that can be mounted in a rack case.

      • Rectifier/Charger

        The part of the UPS system that converts AC input power into DC power for feeding the conditioning and inverter components, and charging the back-up battery.

      • Redundancy

        In engineering it means duplication of critical components of a system with the intention of increasing reliability. If one component fails the remaining ones can continue the operation.

      • Redundant Critical Circuits

        Some UPS systems are designed with redundant critical circuits. If a redundant critical circuit fails, its partner UPS module/s can continue to support the full load without interruption. This redundancy within a unit is in addition to any system level redundancy achieved by an N+n parallel configuration of units.

      • Regulation

        Describes the amount of voltage variation in an AC power source. A UPS exhibits poor regulation when its average voltage varies or drifts, or if the voltage fluctuates when a load is applied.

      • Remote Signalling Panel

        It offers a straightforward method for delivering UPS status information to a location up to 100m from the system, utilizing dry relay contacts.

      • RFI — Radio Frequency Interference

        Electrical noise originating from equipment components or wiring acting as a radio antenna. This noise can be significant enough to disrupt communications or induce computing errors.

      • Rightsizing

        Modular systems can be more precisely matched to their critical load requirements compared to traditional standalone UPS units. This feature, known as 'Rightsizing,' is achievable for two primary reasons. Firstly, the modules are available in relatively small capacities, ensuring that installing one module beyond the load requirement provides redundancy with minimal excess capacity. Secondly, UPS capacity can be incrementally increased to accommodate growing load demands, eliminating the need for initial oversizing.

      • Ripple-free battery charging

        Without adequate protection, a UPS battery can be subjected to AC ripple generated by the rectifier/charger or inverter. This can lead to an increase in internal battery temperature and deterioration of battery terminals.

      • RS-232

        A serial communications protocol used between a UPS and a computer to transmit alarm, status, control signals, and instructions.

      • Serial Port

        A dedicated cable connects to both the UPS and the computer's serial (RS232) port.

      • Single-phase power

        (typically 120 or 230 VAC, depending on the country) is transmitted through two wires: live and neutral, and sometimes a third (ground) wire for safety. The AC voltage frequency is either 50 or 60 Hz, depending on the country.

      • Six Nines availability

        The availability of a UPS system is a key performance indicator. Availability (A) is defined as: A = MTBF/(MTBF + MTTR). It represents the proportion of total time that a system is operational relative to the total time it is required. Modern systems can achieve 'Six Nines' availability, which translates to 0.999999 or 99.9999%.

      • SNMP

        A global standard communications protocol known as Simple Network Management Protocol, used in network management systems to monitor network-attached devices for conditions requiring administrative attention. UPS systems can be equipped with SNMP connectivity via an internal plug-in card or an external adapter. UPS Ltd's software can then be used to remotely monitor and manage the UPS from a computer on the enterprise network or across the Internet. A single internal or external SNMP UPS interface can manage multiple modules in a parallel redundant system.

      • Spike

        High voltage spikes are sudden, rapid voltage peaks reaching up to 6,000 volts, lasting from 100ms to 1/2 cycle. These spikes typically result from nearby lightning strikes, although other causes exist. The effects on sensitive electronic systems can include data loss and damaged circuit boards.

      • Stand-alone UPS systems

        These are self-contained systems that operate independently.

      • Standby UPS systems

        switch from utility to battery power only upon utility power failure

      • Static Bypass

        (see Bypass)

      • Surge Protector

        Circuitry consisting of MOVs, capacitors, rod-core inductors, etc., for suppressing surges and spikes, usually embedded in a power strip.

      • THDi

        THDi stands for the Total Harmonic Distortion of the input current waveform. It is generally accepted that the THDi should be kept low to avoid excessive current distortion at the point of common coupling within a building due to the cumulative effect of all connected equipment.

      • Three-phase power

        An electrical system possessing three different live voltage lines (phases) with sine wave voltages that are shifted by 120 degrees between each other. The mid-point of the 3-phases, when present in the system, is called the Neutral.

      • Transfer Time

        The amount of time it takes a stand-by or off-line type UPS to sense a power interruption and switch from utility output to inverter output. Normally expressed in milliseconds.

      • Transformer

        A device used to convert the voltage of AC and/or to galvanically isolate a circuit from its power source

      • Transformer-based

        Traditional UPS technology based on inverter transformer that was used for stepping the inverter voltage up to output voltage.

      • Transformer-less

        Innovative three-phase technology without transformers

      • Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

        A device which maintains a continuous supply of electric power to connected equipment by supplying power from a separate source when utility power is not available.

      • USB Port

        A USB cable connects to the USB port on a computer and to the UPS.

      • User-Replaceable Batteries

        User replaceable batteries allow the user to easily exchange UPS batteries. Normally, the battery lifetime is close to 2~3 years.

      • Volt (V)

        The unit of measure for voltage.

      • Voltage spike

        Transient (short term) over-voltage i.e. spike or peak: Causes wear or acute damage to electronic equipment.

      • VRLA Battery

        VRLA or Valve Regulated Acid Batteries emit virtually no gas, require no topping up and need no special ventilation apart from that required by local building codes.

      • Watt (W)

        The unit of measure for true power. Watts = VA x Power Factor