White Paper No. 75
Comparing UPS System Design Configurations
Comparing UPS System Design Configurations
White Paper No. 75
White Paper Overview: This Schendier Electric White paper “Comparing UPS System Design Configurations” provides a detailed analysis of five principal uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system configurations used in data centers. These configurations are chosen based on factors like availability needs, risk tolerance, load types, budget, and existing infrastructure. The configurations discussed include: (1) Capacity, (2) Isolated Redundant UPS, (3) Parallel Redundant UPS, (4) Distributed Redundant UPS, and (5) System Plus System.
Each UPS configuration is examined for its advantages, disadvantages, and impact on availability. This white paper also includes guidelines for selecting the appropriate design based on specific application needs. It highlights the importance of UPS systems in protecting critical data center loads from utility power issues. Various factors like human error, component reliability, maintenance schedules, and recovery time are considered for their impact on system availability. The configurations are compared in terms of their ability to maintain availability and manage maintenance without exposing the load to unprotected power.
This white paper also discusses the cost implications of each UPS design, emphasizing that higher availability typically comes with increased cost. It outlines the considerations for choosing the right UPS configuration, including the cost/impact of downtime, budget constraints, types of loads (single vs. dual-corded), and IT architecture. The choice between different UPS configurations is a balance between the desired level of availability and the associated costs. To learn more, download the white paper below.
