What Is A UPS Power Supply?
If you didn’t already know, UPS power supplies provide a secure source of secondary power for your devices. The UPS is effective for supplying on-demand power for memory-based tech or hardware as needed. Since PCs are mainly filled with a ton of delicate hardware components, they can be easily damaged if they experience sudden losses in power.
As such, a UPS system will actively provide enough power to keep them going. UPS systems are good for surges, blackouts, and other power-related events. Since its inception, UPS has gotten a lot more popular. These devices are now in just about every home or workplace where they are used to support networks, and server environments.
Additionally, they’re also an essential piece for applications that involve critical computing and data centre design. Within these scenarios, a reliable uninterrupted source of power is essential. Besides that, it leaves users with peace of mind and some additional levels of safety for their devices and data.
What Is a UPS Battery?
These power supplies tend to exist anywhere between the mains and the device being powered. However, they are simply plugged into each other with separate cables. Based on the overall environment that the device is being used in, the UPS is a small rather compact unit. With that said, the UPS isn’t just any old device but it is considered smart and contains a rechargeable power cell.
VRLA Or Lead-Acid Batteries
This type of battery is very easy to maintain since it is on the basic end of the spectrum. UPS batteries tend to offer their users a 5-year lifespan which is typical. The term VRLA simply means that the batteries are valve-regulated and they are built-in.
The automated venting mechanism is used to release any gas as it builds up within the battery. Gas can eventually build up at various points within the drainage cycle. While it may seem like a lot for such a small device, this very important and critical function is triggered via pressure sensors and tend to perform at its best whenever the battery remains dry. As such, temperature-controlled environments are better for this type.
Li-ion UPS Batteries
The Li-ion battery is very lightweight, and compact in comparison to the VRLA. Hence the overall boasting range is higher. Many brands of UPS systems even offer extended life spans than the regularly powered lead-acid battery.
Hence, this just might be the most economical choice when you’re purchasing a UPS system. However, it should be noted that UPS systems that feature Li-ion batteries occasionally experience fluctuations in their pricing. This is due to the fact that they cost much more to be produced. Hence, VRLA powered units are cheaper.
VLA Batteries
The last common batter used in these systems is the VLA or flooded cell. Unlike the others, these are not as easily available. VLA batteries are made for specific environments and applications. Due to their chemical makeup, they are deemed as being somewhat hazardous.
Hence, these are required to be kept in separate storage rooms. The VLA battery also tends to require a series of specific maintenance. This just simply means that they require some topping up of their distilled water and some monitoring to ensure that calibration and equalisation are updated.
What Does A UPS Do?
As previously stated, the UPS provides a secure uninterruptible source of power. However, it should be noted that this is temporary. The power provided is mainly used for computer setups and other hardware during blackouts and surges.