True Online UPS versus Line Interactive UPS Comparison

Summary

In this demonstration, Nick Height from Chesapeake and Mid-Atlantic Marketing compares Orion Power Systems' True Online RT UPS to a standard Line-Interactive UPS. The True Online RT features a double-conversion method, providing uninterrupted power through a parallel battery system, ensuring stable 120V output even during power loss or brownouts. In contrast, the Line-Interactive UPS uses a tap-switching transformer, causing a brief flicker when switching to battery power and offering less precise voltage regulation. This highlights the superior reliability and continuous power of the True Online RT UPS.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Orion Power Systems true online RTX UPS uses a double conversion method to provide power, converting from AC to DC and back to AC for stable 120V output.
• 😀 The true online UPS operates in parallel with a battery that provides immediate power if the 120V AC input source is lost, ensuring no interruption in power delivery.
• 😀 The true online UPS maintains a voltage differential of ±1% for its output, offering superior power regulation and consistency compared to other UPS systems.
• 😀 The line-interactive UPS relies on a tap-switching transformer, which provides power when the input voltage fails, but causes a flicker in output when switching to battery.
• 😀 In the line-interactive UPS, the output voltage regulation can vary by ±10%, leading to potential power fluctuations compared to the true online UPS.
• 😀 The true online UPS is more reliable during power issues such as brownouts, as it can maintain consistent output voltage even when the input voltage drops (e.g., to 60V AC).
• 😀 During a complete power failure, the true online UPS continues to supply power to devices without any flicker or delay, offering seamless performance.
• 😀 In contrast, when using the line-interactive UPS during power loss, there is a visible flicker in the light as the UPS switches to battery power, and an audible beep alerts users to the change.
• 😀 The line-interactive UPS can cause noticeable interruptions and flickers when switching to battery power, either during brownouts or full power losses.
• 😀 Orion's true online RTX UPS system is superior for sensitive equipment and continuous power needs, ensuring uninterrupted service even during grid instability.

Q & A

What is the main difference between the Orion Power Systems True Online RT/RTX UPS system and the industry standard line-interactive UPS?

The main difference lies in how they provide uninterruptible power. The Orion True Online RT/RTX UPS uses a double conversion method, where the input power is converted from AC to DC and back to AC, ensuring continuous power without any interruptions. In contrast, the line-interactive UPS uses a tap-switching transformer that switches to battery power when input voltage drops, which can cause a flicker in the power output.

What is the 'double conversion' method used in the True Online RT/RTX UPS system?

The 'double conversion' method involves converting the incoming 120 volts AC power into DC and then back into AC. This ensures that the output voltage remains stable at 120 volts AC, even if the input power fluctuates or is lost, providing a continuous, high-quality power supply.

What does it mean when the True Online UPS is said to be 'wired in parallel' with a battery?

Being 'wired in parallel' means that the battery is always connected alongside the main power supply, ready to immediately take over if the primary power source is lost. This ensures there is no delay or interruption in power supply, even during a power failure.

How does the line-interactive UPS handle power loss or fluctuation?

The line-interactive UPS uses a tap-switching transformer to switch to battery power if the input voltage drops. This process can cause a brief flicker in the power output as the system transitions between the main power supply and the battery, which may lead to a less smooth transition compared to a true online system.

What voltage differential does the Orion True Online UPS maintain, and why is this important?

The Orion True Online UPS maintains a plus or minus 1% voltage differential, ensuring very stable and precise output voltage. This high level of stability is important for sensitive electronic equipment that requires consistent and reliable power without any dips or surges.

How does a brownout affect the performance of the Orion True Online UPS?

In the case of a brownout, where the input voltage is reduced (e.g., to 60 volts AC), the Orion True Online UPS continues to provide a stable 120 volts AC output without any interruptions, demonstrating its ability to handle power fluctuations without any loss of power.

What happens when a power failure occurs with the Orion True Online UPS?

During a power failure, the Orion True Online UPS continues to provide uninterrupted power to connected devices, without any flicker or delay, as the battery takes over immediately. This ensures continuous operation during grid outages.

What happens when the line-interactive UPS experiences a power failure?

When the line-interactive UPS experiences a power failure, there is a brief flicker in the light as the system switches to battery power. This switch can be noticeable because of the tap-switching transformer and the voltage regulation method used.

What is the purpose of the voltage regulator used in the demonstration?

The voltage regulator is used to simulate changes in input voltage from the grid, such as brownouts or complete power failures. It helps demonstrate how each UPS system responds to fluctuating power conditions and how the True Online UPS maintains continuous power without interruptions.

Why is the Orion True Online UPS considered a superior power solution compared to the line-interactive UPS?

The Orion True Online UPS is considered superior because it ensures continuous, high-quality power without interruptions, voltage dips, or flickers. It provides a stable output voltage within a 1% differential, whereas the line-interactive UPS can experience noticeable delays and flickering when switching to battery power.