An overview of Uninterruptible Power Supply Systems

Abstract

In the modern world, when there is a power outage or a power failure, telecommunication systems, computer systems, and many other critical equipment, such as medical equipment, require uninterrupted power to support their operation. Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems are used for this purpose. Over the years, research on UPS systems and related publications have increased. Also, new opportunities for UPS systems have emerged with the development of novel storage technologies, power electronic topologies, rapid electronic devices, high-performance digital apps, and other technological advances. Servers and storage systems, personal computers, medical equipment, telecommunication systems, and industrial equipment all require clean, stable, and uninterrupted power supply from UPS systems. Several recent studies have focused on the design of UPS systems to provide continuous power under normal or abnormal power conditions, including power outages. Such UPS systems use energy storage technologies such as batteries or flywheels to provide power to loads in the absence of applied power. Typically, static power electronics such as fast-switching high-current insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) are used to convert power. This article discusses the most typical power line issues and how they relate to the various types of UPS systems available today.