What is the Difference Between Online UPS and Ordinary UPS?

Under the background of the growing demand for electricity today, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) has been widely used in various industries as an important device to ensure the stable supply of electricity. Among them, online UPS (Online UPS) and ordinary UPS (Ordinary UPS) are two main types, each with its own unique advantages and application scenarios. This article will deeply explore the differences between online UPS and ordinary UPS from the aspects of technical principles, performance, and applicable scenarios.

1. Differences in technical principles

There are significant differences in technical principles between online UPS and ordinary UPS. Online UPS adopts double conversion technology, that is, the mains power is first converted into DC power by a rectifier, and then converted into stable AC power by an inverter to supply the load. When the mains power is normal, the inverter is always in working state, purifying the mains power to ensure the quality of the output power. Once the mains power is interrupted, the UPS immediately switches to battery power mode, and the seamless switching process will not cause any impact on the load.

In contrast, ordinary UPS mostly adopts backup or interactive technology. When the mains is normal, the mains directly supplies the load, and the UPS only exists as a backup power supply. When the mains is interrupted or the voltage fluctuates beyond the normal range, the UPS will start the inverter to convert the DC power in the battery into AC power to supply the load. Although this design is simple, it may cause a short power outage or voltage fluctuation to the load during the switching process between the mains and the battery.

2. Differences in performance

Online UPS is significantly better than ordinary UPS in performance. First, online UPS can achieve zero-interruption power supply, that is, whether the mains is interrupted or not, it can ensure that the load is supplied with stable and uninterrupted power. This is crucial for data centers, medical equipment and other fields that have extremely high requirements for power quality.

Secondly, online UPS has stronger power purification capabilities. Through the built-in rectifier and inverter, the online UPS can effectively filter out interference factors such as clutter and harmonics in the mains to ensure that the quality of the output power is stable and reliable. Ordinary UPS does not purify the power supply when the mains is normal, so in an environment with poor power quality, the quality of its output power may not be effectively guaranteed.

3. Differences in applicable scenarios

Due to differences in technical principles and performance, there are significant differences in the applicable scenarios between online UPS and ordinary UPS. Online UPS is widely used in key areas such as data centers, communication systems, medical equipment, and manufacturing due to its high reliability, high stability, and powerful power purification capabilities. These areas have extremely high requirements for power quality, and any short power outage or voltage fluctuation may cause immeasurable losses.

Ordinary UPS is widely used in general scenarios such as homes and offices due to its relatively low price and simple operation. In these scenarios, although a certain power supply guarantee capability is also required, the requirements for power quality are relatively low, so ordinary UPS can meet basic needs.

In summary, there are significant differences between online UPS and ordinary UPS in terms of technical principles, performance, and applicable scenarios. When choosing a UPS, users should make comprehensive considerations based on their actual needs and application scenarios and choose the product that best suits them.