Today, we will introduce the power factor and load factor of APC UPS to you.
Most UPS systems use watts (W) or kilowatts (kW) to indicate their output power, such as 500W, 1kW, etc. Some UPS systems use volt ampere (VA) or kilovolt ampere (kVA) to indicate their output power, such as 3000VA, 5kVA, etc. The general conversion relationship between VA and W is: Watt is 0.8 volt ampere, for example, 3kVA=2.4kw. UPS is used for line load power supply. Each type of UPS has a specific output power. For example, for a 3kVA UPS, the maximum output power is 3kVA or 2.4kw. At this point, the total power consumption of devices connected to this UPS must not exceed 2.4 kW. Usually, the device represents power consumption (or rated power). At this point, the rated power of all devices connected to the UPS should not exceed the output power of the UPS. This method is commonly referred to as UPS output power and load consumption. Electricity matching. But the starting power of some devices is 3-5 times the rated power (for example, if the rated power of a printer is 200W, then 5 × 200W=1000W should be used when calculating load matching). Except for printers and other external computer devices, the starting power is usually slightly higher than the rated power, so when considering matching, it is best to match the load based on 80% of the UPS output power.
Before adding external batteries to a standard UPS, when its output power fully matches the load power consumption (i.e. full load), it can usually provide power for about 6-10 minutes after the main power is disconnected (specific values are recorded in the UPS specifications for each model). If the load power consumption is only half of the UPS output power (usually referred to as half load or 50% load rate, such as 1000WUPS connected to a 500W load), it can provide 12-25 minutes of uninterrupted UPS power supply. Time can be calculated by referring to the method of doubling and halving time. Proper use of preventive measures can not only reduce the probability of UPS failures, but also effectively extend the service life of UPS.