In theory, certain design factors can increase or decrease the operational lifespan and reliability in the two topology structures of online interactive and dual conversion online. For online interactive systems, a smaller number of components and a cold operation mode for the main power supply process both contribute to improving operational lifespan and reliability. For dual conversion online systems, continuous conversion operations and higher operating temperatures can lead to a decrease in operating life and reliability.
However, in reality, reliability is usually determined by the rationality of the manufacturer’s design scheme, the standardization of UPS production processes, and the quality of the components used, regardless of the topology structure. Because quality depends on suppliers, it is possible to have high-quality dual conversion online design and low-quality online interactive design, and vice versa.
Due to the use of multiple power supply processes, typical dual conversion online UPS has more components compared to typical online interactive UPS. Because these components need to continuously process all the electrical energy obtained by the load device, their temperature is usually higher than that of the components in the online interactive UPS in the presence of AC input. In theory, continuous operation mode and higher temperatures will reduce the reliability of components in UPS. However, in reality, reliability is usually determined by other factors, which will be explained in the “Reliability Factors” section later.
Another factor to consider is that long-term operation of dual conversion online APC UPS power supplies requires additional energy consumption. Compared with 96% to 98% of online interactive UPS, the continuous operating efficiency of dual conversion online UPS varies between 85% and 92% depending on the design scheme. For example, a 1000WUPS with an efficiency of 90% will continuously lose 100W of electrical energy at full load. On average, an additional electricity cost of approximately $100 is required annually. In addition to the cost of electricity, it is also necessary to remove this 100W of thermal energy from the environment, resulting in additional refrigeration costs that vary depending on the efficiency of the refrigeration system. This may not seem like a lot, but considering the total energy loss of numerous UPS systems in the enterprise, and even the total energy loss of a single UPS throughout its entire lifecycle, it will become an important factor affecting the total cost of ownership of APC UPS power supplies. Comparison shows that online interactive UPS can reduce the energy cost of load power by one-third under the same load.
Within the power range of 750VA to 5000VA, both types of UPS can fully protect the I equipment from power interruptions, so the decision to use which topology structure mainly depends on the specific environment of the customer’s application.
Another factor to consider is that long-term operation of dual conversion online APC UPS power supplies requires additional energy consumption. Compared with 96% to 98% of online interactive UPS, the continuous operating efficiency of dual conversion online UPS varies between 85% and 92% depending on the design scheme. For example, a 1000WUPS with an efficiency of 90% will continuously lose 100W of electrical energy at full load. On average, an additional electricity cost of approximately $100 is required annually. In addition to the cost of electricity, it is also necessary to remove this 100W of thermal energy from the environment, resulting in additional refrigeration costs that vary depending on the efficiency of the refrigeration system. This may not seem like a lot, but considering the total energy loss of numerous UPS systems in the enterprise, and even the total energy loss of a single UPS throughout its entire lifecycle, it will become an important factor affecting the total cost of ownership of APC UPS power supplies. Comparison shows that online interactive UPS can reduce the energy cost of load power by one-third under the same load.
Within the power range of 750VA to 5000VA, both types of UPS can fully protect the I equipment from power interruptions, so the decision to use which topology structure mainly depends on the specific environment of the customer’s application.