A Brief Analysis of the Difference Between UPS and Battery + Inverter Systems

In the telecommunications industry and data centers, the stability of the power supply is crucial. As modern networks and communication devices develop rapidly, the impact of power interruptions has far exceeded what was acceptable in the past. To ensure the normal operation of equipment, many telecom rooms or data centers use Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems. However, in some cases, battery groups combined with inverters are still used for power supply. While both systems aim to provide stable power, there are significant differences between them.

1. Function and Advantages of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

The core function of a UPS is to provide uninterrupted power, especially when there are voltage fluctuations or power outages. The working principle is as follows: when mains power is normal, the UPS supplies AC power to the load via AC/DC and DC/AC conversion; when the mains power exceeds the normal range, the UPS switches to battery power to ensure continuous operation; and in the event of a UPS failure, bypass power is used to supply the load to prevent power interruptions. During maintenance, the UPS can also be maintained online through a bypass switch without affecting the system.

In contrast, a battery group combined with an inverter cannot provide uninterrupted power when a fault occurs in the battery group. Since the inverter is directly connected to the battery, the entire system needs to shut down for maintenance if a fault occurs in the battery, which poses a significant risk to the system’s continuity.

2. Power Switching and Anti-Interference Features of UPS

Another significant advantage of UPS is its ability to provide dual-source power switching, maintaining stable power for the load. UPS systems can handle instantaneous voltage interruptions, harmonics, voltage fluctuations, frequency fluctuations, surges, and other interferences. The power output is purified, providing voltage and frequency stabilization, and effectively isolating power interference to protect the load equipment.

On the other hand, while the 48V battery group and inverter system also provide power conversion, the inverter is directly connected to the battery group. Inverters typically operate with high-frequency pulse-width modulation, which inevitably generates backfeeding noise. This noise can interfere with the input of telecommunication equipment, greatly affecting data transmission quality and call clarity.

3. Power Output and Battery Voltage Issues

UPS systems usually have higher DC voltages, which allows them to support larger power outputs. For example, the DC voltage of a UPS system can reach hundreds of volts, which enables it to handle higher power conversion efficiently. However, the 48V battery group and inverter system are limited in this regard, as the battery voltage is typically 48V, and the inverter’s output power is constrained. Currently, the maximum power output of a 48V inverter is around 15KVA, while UPS systems can achieve much higher power levels.

4. Reliability and Technical Maturity

As a mature power solution, UPS systems have been developed for decades and are highly reliable. Major UPS manufacturers typically have strong technical research and development capabilities and large production scales, with reliability metrics that can reach hundreds of thousands of hours. In contrast, the technology for 48V battery groups and inverters is relatively new, and the manufacturers are smaller in scale. As such, their products cannot match UPS systems in terms of reliability and technical maturity.

5. Network Management Features

Modern UPS systems are usually equipped with powerful network management functions, which allow real-time monitoring of the UPS’s operating status through various interfaces. For example, LEUMS UPS provides multiple RS232 interfaces, computer dry contact interfaces, and remote alarm relay contacts. Its comprehensive network management software supports multiple operating systems and can monitor up to 16 UPS systems simultaneously, allowing users to monitor over 170 parameters. Additionally, the unique Life 2000 remote monitoring software ensures that the UPS is constantly monitored by professional engineers, providing peace of mind to users.

In contrast, due to the small production scale and limited usage scope, 48V inverters typically do not offer such comprehensive network management capabilities or monitoring software.

6. UPS and Battery Lifespan Management

In terms of battery management, UPS systems typically employ intelligent battery management technologies, such as automatic temperature compensation, discharge termination voltage compensation, and automatic battery detection, which help extend the lifespan of the batteries. For instance, LEUMS UPS uses advanced DSP control technology with an ultra-wide input voltage range, significantly reducing the number of battery discharges and thus prolonging the battery lifespan. In contrast, due to the limitations of its structure and working principles, the 48V inverter system cannot provide such sophisticated battery management and protection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, UPS systems outperform 48V battery group and inverter systems in terms of power quality, reliability, power output, and network management. While the 48V battery group and inverter combination can provide a certain degree of power protection, in environments such as telecommunications rooms or data centers, where power stability is critical, UPS systems are undoubtedly the more suitable and secure choice.