Modern industries today, like manufacturing, data centres, hospitals, etc need not only high efficiency and clean power but also that is uninterrupted irrespective of any voltage fluctuations in the incoming electricity. It goes without saying that cost reduction and equipment safety are also important. APFC online UPS systems are a solution to this.
In simple terms, we can say that APFC online UPS systems make use of two power technologies in one set up to provide both highly efficient and uninterrupted backup power supply. In this blog, let us understand how APFC online UPS systems improve power efficiency in industries.
What is the APFC Online UPS System?
Let us break this term into two parts: one is APFC, and the other is the online UPS system.
APFC stands for Automatic Power Factor Correction. An APFC system helps to utilize electricity efficiently, that is, it improves the power factor. It also tends to reduce losses in electricity. Then, an online UPS is a type of UPS that offers constant power without any interruption. It uses double conversion technology, where it converts AC to DC and then back to AC to ensure a stable output for the connection device. It protects against power cuts, voltage and frequency fluctuations, electric surges or spikes.
This device, in its combination, provides better power efficiency. How? APFC improves power factor, whereas UPS systems reduce energy wastage and electricity bills. It prevents downtime most of the time and provides clean power. Inefficiency and interruption in power supply are the two major issues in industries. This device solves both at once. And of course, it reduces repair and maintenance costs as it protects equipment from damage. It also prevents any poor power factor penalties.
Types of APFC in Online UPS
APFC in Online UPS are two types. One is an active power factor controller, and the other is a passive power factor controller.
An active power factor controller sends power to all the devices connected to the power supply with the help of electronic circuits. This type is usually expensive and complex in nature, but it makes power generation more efficient. It also has a tendency to draw peak currents from the utility lines and reduce the stress of total harmonics distortion on the power grid. Example of such a power factor controller: Prostarm APFC online UPS systems
On the other hand, the passive power factor controller relies on capacitors and inductors to improve the efficiency of the power supply. It is less efficient compared to the active ones and is cost-effective. Example: APFC capacitor panel (capacitor bank) used in industrial facilities.
How APFC Online UPS Systems Improve Power Efficiency
As discussed earlier, this device is a combination of technologies that gives double benefits for users. Here are some of the ways Prostarm APFC Online UPS systems help improve power efficiency in industrial environments.
- Reduce electricity wastage: The device can increase power efficiency as it contributes to a high power factor and an uninterrupted power supply. This makes sure electricity is used properly without wastage.
- High Power Factor: Generally, devices like compressors and motors reduce efficiency by sucking extra non-useful current. But APFC rectifies it by pushing the power factor closer to 1. After all, that is its speciality. What happens later? All the current will be used for effective work instead of being wasted. This will reduce energy losses.
- Stable and Free: Conversion of current from AC to DC and then back to DC eliminates voltage fluctuations and spikes, which in turn helps machine operations to take place smoothly and stably.
- Cost reduction: When machines are protected from power issues or energy is used efficiently, operational costs or that of penalty automatically reduce.
Use Cases Based on Industries
APFC Online UPS systems are helpful in various industries like manufacturing, data centres, healthcare, etc.
Let us see how.
- Manufacturing industry: This industry is production-heavy and cannot afford a production halt or equipment damage. That’s where APFC Online UPS systems help.
- Data centres: This industry involves a lot of data and transmission of the same. APFC Online UPS systems reduce downtime and data loss.
- Energy sector: This industry cannot afford to have interruptions to operations and dangerous events. APFC Online UPS systems ensure safety and smooth operations.
Conclusion:
By now, you would have understood the significance of APFC Online UPS systems in industrial applications. But how to choose one? Choose a reliable UPS manufacturer that ensures affordability, quality, and service after sales. Using a good APFC Online UPS system ensures safety, durability, and reliability.