RPA
RPA
RPA
UPS #1
communication link
UPS #2
UPS #1
communication link
UPS #2
The parallel system with an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) consists of one or more UPS modules with outputs connected by a switch that senses a loss in voltage and transfers the load to a different module or modules. Pro: If one of the UPS modules fails, another unit is available to provide power to the load Cons: No load sharing Additional cost of the ATS The ATS is a single point of failure: if it fails, the load will be interrupted even if utility power is available
The parallel cabinet configuration uses an external set of centralized electronics to distribute the load between the systems UPS modules. Pro: No ATS required Cons: Motor-operated breakers replace the function of the ATS. While less expensive than an ATS, they operate much more slowly Failure or malfunction of the shared control electronics will result in a load interruption, which is possible even if the power is present. The shared electronics package is a single point of failure Non-redundant communications links System price is increased because of the additional cost of the shared control electronics and motor-operated breakers
lead UPS #1
UPS #2
UPS #3
UPS #4
UPS #5
UPS #6
output
critical load
The isolated redundant or hot standby system uses the bypass static switch of the primary UPS to tie the output of a secondary (stand-by) UPS to the load. Pro: Inexpensive, since no additional components are added to the system Cons: There are many single points of failure No sharing of the load. If the primary unit fails, the secondary unit must be able to accept a 100% load increase in 10 milliseconds Overload capacity is limited to the rating of the static switch of the primary module System MTBF* is typically lower than the MTBF of a single module * Mean Time Between Failures
The parallel system with centralised logic is basically designed the same as the paralleling cabinet configuration. The difference is that they utilize the control electronics of one lead UPS module to control the distribution of the load between the systems other modules. Pro: No ATS required Cons: If the lead UPS module fails, the remaining units are uncontrolled. The system may go to bypass on all units, or may stop operation completely If the communication link between the lead and other units fails, the load may be interrupted even without a utility power failure
These configurations all share a common shortfall: they all have critical components that are not redundant. GEs RPA technology provides complete redundancy of all critical components and there are no single points of failure. RPA technology allows UPS system expansion not only to increase capacity but also to improve the reliability of the power provided to critical loads. For mission critical applications, RPA technology provides true redundancy for the highest reliability.
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