No-load losses

(fixed)
At 0% load, all the input power is used by the UPS, hence the name no-load losses. This
may also be called other names such as tare, constant, fixed, shunt, and parallel. These
losses are independent of load and are attributed to powering such things as transformers,
capacitors, logic boards, and communication cards. No-load losses can represent over 40%
of all UPS losses and are by far the largest opportunity for improving UPS efficiency. This is
discussed in more detail in the appendix.

Proportional
losses
As more load is added to a UPS, a larger amount of power must be processed by various
components in its power path. For example, the switching losses from transistors, and the
resistance losses from capacitors and inductors, all add to proportional losses.

Square-law
losses
As more load is added to a UPS, the electrical current running through its components
increases. This causes losses in the UPS with the square of the current sometimes referred
to as I-squared R losses. The power losses dissipated in the form of heat are proportional
to the square of the current. Square-law losses become significant (1-4%) at higher UPS
loads.

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