UPS Topologies and Multi-

Module Configurations

IEEE IAS Section

Atlanta GA
November 17, 2008
Agenda

UPS Topologies
Line Interactive UPS
Delta Conversion UPS
Double Conversion UPS
Rotary UPS
UPS Design Market Drivers
UPS Components
Multi-Module UPS Configurations

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Critical Power System
Critical
Generatio Power Quality Distribution Load
n
TVSS UPS
PDU
Static Servers
Switch

ATS

Paralleling
Switchgear

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Line Interactive UPS

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UPS Topologies – Line Interactive

Line Interactive

Runs on AC power from Utility and switches to Inverter if Utility

source power quality is not within predetermined tolerance.
Provides some surge protection.
Benefits – very efficient due to minimizing inverter run time
Disadvantages – limited surge protection
Application – Single computer or single rack

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Delta Conversion

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Delta Conversion
This Line Interactive system carries the load by
using both the utility line by means of a Line
Conditioner (Course Regulation) and two
converters (Actually two inverters for Fine
Regulation & Battery Charger).
This topology can regulate the load voltage by
manipulating the secondary winding of the series
t-former using the Series Converter.
Advantages
• System does not go on battery for voltage fluctuations.
• System efficiency is higher in normal mode.
Disadvantages
• The unit needs two inverters, less reliability.
• It circulates more ripple current to the batteries.
• If the utility frequency goes out of tolerance, the unit must go
on batteries.
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Double Conversion UPS

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UPS Topologies – Double
Conversion
Double Conversion
Rectifies AC power into DC and then converts the DC back to
AC. Provides clean power, completely isolated from the Utility
during normal operation.
Benefits – No interruption of Power; Protects load from Utility
spikes and Surges
Disadvantages – Greater losses than Line Interactive design

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Rotary UPS

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UPS Design Key Market Drivers

Reliability –
The 5 “9’s” - 99.999% up time

Efficiency
EPA Influence
Green Grid
Server Technology
Voltage
Outage Ride Through

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Efficiency

Line Interactive UPS ~98% efficient

Double Conversion ~ 92% to 94% efficient
Methods to improve UPS efficiency
Eliminate Input and Output Transformers
“ECO” mode -Line interactive mode of operation
Data Center Efficiency Trends
Eliminate PDU transformers
Electrical Distribution Voltages

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ECO Mode Overview

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Server Technology

Server Voltages
Today –120VAC - 240VAC
600V or 480V distribution with PDU transformers
400V distribution without PDU transformers
Future – 277 VAC? ; 480VAC?
Server Power Outage Ride Through
CEMBA Curve – Now the “ITIC” Curve
Key Factor for “ECO” mode.

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CBEMA-ITIC Curve for Double Conversion
UPS

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UPS Components
Rectifiers
SCR or IGBT
SCR – 6 Pulse and 12 Pulse
Inverters
IGBT with PWM
Static Switch Module
Transformers
Input Transformer
Output Transformer
Filters
Input Harmonic Filters
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Rectifiers

IGBT Rectifier – Clean Input

High power sinusoidal rectification – low harmonics, limited
need for filters

SCR Rectifiers
6 Pulse – ~30% THD without filters – 7% with 5th Harmonic
Filter
<5% with 5th and 11th filter
12 Pulse – reduces harmonics by using parallel rectifiers with
a phase shift ahead of one rectifier – requires input
transformer
•Rectifiers can be programmed to sequentially ramp up
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6 Pulse Current Input

THD without filter THD with filter

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12 Pulse Rectifiers

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750 kVA - 6P vs 12P Rectifier – Energy
Efficiency

Percentage 6-Pulse - 12-Pulse Efficiency

load no Xfrmr w/xfrmr Difference
25% 92.8 % 91.8 % 1.0 %

50% 94.2 % 93.3 % 0.9 %

75% 94.2 % 93.2 % 1.0 %

100% 93.6 % 92.4 % 1.2 %

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Inverters

Converts DC power into AC using IGBTs and PWM

Several different methods to implement PWM

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Static Switch Modules

Static Switch Module consists of breaker or contactor in series

with back to back SCRs.
Static Switch modules can be continuous duty or momentary
rated. Momentary rated Modules have a breaker or contactor
in parallel.
Continuous duty is required for ECO mode operation.

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Input Isolation Transformer
Input Isolation Transformer –
required for 12 Pulse Rectifier

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UPS Output Transformer

Output Transformer
- Isolates load from
inverter
- Provides greater
protection to load during
inverter failure
- Transformer MTBF >
IGBT MTBF

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Input Filters
5th Harmonic Cancellation
•The filter is designed to cancel the
current distortion that is most present
on the 5th harmonic.

Power Factor Correction

•The input filter also raises the input pf
to approximately 0.93 with addition of
capacitors. This will allow the
generator to operate more efficiently
delivering more real power

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Multi-Module UPS Configurations

Paralleling UPS Modules

Capacity or Redundancy
Centralized Bypass
Distributed Bypass

Typical Parallel UPS Configurations

Isolated Redundant
Parallel Redundant
Distributed Redundant
System plus System

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Parallel for Capacity

Multiple units = N
Not recommended for a N System (single system)
Frequently used for System + System (N+N)
MTBF impact
Parallel for capacity reduces MTBF value
Approximately half the MTBF of a single unit

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Centralized Bypass

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Distributed Bypass

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Centralized Bypass Cabinet

Distributed Bypass Configuration

does not need this gear lineup

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Parallel UPS Configurations

Isolated Redundant
Parallel Redundant
Distributed Redundant
System plus System

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Isolated Redundant

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Parallel Redundant

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Distributed Redundant

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System + System

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Questions?

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Contact Information:

Harry Handlin
GE Power Quality
Systems Engineer
P 205-789-7479
E harry.handlin@ge.com

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