Which is More Suitable for Power Supply in Telecom Rooms: UPS or Battery + Inverter?

In the early days of telecommunication server rooms, a common approach was to rectify the 220V AC power supply, charging a 48V battery set, which would then directly power the exchange switches. However, as computer networks and communication systems expanded, the demand for high-quality 220V AC power grew, leading to the adoption of the battery + inverter configuration. This system used the existing 48V battery set and an inverter to convert DC to AC for powering th

1. Continuous Power Supply

The most significant advantage of an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is its ability to provide continuous power. When the AC power supply falls within an acceptable range, the UPS uses a dual conversion process (AC to DC and DC to AC) to supply power to the load. If the input voltage exceeds the acceptable range, the UPS switches to battery power to maintain the load. In the event of a failure or overload, a bypass power supply takes over to maintain power to the load. Maintenance can be carried out online via a bypass switch. On the other hand, in a battery + inverter setup, if the battery group fails and needs to be replaced, the system must be shut down for replacement, which could result in significant downtime and potential losses. The continuous power supply function of the UPS cannot be replaced by the battery + inverter setup.

2. Power Quality and Protection

UPS systems provide several key benefits such as uninterrupted power switching, backup time, voltage regulation, frequency stability, and interference isolation. The UPS is designed to filter out momentary interruptions, harmonic distortion, voltage fluctuations, frequency deviations, and power surges, ensuring clean and stable power to the load. Additionally, since the DC bus of the UPS inverter and the external battery are electrically isolated from the 48V communication power supply, there is no risk of transmission interference to the equipment. To further prevent radiation interference, UPS units typically feature a steel frame structure, which not only provides a clean aesthetic but also eliminates radiation interference to other de

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3. Power Output and Scalability

Inverter systems are typical

4. Manufacturing Scale and Reliability

The 48V inverter

5. *Network Management and Monitoring

With the rapid development of modern communication networks, the demand for UPS or inverters with strong network management capabilities has increased. Leading UPS manufacturers, such as LEUMS, offer robust network management features, including multiple RS232 interfaces, computer dry contact interfaces, and remote alarm relay contacts. Their sophisticated network management software supports multiple operating systems and allows for simultaneous monitoring of up to 16 UPS systems, tracking more than 170 parameters. LEUMS also provides specialized Life 2000 remote monitoring software that ensures that your UPS is continuously monitored by professional engineers, offe

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6. Input Voltage Range and Battery Protection

A common criticism of UPS systems is that when the input voltage is too high or too low, the system switches to battery discharge, which, particularly in regions with unstable grids, can cause frequent battery discharges and reduce battery lifespan. While this is a valid concern, leading UPS manufacturers like LEUMS have addressed this issue by using advanced DSP control technology. Their UPS systems feature an ultra-wide input voltage range, capable of operating at full load with up to +25% input variation, significantly reducing the frequency of battery discharge. Additionally, their intelligent battery management features include minimal AC ripple, automatic temperature compensation for charging voltage, automatic discharge termination voltage compensation, battery health che

Conclusion

Based on the above points, it is evident that 48V inverter systems fall short of the performance levels offered by online UPS systems in several crucial areas, including control technology, interference resistance, network management, power output, and reliability. Therefore, for telecommunication server rooms, it is advisable to opt for online UPS systems to ensure the highest level of power quality, reliability, and protection for critical equipment.