Power up Luke Eiland compares Monolithic and Modular UPS systems
I
ncreasing demand for reliable power,
is a solution made of single sub-systems
a similar power requirement, the traditional
coupled with the growing use of
including one static switch, one rectifier, one
monolithic solution has the lower initial price
essential electrical equipment and
inverter etc. – but importantly, they have no
tag. This is why, traditionally, it has been
digitization, is driving up adoption of
intrinsic redundancy. The later developed
the solution of choice for organizations with
UPS systems. While data centers, hospitals,
modular UPS is, as the name suggests, made
smaller power requirements – especially
and manufacturers were among the first
up of several smaller components that can
if their needs are unlikely to change in the
to adopt the technology, demand for UPS
be added or removed to scale the solution up
near future. However, for those businesses
systems is expanding to other users such as
or down. Looking at both UPS solutions, we
with larger power requirements or where
research facilities, schools, or anywhere with
will analyze the benefits of each in relation to
increased flexibility is needed, there is more
critical power applications. Considering the
three main decision criteria – cost, reliability
to consider.
high stakes associated with energy failure,
and simplicity.
what are the most important factors to
While there are different model sizes of monolithic systems, there is less flexibility in
Cost – Is it all about price?
terms of power capacity than with modular
UPS System design boils down to two
When making any investment, cost is always
UPS. Subsequently, monolithic UPS users
main types – monolithic or modular. The
the primary consideration. When it comes to
often end-up paying more for a system that’s
original UPS design, the monolithic system,
UPS systems, and if comparing systems of
larger than they need to reach their power
consider when choosing such a system?
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