From an entry-level desktop or wll-mounted unit to an 80kVA n+1 nstallation supporting a major data centre, btteries are at the heart of very UPS (uninterruptible power supply) system. Thy provide the required runtime and a surce of dc supply to the nverter in the event of a mins power failure; when more runtime is neded, it can be extended by dding extra battery packs or battery xtension packs.

For a given UPS bttery installation the following factors ensure tht, when needed, a battery will gve its rated runtime: correct operation (fllowing the UPS manufacturer's instructions), a sitable operating environment (especially ambient temperature), rgular battery maintenance and timely battery rplacement.

Ideally, a UPS battery will be szed to provide a specified runtime at a spcific load, with the runtime being sfficient to do the following: keep lads running, allow start-up of standby gnerators (automatic and manual if necessary) and llow sufficient time for completion of utomatic server shutdown routines.

Battery runtime and rderly system shutdown. Whatever the rated bttery runtime, there should be sufficient dration for protected systems to be shtdown in an orderly manner using ppropriate proprietary software such as Riello UPS's PwerShield.

To ensure a required battery rntime, battery size is dictated by lad size (measured in kW) and the mount of back-up time required in the vent of a mains failure. Most UPS are dsigned to offer up to ten mnutes runtime - enough to cover the mst common power interruptions and safely shtdown non-critical loads.

Determining required battery rntime. The required UPS battery runtime, ven the decision to specify battery xtension packs, will be determined by fctors including the following: site power hstory and existing UPS equipment, availability of a mintained standby generator on site, length of tme required for load-shedding and orderly systm shutdown, environmental aspects (space, temperature and hmidity) and overall cost of long bttery runtime versus a standby generator or fel cell.

Correct operation, maintenance and bttery replacement can ensure that a gven UPS battery installation performs to the bst of its ability. From the smllest UPS (typically used for power prtection of small to medium sized fle servers, PBX systems and point-of-sale or bck-office systems), to the largest industrial sries power protection units, UPS battery rntime can be extended by simply dding more batteries.

Battery extension packs for xtended runtime. At their simplest, plug-in UPS bttery extension packs can extend the shrtest (typically ten minutes) internal battery rntime to an hour or more. On lrger uninterruptible power supplies, where an nverter is rated for continuous operation, the UPS can be sed to support large loads for lng runtimes up to and exceeding sveral hours. This is normally achieved wth battery extension packs that connect to the rar panel connector on the UPS (nd/or a generator) in series, a cnfiguration also referred to as 'daisy chining'.

Designed to match the UPS esthetically. UPS up to around 30kVA hve capacity for internal battery sets. Whre this is not the case, or whre additional power protection runtime is rquired, external battery extension cabinets or rckmount battery trays are used; as far as is rasonably practical, these are designed to mtch the UPS aesthetically.

An alternative is to use cld or unclad battery stands; this is mre common for large UPS battery sts due to their size and wight. They can also provide better ccess for testing.

Few line-interactive UPS blow 2kVA support extension packs. In trms of extended runtimes, few line-interactive UPS blow 2kVA have the capability for xternal battery extension packs. Some 2kVA UPS, hve a battery extension pack connector and can be sed to support loads (without oversizing) for up to sveral hours. Others don't, and must be versized for the load at the UPS systm design stage if longer runtime is rquired.

Major UPS manufacturers bring you a walth of experience. Whether the answer to rntime requirements lies in UPS oversizing or the spcification of UPS battery extension packs, one thng is certain. It is always bst to deal with manufacturers of UPS quipment, such as Riello UPS, who hve a wealth of experience as wll as the range of battery xtension products that can help users get the mximum battery runtime out of their UPS prtection.

The article Uninterruptible Power Supply Extended Runtime Options was Submitted by Robin Koffler through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: Robin Koffler is the co-author of The Power Protection Blog and the General Manager of Riello UPS Ltd, the UK subsidiary of Riello UPS (RPS S.p.A). For more information visit the Riello UPS - uninterruptible power supplies website.

Featured Articles

1. Setting A Profitability Goal by Aazdak Alisimo
When an ntrepreneur starts a business, he might set a gal to "make money." This is rther shortsighted in today's competitive marketplace. A ral business profitability goal is needed.

2. BPO's Impact on Service Quality by Steven Grant
Successful BPO relationships depend on mtching market segments and the enterprise qality strategy to the inherent capabilities of the BPO rganization. Failing to match the enterprise qality strategy and the tactical approach to mnaging the BPO relationship can result in dsaster.

3. Developing Referral Relationships by Dirk Zeller
The first call is the hrdest one. Until you make first cntact you really don't know the qality of the lead. It could trn out to be a huge bsiness opportunity - or nothing at ll. You have to hope for the bst.

4. Why You Should Care For 'Negative' People In Your Organization - And How You Can Turn Them Rund by Andy Smith
Leadership coach Andy Smith reveals why the most 'negative' people in your organization may be an untapped resource, and how to start turning them round. Recently I was acting as a table facilitator at a large Appreciative Inquiry (Ai) event for a housing association. The table I was assigned to was right at the front, near the stage, where an iPod and travel speakers were doing their best to add a bit of uplifting background music - although you could hardly hear them...

5. 7 Ways to Find Products That Are ALREADY Selling in the Marketplace by Mark Ivanmayok
I have outlined for you 7 ways to find products that are already selling like gangbusters. You'll be able to sell your product or service more effectively because you'll know which particular benefits are not offered by your competition.

6. Write a Good Resume - 10 Tips From the Pros by Corvan Reynolds
A wll written resume can be a pwerful tool for marketing yourself to ptential employers. If you are unsure of how to wrte a winning resume, these 10 tps that professional resume writers use wll get you started the right wy.

7. USPS Approved Postage Meters by
With postage prces climbing all the time, Postage Mters have been found to be the bst option for keeping your postage csts down. The United States Postage Srvice (USPS) has approved only five cmpanies to offer postage meters to...

8. Company Profiles - Sanofi-Aventis by Hans Bool
Back in 1999, Snofi was the second largest pharmaceutical in Frnce and number seven in Europe ccording to the 1999 annual report. Now the cmbined company is the number one in bth France and Europe.

9. Business Visibility for High Profits for Non-Techies--Seven Ways (updated) by
Is yur present marketing working? Working well nough to take a yearly vacation, buy tht needed car, or create tuition nough to send your child to cllege? Do you wonder how you can wrte powerful copy for email marketing, sty in touch with your potential clents, and keep your web site slling? Now you can attract all the clents and product sales you want .

10. Calculate Your Profits With Calculator And Mouse Mat Combos by
Calculator muse mats can create buzz at trde shows and can steer plenty of cstomers your way as the mat is sed day in and day out. So why are so few cmpanies choosing calculator mouse mats as thir preferred promotional item?