Transformer based UPS VS transformerless UPS

Orson Zhong

2 years ago

A transformer based ups system provides an isolation mechanism. There are inrush currents from all the mechanical equipment. This is not the place for a traditional computer UPS system.

In recent years, the use of Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) has become increasingly common in data centers, hospitals, and other critical facilities. UPS systems are designed to provide backup power to essential equipment in the event of a power outage or voltage fluctuation. There are two main types of UPS systems: transformer-based and transformerless.

Transformer Based UPS

The traditional UPS systems work by using a transformer to isolate the output from the input, providing galvanic isolation between the input and output. This isolation protects sensitive equipment from voltage spikes, noise, and other electrical disturbances.

Main benefits of Low Frequency UPS:

Galvanic isolation
Independent mains power supplies
Dual load protection from DC voltage
Providing a higher phase-neutral inverter short circuit current than a phase-phase short circuit current
Superior power protection when presented with power quality problems
Greater robustness with respect to back feed protection

Transformerless UPS Systems

Transformerless UPS systems use electronic components, such as capacitors and inductors, to condition the input power and provide the desired output voltage. This type of UPS system is typically smaller and lighter than a transformer-based UPS because it does not require a transformer.

One advantage of a transformerless UPS is that it is more efficient than a transformer-based UPS, which can result in lower energy costs. Transformerless UPS systems also require less maintenance because they have fewer components and are less complex.

However, there are some disadvantages to transformerless UPS systems. They do not provide galvanic isolation, which means that there is a direct electrical connection between the input and output. This can make the equipment more susceptible to power surges, spikes, and noise on the input power. Additionally, transformerless UPS systems are typically less tolerant of power disturbances and cannot handle as high of fault currents as transformer-based UPS systems.

How Do Transformer-Based And Transformerless UPS Systems Work?

In a traditional Low Frequency UPS, the power flows via the rectifier, inverter and transformer to the output, with the transformer used to step up the AC voltage levels, protect the UPS from load disruptions and provide galvanic isolation.

Transformerless UPS or transformer-free UPS operate in the same way, apart from one key difference. It uses insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) that are capable of dealing with high voltages, eliminating the need for a step-up transformer after the inverter. This improves the energy efficiency of transformer-free uninterruptible power supplies.

Where Do I Use A Low Frequency UPS System?

Enter a harsh environment such as a manufacturing plant, a plastic extruder, or 3d Printing facility. The ups loads are dynamic. There are inrush currents from all the mechanical equipment. This is not the place for a traditional computer UPS system. A transformer-based ups system provides an isolation mechanism for the incoming power against the inductive, or high tax loads on the output of the UPS.

A traditional UPS system that originally was design for data centers will perform well to support those computer processes intricate to the manufacturing process. It will not do a good job supporting the mechanical and physical process type loads, or high inrush loads such as cooling systems. There will be a combination of systems to properly support all the loads deemed critical in the facility.