UPS Systems and Battery Chargers: Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Introduction

A sudden loss of power will disrupt most business operations and could lead to a company being unable to trade.

Where a company regards electrical power as critical then there will be a need for a continuous or back up power system. The installation of a UPS will provide the necessary continuity. There are however problems with these installations when there is a need for maintenance especially the use of by-pass. Power Quality compatibility problems may cause failure, which was the reason for the original UPS installation.

Objectives

On successful completion of this course, delegates will:

• Develop knowledge of the need for a UPS, types available, UPS components, batteries, generators and maintenance.
• Gain with new knowledge and skills that will enable them to understand more fully the requirements, roles and maintenance of UPS and battery systems.
• Understand the basis for the use of a UPS
• Understand Critical Load Applications
• Have an appreciation of Power Problems
• Be able to review the installation and maintenance requirements of a UPS and Stand-by power installation
• Be able to improve reliability by improving the resilience of an electrical installation

Target Audience

This course is directed at electrical technicians, maintenance professionals and electrical engineers who would like to expand their knowledge of UPS systems

Electrical Engineering Outline

The course covers the following topics:

Introduction to the Resilient System

A sudden loss of power causes disruption to any business where there is no stand-by or safety service, the course introduces the term resilience.

• Introduction
• Regulations
• Critical loads
• Purpose of an Installation
• Compatibility
• Protection and Devices
• UPS or Generator
• Maintenance

What is a UPS?

After identifying an item of load is critical then there is a need to protect or back-up the supply, a UPS is a solution.

• UPS Rating
• Parallel systems
• What is available
• Maintenance by-pass
• Off Line systems
• Redundancy
• On Line systems
• Interactive systems

UPS Components

How does it work? A question often asked and in this module the method of operation is examined.

• Transformer methods
• Harmonics
• Invertors
• Twelve pulse rectifier
• Phase control
• Power factor
• Six pulse rectifier
• Static switch

Batteries

Batteries are essential as an alternative store of energy providing the reserve power needed by the UPS after a mains failure. They are also dangerous especially during installation and maintenance.

• What is a battery?
• Storage and Care
• VLRA
• Choosing a battery size
• Size and location
• Charging
• Configuration
• Battery safety

Generators and Site Planning

If a power failure exceeds the reserve battery capacity the system will fail but using a generator will ensure continuous power. Planning the site and considering the load will ensure a successful installation and careful maintenance planning will ensure reliability.

• Do I need a Generator?
• Environmental Constraints
• Mains failure
• Monitoring power
• UPS Compatibility
• Installing the UPS
• Generator size considerations
• Maintaining the UPS