Explanation of power supply terms related to UPS power supply (Part 3)

Addtime: 2026-05-24 16:05:52 Hits

Current crest factor (CF): The current crest factor refers to the ratio of the peak value to the effective value of the current periodic waveform. Due to the fact that computer loads do not necessarily absorb energy according to a sinusoidal pattern when subjected to sinusoidal voltage, they may generate higher peak currents (between 2.4-2.6 times the current). Therefore, UPS designs should be capable of providing currents with a CF value greater than 3 to meet the requirements of computer loads.


Battery Series/Parallel Connection: Multiple batteries with the same performance capacity are connected in series by stacking them in a certain polarity, forming a battery pack; multiple batteries or battery packs with the same voltage are connected at their ends in the same polarity, forming a parallel output, which is known as parallel connection.

Battery management system: It is used to protect UPS batteries and extend their lifespan, achieving high-quality charging effects. The battery management system encompasses both software and hardware, incorporating various technologies such as battery characteristic determination, automatic selection of charging modes, automatic alarms, and charging of special batteries.  

Short circuit: Refers to the direct connection between the positive and negative poles of a direct current (DC) circuit, or between the live wire and the neutral or grounding wire of an alternating current (AC) circuit. Short circuits can cause severe overloads, generating high short-circuit currents that may burn out equipment and even trigger fires.  

Ground wire, neutral wire, and live wire: The earth is a good conductor, and the ground wire is short-circuited to the earth through deeply buried electrodes. The transmission of commercial power is in a three-phase manner, with a neutral wire. When the three phases are balanced, the current in the neutral wire is zero, commonly known as the "neutral wire". Another characteristic of the neutral wire is that it is short-circuited to the ground wire at the system's main distribution input, with a voltage difference close to zero. The three phase lines and the neutral wire have a voltage of 220 volts, which can cause electric shock to people, commonly known as the "live wire". The installation and arrangement order of electrical circuits have strict standards, and correctly assembling the ground wire, neutral wire, and live wire according to these standards is crucial for safety in practice.

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC): The general term for the radiated and conducted waves emitted by equipment.

Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV): The IEC regulations stipulate limits on the rated safety voltage of electrical equipment. According to these regulations, in cases where the voltage is high or in the AC power supply section, extreme caution must be taken to isolate or make it difficult for personnel to come into contact with, in order to ensure personnel safety.   

Crest Factor (CF): The so-called CF refers to the ratio of the peak value to the effective value of a periodic waveform. Since computer loads generate CF (between 2.4-2.6 times the current) when subjected to sine wave voltage, UPS designs often need to provide specifications with a CF value of 3 to meet the requirements of computer loads.

Discharge tube: It is a high-voltage protection component used at the input end of equipment. If the voltage across its terminals exceeds its protection specification value, a short circuit will occur inside, absorbing the excess input voltage.  

Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR): This is a type of spatial electromagnetic wave that exists in communication equipment or computer operating devices. Some of these waves are radiated into space through the device's circuitry or radio antenna. In certain situations, excessive amplitude waves may cause radio transmission interruptions or malfunctions in computer operating devices.

Floating charge and equalizing charge: Both floating charge and equalizing charge are charging modes for batteries.   

1. Operating principle of float charging: When the battery is fully charged, the charger will not stop charging, but will still provide a constant float voltage and a very small float current to the battery. This is because once the charger stops charging, the battery will naturally release electric energy. Therefore, float charging is used to balance this natural discharge, and small UPSs usually adopt float charging mode.  

2. Operating principle of equalizing charge: The battery is charged at a constant current and for a fixed duration, resulting in a fast charging speed. This charging mode is frequently used by professional maintenance personnel during battery maintenance and is also beneficial for activating the chemical properties of the battery.  

Note: The intelligent charger features automatic switching between float charging and equalizing charging based on the battery's operating state, fully leveraging the respective advantages of float charging and equalizing charging to achieve fast charging and extend battery life.   

Load regulation: The voltage regulation accuracy at the output terminal when the load changes.  

Overload: UPS has a specified load capacity, and exceeding the rated load is considered overload.   

Overload protection: Self-protection activated when the load exceeds its capacity.  

Overvoltage protection: When the input or output voltage exceeds the safe range, the UPS automatically disconnects the input or protects the output.  

Overheat protection: The power components of the UPS that are most prone to heating are equipped with temperature sensors. When overheating occurs, the UPS shuts down or switches to bypass mode.


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