Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) serve as a crucial lifeline for countless organizations. By protecting critical applications and safeguarding operations from power interruptions, UPS devices ensure continuity and security. However, UPS systems are inherently complex. Environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, as well as broader concerns like climate change, can all challenge how a device performs. Let’s explore some of the factors that affect UPS devices, and delve into how to mitigate potential risks.
Temperature
A key factor affecting performance is temperature. UPS devices are highly sensitive to heat. In fact, an increase of just 10°C above 25°C can halve the lifespan of the battery. And any increase in temperature can stress components – potentially resulting in power module failure. Failures of this type are particularly disruptive and costly too, as they often result in the need to replace several sections of the UPS battery. To mitigate this risk, it’s important to keep your device in a stable, temperature-controlled environment.
Dust
Another factor that can affect UPS performance is dust. Dust is everywhere. While it may seem harmless, you don’t want dust lingering in or around your device. This is because dust reduces the effectiveness of heat dissipation, something that can lead to overheating and even failure. And it can also be conductive, causing short circuits within the components of a circuit board. Plus, dust buildup can cause fans to become obstructed, decreasing airflow to critical areas such as heat sinks and clogging filters. For these reasons, it’s vital to service UPS devices stored in dusty or industrial environments more frequently. 24/7 remote monitoring can add a layer of protection too. For example, remote monitoring systems can detect early signs of overheating or component stress, alerting maintenance teams to potential issues before they lead to costly downtime.
Climate change
Climate change is causing volatile weather in countless regions around the world. In some areas, there are much more frequent extreme weather events. In other areas, there are extreme weather events for the first time. Volatile weather conditions, such as storms, can lead to power outages that strain the power grid, increasing the need for UPS devices primed and ready to handle sudden loads. However, in unpredictable weather, UPS devices go through a number of discharge and recharge cycles, something that can accelerate battery wear. This highlights the importance of regular maintenance and continuous monitoring to ensure devices remain in optimal condition, ready to deliver reliable support whenever the unexpected strikes.
Time
Sadly, nothing lasts forever – not even a UPS device. The passage of time can affect UPS performance, especially if maintenance is not up to date. While components such as capacitors, fans and batteries are designed to last several long years, the environmental factors specified above reduce lifespan. Even with the best care, parts will eventually wear out and require replacement. Proactive servicing can extend the useful life of a UPS and delay the need for replacements, but planning for component upgrades remains essential to ensure consistent, reliable performance as the device ages.
ABB Ability™ SmartTracker
Given the complexity involved in UPS performance – as well as how essential they are – frequently servicing your UPS is vital, whether that’s once, twice, or more times a year. But there’s something even better than frequent servicing: 24/7 remote monitoring. With the ABB Ability™ SmartTracker service, you can rest assured your UPS device is working around the clock. Thanks to the easy-to-use app, you can benefit from data-driven, actionable insights, cloud-based data analytics, and tech support – all at the touch of a button. With faster response times, a more efficient service is in your pocket, wherever you are.