The first battery was developed in 1800, by an Italian physicist named Alessandro Volta. The device was called a Voltaic Pile, which consisted of layered discs of copper (or silver) and zinc stacked in a pile. The discs were sandwiched between pieces of cloth, which were soaked in brine. It wasn’t until Benjamin Franklin invented a simliar system that used Leyden jars (as capacitors) that the name “battery” was applied to power-storing devices.
You may not realize it, but each day, you use dozens of appliances that run off of battery power. Devices such as cell phones, portable gaming devices, electric toothbrushes, wireless transmitters, TV remotes and wireless game controllers all rely on batteries in order to operate. Even your computer has a tiny battery inside it, which allows the computer to keep track of certain things (such as the time) even when its power is turned off.
What is a UPS System?
A UPS (which stands for “Uninterruptible Power Supply”) could essentially be described as a large battery that is designed to be used as a temporary source of power. Most UPS systems will charge when they have access to an electrical power source. A UPS battery backup system may be integrated into a device (such as in some monitored security systems), or be a stand-alone battery that can power multiple devices.
Types of UPS Systems
These are three of the most commonly used types of UPS Battery Backup Systems:
Offline/Standby
This is the most basic type of UPS system. An offline/standby UPS (sometimes called a SPS) protects device(s) from small power surges, and provides a short-term supply of power in case the main power supply is cut off. A SPS usually activates when the incoming voltage it receives from the main power supply drops below a certain level. This causes the system to turn on its DC-AC inverter circuitry. There is a very small delay in between when the voltage drops, and when the SPS activates. SPS systems are most commonly applicable for personal use, such as providing short-term power to home computers after a power outage.
An illustration of the electrical function of a Standby UPS (SPS) system. Source: Wikipedia
Line-Interactive
A Line-Interactive UPS system has most of the same components as a SPS system, but with a few key differences. Line Interactive UPS systems are able to adjust their output voltage in order to compensate for fluctuations in the main power supply. Essentially, this means that if the voltage coming from an electrical outlet dropped slightly for a few minutes, a Line-Interactive UPS system would only output enough voltage to bring the total voltage to an acceptable level. This allows the system to conserve its internal battery power. The component of this system that makes this possible is called a multi-tap variable-voltage autotransformer. Line-interactive UPS systems are commonly used by companies and businesses for short-term electrical disruption protection.
Double Conversion
This type of UPS is a bit more complicated, though has the same basic components as other UPS systems. A double conversion UPS has a rectifier (AC – DC converter) and an inverter (DC – AC converter). However, both of these converters are designed to run continuously, without any delay in switching between electrical conversions. This type of UPS is most commonly used for devices that can’t tolerate even small power fluctuations, such as data centers. Double Conversion UPS systems are usually fairly expensive, though have recently become available for the personal consumer market.
How are UPS Systems Used in Home Security?
Many monitored home security companies have recognized that their systems are essentially ineffective without a constant source of power. In some cases, a “brown-out” may even be enough to cause a security system to reset, or to not function properly. To help correct this problem, many home security systems are now being integrated with a type of UPS battery backup system. This system allows the security control panel to still function for a designated amount of time after electricity has been shut off. The amount of time that the security system can continue to function varies with the type of hardware that is installed. In some cases, you may be able to combine a stand-alone UPS with your home security system, in order to help ensure that it will be effective even if your home loses electrical power.
