General questions

Uninterruptible Power Supply Systems (UPS) are redundant power supply devices that store power in a battery to which electronic equipment can be connected. They act as a firewall between the mains supply and the equipment. During an outage, overvoltage, voltage dip, etc., they provide continuity in the alternating current supply by transforming the direct current from your battery into an alternating current with the same properties as the mains, having cleared it of any disturbances.

The optimum solution universally adopted is to store energy in an accumulator. These can obtain continuity of alternating current supply based on converting the direct current of this battery into alternating current with the same characteristics as the mains, but without disturbances.

When all the parts of this solution are integrated into a single unit, this forms what is known as a UPS, which means an Uninterruptible Power Supply. There are different UPS structures, with diverse technologies in their components.

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Possible cause: UPS not correctly connected to mains.

Solution: Connect UPS as per installation guide.

None! It is the same device.

UPS are the initials in English for Uninterruptible Power Supply.

Possible cause: UPS overload.

Solution: Check connected load is not excessive.

The UPS are encompassed in different technologies: Off-Line, Line-Interactive and On-Line.

The parameter that marks the different technologies is if the UPS allows to power directly from the mains to the loads. In off-line and Line-Interactive technologies UPS act only on failure of supply, while in the case of On-Line technology, the load is supplied energy continually generates itself, exists or no power.

Possible cause: Software not installed correctly.

Solution: Check software is correctly configured.

Possible cause: Cable not properly connected.

Solution: Check USB cable is securely connected to COM1/COM2 ports of computer and configuration is correct.

Off-Line is the simplest protection. The PC continues to receive power through the electrical network but without energy conversion. In the event of a problem such as power outages or voltage changes, the UPS is supported by batteries in order to stabilize the voltage. The use of this technology is appropriate for the protection of PC’s, work stations, passive terminals and low range servers.

These devices operate in exactly the same way as Off-Line. The difference is that the UPS is totally controlled by means of a micro-processor which studies and analyzes the quality of the electrical network and detects the variations in said network without the need for batteries when it is not absolutely necessary. Through this technology, early wear of the batteries is prevented. The most common use of these UPS's is the protection of PC.

This technology is mainly characterized by a constant quality of power supply throughout any disturbance or fluctuation. An On-Line UPS does not constantly supply energy from the batteries, but rather the current is regenerated through the transformation of the alternating current to direct current and vice versa. In this way, it is possible to isolate the load of any fluctuation in the input current. The most standardized use is the protection of Internet/Intranet servers, and the protection of telecommunications and industrial systems.

Yes, an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is highly recommended because you are exposed to several critical problems without it:

1. Loss of data: Power cuts can result in a significant loss of data. It is estimated that 40% of data losses in the working environment are due to power cuts.
2. Damage to hardware: Voltage fluctuations damage the electronic components of electronic devices, reducing their useful life.
3. Interruptions: Stopping the work underway affects productivity and leads to delays in projects.
4. Downtime costs: Faults in the electricity supply lead to costs due to downtime of computer systems.

Remember that a UPS provides power during power cuts, although it also improves voltage quality, protecting your devices and ensuring uninterrupted, safe operations.

The best way of calculating them is using our UPS Recommender, which can be used to calculate the appropriate technology, power and model for your needs.

Follow these steps to measure a UPS:

1. Calculate the total power of the equipment to be protected, in watts (W) or volt amperes (VA). Consider the power factor of the equipment.
2. Decide how much UPS autonomy is needed to maintain the load during a power cut.
3. Add a margin (20-30%) for load increments in the case of future growth.

Use this data to choose a UPS that withstands the total load and offers the necessary autonomy. We make it easy for you with our UPS Recommender.

The output crest factor parameter is important for a UPS because it indicates its capacity to handle current peaks. This factor measures the ratio between the current peak and its RMS (root mean square) value. A high crest factor is crucial to ensure the UPS can supply enough current during demand peaks for sensitive and critical equipment, such as computers and servers, without causing interruptions or damage.

A UPS that can provide crest factors of around 3 is capable of providing a power supply for almost all of the loads that are currently on the market. The higher this parameter, the better the UPS handles non-linear loads.

The functionality of a UPS consists in providing auxiliary power for the purpose of preserving precious data. With a laser printer, in the event of a mishap in the electrical supply, the printing tasks remain queued in the print spool and are naturally recovered once the mishap is gone. Nevertheless, for large printing cycles involving publishing houses, graphics and copiers in general, it is best to protect the data in order to cushion the large data transmission time to the printer memory./td> 

Autonomy, in power equipment such as UPS, is the time that these units can supply power to the connected loads during a power cut until the power is resumed or the equipment can be switched off safely.

Both names refer to the same solution, which converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) at a specific frequency and voltage. The output wave of a sinusoidal inverter will always be cleaner than that obtained from the mains.

Inverters with a ‘square’, ‘pseudo-sinusoidal’ or ‘modified sinusoidal’ wave do not generate a perfect sinusoidal wave. Their main advantage is the price, which is much lower than that of a sinusoidal unit for the same power, although they do have some limitations given their effect on inductive or capacitative loads.

(*) They are not recommended for certain requirements in the professional field, as they can cause noise and interference, affecting the functioning of equipment such as precision instrumentation, telecommunications, etc.

The batteries are designed to operate optimally at a temperature of around 20-25 °C. Higher temperatures speed up their chemical decomposition, thus reducing their capacity and useful life. Keeping a UPS in a cool, well ventilated environment will maximise its battery life.

To ensure optimum functioning and to extend its useful life, Salicru recommends regular visual inspections to detect physical damage, cleaning to avoid accumulated dust that causes overheating, and battery tests to verify their capacity and output. Self-diagnosis tests and power cut simulations should be regularly performed to ensure the UPS will function correctly during an actual power cut. Are you familiar with our maintenance plans?

¿Conoces nuestros planes de mantenimiento?

The batteries of a UPS normally last for 3 to 5 years if they are short-life, and 8 to 10 years if they are long-life, depending on the use and the environmental conditions. We consider a battery to have reached the end of its useful life when its output is below 70%. Working below this level can cause problems due to the inadequate functioning of the UPS.

Normally, the device gives frequent alarms for no apparent reason, there is a significant reduction in its autonomy, faults in self-diagnosis tests, recurrent overheating, and unusual noises. If the batteries have been replaced several times and the equipment still fails, it might be safer and more profitable to replace the entire unit.

Management software allows for remote monitoring and control of the UPS, enabling the user to receive notices and notifications on its status, battery levels, overload events and power cuts. Scheduled closures and safe switching off of the connected systems can also be programmed in the event of a prolonged power cut, protecting against the loss of data. The software produces output and use reports, and helps optimise power management and plan preventive maintenance.

It offers comprehensive protection from surges and voltage peaks, which are brief and significant increases in voltage, which could damage electronic equipment. The system filters and regulates the power supplied to the connected devices, ensuring any excess voltage is diverted to earth and does not reach sensitive equipment. A UPS with double-conversion technology converts the power from AC to DC and then back to AC, producing a clean, regulated and constant power output. This eliminates electrical noise and ensures the devices receive a constant, safe current. As a result, the connected equipment operates more efficiently and with fewer interruptions.

A solar inverter is the heart of a photovoltaic installation. Solar panels produce electricity in DC, although most electricity distribution devices and systems operate with AC. This device converts the DC generated by the panels into alternating current, adapting the frequency and the voltage of the output so that it matches the requirements of the grid, thus providing an efficient, safe use of the solar power generated.

The main types of solar inverters are on-grid, hybrid and off-grid. The former operate only with a grid connection, hybrids operate with a grid connection and also have batteries, and off-grids operate only independently.

Salicru manufactures on-grid and hybrid photovoltaic inverters.

Saber más sobre inversores solares

For the appropriate solar inverter, consider the capacity of the photovoltaic system, the type of solar panels, the space available, and the shading conditions. It is also crucial to assess the efficiency of the inverter, its compatibility with the existing electrical system, and the specific needs, such as the power storage capacity and the zero-injection configuration.

A solar inverter must be installed by a certified professional. First, an appropriate location is selected, preferably near the distribution board and protected from the weather. The inverter is connected to the solar panels and to the grid, in line with the specifications of the manufacturer. The configuration involves setting the system parameters, such as the grid type, the voltage, and the frequency. Tests are then performed to ensure the inverter is working, and it is monitored correctly.

The overload capacity of a solar inverter refers to its capacity to handle loads above its nominal capacity for a short period. This is important to manage temporary peaks in the demand for power without damaging the inverter. The overload capacity ensures the inverter can continue operating efficiently and safely during these situations, providing the electrical system with stability and protecting the connected equipment.

In a power storage system, the inverter manages the conversion and the flow of power between the solar panels, the storage batteries, and the grid. With a hybrid inverter, it is possible to charge the batteries with the solar power produced and, whenever required, to convert the power stored into alternating current (AC) so that it can be used. In addition, the inverter manages battery discharging overnight or during periods of low solar generation, optimising the use of the power stored.

Solar inverters normally have a useful life of 10 to 20 years, depending on their use, location and maintenance. This maintenance includes regular inspections to ensure there is no physical damage, the cleaning of surfaces to avoid accumulated dust and dirt, and software updates. Operating tests should be performed and the electrical connection checked regularly to ensure optimum output.

A variable frequency drive (VFD) is a device that controls the speed and the torque of electric motors by adjusting the frequency and the voltage of the current supplied. It works by converting alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) and then back to AC, with the required frequency. This provides accurate control of the motor, improving efficiency and reducing mechanical wear. VFDs are essential for applications that require varying motor speeds, such as pumps, fans and conveyors.

Learn more about Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)

Saber más sobre Variadores de Frecuencia (VFD)

Variable frequency drives are used in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications that require electric motors to operate. They are common in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems to control the speed of the fans and pumps, improving the energy efficiency. They are also used in conveyors, cranes, mixers and processing machinery. In agriculture, they are used in irrigation systems to optimise water consumption, and they are applied in the control of lifts and in the automotive industry for engine and gearbox testing.

A variable frequency drive must be installed by a certified professional. First, select a suitable location with good ventilation and protection from dust and damp. Install the VFD in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations, connecting the power cables and the motor according to the connection diagram. Configure the initial parameters, such as the base frequency and nominal current of the motor, using the control panel of the VFD. Perform an operating test to ensure the variable frequency drive correctly controls the speed and torque of the motor.

The use of variable frequency drives in electric motors provides many different benefits, including a significant saving of power because the motor speed is adjusted to meet the requirements of the load. It also improve process control, allowing for soft starts and stops, thus reducing mechanical wear and extending the useful life of the equipment. VFDs can also decrease the consumption of reactive power, improve the power factor, and reduce operating costs. They also minimise current peaks during start-up, thus protecting the grid.

To reduce the noise and interference of a variable frequency drive, the use of shielded cables is essential, ensuring they are correctly earthed. The installation of EMI/RFI filters can help minimise electromagnetic and radio-frequency interferences. Furthermore, keeping the signal cable separate from the power cables can reduce noise coupling. The use of appropriate speed control software and the correct configuration of the parameters of the VFD can also minimise acoustic noise and interference.

Contact Salicru Services! We will solve all your queries. We are available by phone, via this WhatsApp or by e-mail.

For the purpose of meeting your needs by adapting to your business, Salicru has adopted flexibility as one of its principles, offering you custom-made solutions based on the standard series technologies.

Our solutions always have their own development as those existing on the market do not usually uniformly meet the needs of each company. They also go through the most rigorous quality controls in order to guarantee that the solutions offered comply with the needs and expectations of its customers. 

Salicru’s Custom-Made Solutions adapt perfectly to your environment so that your investment is guaranteed

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Every year in any given office building, there are 36 power surges, 128 overloads or voltage rises and between 5 and 15 outages. All of these energy problems are mainly caused by a loss of data, and one solution is the protection of an Uninterruptible Power Supply System (UPS).

As far as energy outages, there are four possible types: dropouts, collapses, momentary collapses and sustained collapses; <1 cycle, >1 cycle, < 1 minute and >1 minute, respectively. The main causes are usually the start-up of large motors, defects in the line or switching on the network, which come from the company. In the case of dropouts, it depends on the characteristics of the power source (reserve time) whether or not it will affect the IT system, computer or electronic equipment. Outages and collapses are network zeros with durations higher than 300 mx, eventually causing a total uncontrolled stoppage of the equipment. Micro outages often affect the file localization tables and RAM memories, a typical error is that the hard drive becomes illegible. The only solution to this type of problem resides in the use of a UPS.

Electrical noise, of course. Electrical noise, occupies a range of frequencies which are similar to the transitory ones, however these are at a low magnitude, but are long-lasting. An example would be the induction of radio waves on a transmission line. The noise phenomenon often causes more operation errors than physical damage.

Power electronics is the division in electronics which is dedicated to the control and conversion of power energy. Alternating/direct, direct/alternating, and direct/direct converters are grouped into this division, just like rectifiers, inverters, DC/DC converters, etc. For this reason, SALICRU is a specialist in power electronics because it researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a wide range of products within this sector in order to ensure a clean, safe, reliable, economic and ecological power supply.

kVA stands for KiloVolt-Ampere, a measure indicating the total load capacity a system can handle, including both active and reactive power. Power is broken down into three main components:

1. Apparent power (S): Measured in Volt-Amperes (VA) or Kilovolt-Amperes (kVA). It represents the total magnitude of power in a circuit, including both active and reactive power. It is the most commonly used measure of power in the UPS world.

2. Active power (P): Measured in Watts (W). It represents the portion of power that performs useful work in a circuit, such as light or heat.

3. Reactive power (Q): Measured in Volt-Amperes Reactive (VAR). It represents the portion of power that does not perform useful work in a circuit, but is necessary to maintain energy flow in inductive equipment.

The relationship between these three components is expressed by the following formulas:

• S = P + Q
• P = S * cos (θ) θ represents the phase angle between current and voltage in a circuit

Alternating Current (AC) is the electrical current that changes polarity. That is, its instantaneous voltage changes in time from 0 to a positive maximum, returns to zero and continues to another negative maximum, and so on. The standardized Alternating Current is a type of sinusoidal wave. The commercial supply of electrical energy generally used today, is done in alternating current (AC).

Direct Current (DC) is the direct flow of electricity through a conductor between two points with different potentials. As opposed to Alternating Current, in this case, the electrical charges always circulate in the same direction from the greatest point of potential to the lower potential. Although Direct Current is often identified as constant current (for example, that which is supplied by a battery), any current that always maintains the same polarity is considered direct.

The galvanized isolation built into the converter separates the input circuit from the output circuit, this enables polarity changes or the collection of floating outputs.

DC systems are those units that convert alternating current in continuous (rectifiers, chargers) or a direct current to alternating (inverters). DC systems can store energy in a battery. It’s able to obtain a continuous supply of DC or AC (via an inversor) without interruption.

When the rectifiers, chargers and investors are integrated into a single team, they constitute what is called a DC system, allowing both connect to AC power loads such as DC. 

Furthermore, these DC systems have a DC control to manage all parameters and communication ports to communicate with the outside world, allowing inclusion within the DC system management software and perform remote management and allowing the state to be informed / alarms / events / actions of the unit.

A battery is a device that allows us to store energy through a group of electrochemical cells. A modern battery is made up of a group of cells or vessels, generally 2V. The most frequent configuration is to work with 6 2V serial blocks in order to get 12 nominal V. It’s best to distinguish between rechargeable batteries (accumulators) and disposable batteries (batteries). The most common of the first type, or accumulators, are made of Lead Calcium (PbCa), are sealed and require no maintenance and those made of Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), are open and require maintenance.