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To choose a modular UPS or not to choose a modular UPS – that is the question. At Dale, we are constantly being asked what advantages modular UPS systems have over monolithic systems, and how to know which option is best suited for business requirements. This piece highlights the differences between modular UPS and monolithic UPS, key points to consider when choosing between them and the benefits that the systems can provide.
A modular UPS system begins with an empty frame which can be populated with up to six modules. Each module should comprise of a complete UPS system including a static bypass switch, so that the system has no single point of failure. Providing that redundancy in the design ensures that if one UPS module fails, the others will continue to support the load. In other words, that means N+1 redundancy, and therefore high availability, can be built into modular UPS systems efficiently and easily.
An example of this is a modular UPS system which can help to support a 250 kW load. It could be populated with 6 50 kW modules that share the load across their 300 kW total capacity. If any single module fails, the remaining 250 kW capacity will continue to fully support the load, without interruption, until replacement is made of the the faulty UPS module.
A monolithic UPS arrangement, however, usually comprises each UPS having a built-in static switch and internal maintenance bypass. The input supply to each UPS system may have A and B feeds, and each monolithic UPS may have its own battery too (dependent on the levels of redundancy required).
A wrap-around external UPS maintenance bypass panel or parallel panel may be installed for the entire system. This allows maintenance to be carried out on one of the UPS’s whilst the other is supporting the critical load.
With advancements in UPS technology, the operating efficiency of both modular UPS systems and monolithic UPS systems are similar, though modular UPS tend to be better overall. Being able to reconfigure a modular UPS to meet actual loads provides a degree of flexibility not available with all types of monolithic UPS systems.
The Environment: Modular, scalable UPS systems are nearly always transformerless and are not designed for rugged or tough environments. They are much more suited for data centres and offices, rather than telecommunications and defence systems, for example.
Improved Time to Repair. Modular UPS power supply systems are well engineered, and usually allow a high meantime between failure rate (MTBF), but in the event of a failure, a modular UPS has a significant number of components that are hot swappable, and most often plug and play. This reduces the amount of time that a technician may need to spend troubleshooting or replacing component level parts.
Redundancy Management: With a traditional, single module UPS designed for redundancy, load on the UPS system has to be carefully managed so that neither UPS exceeds 50% load. In a fail-over situation, each UPS system needs to have adequate capacity to support the load of both UPS systems. Because of this, this type of UPS configuration can never run at maximum efficiency. With a modular system that is designed for N+1 redundancy, there should always be at least one module installed for redundancy. This allows for a level of redundancy, while still operating at close to peak efficiency.
Looking for a modular UPS power supply system yourself? At Dale, we have a superb range of modular UPS that aid space requirements, flexibility and future growth potential. Our technical team are always happy to help you find the right modular UPS for your needs, and some of our most popular modular UPS power supply systems include:
The Dale E61150
The Dale E61150 is a 50kVA single phase modular UPS offering true online topology.
Key Features Of The Dale E61150
High frequency double conversion online technology
19” cabinets available in full and half height format
Modular design capable of housing either 5x or 10x power modules
1:1 & 3:3 power modules available in 4, 6 and 10VA ratings
Configurable N+1 modular redundancy
Parallel system capability on 1:1 & 3:1 models (maximum 4x cabinet)
Wide input voltage range (120-276VAC)
Short circuit and overload protection
EMI and RFI noise filtering
Smart circuit RS232 communication with monitoring software
Large touch screen LCD interface
Discover the Dale E61150 modular UPS here.
The Dale E633200/4050
The Dale E633200/4050 is a 200kVA three phase modular UPS, which is compliant with IEC62040-1, IEC62040-2, IEC62040-3, IEC60950-1 and IEC 61000-4 industry standards.
Key Features Of The Dale E633200/4050
High frequency double conversion online technology
19” cabinets available in full and half height format
Modular design capable of housing either 5x, 8x, 10x, 13x or 16x power modules
3:3 power modules available in 10, 20, 40 and 50kVA ratings
Configurable N+1 modular redundancy
Parallel system capability on 3:3 models (maximum 4x cabinet)
Wide input voltage range (208-470VAC)
Intelligent battery charge management
Short circuit and overload protection
EMI and RFI noise filtering
Smart circuit RS232 communication with monitoring software
Discover the Dale E633200/4050 modular UPS here.
In search of the right monolithic UPS system but are unsure where to start? Dale can help. Within our E700 range of UPS power supply, you’ll find the perfect match for your power site, facility or business.
Our E700 UPS range includes:
The Dale E73360
The Dale E73360 is a 60kVA three phase UPS power supply system offering an overload capacity of variable: <110% 60min/<125% 10min/150% 1min/>150% (dependent on version) or immediate shutdown.
Key Features Of The Dale E73360
High frequency, double conversion online technology
Wide input voltage range (184-276VAC)
Cold start and programmable auto restart functions
Selectable ECO mode for high efficiency operation
Automatic battery charge in UPS off mode
Lightning and surge protection
Short circuit and overload protection
Automatic fan speed control with load variation
Emergency Power Off facility
Smart RS232 and USB comms with monitoring software
Optional relay or SNMP communications card
Up to 4 units can be operated in parallel
Dale E733250
Dale E733250 is a 250kVA three phase UPS power supply system that can provide nominal voltage input of 380/400/415V AC.
Key Features Of Dale E733250:
High frequency, double conversion online technology
Fully digitised DSP control
Wide input voltage range (184-276VAC)
Power Factor: 0.9pf
DC Voltage: 384/408/432/456/480VDC (dependent on version)
Battery Types: 32/34/36/38/40 12V Blocks
Safety & EMC: EN62040-1-1; EN62040-2; IEC60950; CE compliant
Selectable ECO mode for high efficiency operation
Emergency Power Off facility
Smart RS232 and USB comms with monitoring software
Optional relay or SNMP communications card
Up to 4 units can be operated in parallel
Dale E733500
Dale E733500 is a 500kVA three phase UPS system which can operate in altitudes of up to 1500m, making it a great choice for high intensity environments.
Key Features Of Dale E733500:
High frequency, double conversion online technology
Fully digitised DSP control
Wide input voltage range: 184-276VAC
Input Frequency: 40-70Hz
Output Voltage: 220/230/240VAC
Cold start and programmable auto restart functions
Advanced battery management
Selectable ECO mode for high efficiency operation
Lightning and surge protection
Short circuit and overload protection
Optional relay or SNMP communications card
Up to 4 units can be operated in parallel
Whether you’re looking for a modular UPS power supply system or a monolithic power supply system, here at Dale Power Solutions, we can help. We stock, supply and install a vast range of UPS systems, and have the expertise and technical knowledge to help you pick out the right one for your business. We aid power sites and companies across the UK – in areas including Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff, Kent and Scarborough – so we’re sure we can help with your UPS power supply needs. Contact us today to find out more.
Greater Efficiency: Modular UPS power supply systems run at their best efficiency when they are close to their maximum rated capacity, in comparison to monolithic UPS. When the load is less than near to capacity, the efficiency of the UPS drops. Having plug and play modules allows one to scale capacity up or down to keep actual load demand closer to capacity, versus a larger total system that will be significantly over-sized and inefficient.
There’s no need to find extra floor space or install more cabling: Modular UPS allows scalability to protect a user’s investments by not having to initially oversize to achieve a certain capacity. It also can reduce the total cost of Ownership (TCO) of the entire system over its lifespan.
Hot-swappable design of modules allows faster repair time and reduced UPS maintenance cost. This design presents a flexibility in power reconfiguration as company business requirements change. Installing, upgrading, moving, or re-configuring the system is easier to undertake. This makes these operations easier and ultimately saves time and money, which monolithic UPS systems can’t always provide.
Whether you’re looking for modular UPS or monolithic UPS, our talented technical team can advise you on the best choice based on your requirements. We’ll consider the space you have, the critical load you need and the environment in which your UPS needs to operate within, among other important factors.
Along with being certified to ISO 45001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001 and ISO 9001, we are also a CHAS certified contractor, Constructionline certified, an approved safe contractor, assured and CDM altius vendor and Nationalgrid Certified. We take our environmental and health and safety measures seriously at Dale Power Solutions, benefiting both our clients and our business.
If you’re simply in need of modular UPS spare parts or monolithic UPS spare parts, we can help there too. We supply spare parts including air filters, cooling systems, alternators and control panels, as well as batteries, capacitors and fans. And if your modular UPS or monolithic UPS unexpectedly breaks down, we can be onsite quickly to resolve any UPS power supply issues – due to our UK network of technicians and engineers.
We have a long history of continued supply of secure power solutions and service for the most demanding requirements worldwide, providing complete customer satisfaction across a range of sectors, including telecommunications, healthcare, data centres and defence, as well as utilities, renewables and marine, oil and gas.
With UPS power supply being critical to your business’s operations, it’s essential that you have the right UPS systems in place for effective operation. From the modular Dale E61150 UPS to our monolithic Dale E733250, we have a vast range of UPS power supply systems from which to choose, and we can help you select the right one for you. If you’re looking for uninterruptible power supply and your business is located in areas such as Manchester, Liverpool, Scarborough, St Albans, Glasgow or Pen y Cymoedd, then please get in touch with us today on 0330 999 3000 to learn more about our UPS product range, and what we can offer you.