In the field of power security, double conversion UPS (online UPS) and line-interactive UPS are two common types. ups double conversion vs line interactive each has its own unique working principle, performance characteristics and applicable scenarios. This article will compare and analyze double conversion UPS and line-interactive UPS from multiple aspects.

ups double conversion vs line interactive working principle

Double conversion UPS: Using the "double conversion" method, the input AC power is first converted to DC power by the rectifier to charge the battery, and then the DC power is converted back to AC power by the inverter to supply the load. Regardless of whether the mains power is normal, the inverter is always in working state to provide power to the load.

Line-interactive UPS: When the mains power is normal, the mains power directly supplies power to the load, charges the battery at the same time, and adjusts the output voltage by adjusting the transformer tap through the intelligent switch; when the mains power is interrupted, the load is completely powered by the battery after conversion by the inverter.

ups double conversion vs line interactive power quality

Double conversion UPS: It can provide high-quality, stable sine wave power with high voltage stabilization accuracy, usually within ±2%-3%. It can effectively eliminate interference such as harmonics, spikes, surges, etc. in the mains, and provide a pure power environment for load equipment. It is suitable for precision instruments, medical equipment, data centers and other places with extremely high power quality requirements.

Online interactive UPS: It has a certain improvement effect on the mains power, and the voltage stabilization accuracy is relatively low. It usually adjusts the output within the range of ±8%-15% of the nominal voltage. It is basically sufficient for general office equipment, computers and other equipment that do not have particularly strict requirements on power quality, but for equipment with extremely strict voltage requirements, it may not meet its stable power supply needs.

ups double conversion vs line interactive switching time

Double conversion UPS: There is no switching time problem, because the inverter is always in working state. When the mains power is cut off, its automatic switching time is zero, which can ensure that the load equipment is not affected at the moment of the mains power outage, and achieve true seamless switching.

Online interactive UPS: The switching time is about 2-4 milliseconds. Although this time is short enough and will not cause obvious interruption to most devices, it may cause certain risks for some special devices that have extremely high requirements for power supply continuity and cannot withstand any minor interruptions.

ups double conversion vs line interactive efficiency and energy consumption

Double conversion UPS: Since it is always in working state, it needs to charge the battery and maintain the operation of the inverter at the same time, so the energy consumption is relatively high, and the heat generation is also high. A good heat dissipation system is required to ensure the normal operation of the equipment, which also increases the operating cost to a certain extent.
Online interactive UPS: When the mains power is normal, it is mainly powered directly by the mains power. The inverter only starts working when the mains power is abnormal. Therefore, the energy consumption is relatively low, the efficiency is higher, and the operating cost is relatively low.

Applicable scenarios of double conversion UPS vs online interactive UPS

Double conversion UPS: Mainly used in key places with extremely high requirements for power quality and no risk of power outages, such as large data centers, intensive care units in hospitals, trading systems of financial institutions, broadcasting systems of TV stations, etc.

Online interactive UPS: Suitable for occasions that have certain requirements for power supply quality but are more sensitive to costs, such as ordinary corporate office environments, schools, small server rooms, etc. It can ensure the normal operation of the equipment to a certain extent, while having a high cost-effectiveness ratio.

ups double conversion vs line interactive cost

Double conversion UPS: Due to the use of more components and more complex designs, the manufacturing cost of the equipment is relatively high. At the same time, due to the high energy consumption, the long-term operating cost is also relatively high.

Online interactive UPS: The circuit structure is relatively simple, the number of components used is small, the manufacturing cost of the equipment is relatively low, and the operating efficiency is high, the energy consumption is low, and the long-term operating cost is relatively low.

ups double conversion vs line interactive comparison summary

Double conversion UPS and online interactive UPS each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and are suitable for different application scenarios. If the power quality requirements are extremely high, the budget is sufficient, and the heat and energy consumption generated during the operation of the equipment are not sensitive, such as data centers, hospital intensive care units and other key places, double conversion UPS is a better choice. For general office environments, schools, small server rooms, etc., which have certain requirements for power supply quality but are more sensitive to costs, and at the same time hope that the equipment will have high operating efficiency and low energy consumption, online interactive UPS is a very cost-effective choice. When choosing UPS, users should consider the characteristics of the two UPSs based on their actual needs, budget, and requirements for power quality, and make the most suitable decision.