Most of us are familiar with the concept of an emergency power supply from a very basic perspective. While the exact systems will vary in accordance with the intended application, the purpose of an emergency power supply is straightforward. It is designed to provide a redundant source of electricity in the event that mains power fails or is otherwise interrupted; even if only for a handful of seconds.[1]
However, even the most rudimentary emergency power supply can provide massive benefits to the end user. This is particularly the case in terms of extremely sensitive systems. From a continuous power supply designed to ensure that coolant circulates within a nuclear reactor to a battery that provides illumination to a stairwell, this technology is impressive in its own right. Let us therefore examine how an emergency power supply works and what issues it can address in greater detail.
It is first crucial to highlight the difference between an emergency power supply and a backup power system. As the name denotes, an emergency power supply is engineered to provide a source of energy to vital systems in the event of an electrical failure. backup power is instead designed to offer a redundant means to keep non-essential equipment functioning (such a computer network or an air conditioning system).
Any type of emergency power supply is designed in such a way as to be activated in the event that mains electricity fails. The exact method of activation will vary in accordance with how the system has been built. In many locations, the presence of an emergency power supply is mandated by code. This is crucial, as some devices may suffer irreparable damage if an electricity feed is cut for an extended period of time.
Once power is restored (such as through the use of a hydrogen fuel cell), the emergency power supply will be automatically deactivated and return to its passive state (sometimes referred to as a "standby" status). Note that the length of time between mains electricity loss and emergency power supply activation is normally less than ten seconds.[2]
While not apparent to the majority of consumers, an emergency power supply can actually be implemented in a variety of configurations. This is why it is prudent to define the differences between a standard emergency power supply and what is known as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
The main takeaway point here is that a typical emergency power supply relies upon an offline source of energy.[3] This normally comes in the form of a standby battery. The main advantage here is that the emergency power supply itself is not physically connected to the main electrical grid. Hence, it should not be affected by any local faults or other issues such as a sudden power surge that causes a breaker to trip.
On the contrary, a UPS utilises an online connection. Should primary power be lost, it can detect the outage and be activated immediately without suffering from any type of downtime. Note that UPS systems tend to be reserved for telecommunications platforms, data storage and industrial processing facilities. An emergency power supply is instead concerned with scenarios that may place life or property in jeopardy.
It only stands to reason that the efficacy of any emergency power supply is partially determined by how long it will continue to function before failing. However, the exact length of time will depend on numerous factors. Some of these include:[4]
Having said this, an emergency power supply designed for domestic use may last for up to five hours before its batteries become depleted. A UPS intended for industrial or commercial purposes generally lasts for a much shorter period; sometimes for no longer than between 10 and 15 minutes.[5] This once again is determined by the resulting electrical load. It is also important to mention that the longevity of a UPS emergency power supply can be extended through the use of additional onboard batteries.
As should be expected, monitoring and controlling an emergency power supply can represent a challenging process. This is even more relevant when referring to extremely sensitive systems. Thus, most configurations are designed to work with very little human input. One example involves the Zaporizhzhya in Ukraine.
Due to the ongoing regional conflict, this nuclear facility lost mains electricity on a host of occasions. However, the existing emergency power supply activated a series of diesel generators. This protected the reactors from potentially serious damage that might otherwise have occurred as a result of coolant loss.[6]
There are nonetheless times when manual oversight may be required. For example, it could be necessary to moderate the output load of an emergency power supply or to alert facility managers in the event of an incident. This is why a growing number of systems are leveraging the latest advancements in wireless communications. Controllers will immediately be alerted via a SMS message or a dedicated smartphone app if an abnormality happens to be detected. The same holds true in regards to an emergency power supply designed for domestic use (such as a generator that is activated when mains power is lost).
So, what type of emergency power supply is the most effective during a power outage? Branding and cost aside, the main takeaway point here involves how long it will be able to provide a redundant source of electricity. Thus, any type of battery emergency power supply will be partially based on its predicted duration.
Generator capacity is another variable. This refers to the maximum output of the emergency power supply. In theory and practice, capacity should equal or exceed the energy requirements associated with the location in question.[7]
Fuel type is a final factor. It can be argued that the most reliable emergency power supply utilises a primary fuel source augmented by a backup battery. This will help to extend its lifespan when an outage occurs. Of course, ancillary concerns such as installation and ease of use may also be taken into account.
The emergency power supply sector is expected to benefit from several advancements in the coming years. For example, the battery backup systems engineered by EFOY provide lightweight, reliable and environmentally friendly sources of on-demand power with greater levels of efficiency than would have been possible in the past.[8] Other innovations such as the growing presence of photovoltaics and wireless integration likewise help to ensure a bright future.
While the average emergency power supply is often taken for granted, countless consumers rely upon these systems. This is why the entire industry should continue to advance at a frenetic pace.
[1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_power_system
[2]https://www.archtoolbox.com/emergency-power-systems-for-buildings/
[3]https://www.grepow.com/blog/the-difference-between-ups-and-eps.html
[4]https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/uninterruptible-power-supply/
[5]https://www.eaton.com/us/en-us/products/backup-power-ups-surge-it-power-distribution/backup-power-ups/uninterruptible-power-supply-faq.html
[6]https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/ukraines-zaporizhzhya-nuclear-power-plant-lost-off-site-power-again-diesel-generators-providing-back-up-electricity
[7]https://durofy.com/choosing-best-emergency-power-source-home
[8]https://www.my-efoy.com/fr/pile-a-combustible-efoy/
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