Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a system that supplies emergency power to a device when there is a power outage. A UPS normally draws current from the AC mains and supplies it to the load.
Online UPS and offline UPS are two categories of these systems. These act as a backup power supply in case of an electrical failure.
Key Takeaways
- Online UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems provide continuous, uninterrupted power to connected devices by converting AC power to DC power and back to AC power, ensuring a stable and clean power supply even during power fluctuations or outages.
- Offline UPS systems, also known as standby UPS, switch to battery backup power only when a power outage or significant voltage fluctuation is detected, resulting in a brief interruption in power supply during the transition.
- The primary difference between online and offline UPS systems lies in their power supply method, with online UPS systems providing continuous, uninterrupted power. In contrast, offline UPS systems only switch to battery backup power during power disruptions.
Online UPS vs. Offline UPS
Online UPS is a power protection system that provides continuous power to connected devices, even during a power outage or disturbance. Offline UPS, also known as standby UPS, is a type of power protection system that provides backup power in the event of a power outage or disturbance.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Online UPS | Offline UPS |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | An Online UPS uses a rectifier and inverter combination circuit to carry power from the AC (Alternating Current) mains to the load. | An offline UPS directly carries power from the AC mains to the load. |
| Utilization | The inverter is used around the clock during power availability and outages. | An offline UPS inverter is only used when there is a power outage. |
| Heat dissipation | Heat dissipation is higher than offline UPS as the system is always running. | Heat dissipation is lower than online UPS as the system is switched on during electrical failures only. |
| Switch and transfer time. | The transfer switch of an online UPS is always on. Thus, the system does not require time to change the current path during power outages. | The switch of an offline UPS needs to be turned on in case of power outages. It takes about five minutes to switch the path of the current. |
| Distortions | External: An online UPS is resistant to external distortions; Voltage: Voltage distortions do not affect the system’s performance. | External: An offline UPS is not resistant to external distortions; Voltage: Voltage fluctuations cause switching delays and affect the system’s performance. |
| Heat sink requirement | An online system requires a large heat sink. | An offline system requires a small heat sink. |
| Parts | The design of the system has more components than offline UPS. | The system had a lesser number of components than online UPS. |
| Cost | More expensive than offline UPS. | Less costly when compared to online UPS. |
What is Online UPS?
An online UPS is an uninterruptible power supply system used as an emergency backup in case of power outages.
An online UPS is comprised of a rectifier, battery, and inverter. These are fixed in line with the AC mains and the load. The power supplied by the AC mains is carried to the rectifier circuit, which is converted into DC (direct current) power.
The converted power is used up to charge the battery. Subsequently, it is transferred to the inverter circuit, which supplies the power to the load.
A transfer switch changes the path of the current in case of a power failure. This switch is always on for an offline UPS. This means that the path of power is changed in no time.
What is Offline UPS?
An offline UPS is another type of uninterruptible power supply system. Unlike an online UPS, this system supplies power directly from the AC mains to the load.
The output needs to be changed between both sources using a switch. The transfer time taken by an offline UPS is approximately five minutes.
During normal operation, the system’s battery is charged when AC power is available. Subsequently, the AC power is supplied directly to the load.
When there is a power outage, the charged battery supplies DC power to an inverter that converts it into AC power. This AC power is then supplied to the load.
Main Differences Between Online UPS and Offline UPS
- An online UPS is immune to voltage as well as external distortions. On the other hand, the performance of an offline UPS decreases with constant fluctuations.
- An online UPS is more expensive when compared to an offline UPS.
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/1295849/
- https://digital-library.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/ip-epa_20040020
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The article is very insightful, it offers a great breakdown of the technical aspects of Online and Offline UPS systems.
I agree, the technical details are explained in a clear and precise manner.
The comparison table is a very useful inclusion, succinctly summarizing the critical differences between the two UPS systems.
I agree, the table provides a quick reference for understanding the key points of differentiation.
Great information! I appreciate the comparison and detailed explanation.
Yes, the article gives a clear understanding of both UPS systems. It’s an excellent read.
The article effectively educates readers about the intricacies of UPS systems. It’s a valuable piece of content.
I was hoping for a more humorous take on the comparison, it is quite a serious read.
That’s true, a lighthearted approach might have made the content more engaging.
Humor could be a refreshing way to present technical content like this.
The online UPS seems to have more advantages, and the article makes that quite clear.
Yes, the benefits of online UPS are certainly highlighted in the article.
I was expecting a more engaging tone in the article, it felt quite technical and dry to read.
The technical nature of the content might not be suited for everyone, but it is highly informative.
True, a more engaging tone would have made the article more captivating.
The comparison table clearly illustrates the differences between Online and Offline UPS systems, making it very easy to understand.
The table is indeed a great visual aid for understanding the contrasts between the two systems.
I agree, the table simplifies complex technical details for better comprehension.
The article is very informative and thorough, it is extremely useful for understanding the differences between Online and Offline UPS systems.
Absolutely, the comprehensive nature of the comparison table is especially useful.
I agree. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to understand the nuances of UPS systems.
I found the article to be somewhat biased in favor of Online UPS. It’d be more helpful to have a balanced view.
Yes, there should have been a clearer distinction without any apparent bias.
I can see your point, a more balanced view would offer a better understanding for readers.