A UPS system's ability to grow or shrink to accommodate changes in load size is usually known as its scalability. Other appropriate terms are 'right sizing' and 'future proofing'.
Traditional Standalone UPS
Traditional standalone UPS cannot easily increase or decrease their capacity to match changing demand. Instead, future proofing usually means specifying a UPS much larger than the current requirement to provide for expected but unknown future loading. This is inefficient for two reasons - firstly it invokes unnecessary upfront capital expenditure on equipment that is initially overrated. Secondly, an overrated UPS spends much of its life operating on a low load which impairs its efficiency. This increases electricity and cooling costs.
Modern Modular UPS
Modern, modular UPS systems eliminate these problems because they can be scaled incrementally. An initial system can be installed with a capacity matched to the existing load, then modules can easily be added without even taking the system offline, if and when they become necessary.
Vertical and Horizontal Scalability
The best systems offer both vertical and horizontal scalability. Vertical scalability describes the addition of modules to an existing cabinet, while horizontal scalability is the addition of further cabinets as the originals become fully populated. |
