We explore some of the key differences between a UPS and a generator so you can decide which one is best for you!
1. Backup power supply
UPS has a different power supply compared to generators. The power supply is separate for each. The UPS works with a battery that can be charged a limited number of times. Whenever there is a power cut in the city, the UPS replaces it immediately and without delay.
A generator, on the other hand, is powered very differently. Unlike a UPS, a generator clears a power outage within minutes and does not turn on immediately. Moreover, generators are powered by diesel, natural gas, etc., while UPS is battery-based.
2. Different use of UPS and generator
Both of these devices are designed to be used as power backups. However, they have different functions and serve different purposes.
As mentioned earlier, the UPS starts working as soon as the power goes out. It is usually used for electrical devices/equipment that require less power (also for shorter duration). On the other hand, generators are designed to power multiple electrical devices that require higher power. That is why there are more generators
3. Total Cost
Generators are more expensive than commercial UPS and cheaper than industrial UPS. The price of each device varies according to its size and features.
The price of UPS may vary depending on its size and capacity and the backup battery connected to it. The same can be said about generators. Smaller generators may be used in residential households; however, larger (also more expensive) generators are usually required for commercial and industrial use.
4. Voice disorder
Needless to say, generators produce enough noise to cause acoustic and vibration disturbances. This is one of the most obvious reasons why people prefer to buy a UPS instead of a generator.
Generators are more convenient to use in offices and other workplaces because they can be kept in separate rooms or areas where the sound does not spread throughout the building. UPS is preferred in regular locations due to its silent operation and automatic power backup.
5. Impact on the environment
In addition to costly disruptions, generators are also harmful to the environment. They release harmful gases into the atmosphere which are not only harmful to the environment but also very dangerous if inhaled. Gases can be fatal if they accumulate indoors or in a closed environment.
6. Duration of support
When the power goes out, a UPS is mainly used to give you enough time to shut down important devices and save data. Therefore, usually the support time in semi-industrial and commercial However, when connecting the UPS to a larger backup battery (mostly in industrial applications), the backup time can still be longer. The higher the battery capacity, the longer the support time. A generator provides a long backup power supply, which can provide power for days.
7. Power quality
A UPS or inverter provides a stable power supply as well as protection of connected devices against power fluctuations and disturbances. However, the output power of a generator may usually be accompanied by voltage and frequency variations that can be used to power less sensitive devices. UPS is a few minutes (usually less than 30 minutes).
8. Building space
Most commercial generators require their own space, either in a specially constructed room or along the perimeter of the building. For high-rise offices, having a generator is usually not desirable. If the building does not have its own generator, implementing one or more UPS units is the easiest solution. Many offices simply need fifteen minutes to shut down computers in the event of a power outage, and a standard UPS will allow them to do so.
9. Transfer time
When a UPS detects a power outage, it can automatically connect to battery power, with typical transfer times of just a few milliseconds, giving you an uninterrupted power supply. In addition, online double conversion UPS can even achieve zero transmission time. Therefore, its lag-free performance is guaranteed. A generator usually takes time to start up, which can be a few seconds or a few minutes. Therefore, there will be a gap in the supply of power to the consumers before the generator takes over the power supply.
Common combination for long backup power solutions
Generator + UPS
A generator can work with a UPS system to complement each other and extend power continuity. Typically, during a power outage, a generator kicks in, and during this downtime, a UPS acts as a bridge and connects to battery power to power the connected devices until the generator comes back on. In addition, UPS plays a key role in power quality and is essential when using a generator to provide backup power. Some UPS systems can adjust the voltage and frequency changes produced by the generator and provide stable and constant power for sensitive devices. Different types of UPS have different working principles, although they may be compatible with generators, it is recommended to choose an online double-conversion UPS for the backup generator, so the UPS can filter unstable power without switching to battery mode and provide clean energy while preserving battery life.