The UPS Marks 40 Years As A Go To Solution For Reliability

By Ed Moltzen
06-24-2024

On its 40th Anniversary, the UPS from APC by Schneider Electric is positioned for the future. 

In 1984, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems were bulkier, less efficient, and offered fewer features compared to today's models. These units were large and heavy, requiring substantial floor space and featuring lead-acid batteries that needed regular maintenance. Efficiency was lower, leading to higher energy consumption and heat generation, which increased cooling demands.

The features were basic, focusing mainly on providing backup power during outages. Advanced management and monitoring capabilities needed to be more robust and present. Off-line and line-interactive topologies were common, offering essential protection against power interruptions and voltage fluctuations. On-line double-conversion systems, while available, were less common due to higher costs and complexity.

Reliability was lower, with more frequent maintenance needed. UPS systems were primarily used in data centers, hospitals, and other critical environments where power interruptions could cause significant disruptions. Their use in smaller businesses or homes was not as widespread as today.

But then APC entered the market, developing a UPS product line that continually strived for smaller footprints, greater efficiency, and more reliability. It's now the 40th anniversary year of APC by Schneider Electric beginning the segment's transformation, and the difference is unmistakable.

Today, according to Coherent Market Insights, the market is valued at $8.3 billion annually and is more strategically important than ever.

Schneider Electric has developed and honed what is today an impressive lineup of APC UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) solutions tailored to meet diverse power protection needs. The Smart-UPS Ultra series - in particular -  stands out with its compact, high-density design, delivering robust power protection in a smaller footprint.

Whereas legacy UPS systems used extreme amounts of energy, created lots of heat and required significant cooling (which, in turn, meant even more energy use), APC by Schneider Electric has pioneered the idea of Sustainable IT – making data centers more efficient, less costly to operate, and more powerful than ever.

These models are ideal for environments with limited space, such as edge computing, network closets, and small data centers. The Smart-UPS Ultra series provides higher efficiency and longer battery life, ensuring critical equipment remains operational during power outages and fluctuations.

Additionally, APC offers the Smart-UPS line, which is renowned for its reliability and manageability. These models are equipped with advanced features such as intelligent battery management, predictive maintenance alerts, and energy meter functionality. They are perfect for small to medium-sized businesses that require dependable power backup and enhanced control over their power infrastructure.

Overall, Schneider Electric's APC UPS solutions are engineered to deliver unparalleled performance and reliability, providing innovative and efficient power protection to various industries and applications. Read more about its 40th anniversary and commitment to innovation.

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