CyberPower Brief

Power protection and Active Power Factor Correction (PFC)

Learn about Active PFC power supplies and how to properly back up equipment with Active PFC to avoid unexpected shutdown and harmful component stress.

Adaptive Sinewave UPS systems

Power protection that supports equipment with Active PFC power supplies

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Power protection and Active Power Factor Correction (PFC)

Introduction
In the last several years, the emphasis on green products in the engineering field has increased exponentially. Related issues cover not only how we can generate energy more effectively, but also how we can utilize it more efficiently to reduce waste. As a result, manufacturers are focusing on how to transfer, utilize and retransform power more efficiently. This is especially true for equipment utilizing power supplies where energy efficiency is already an important objective. Over the last few years, power supply unit (PSU) manufacturers have transitioned to focusing on efficiency issues by increasing Power Factor in addition to reliability, quality and capacity.

Power Factor Correction (PFC)

Power Factor Correction (PFC) is a set of circuits that can dynamically adjust the input AC current and the DC voltage to synchronize them. This optimizes the power utility and brings the PF closer to 1. The power factor for most power supplies not utilizing PFC is typically 0.55 to 0.65. PFC is crucial for reducing wasted electrical power. It yields the following benefits to the entire system: 1. Saving electrical power and reducing operational cost. 2. Increasing the effective capacity of the power supply system. 3. Providing a more stable supply of electric current. 4. Higher efficiency also reduces heat generated. Low PF represents lower efficiency of power management. This also implies more electrical power is needed due to higher power loss during the distribution process. If this is the case, that means the power supply system has to provide more electrical power to cover the wasted energy. Consequently, the entire system needs larger components, more powerful transformers and a more powerful distribution system for compensation. With PFC functionality, an electronic device can utilize power more efficiently and reduce operational costs.

Power Factor (PF)

The efficiency of the power supply unit is commonly measured by power factor (PF), which is the ratio of the real power and the apparent power (total power consumption), and is a dimensionless number between 0 and 1. The closer the power factor of the device is to 1, the more efficient it is. Manufacturers have begun to use Power Factor Correction (PFC) in order to increase the power factor and maximize the efficiency of power supplies.
Power Factor 0 .5 1

Efficiency

0%

50%

100%

Power protection and Active Power Factor Correction (PFC)

Passive PFC and Active PFC in Power Supply Units

There are two distinct approaches of achieving power factor correction: Passive PFC (PPFC) Power supplies with Passive PFC use passive components such as capacitors and inductors to reduce the harmonic current. The efficiency of the passive PFC is usually rated between 6075%. Active PFC (APFC) Power supplies with Active PFC uses a circuit with active components such as Boost Converter and Switch Converter along with the Control IC (Integrated Circuit) to reduce the harmonic current. This design is generally more sophisticated and the efficiency of Active PFC can reach 95% or even higher.

Compatibility between Active PFC and UPS Systems

Despite the benefits derived from the highly efficient Active PFC power supply, compatibility challenges exist between power supplies and certain UPS types. Now manufacturers (including: HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer and more) are integrating Active PFC power supplies into products that range from high-end servers and workstations to mid-level CPUs and entry-level Desktop systems. The following information details the primary UPS waveforms and topologies and their compatibility with Active PFC power supplies. Two major types of UPS can be identified by the waveform of the output: 1. Pure sine wave UPS

Related Standards and Certificates

Widely recognized standards for power efficiency are the EPAs current ENERGY STAR 5.0 program and 80Plus. 80Plus first issued their standards in 2004 and they were quickly adopted by engineers and manufacturers worldwide. In 2008, 80Plus was officially adopted as part of the US standard for ENERGY STAR 4.0. To meet the strict requirements of 80Plus, a switching power supply unit must be tested at 20%, 50% and 100% of the rated load. The PSU must be able to retain more than 80% energy efficiency and with 0.9 true power factor or greater at all 3 levels of load to be certified. On July 1, 2009, the EPA adopted the new standards for ENERGY STAR 5.0*. The new standards for certification require any computer using an internal power supply to have an 82% minimum efficiency at 20% of rated output, 85% minimum efficiency at 50% of the rated output, and 82% efficiency at 100% of the rated output with a power factor of 0.9 or greater at 100% of the rated load.

Image 1: Pure sine wave waveform

Utility power is delivered to businesses and homes as alternating current (AC) with an alternating waveform signature. Alternating current has a continuously varying voltage that oscillates from positive to negative. Utility power is regulated to be a pure sine wave because generators naturally produce this waveform and it radiates the least amount of radio power. UPS systems with Pure sine wave waveform deliver highly reliable sine wave battery output. Power produced by a Pure sine wave UPS assures that sensitive loads will receive optimal waveform output, with no interference. The output waveform of the pure sine wave UPS is shown in Image 1.

*Source: Dell Inc., www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/optix/EnergStar5.0_SpecSheet.pdf

Power protection and Active Power Factor Correction (PFC)

Pure Sine wave produces continuous power output during the entire interval period, thus ensuring sensitive equipment with Active PFC power supplies work without interruption. Until now, UPS systems with Pure sine wave output have been the best and most expensive choice for protecting servers, data centers equipment, high-end A/V electronics (TVs, audio recording devices) as well as, equipment utilizing Active PFC power supplies. 2. Simulated sine wave UPS

Simulated sine wave UPS systems are recommended for low-end applications and for equipment that does not utilize Active PFC power supplies. This includes entry-level Desktops with non-Active PFC power supplies (models prior to 2008), basic peripherals and entry-level SOHO network devices, basic telecom equipment and low-end A/V electronics.

Selecting a UPS Solution

The primary function of an UPS is to supply power to connected equipment when utility power fails or has poor quality. Additionally, a UPS can provide the following benefits:

Conditioning and filtering incoming power against dam Ensuring that equipment continues functioning in the Enabling equipment to shut down properly Regulating the flow of electricity to equipment to prevent
crashes or freezing For all applications, the UPS output waveform must be compatible with the protected devices power supply (Active PFC). UPS Types There are three UPS topologies standby, line-interactive, and double conversion. All three types have input circuitry, a battery and charger and a DC/AC inverter. Line interactive and double conversion UPS systems include additional features described below. event of a power loss aging surges, spikes and sags

Image 2: Simulated sine wave waveform

Zero output state or power gap

A Simulated sine wave UPS (Pulse-width modulation/PWM, Stepped or Modified sine wave - see Image 2 above) is the most common waveform type and is widely deployed for all kinds of applications because of its lower component and manufacturing costs. Despite its popularity, compatibility problems may occur when using Simulated sine wave UPS systems with equipment that uses Active PFC power supplies. These problems arise because Simulated sine wave output produces a zero-output state within certain time intervals that occur during the cycle of the phase change. The waveform pattern results in a power gap during operation of the Active PFC equipment when switching from AC power output to simulated sine wave output (battery mode). This period of zero voltage may trigger a protection mode within a power supply using Active PFC that turns off the system. As a consequence, electronics that incorporate Active Power Factor Correction (PFC) power supplies may unexpectedly shut down or experience component stress (hissing or humming noise) when backed up by a Simulated sine wave UPS.*

Standby UPS (simulated sine wave/pulse-width

modulation-PWM): Standby UPS allows equipment to run on utility power until a problem is detected. This is the most common type used for standard home computers and peripherals. Benefits include low cost, small size of footprint, and efficient operation. These systems generally provide noise filtration and surge suppression. Standby UPS systems are a strong value for small office and home equipment without Active PFC power supplies.

*Source: Reza Bacchus, HP Master Technologist, ISS Platform Technology, BSEE

Power protection and Active Power Factor Correction (PFC)

Line-interactive UPS (simulated sinewave and pure

sine wave output): The most common UPS topology for small business equipment, department servers and telecom equipment. This UPS type typically comes with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) that regulates voltage by boosting or diminishing (bucking) input utility voltage as necessary before allowing it to pass through to the protected equipment. Line-interactive UPS systems are divided into these UPS sub-categories, (with the newest designAdaptive Sinewave, included): Line-interactive, Simulated sine wave (or PWM): for basic applications using equipment that do not utilize Active PFC power supplies. Line-interactive, Pure sine wave: for mid-level applications and equipment that have Active PFC power supplies.

connected equipment. Continuous power conversion and constant energy consumption makes Double conversion (online) UPS systems less energy efficient. This UPS type is reserved for protecting high availability and missioncritical equipment and data.

Adaptive Sinewave UPS Series with pure sine wave output for equipment with Active PFC power supplies
The best power protection for equipment with Active PFC power supplies is a UPS series that utilizes a pure sine wave waveform. Before making a determination, it is critical to assess the hardware sensitivity, specifications, load requirements and applications of the electronic equipment and related services. CyberPowers new Adaptive Sinewave UPS technology provides the most affordable battery backup solution for equipment and applications that do not require mission-critical power protection.

Double conversion online UPS (pure sine wave):

This design confines protected equipment from utility power. This UPS cotinuously converts power from AC to DC, then DC to AC, delivering cleanest AC waveform to Guide to Selecting a UPS System

Topology
Standby Simulated sine wave Basic Desktops with non-Active PFC power supplies (models prior to 2008)*, basic peripherals and entry-level SOHO network devices, basic telecom equipment and lowend A/V electronics. (Active PFC compliantNO) Line Interactive Basic Desktops with non-Active PFC power supplies (models prior to 2008)*, basic peripherals and entry-level SOHO network devices, basic telecom equipment and lowend A/V electronics. (Active PFC compliantNO) Entry-level Desktops w/Active PFC power supplies (models after 2009)*, mid-to-high end Desktops and Workstations*, entry- and mid-level servers, office-level Networking devices, Entry-level Telecom equipment and mid- to high-end A/V electronics. (Active PFC compliant - YES) Mid-to-high level Desktops and Workstations w/Active PFC power supplies*, entry- and mid-level servers, office-level Networking devices, Telecom applications mid- to high-level and mid- to high-end A/V electronics. (Active PFC compliant - YES) Low to Mid range Entry to Mid level Low to Mid range Entry to High level Mission-critical applications and equipment, equipment connected to generators, enterprise data center network equipment and servers, medical and scientific testing equipment, sensitive equipment that will not tolerate a transfer time of less than 2-4 ms. (Active PFC compliant - YES) Mid to High range Mid to High level Double conversion (online)

Pure sine wave (Entry-level solutions)

Waveform

Pure sine wave (High availability and mission-critical solutions)

Price Performance and functionality

*Check with your manufacturer to determine if your system comes with an Active PFC power supply.

Power protection and Active Power Factor Correction (PFC)

CyberPower Systems, Inc. Protect your critical equipment, data and files from damage or irrecoverable loss with CyberPower the leader in UPS power protection innovation, excellence and value. CyberPower UPS products offer innovative, award-winning technology, crafted to provide unmatched functionality and reliability. Learn more at CPSww.com. Adaptive Sinewave UPS Adaptive Sinewave UPS systems, from CyberPower, are the most cost effective pure sine wave battery backup solutions that solve the critical compatibility issues of non-Sinewave UPS products working with computing systems that utilize Active PFC power supplies (ENERGY STAR 5.0). Adaptive Sinewave UPS systems ensure equipment utilizing Active PFC power supplies does not unexpectedly shutdown or experience harmful stress when switching from AC power to UPS battery power.
Adaptive Sinewave tower models CP850PFCLCD (850VA/510W) CP1000PFCLCD (1000VA/600W) CP1350PFCLCD (1350VA/810W) CP1500PFCLCD (1500VA/900W) Adaptive SInewave rackmount/Tower models OR1500PFCRT2U (1500VA/900W) OR2200PFCRT2U (2000VA/1320W) OR2200PFCRT2Ua (2200VA/1320W ) For more information To learn more about CyberPower Adaptive Sinewave UPS products, please contact your CyberPower sales representative or visit CPSww.com/ups

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