Online Double Conversion Battery Backup vs Line Interactive and Offline Battery Backups
In today's world, where technology is an integral part of our daily lives, it is important to have a reliable backup system in place to protect our devices from power outages and other electrical disturbances. Battery backups are an excellent solution to this problem, but not all battery backups are created equal. In this dissertation, we will discuss three types of battery backups: Online Double Conversion, Line Interactive, and Offline. We will compare the three technologies and provide a pros and cons list for each. Additionally, we will create a comparison table to help readers better understand the differences between the three types.
Online Double Conversion Battery Backup
An Online Double Conversion Battery Backup (ODCBB) is the most advanced type of battery backup available in the market. It is designed to isolate the traffic cabinet from the utility power while providing a continuous flow of power to the device, regardless of any fluctuations in the input voltage. The ODCBB is always “Online”, and there is no switching involved that may lead to a temporary loss of power. This ensures that the traffic cabinet and critical equipment inside stays on and running even during power outages or any electrical fluctuations and disturbances that may ordinarily cause damage to the traffic equipment even when line interactive or offline UPSs are utilized.
The ODCBB works by converting (rectifying) the AC input into DC power, which is then used to trickle charge the battery, if needed. The DC power is then converted (inverted) back into AC power, which is now an isolated, clean, true sine wave to the traffic equipment. This process ensures that the power supplied to the device is always clean and stable, free from all electrical events or surges that may cause damage to the traffic cabinet and related equipment.
In addition to providing a continuous flow of clean power, the ODCBB also features other advanced technologies that help protect the device from power-related issues. For example, it may include surge protection, which helps to protect the device from power surges that may occur during lightning strikes or other power-related events. It may also include overvoltage protection, which helps to protect the device from damage caused by excessive voltage. Generally, we’ll also include a high-quality surge protective device prior to the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) so that any catastrophic events such as lightning do not damage the UPS turning it into a very expensive surge suppressor.
More Flexibility
One of the unique features of the Clary digital online double conversion battery backups is their ability to charge diverse types of batteries, including Lithium-ion, Lead-acid, Pure Lead and Nickel-cadmium batteries. This is achieved through advanced digital controls that monitor the charging process and adjust it to the specific requirements of each battery type.
For example, Lithium-ion batteries require a different charging profile than Lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to overcharging and can be damaged if they are charged too quickly or at too high a voltage. On the other hand, Lead-acid batteries require a high initial charging current to reach their full capacity but can be damaged if they are overcharged. Pure lead batteries are designed to work efficiently in extreme environments, faster charging, and extended design life of over 10 years.
With a D-ODCBB, the charging process can be customized to meet the specific requirements of each type of battery. The battery backup can monitor the charging process and adjust the charging profile as needed to ensure the battery is charged safely and efficiently particularly when used with a battery balancer and battery monitor. This makes D-ODCBBs an excellent choice for environments where multiple types of batteries may be used based on various load sizes and runtime requirements.
Pros
Provides a reliable and stable source of power that ensures that your traffic cabinet and related devices are always up and running under any circumstance. This is especially important in the Texas environment to eliminate dark intersections and save lives.
Protects against all types of power disturbances, including voltage and frequency fluctuations, surges, sags, EMI/RFI and lightning.
Used exclusively in all critical applications such as Emergency Services (911) Telecommunications, Medical, Security and Military.
Cons
ODCBB when sized improperly can be expensive compared to other types of UPSs such as line interactive and Offline UPS’s.
Line Interactive Battery Backup
A Line Interactive Battery Backup (LIBB) is a type of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) designed to offer a lower level of protection than an Online Double Conversion Battery Backup (ODCBB). While an ODCBB provides isolation and full-time power conditioning and protection from power outages, a LIBB is designed to provide a more basic level of protection by responding to voltage fluctuations with a multi-tap (buck & boost) transformer.
In a LIBB, the AC input is first passed through a voltage regulator, which maintains the output voltage within a certain range. This range is typically between 5-10% higher and lower than the nominal voltage and is designed to protect against minor fluctuations in the input voltage. If the input voltage goes outside of this range, the battery backup switches to battery power, providing protection against brownouts and blackouts.
Despite its more limited capabilities, a LIBB can still be a useful tool for protecting noncritical sensitive equipment from power fluctuations and outages. For example, a LIBB might be used to protect a home computer or a small business server from power interruptions, allowing the user to save their work and shut down their equipment safely in the event of a power outage.
The LIBB utilizes 2 taps to buck and 2 taps to boost the output voltage to keep it within 5% of the nominal. Buck is a method of reducing the voltage of an electrical signal, while boost is a method of increasing the voltage. In cases that are beyond the buck and boost method the LIBB will revert to battery power until the incoming power is restored to acceptable levels.
Buck and boost voltage regulation can have a negative impact on power harmonics and distortion. When a battery backup uses buck or boost voltage regulation, it may cause the output voltage to deviate from the sinusoidal waveform of the input voltage. This can result in a distorted waveform that includes harmonics and other power disturbances. Harmonics can cause problems with sensitive equipment, as they can create additional heat and noise, and may cause equipment to malfunction or fail. Therefore, it is important to choose a battery backup that uses voltage regulation methods that minimize the impact on power harmonics and distortion.
Pros
Less expensive than an ODCBB
Provides more reliable power than an OBB
Cons
Often creates harmonic distortion causing unneeded heat and noise
Not as reliable as an ODCBB
Switch time to battery may not be fast enough for critical applications
Only protects against some types of power disturbances
Offline Battery Backup
An Offline Battery Backup (OBB) is the simplest type of battery backup. It is also known as a Standby Battery Backup. An OBB is used to provide backup power in case of power outages, ensuring that important devices and equipment remain operational.
In an OBB setup, the device is connected directly to the AC power source. If the power goes out, the OBB switches to battery power, providing uninterrupted power supply. The battery backup also helps prevent data loss and damage to sensitive equipment. The OBB is ideal for use in homes, small offices, and businesses where the loss of power can be detrimental.
Moreover, an OBB is cost-effective and easy to install. It requires minimal maintenance and can provide years of reliable service. When selecting an OBB, it is important to consider the devices that will be connected to it and the capacity of the battery. This will ensure that the OBB can provide the required backup power for the connected devices. Overall, an OBB is an essential device for anyone who values uninterrupted power supply and needs to ensure that their devices and equipment remain operational during power outages.
Pros
Least expensive type of battery backup
Energy efficient
Cons
Provides the least amount of protection against power disturbances
Not suitable for traffic applications or any other critical devices
Comparison Table
In conclusion, if you have critical devices that require a high level of protection such as traffic cabinets, an ODCBB is the best choice. If you are looking for a more affordable option, a LIBB may be suitable with the understanding that you will still have exposure to many different electrical disturbances. In the traffic industry OBB is never recommended and should not be considered. We hope that this article has provided valuable insight into the differences between the three types of battery backups.