Rackmount UPS for Generator?

[Anonymous user]

Hello,

I've been told that I need an "online" UPS or some such to have compatibility with power coming from a generator. Specifically, it's a Honda EU2000i, which can put out 2000W. Our system load is only about 550W. We have a rack system, so I want a rack mountable UPS. What are my options? Is there something I should look for in the description that would give me compatibility?

Thanks.

[EZ_Button_apc]

Generally the reason why you would want an "online" UPS is because they handle "dirty" power much better than other UPS's. The reason is because they transform the power to DC and then recreate the power on the output. Obviously generators often don't produce the cleanest of power.

With regards to APC, you would be looking at a Smart-UPS RT unit. They can be found at the link below, with the smallest being a 1500.

http://www.apc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=223

Message was edited by: EZ Button

[Anonymous user]

Honda EU2000i is about the best you can get as far as power quality. It's output is synthesized electronically and is just as clean as the wall outlet, therefore it should work as well as the wall power.

Ordinary generators are rotational speed synched and must always spin at 1800 or 3600RPM (1500 or 3000 for 50Hz) and change in load causes both voltage and frequency swing.

Unfortunately, the lack of large external fuel tank,automatic engine start and transfer excludes the use of EU2000i as automatic backup.

If someone can start the generator and physically plug the UPS into it before its battery is exhausted, the battery runtime is as long as the availability of gasoline.

[TheNotoriousKMP_apc · Accepted solution]

Killer,

When you specified "system load", did you mean the load only powered by the UPS? Are there going to be other products/devices being powered by the generator? Typical APC sizing for the UPS to be able to run online with a generator is a minimum 3x the entire load powered by the generator. This would minimize any excessive harmonic distortion which may force the UPS on battery, and also ensure that you do not exceed 80% on the generator with the attached load(s).