How an Innovative Power Supply with Battery Backup Unit (BBU) Improves Power Issues for ICT Equipment

ICT Products Face the Challenge of Sustained and Stable Operation Amid Grid Resilience Issues

In many countries, inadequate grid resilience poses a significant challenge, often due to aging transmission and distribution systems or regional power imbalances. Frequent power outages and blackouts, sometimes affecting multiple areas, are common and can lead to large-scale disruptions. IT managers worldwide are struggling to ensure that essential ICT equipment, such as electronic payment systems, network access points, digital surveillance, and security gateways, can operate continuously and reliably, even when grid power is unstable.

 

Choosing a UPS Can Be a Challenge—One That May Not Suit ICT Equipment Across Different Countries' Power Systems

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are commonly used by IT managers to address grid resilience issues. For multinational companies, selecting a solution that works universally across different countries' power systems is crucial but often difficult due to varying power specifications. Additionally, to obtain competitive pricing, bulk purchasing is usually required, which further complicates finding a suitable UPS supplier for cross-border equipment needs. FSP Group, understanding these challenges, has developed an innovative " Power Supply with Battery Backup Unit (BBU)" that addresses these issues by offering global AC input (100Vac~240Vac) capability combined with a Battery Backup Unit (BBU). This innovative system allows the same ICT equipment to operate stably across different countries' power systems, with the only requirement being a compliant AC power cord. This solution effectively resolves long-standing issues with ease.

 

Minimizing the Impact of Power Outages on ICT Equipment Functionality

As mentioned earlier, UPS systems are often used by IT managers to solve power grid resilience issues. While there are many types and brands of UPS available on the market, finding one that suits essential ICT equipment is easy; however, finding one that offers optimal compatibility and long-lasting battery backup is challenging. Most UPS units can only provide a few minutes of backup power during outages. Power outages caused by inadequate grid resilience often last longer than the typical backup time of a standard UPS, sometimes extending for hours. To avoid losses from such situations, larger capacity UPS units are often chosen to run under low load conditions, which not only increases the initial setup cost but also leads to poor efficiency and increased carbon emissions, countering ESG principles. Furthermore, most UPS systems use lead-acid batteries, which need to be replaced every three years, adding to the maintenance costs. FSP Group's innovative " Power Supply with Battery Backup Unit (BBU)" offers high conversion efficiency and low conversion loss in battery backup mode, combined with a lithium battery design. This approach reduces product size, lightens battery weight, and extends system backup time, effectively minimizing the losses caused by ICT equipment failures.

 

The AI Era May Exacerbate Power Grid Strain

The advent of the AI era has sparked a surge in industry investments, with major tech companies competing to develop software, hardware, and solutions. However, the hardware and data centers supporting AI functionalities are highly energy-intensive, potentially further straining national power grids, particularly in regions with existing resilience issues. Large AI data centers are planning to incorporate energy storage systems to optimize power usage and alleviate grid tension during peak demand. For edge AI computing devices, selecting a " Power Supply with Battery Backup Unit (BBU)" as the power source not only mitigates the impact of inadequate grid resilience but also ensures uninterrupted operation of edge AI computing devices.

 

The Age of Lithium-Ion Battery Applications—An Innovative Tool for Power Supply with Battery Backup Unit (BBU)

Thanks to the rapid development of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, the lithium-ion battery industry is booming. Prices are becoming more affordable, and the performance of lithium-ion batteries is improving. Compared to traditional lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries offer several advantages: 1) longer lifespan, 2) more charge/discharge cycles, 3) smaller size, 4) higher energy density, 5) higher discharge rate, and 6) lower self-discharge rate. These benefits position FSP Group to develop innovative " Power Supply with Battery Backup Unit (BBU)" products.

 

ICT Equipment Needing Power Supply with Battery Backup Unit (BBU)

 

1. Security Gate Control Systems

Security gate control systems are essential for access control and traffic management, requiring high power quality. These systems are typically designed with UPS to ensure stable operation during power issues.

 

2. Digital Surveillance

Digital surveillance systems are crucial for public safety, widely used in road traffic, public places, government agencies, private residences, etc. These devices often require UPS design for uninterrupted power. The " Power Supply with Battery Backup Unit (BBU)" can overcome some challenges associated with uninterrupted power design.

 

3. Multimedia Information Kiosks

Multimedia information kiosks, a great technological invention, enhance convenience in daily life, addressing issues like labor shortages and declining birth rates. These kiosks, found at major train stations, popular tourist spots, restaurants, and airports, rely on secure power quality to function properly. The " Power Supply with Battery Backup Unit (BBU)" is a viable design solution for these applications.

 

4. Point of Sale (POS) Systems

POS systems are extensively used in convenience stores, malls, and department stores, offering efficient and convenient services, often integrated with electronic payment systems. To ensure uninterrupted transactions, these systems usually require UPS integration. The " Power Supply with Battery Backup Unit (BBU)" can effectively resolve space constraints, making checkout counters more stylish.

 

5. All-in-One PCs

All-in-One PCs combine a personal computer with a larger monitor, offering a better user experience while maintaining a clean and stylish workspace. Unlike laptops, All-in-One PCs lack a battery backup system, limiting them to fixed locations. Using FSP Group's " Power Supply with Battery Backup Unit (BBU)," these PCs can be used portably, expanding application possibilities and potentially replacing multimedia kiosks at a lower cost.

 

6. Fiber to the Home (FTTH) Modems/WiFi Routers

The internet is an indispensable resource, with widespread applications. Many people today claim they can't live without the internet, and frequent power outages or instability, as mentioned earlier, are common problems. Using the " Power Supply with Battery Backup Unit (BBU)" can alleviate internet disconnection anxiety, making it a viable solution for telecommunications providers facing power quality issues.

 

7. AIoT Edge Computing

AIoT Edge Computing is extensively used in applications requiring data collection, analysis, processing, and cloud upload, such as smart manufacturing, smart healthcare, smart retail, smart transportation, automated warehousing, etc. These devices silently perform their tasks, often requiring UPS for stable power supply. Given space constraints in AIoT Edge Computing installations, using the " Power Supply with Battery Backup Unit (BBU)" can optimize space and provide extended backup power, reducing emergency maintenance concerns for IT managers.

 

Conclusion

FSP Group aims to solve the stable power supply needs of essential ICT products through collaborative product development, offering ICT equipment providers enhanced value by ensuring uninterrupted and stable operation for end customers. By integrating a switched mode power supply with a battery backup unit into one product, we can replace UPS systems, optimizing power and energy conversion efficiency. The " Power Supply with Battery Backup Unit (BBU)" offers various combinations for different power supply product structures. With innovative features and circuit designs under patent application, we ask for respect for intellectual property rights. We welcome inquiries from ICT equipment providers about specifications for " Power Supply with Battery Backup Unit (BBU)" products tailored to your company's needs. Our product managers or sales managers will engage with your company to provide the best products and services, creating a win-win situation to serve end customers effectively.