CBS or UPS? What’s the Difference?

Central Battery Systems (CBS) and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are similar backup power solutions, however there are key differences between the two that affect their suitability for different applications and environments.

What is a Central Battery System?

A CBS is a dedicated backup power solution that has been designed specifically to meet the safety and compliance regulations of certain critical applications. It is most commonly used to ensure the continuous operation of emergency systems and as such  will generally be found in larger commercial buildings, healthcare environments, industrial sites and public spaces.

CBS vs UPS

In the event of an electrical anomaly, both CBS and UPS systems offer emergency backup power provision. Both utilise modules within the battery system, to meet the required power rating of the equipment they are protecting, and both incorporate the use of components such as converters and inverters to switch power between alternating and direct current. Despite appearing interchangeable, centralised battery systems offer far greater resilience. 

A UPS is ideal for providing the temporary, uninterruptible supply capable of powering critical sensitive equipment and devices during power outages and anomalies. In many instances the UPS will be backed up by a standby generator – the UPS providing the bridge that ensures continuity in supply until the generator kicks in and/or the mains supply is restored. This makes it an ideal choice as the backup power provision for a wide number of applications including; IT and wireless networking systems, phones, servers etc. 

Centralised battery systems offer far greater resilience than a UPS, particularly when fault conditions impact a building during an emergency. Situations that involve fire damage or explosion to equipment that is connected to the mains supply, can lead to the build-up of abnormal fault currents. A centralised battery system has the ability to bypass these faults, ensuring a continuous and reliable supply of power for high-load systems and safety applications.  

Given their suitability to the different types of task, there are distinct differences between the regulatory requirements of the two forms of equipment. It is important therefore to always select the type of unit that meets the regulatory standard for the application it is intended to protect.

What Applications are Centralised Battery Systems Typically Used For?

The greater resilience offered by a Centralised Battery System makes it ideal for powering loads that support emergency equipment and guide occupants to safety, such as fire detection systems, fire alarms, smoke extraction/ventilation equipment, emergency lighting and emergency exit signs. For this reason, the units are regularly incorporated into the safety infrastructure of larger commercial buildings, offices, shopping centres, hotels, healthcare facilities and public spaces, including schools, airports, stadiums and arenas, where large numbers of people gather.

Industrial facilities may also utilise CBS to protect a wider range of emergency safety applications during mains failure situations, thus ensuring power is maintained to emergency shut-off controls and hazard warning systems.

Key Features and Benefits of a Centralised Battery System 

• Central Battery Storage

As the name suggests, a centralised battery system stores its batteries centrally, which can provide a distinct advantage when used to support emergency lighting applications.

Self-contained emergency lighting systems require luminaire batteries to be replaced on a one-by-one basis as they reach the end of their natural life - a costly and time-consuming operation in larger buildings where there may be hundreds of luminaires. With a CBS the luminaires don’t need individual batteries or capacitors, the backup power source being stored centrally, so there are less components to service and maintain.

• Cost Efficient

Whilst a CBS is initially more expensive to purchase and install, the central battery bank design allows multiple emergency systems to be connected to the one backup provision. This lowers the overall lifetime cost on larger installations, as it reduces the need for multiple individual battery backups across the different emergency systems. In turn, lowering the level of spend in terms of installation, battery replacement and maintenance. 

• Robust

Unlike a traditional battery, central battery systems are able to operate at relatively high and low temperatures with minimal impact to the battery.

• Battery Life

Central Battery Systems have a battery design life of 10 years.

• Convenient

Batteries are quick and easy to replace keeping disruption to common areas at a minimum.

• Testing and Maintenance

Whilst easier to test and maintain a CBS due to its centralised battery infrastructure, the system does still require regular testing and maintenance to ensure it will function as required when needed.

• Assists with Regulatory Compliance

The use of a CBS helps organisations to meet the required safety standards of varying applications, reducing the risks associated with non-compliance.

Which is the Best Centralised Battery System for my needs?

Power Control has a range of Centralised Battery Systems to suit an array of applications.

The Legrand Trimod MCS (3 – 80kVA) and Borri Ingenio ECS (60 – 160 kVA 3/3) Emergency Central Systems offer innovative design and manufacturing methodologies. Designed in accordance with the BS EN 50171 and IEC/EN 62040 standards, the systems are ideal for emergency lighting, fire and safety applications.

Both ranges deliver extended runtimes, 120% overload capability and deep discharge protection. Batteries come with a 10 year life expectancy and have the ability to recharge to provide 80% autonomy within 12 hours.

Additional features include:

• Green conversion technology for extended component life and exceptional levels of efficiency
• Battery charger temperature compensation
• Intuitive monitoring
• Compact design
• Easy access for speedy maintenance and low Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) rates
• AO EO mode kit
• Isolation transformer
• Short circuit protection
• Parallel kit
• Backfeed protection (as standard with 10, 15 and 20 kVA ratings)
• Acid proof battery cabinets and racks
• IP20 secure metal enclosures as per BS EN 60598 – 1
• Separate rectifier and bypass input for E8000 ECS 3-phase output models

Conclusion

When choosing whether to install a CBS or UPS for your power protection needs, it is vital to take the application it is to be used for into consideration. As outlined above, whilst similar, the two solutions are not interchangeable and have their own distinct role to play in providing backup provision.