The modular UPS, or uninterrupted power supply, is a device that provides power in the event of sudden power outages. In addition, it provides constant and uninterrupted power during times of power fluctuations. A UPS contains a charger or rectifier (to charge the battery by producing DC power and supplying it to the inverter), an inverter (to convert DC power into AC), a battery, and a static switch (a semi-conductor-based device that transfers the load without any interruption in the power supply).
These UPS systems come in three types: passive standby or off-line for basic and common power issues such as voltage fluctuations, blackout, and others and these models are designed for security systems, entry-level computers, and other basic electronics; line interactive to correct minor power fluctuations used in various settings such as PCs, gaming systems, network equipment, consumer electronics, home theater electronics, and entry-to-mid-range-servers; and double-conversion (or on-line) that are designed to protect mission-critical IT equipment, high-end servers, data center installations, advanced network equipment, and large telecom installations and storage applications from damage caused by a voltage sag, voltage surge, power blackout, over voltage, frequency noise, voltage spike, frequency variation, or harmonic distortion.
Such uses and increasing industrial activities are some of the main factors assisting in the market’s growth. In addition, according to OMR Research, the global modular UPS market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period of 2023–2029.
Segments of the Market
The global modular UPS market is segmented on the basis of power capacities and end users. Based on power capacities, the market is sub-segmented into 50 kVA, 100 kVA, 300 kVA, and 301 kVA and above capacities. Based on end users, it is sub-segmented into data centers, industrial, commercial, BFSI, telecommunications, and government.
Recent Developments
Companies such as ABB Ltd., Delta Electronics, Inc., Schneider Electric, Legrand, AEG Power Solutions B.V., Gamatronic Electronic Industries Ltd., Eaton Corp. plc, Hewlett Packard Enterprises Co., Xtreme Power, Toshiba Corporation, RITTAL GmbH & Co., and Panduit, among others, are contributing to the market’s growth with various mergers, acquisitions, and new product launch activities. Some of the recent activities in the market between 2021 and 2022 include:
• In November 2022, at the event of Huawei Data Center Facility's Global Ecosystem Policy and product launch in China, the President of Huawei Data Center Facility Domain, Mr. Fei Zhenfu, launched the two new additions to the company’s Smart Modular DC and SmartLi UPS series, called FusionModule2000 6.0 and Small SMartLi UPS. The FusionModule 2000 6.0 model is designed for government, education, and retail industry customers that prefer small, green modular data centers.
• In November 2022, BLUETTI, an off-grid solar power solutions provider, unveiled its new energy storage system, called EP600. This system is created with a modular battery system and solar-based power-generation system, which will assist consumers in reducing energy bills and utilizing green energy. The EP600, which is designed for common household appliances, has a built-in UPS system that offers continuous power backup at the time of power outages.
• In June 2022, Schneider Electric, a global energy management and automation solutions provider, launched the first modular single-phase UPS, called the APC Smart-UPS Modular Ultra. The UPS is made with lithium-ion technology and is designed to address IT issues. Furthermore, the UPS is 50% smaller, making it more compact than other UPS devices on the market, and it ranges from 5 to 20 kW.
• In March 2022, KSTAR, a leading PV inverter and UPS manufacturer, announced the establishment of its Vietnamese subsidiary’s Phase I in Haiphong city. The facility is spread across 47,715 square meters, and Phase II will commence in 2024. The company invested $22 million in both phases. The first phase will produce 1 GW of solar inverters, 1,000 modular data center units, and 10,000 UPS units, whereas in the second phase, the company will produce charging products for electric vehicles and CATL energy storage systems.
• In February 2021, Numeric, an UPS manufacturer and supplier, launched a three-phase, 25 kW modular UPS called the Keor MOD. The device is portable, allows ease of installation and maintenance, and is suitable for data centers and other IT infrastructures.
Conclusion
The market for modular UPS devices is increasing due to increased industrial and common consumer uses such as in IT, gaming systems, and others. In addition, the increasing demand for zero power downtime, growing IT demands and infrastructures that utilize UPS, increasing data centers, surge of live streaming video gamers, new innovations by companies such as solar-powered energy systems with UPS, and the growing number of startups and enterprises, among others, are assisting in the UPS market’s growth further.
Besides, every industry or enterprise requires UPS because it increases work efficiency, protects hardware and other data from sudden power outages or voltage fluctuations, and provides uninterrupted industrial processes such as manufacturing, saving enterprises from economic loss. All of these factors are contributing immensely to the modular UPS market’s growth.