Uninterruptible Power Supplies (Energy Engineering)

Valuable data, essential services and production process plants are typical assets that can be lost or seriously disturbed by power supply breaks or contamination. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can avoid potentially catastrophic havoc caused by electricity supply line disturbances. Behind this protection, however, is the need for a sound UPS design based on a thorough specification to achieve reliable and consistent functioning.

This book is a comprehensive guide to the various types of UPS systems available and how they may be specified and applied effectively. It should be beneficial to design engineers working on commercial premises and industrial processes that employ sensitive electronic equipment; to building services and their consulting engineers; and to facilities managers concerned with computer installations and telecommunication systems. Essentially written for practising electrical engineers, the text will also be of value to students in computer technology and telecommunications as well as building services and design.

John Platts gained his industrial experience during 21 years service with GEC, including six years in Canada. He then became a private consultant operating mainly for Ewbank Preece Limited. His main interest is in the efficient and effective utilisation of energy, aiming to satisfy the diverse requirements of industrial commercial enterprises. The frequent concern of customers about reliability of the public electricity supply led to his interest in UPS for critical equipment and processes.

John St Aubyn was editor-in-chief at the IEE for some 30 years. He then worked as an editorial consultant before retiring in 1996. With a background in physics, he was engaged in radar work with the British Army during the Second World War. After the war, on completing his degree course, he was for a time with Marconi Instruments.