UPS Versus ESS

While both the mature uninterruptible power supply (UPS) products and the rapidly evolving energy storage systems (ESS) produced have some commonality in technical solutions, operations and installation, there are important differences. This paper will review the critical differentiations, outline the applicable product safety requirements associated with each and summarize how codes are evolving in addressing both types of installations. 

In this white paper, UL Solutions experts cover: 

• Introduction to uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems  
• Introduction to energy storage systems (ESS) 
• Comparing ESS with UPS 
• Increasing renewable energy usage 
• Using lead-acid or nickel-cadmium batteries for UPS 
• Resolving/reducing chemical battery incidents 
• Increasing use of lithium-ion in ESS 
• Standard interpretation