Healthcare facilities rely on advanced, modern equipment and IT to provide quality care, requiring reliable electrical backup power systems.
Within these mission-critical environments, uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems are the first line of defense against power fluctuations and disruptions. Not only do they ensure reliable power until a more prolonged solution turns on, but they also protect sensitive electronic devices — like interventional cardiology devices — that may malfunction during an outage.
In the case of an outage, a UPS system will significantly reduce the risk of downtime while protecting critical data — but not all UPS systems are equal. There are several considerations, especially as technology advances.
Whether you operate a private surgical center, medical imaging facility, or a large-scale hospital data center, you and your patients require reliable power solutions. Here are some key factors to consider when making your next big UPS investment.
Uninterrupted Power Is Critical
The frequency and duration of outages are increasing, posing risks to patients, medical equipment, and data. One study found that between 2018 and 2020, over 231,000 outages lasting more than an hour occurred across the United States. Nearly 17,500 of those stretched for eight or more hours, which is deemed medically relevant.
While climate change and weather-related events are the most significant variables, unexpected grid failure, human error, or utility company issues can all contribute. In healthcare, every second counts, which is why UPS systems are essential for continuous power.
A reliable UPS provides healthcare facilities with short-term, instantaneous power to bridge the time gap until an emergency backup system kicks in, such as emergency generators. However, these systems are typically battery-operated, making them less suitable for long outages. Again, that is why a hybrid approach is important. A UPS system paired with a battery energy storage system (BESS) and a generator provides extended, reliable power.
Tip: Work with a power system integrator to ensure a complete system.
UPS Provides Immediate Backup and Voltage Regulation
UPS systems help eliminate power loss in healthcare environments, mitigating electrical disruptions based on the energy solutions implemented. The result here is no interruption between utility failure and generator startup.
In addition to immediate backup power, UPS systems provide voltage regulation.
UPS systems serve as power conditioners, protecting sensitive medical equipment from electrical issues such as sags, surges, and spikes. This protection is essential for maintaining the integrity and longevity of sensitive equipment like X-ray and MRI machines and patient monitoring devices.
Specialized Healthcare Applications
UPS systems are vital across various healthcare functions. Here are some examples:
- Emergency services and ICUs: A UPS system protects equipment such as ventilators, monitors, and infusion pumps. Ambulances have onboard UPS systems to power critical-care equipment and communication devices.
- Operating rooms: Hospitals need constant power for surgical lights, anesthesia machines, and robots.
- Medical imaging: A UPS system can support CT scanners, MRI machines, and X-ray equipment. Much of this critical diagnostic equipment is sensitive to fluctuations in power.
- Laboratory equipment: Labs use UPS systems to power centrifuges, incubators, and analytical instruments. They store biological samples and reagents critical for diagnostics and treatment.
- Data centers: Healthcare IT staff rely on a UPS solution to protect electronic health records (EHR) and vital IT systems.
Consider Technology and Design
There are several considerations when choosing a UPS system, including design, energy storage method, redundancy considerations, and footprint.
You can discuss your options surrounding a double-conversion or parallel design with an expert emergency power supplier, like Global Power Supply (GPS). The design you choose will determine power quality and the energy storage method. Working with an expert partner will help you plan for unique situations involving imaging equipment. While this equipment pulls very little power when idle, once in service, there are significant step load considerations. Power swings must be considered during the design and technology selection processes.
Consider the following:
- Battery type: Since batteries are often the weak leak in conventional UPS systems, speaking with your provider about optimal battery energy storage solutions (BESS) is critical. When selecting UPS batteries, consider sizing, temperature and maintenance requirements, type (lead vs. lithium), compatibility, etc. Learn more in this UPS guide.
- Redundancy: One of the most critical design considerations is redundancy. Many are opting for a modular system rather than a conventional UPS system. Building a modular system allows you to scale more effectively while offering greater localized redundancy.
- Monitoring: These capabilities are crucial for maintaining UPS reliability. Global Power Supply offers real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, remote management, integration with building systems, and data analysis.
Discuss your options, focusing on reputable UPS brands like Riello and Toshiba.
Recommended reading: Factors to Consider When Selecting a UPS Backup System
Regulatory Compliance Considerations
The National Electric Code (NEC) requires emergency power in healthcare environments. This code focuses on systems that are linked to human life safety. Power must be available within ten seconds of an outage, and modern generators are designed to meet that requirement.
While UPS units do not currently fall under FDA regulations, they do comply with mandatory healthcare power contingency plans. Speak with your power supplier about local and state regulations affecting your healthcare facility.
Maintenance and Testing Support
Regular maintenance and testing are crucial for the optimal performance of UPS systems in healthcare facilities. You should conduct monthly testing to ensure reliability and readiness for emergencies.
Then, perform annual load bank tests to verify that the UPS can operate at full capacity when needed. These tests should be integrated with overall emergency power system checks to ensure seamless coordination between all your backup power components.
Global Power Supply offers comprehensive preventative maintenance and testing services tailored to your needs. Expert GPS technicians provide 24/7 on-site corrective maintenance with guaranteed emergency response times, ensuring minimal downtime for critical systems.
Future Innovation
UPS systems and energy storage in healthcare are evolving quickly. There are several promising developments on the horizon.
- Renewable energy integration: Healthcare facilities use UPS systems with solar and wind power. This integration improves sustainability and provides a more resilient power infrastructure, especially considering energy storage solutions.
- AI-driven predictive maintenance: Hospitals and other medical facilities will use AI and machine learning to predict failures and optimize maintenance schedules. This new approach will reduce downtime and improve system reliability.
- Compact, efficient lithium-ion battery systems: New battery tech offers many advantages, including a smaller footprint and smart design features. Check out the Narada UPS lithium battery system to see how backup power solutions are evolving.
How Global Power Supply Can Help
Global Power Supply specializes in providing high-quality UPS systems tailored to the unique needs of healthcare facilities. These UPS solutions are designed to offer reliable and immediate backup power with minimal transfer time, ensuring continuous operation of life-saving or sensitive equipment and data integrity.
Contact the GPS team to discuss a customized backup power and UPS solution today.