The low cost alternative to UPS

A case is made for improving the performance of computers during Power Quality events without the need for a separate uninterruptable power supply (UPS). The concept of enhanced power supplies for computer based equipment is described showing that one second of ride through for a complete loss of voltage will eliminate most of the computer shutdowns attributed to poor power quality. The New England Electric PQ Research Study which involves monitoring supplied power quality to 50,000 customers in Mass and Rhode Island, is described to show how enhanced power supplies are the least cost solution. Numbers are discussed suggesting that savings approaching a million dollars a week to residential customers alone of a utility the size of New England Electric are possible if all PCs came from the factory with one second of ride through built in.<>