Difference between CVT and UPS


There are two different technologies namely, CVT (Constant Voltage Transformer) and UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) that are used for providing power conditioning and protection.

A CVT is an electrical device used to provide a constant output voltage despite variations in the input voltage or load, whereas a UPS is an electronic device used to provide power during power outages and voltage fluctuations.

Read this article to learn more about CVT and UPS and how they are different from each other.

What is a CVT?

A CVT is an electrical device that is used to provide a constant and stable output voltage regardless of variations in the input voltage and load. Therefore, the main objective to use CVT is to protect sensitive electronic devices from power surges and voltage fluctuations.

A CVT is basically a Ferro resonant transformer that is mainly designed to maintain a constant output voltage at the load terminal by varying its internal magnetic flux in response to the change in the input voltage or load.

A CVT typically consists of a ferromagnetic core, a primary winding, and a secondary winding. Primary winding is connected to the input voltage source and the secondary winding is connected to the load.

When the input voltage changes, a change in the magnetic flux in the core takes place that causes a voltage to be induced in the secondary winding which is directly proportional to the applied input voltage. The CVT being a Ferro-resonant transformer regulates the output voltage to provide a stable and constant voltage at the load terminals.

Therefore, CVTs are used in a variety of applications where a stable and reliable power supply is needed, such as medical instruments, industrial control systems, communication systems, etc.

What is a UPS?

UPS is a commonly used battery powered backup device used to supply electric power to loads in the case of power outages. Therefore, the UPS helps to protect the systems from accidental turn off and data loss.

The main parts of a typical UPS are a battery, an inverter, and a rectifier. The rectifier is an electronic circuit that converts AC into DC to charge the battery. The inverter is an electronic circuit that converts DC into AC to provide power to the connected load devices.

UPS is commonly used to provide backup power to computer systems, data centers, communication equipment, etc. Today, UPSs come in several sizes and capacities, and hence they can be used to power a small personal computer to larger industrial control systems.

Moderns UPSs also provide protection against voltage fluctuations, power surges, low- voltage, over-voltage, and short-circuit.

Now, let us discuss the major differences between CVT and UPS.

Difference between CVT and UPS

The following table highlights all the significant differences between CVT and UPS −

Parameter

CVT

UPS

Full Form

CVT stands for Constant Voltage Transformer.

UPS stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply.

Basic

CVT is an electrical device that provides a constant output voltage regardless of the changes in the input voltage and load.

UPS is an electronic device that provides backup power to sensitive devices during power outages and voltage fluctuations.

Main purpose

The main purpose of the CVT is to give a constant output voltage at the load terminals.

The main purpose of a UPS is to provide backup power during power outages and voltage fluctuations.

Battery

A CVT does not have a battery.

A UPS has a battery to provide backup power.

Backup time

A CVT does not have any back up time.

A UPS provides a finite back up time, ranging from a few minutes to several hours.

Output

A CVT provides a constant output voltage.

A UPS provides an alternating voltage as output.

Transformer used

A Ferro resonant transformer is used in CVT.

An isolation transformer is used in a UPS.

Physical size

CVT is comparatively is smaller in size.

A UPS is larger in size and heavier.

Ease of installation & maintenance

A CVT is easier to install and maintain.

A UPS needs proper installation and maintenance to work properly.

Noise

A CVT does not produce any noise.

A UPS can produce some audible noise due to internal cooling fans.

Compatibility

A CVT is compatible with almost all electronic devices.

A UPS is not compatible with all electronic devices due to its waveform of the output voltage.

Cost

A CVT is comparatively less costly.

A UPS is more expensive than a CVT due to its battery backup system and protection features.

Life

A CVT has a longer life.

A UPS has relatively smaller life span due to presence of battery backup system.

Efficiency

The efficiency of a CVT is higher than a UPS.

The efficiency of a UPS is less.

Protection

A CVT provides protection against power surges and voltage fluctuations only.

A UPS offers advanced protection features, such as protection against voltage fluctuations, low and over voltage, sags, power surges, etc.

Input & load capacity

A CVT has a wide range of input voltage and load capacities.

A UPS has a limited capacities that depend on the size of the battery backup system.

Applications

A CVT is used in areas where a stable and reliable power supply is needed, such as in medical instruments, digital control systems, communication and navigation systems, etc.

A UPS is used in computer systems, data centers, etc. as backup and protect unit.

Conclusion

Both CVT and UPS are the devices used to protect electronic devices and systems, but they are absolutely different from one another as described in the above table.

Updated on: 04-Apr-2023

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