Volts * Amps = Watts

Most equipment will have a maximum amperage rating on the back. For lots of
computer equipment I have found this maximum can be divided by half to come
close to a nominal amperage.

So if they are running 240 volt, the equipment lists 4 amps. Then the
maximum is 960 Watts. Over an hour this is almost 1 KWH (Kilo-Watt hour).
But for computer equipment you can probably get away with 0.5 KWH.

A lot of equipment lists KVA (Kilo-volt-amps). This is how most UPS units
are listed for their capacity. For this sort of rough calculation you can
usually assume KVA is equivalent to KW. If I remember correctly there are
calculation differences dealing with RMS versus Mean voltage of 2 phase and
3 phase power. But it is here my memory begins to give out. :-(

You might want to look at fuel cell technology. The technology is still new.
But they have been proving it fairly well for very low-emissions backup
power in some of our government buildings here. They have also been running
several busses in Vancouver on fuel cells for at least a year now.

One of the leaders in this is Ballard Power up here in BC Canada.
www.ballard.com. They have recently acquired the fuel cell generator asset
from Coleman / Powermate. I do not know if they have commercial units yet.

For specific UPS companies, I am not sure.

-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Lalley [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2003 4:37 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Power supplies / UPS


This is on topic I hope.

I have a customer located in (you guessed it) California, that seems to
experience frequent power outages.  This affects thier web server and order
entry (HP3000).  I am looking for a solution that can keep thier shop up and
running for 8 hours.

They are in San Francisco, this means that they probably need permits for
generators.

Does anyone have any recommendations for companies, service and products
that could help in this area?

I am old, so I forgot how to calculate power requirements, does anyone know
the formulas?

TIA,

-Craig





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