# The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Contents 

# Executive summary 

# > Revision 0



# by Neil Rasmussen 

# White Paper 98

Introduction 2

The role of transformers in UPS systems 2

Transformer arrangements in pr actical UPS systems 10

Transformer-based legacy UPS d esigns 21

Transformer options within a UPS product 24

Conclusion 25

Resources 26 Click on a section to jump to it



### Most modern UPS systems do not include the internal transformers that were present in earlier designs. This evolution has increased efficiency while decreasing the weight, size, and raw materials consumption of UPS systems. In the new transformerless UPS designs, the transformers are optional and can be placed in the best location to achieve a required purpose. In older designs, transformers were typically installed in permanent positions where they provided no benefit, reduced system efficiency, or were not optimally
located.

This paper considers the function of transformers in UPS systems, when and how transformers should be used, and how the absence of internal transformers in newer UPS designs frequently improves data center design and performance.

white papers are now part of the Schneider Electric white paper library produced by Schneider Electric’s Data Center Science Center DCSC@Schneider-Electric.com

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 2 Every data center power system includes trans formers. Isola tion transformers have historically had a number of different roles in the power architecture of data centers:



### • Voltage stepdown from medium-voltage mains supply to the utilization voltage



### • Within a UPS, to act as an integral part of the power conversion circuits



### • To create a local ground-bonded neutral



### • Within power distribution units or a UPS, to reduce harmonic currents



### • To provide taps to accommodate abnormally high or low mains voltage



### • To eliminate ground loops with multiple generators or mains sources



### • Within power distribution units, for stepdown from the data center distribution voltage of 480V or 600V to 208V (North America only)



### • Within power distribution units, to provide additional utilization voltages (e.g., 120V in North America and 100V in Japan)

UPS systems have historically had one or more pe rmanently installed internal isolation transformers to provide one or more of the above functions, depending on the design of the data center power system. Newer UPS systems do not require power transformers as part of their circuits, improving efficiency and reducing weight, size, and cost. Instead, transformers are added to a transformerless UPS as needed to achieve a desired function. This paper will show why, in most data center power system designs, transformerless UPSs provide the same function and performance as older UPSs with internal transformers. Nevertheless, there are many cases where a transformer is required and must be either internal to the UPS or added externally. Even older UPS systems with internal transformers require additional external transformers in many ca ses. Most importantly, this paper explains why in almost all cases where a transformer is needed, the transform erless UPS design is superior because it allows the transformer to be installed in a more optimal part of the power path.

First, this paper explains why older UPSs have transformers and the circumstances under which transformerless UPSs behave differently. Second, different transformer arrangements will be reviewed and the preferred arrangements will be described. This paper focuses on the use of transformers specifically in relati on to UPS systems. For a more general analysis of grounding in the data center, refer to White Paper 97, Specifying Appropriate Data Center Earthing Methods

.

It is widely believed that internal transformers were originally provided in UPS systems in order to provide galvanic isolation between the UPS input and output. This is false . The reason internal transformers were used in early UPS systems is because they were inherently required due to the power inverter technology used in the UPS design.

The first UPS products were developed over 40 years ago and used a ground-referenced battery system. The grounded electronics and ba ttery configuration required these systems to have two transformers for isolation from the mains – one on the input rectifier, and one in the output inverter. Later improvements in these designs, where the battery bus was moved to the neutral wire or electrically floated, eliminated one of the transformers, typically removing the rectifier transformer. Taking advantage of high-voltage, high-speed power semiconductors that did not exist 15 years ago, most recent UPS designs use newer designs
that eliminate both the input and output transformer. 

# Introduction

The role of transformers in UPS systems In almost all cases where a transformer is needed, the transformerless UPS design is superior because it allows the transformer to be installed in a more optimal part of the power path 

# “

”

Specifying Appropriate Data Center Earthing Related resource White Paper 97

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 3 In some data center power system designs, no transformers are needed in conjunction with the UPS; but there are many situations wher e transformers must, or are advised to be, installed in combination with the UPS. This paper will explain that there are 92 different possible combinations of transformers used with a single UPS system, with many more combinations possible with parallel or other re dundancy configurations. It is not possible to consider the use of transformers in a U PS system without understanding the important differences between the different options.

The configuration of a UPS system falls into three basic categories, differentiated by the

presen ce of a static bypass and how it is connected. These three categories are commonly
called single mains

, dual mains , and single mains without bypass . They are schematically illustrated in Figure 1

.

In the singl e mains configuration, one mains connection supplies both the bypass and UPS module which are connected toget her at the UPS. This is the most common arrangement, and is the only arrangement supported in many small UPS systems. It is found in most smaller data center installations and also found in many large data center installations. The main benefits of this system are the simplicity and low cost of installation and the fact that many complexities relating to circulating currents and grounding are eliminated. The downside of this system is that the actual mains supply system cannot be taken down for maintenance without disrupting power to th e critical load, although some of these disadvantages can be overcome with wraparound breakers on the mains.

The du al mains configuration is required when the bypass is fed from a second mains that is different from the mains feeding the UPS rectif ier input. The difference in the mains can range from minor (e.g., they are fed from different breakers on the same panel) to major (e.g. they come from completely independent source s with different ground systems and even different voltages). There are a variety of data center redundancy architectures that specify this type of configuration (see White Paper 75, Comparing UPS System Design Configurations ). Another reason for the dual mains conf iguration is to allow either of the two mains to be taken down for maintenance while providing power to the critical load. Note that this configuration can be used, but is not required, when a generator is used, since the generator is typically connected to the mains bus upstream of the UPS with an automatic transfer switch (ATS) so that it can provide powe r to other loads, such as chillers, in addition to the UPS. The dual mains configuration is r equired in some data center architectures, and is chosen by preference in many larger da ta centers in order to allow for concurrent 

### Figure 1
Three basic configurations of mains and bypass for a UPS system Bypass

Mains

Output

Bypass



### DUAL MAINS Mains 2

Output Mains 1



### SINGLE MAINS WITHOUT BYPASS Output Mains 

### SINGLE MAINS UPS module



### UPS module



### UPS module

Comparing UPS System Design Configurations Related resource White Paper 75

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 4 maintenance and/or to slightly improve the over all system reliability by preventing the wiring and breaker upstream of the UPS from being a single failure point for the power system.

The final configuration, s ingle mains without bypass , is mainly used in environments where the mains power quality is considered to be ex tremely poor, to the point where it has been determined that it is not desired to ever power the critical load from the mains via a bypass. This can occur in industrial situations, shipboard, or on small islands, where the mains frequency (50 or 60Hz) is not the same as the IT load frequency, or in stressed electrical grids in developing nations. In some countries (the United States, for example) this is an extremely uncommon approach, but in others (Ind ia, for example) it is quite common and may be the majority of installs in some regions.

Note: A complete analysis comparing the thre e configurations above would involve tradeoffs in price, complexity, reliability, maintainabili ty, and power quality; such an analysis is beyond the scope of this paper. This paper will fo cus on how to use transformers in each configuration.

The three configurations described above can in clude one or more transformers in the power path. Figure 2 shows the possible locations of transfo rmers in the three UPS configurations.

The basic configurations shown in Figu re 2 – various combinations of UPS modules, transformers, and bypass – are referred to in this paper as “UPS systems”. Likewise, “UPS module” refers to the power converters and energy storage component of the UPS system that together provide uninterruptible power. A “UPS product” refers to a device in an enclosure that contains at least a UPS module, but may also contain various transformers and bypass devices. Because the UPS products so ld in the market vary greatly in what is included in the “product” (bypass and transformer options), this paper will primarily use the more specific terms “UPS system” and “UPS module”.

UPS products are often described as either “transfo rmer-based” or “tra nsformerless”. This distinction refers to the presence or absence of an inverter transformer in the UPS product enclosure. The various transformers shown in Figure 2 other than the inverter transformer 

### Figure 2

Possible location of isolation transformers in the three basic UPS system configurations Bypass

Mains transformer Output transformer Inverter transformer

Bypass

Mains rectifier

transformer Output transformer Inverter transformer Mains bypass

transformer

Mains transformer Output transformer Inverter transformer 

### UPS module



### UPS module



### UPS module 

### DUAL MAINS

SINGLE MAINS WITHOUT BYPASS SINGLE MAINS

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 5 are all options that are either optional within a UPS product or can be installed externally to the UPS enclosure. This issue is very impo rtant to the following discussion and must be further clarified: the distinction between a transformerless UPS product and a transformerbased UPS product is the presence of the inverter transformer. All of the other transformersthat might be used in a UPS system are optional and can be used with either a transformerbased or a transformerless UPS product.

Note that in any installation there are upstr eam tran sformers providing power to the UPS system and other loads. The mains, bypass, and rectifier transformers in the diagrams in Figure 2 represent transformers that are specifica lly dedicated to the UP S system; they are separate from the transformers that step the voltage down from medium voltage.

In each of these three UPS system configurat ion s any combination of transformers may be present – from none to all. For the single mains configuration, there are 8 possible transformer arrangements; for dual mains ther e are 16 arrangements, and for single mains without bypass there are 8 arrangements, fo r a total of 32 possible arrangements. Furthermore, the mains transformers and output tr ansformers can be loca ted either locally or remotely from the UPS, which affects the grounding system. This adds an additional 60 variations, for a total of 92 ways transformers c an be installed with a single UPS. Virtually all of the 92 transformer installation variations hav e been used in real installations. However, not all transformer arrangements are logical, and there are a few that offer a superior combination of performance, economy, and ef ficiency. To understand when the use of a transformer is required or why various trans former locations exist for the three UPS configurations, we first must consider the effe ct of transformers on the neutral and ground wiring.



## Characteristics of transformers

There are different types of transformers, but in this paper a transformer refers to a “deltawye” configuration, which is the type used in almost all UPS applications. Delta-wye transformers have a number of characteristic s, both good and bad, that impact their use in UPS systems:



### 1. Isolation of the output neutral from the source



### 2. Voltage change (for example, 480V to 208V)



### 3. Impedance that limits fault current or acts as a noise filter



### 4. Blocking the 3rd, 9th, 15th, and other multiples-of-three harmonic currents



### 5. Weight, cost, consumption of natural materials, and taking up space



### 6. Electrical losses and contribution to data center inefficiency

The first four are benefits, and the last two are undesirable penalties. Because the last two penalties are severe, transformers should only be used when the beneficial characteristics are useful to the mission of the data center.

Voltage change This is necessary in applications where the mains voltage is not the same as the voltage used by the IT equipment. Th is is a common conditi on in North America where the mains voltage is 480 or 600V in larger data centers. In most of the world, the 400/230V three-phase mains voltage is the same voltage used by the IT load equipment, so this function is not required.

Impedance This is generally secondary and unimportant in the modern data center. Most designs do not require additional impedance, and if it were required it would be more effective to create it with a power inductor (s ometimes called a “choke”), which is smaller, lighter, and more efficient than a transformer. 

## Good characteristics

Bad characteristics Virtually all of the 92 transformer arrangements have been used in real installations. However, not all arrangements are logical, and there are a few that offer asuperior combination of performance, economy, and efficiency. 

# “

”

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 6 Blocking harmonics This was historically a useful function to prevent the harmonic currents created by the UPS from affecting the mains, and to prevent IT-load harmonic currents from affecting the mains via the UPS bypass. However, two major changes have changed this situation: both the modern UP S and modern IT loads are “power factor corrected”, which means their harmonic current generation has been dramatically reduced to the point where no additional filtering is necessa ry. Therefore, the use of transformers to reduce harmonic currents is no longer a necessary function in the modern data center. This subject is discussed in detail in White Paper 26, Hazards of Harmonics and Neutral Overloads

.

The first three beneficial characteristics theref o re have limited or obsolete value, which leaves the fourth characteristic – isolation of the neutral from the source – which is by far the most important.

Isolation of neutral from the source T his is the most important characteristic of a transformer – it is this characteristic that ca uses transformers to be useful, necessary, or even legally mandated under certain conditions. The remainder of this paper will focus on this attribute of transformers and how it impact s the use of UPSs in data centers. Because isolation of the neutral is the key to determini ng the role of transformers, we must understand this function.



## Transformer isolation

Transformers are typically represented by the overlapping double-circle symbol shown in Figure 2 , which will be used to represent transformers in this paper. However, this symbol is a simplification of the actual wiring diagram of a transformer, which is shown in Figure 3 and is important to understand for the remainder of this paper.

The primary, or input, is on the left and three power phases are applied to the transformer

w indings (green lines) that are connected in the “delta” configuration as shown by the triangular shape.

The secondary, or output, is connected in the “ wye” (Y-shaped) configuration and consists of three power phases and a center point, or neutral, connection 1 . There is no electrical connection between the input and output; the power is transferred through magnetic fields

1 The example shown is a “delta-wye” transformer. Although other types such as delta-delta, wye-delta, or wye-wye are possible, the delta-wye transformer shown has special advantages and is used almost exclusively in data center applications. The technical reasons for this can be found in many textbooks on power systems and are not discussed here. 

### Isolation of the neutral from the source is the most important characteristic of a transformer – it is this characteristic that causes transformers to be useful,
necessary, or even legally mandated. 

# “

”

Figure 3
Wiring diagram showing input and output connections to a power isolation (“delta-wye”) transformer Phase A

Phase B

Phase C Phase A

Phase B

Phase C PRIMARY (input) SECONDARY (output)

NO NEUTRAL on input side No electrical connection Magnetic fields only NEUTRAL created from

A, B, C Hazards of Harmonics and Neutral Overloads Related resource White Paper 26

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 7 between the input and output. What is important to note is that there is no neutral connectionon the input. Even if the supply circuit has a neutral connection, it is not used with a deltawye transformer. The transformer “makes” a new neutral on the output – a new neutral that has no electrical connection to any neutral on the inpu t. In fact, the whole output circuit is at an indeterminate voltage with respect to the input or ground, which is referred to as “floating”. Since IT load equipment is grounded, it is never appropriate to supply floating power at an indeterminate voltage because this could caus e insulation failure and other hazards. Therefore, the new neutral on the output of the transformer is connected to ground in virtually all data center applications.

When an isolation transformer has a grounded neutral, its output circuit is often referred to as a “sepa rately derived source”. Grounding the output neutral can be achieved by directly connecting the neutral to the nearest grounded metal (equipment enclosures, ground rods, water pipes 2 or ground wire known to be grounded), or it can be connected to an existing neutral wire known to be grounded, or it can be connected to ground through a grounding resistor (this is only used on high power busses and not on final distribution to the IT loads). All three of these techniques are used in data centers and will be referred to in the next
sections.

Considering the above isolation properties of a transformer, we can now describe the key beneficial – and sometimes necessary – functions resulting from isolation:



### • Changing different mains grounding systems to the system required by data center IT equipment



### • Creating a new neutral connection when the mains neutral has serious power quality problems or the neutral is subject to di sconnection when upstream 4-pole circuit breakers are used (as required in some countries)



### • Combining two sources without the need to connect their neutral wires together



### • Preventing circulating currents that coul d cause Residual Current Detectors (RCD)or other safety systems to activate unnecessarily

Since these functions must be understood in o rder to understand how and why transformers are used and where to apply them, each function will be briefly explained.

The first function of changing a mains groundi ng system in a data center to the grounding system required by IT equipment is clearly an essential function. IT equipment in a data center is always operated from a TN-S gr ounding system (see sidebar “Ground System Types” for description of grounding nomenclature). In some cases, the mains provides a TNS system so no change is required. Ge nerally, TT or IT grounding systems require conversion to TN-S by use of a transformer befo re they can be utilized by IT equipment. This grounding conversion can occur before the UPS or after the UPS. In some countries such as the USA and Great Britain, TN-C grounding systems are common and are converted to TN-S without a transformer.

The second function, of creating a new neutral when the mains neutral has serious power quality problem, is used when the provided mains neutral is shared with other customers, is generated a distance from the data center, or is deemed unreliable to the point where it might either be interrupted or become disconnected from earth. In developed countries and in most large new buildings, the TN-S neutral source is within the customer premises and typically close to the data center. In this case the quality of the neutral would be considered excellent and the second function is redundant. But in other situations the neutral to ground bond may be outdoors, possibly distant, shared, and part of a degraded or overloaded distribution

2 The use of water pipes to establish system grounding is not permitted in all countries; consult local regulations. 

# > Ground system types

TN-S Terra neutral separate The supply neutral is a separate wire from the ground wire and is connected to the ground at a single point. Both the neutral and the ground are distributed to the loads. All neutral and ground wires lead to the central bonding point



### TN-C Terra neutral

common The supply neutral is grounded at the supply. A single wire provides both the neutral and ground function



### TT Terra terra The supply neutral is grounded. A local ground is created near the load to provide chassis grounding



### IT Insulated terra The supply neutral floats with respect to ground. A local ground is created near the load to provide chassis grounding



### IT-HRG Isolated terra with high-resistance ground The supply neutral is a separate wire from the ground wire and is connected to ground at a single point through a large power resistor. Phase to ground faults are current limited by the ground resistor. Protective controls are required to warn operators or trip breakers when faults are detected

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 8 system. Under these conditions the neutral may have significant offset or noise voltage with respect to ground, or worse it might lose its ground connection or become interrupted. This problem is made worse in tropical climates where it can be difficult to maintain low impedance metal-to-metal bonds over time. If a mains source under a loss of neutral condition were passed directly to the IT equ ipment, massive equipment failures could occur due to the higher voltage. These problems ar e common in developing countries and are the reason why a data center power system design often requires additional power transformers when deployed in emerging markets.

The third function, combining sources without the need to connect the neutrals, is a function
tha t is unique to emergency power systems that have backup sources, such as commonly used in a data center. A data center may be fed from a combination of multiple mains services and generators that are combined with switches to assure power continuity to the critical load. The bypass path within a UPS is itself an alternate power path from the UPS module that is essentially “combined” at the ou tput of the UPS. Whenever two sources are combined through a switching arrangement, a situation may arise where there are two input neutral connections and a single output neutral connection. This leads to the problem of how to connect a single output neutral given two input neutrals as shown in Figure 4

.

Since switching between neutrals supplying an IT load creates a momentary open-neutral condition which can be hazardous or destructive, the neutral to the critical load should never be switched. This means if two alternate source s are combined in the UPS, they must have their neutral wires permanently connected to ea ch other. However, connecting the input neutrals together to the output neutral can create circulating currents between the input
neutrals as shown in Figure 5

.

While these circulating currents are a minor nuisance when the bypass and rectifier come fro m the same source, this can be a hazard if the two input neutrals come from different sources. The connection of two independently deriv ed neutral sources together is universally not permitted by law. The insertion of a transformer in series with one of the two sources solves this problem. Whenever a dual mains UPS is supplied by separately derived neutral sources, a transformer is required. Note that some dual mains systems have the two inputs supplied by sources with a commonly derived neutr al and these don’t require a transformer. 

### Figure 4

Problem: How to create a single output neutral, given two input source neutrals?



### Figure 5
Circulating current created by connecting two separate input neutral wires to create a single output neutral Bypass neutral

Output

Rectifier neutral
If neutrals are connected here, currents circulate between input neutrals Bypass



### UPS module 

### Bypass neutral

Output

Rectifier neutral Which neutral is output connected to? Output neutral Bypass



### UPS module 

# ? ? ?

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 9 The fourth function, preventing circulating curr en ts that could cause RCDs or other safety systems to activate unnecessarily, is also related to the situation where sources are combined such as in a dual mains configuration. Circulating currents between neutrals always occur when separately derived neutrals are connected to each other, but as pointed out in the previous paragraph, this is not permitted by law so a problem should not be created. But circulating currents can also occur even when a UPS is supplied from two inputs that are derived from the same neutral. Therefore, in any system where both a rectifier and bypass neutral connection are provided to the UPS, any RCD protection on the supply circuits will activate unnecessarily. An isolatio n transformer located in either the rectifier supply, the UPS module output, or the bypass is needed to prevent RCD activation.

At first it seems that if the rectifier input ne utral connection could be omitted, the circulating current problem should be solved. In fac t, all UPS systems designed for dual mains are designed to operate without a rectifier neutral connection; the UPS input rectifiers draw power between the input phases and do not require a neutr al connection to function. As long as the rectifier source is known to be grounded, the rectifier neutral need not be provided. Since there is no longer any rectifier neutral connection, it seems that circulating current should not be possible. Unfortunately, although this it is widely believed that the absence of a neutral connection on the rectifier eliminates circulating currents, it is not true.

Figure 6 sho ws the dual mains UPS system configuration with the rectifier supply neutral not connected. The red line shows the flow of circ ulating current which still exists but flows through the UPS module instead of the rectifier neutral. Any UPS inverter module that has an output neutral will inject current onto the output neutral bus in excess of any neutral current required by the load. This “excess” neutral current is a side-effect of inverter operation and is caused by reactive loads, non-linear loads, and imbalances in the load currents. This “excess” neutral current is not consumed by the IT loads and returns to the mains via the bypass neutral. This current may appear smal l under normal conditions but can become large under various loads or mains voltage imbalances. If the bypass mains supply includes RCD protection (mandated in some conditions in some countries), t hen these protective devices will sense this neutral current as an unexpected current and misinterpret it as a ground fault, possibly shutting down the system. This leads to a very important principle of data center power system design : In DUAL MAINS systems with RCD protection, there must ALWAYS be a transformer present somewhere in one of the mains paths. Removing the rectifier neutral connection is NO T sufficient to prevent circulating currents.

It should be clear at this point that the dual mains configuration has, by far, the most complex
issue s relating to grounding and transformer use. Many mistakes are made in the application of transformers and the appropriate grounding of dual mains systems, mistakes which often result in intermittent problems and unexpected downtime. These problems are simplified in single mains systems (with or wit hout bypass). Often a dual ma ins system is chosen without consideration of these complexities, and a si ngle mains system might have been a better choice because there are fewer things that can go wrong in the design and the installation. 

### Figure 6
Circulating current can still exist even if the rectifier input neutral is not connected

In Dual Mains systems with RCD protection, theremust ALWAYS be a transformer in one of the mains paths. Removing the rectifier neutral connection is NOT sufficient to prevent circulating currents 

# “

” Bypass neutral

Output

Rectifier neutral

(not connected) 

### Currents generated by UPS neutral still cause circulating current on bypass neutral Bypass



### UPS module

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 10 The single mains configuration can be a reliable and cost-effective choice because the theoretical reliability advantages of a dual mains configuration are not always realized in practice. This is why the single mains configur ation is often used even in very large ultrahigh availability data centers, especially when redundancy is achieved by dual path or N+1 UPS configurations.



## Paralleling and other re dundancy configurations

The previous descriptions of transformer applic ations in the three basic UPS configurations assume that the UPS system includes a single UP S module. However, it is common for data center power systems to be comprised of a number of UPS systems, which in turn can be comprised of a number of UPS modules, whic h can all be arranged in many different configurations to achieve redundancy. The various commonly used approaches for obtaining redundancy are described in White Paper 75, Comparing UPS System Design Configurations . In addition to the redundancy function, UPS systems are often paralleled as a means to increase power capacity.

The discussions of grounding and transformer use in this paper apply without modification to parallel UPS systems comprised of multiple parallel UPS modules, where a single bypass is used. Example of such a UPS systems with internal UPS module paralleling would be the APC Symmetra. However, there are configurations of data center systems that include parallel or cascade configurations of complete UPS systems, introducing many more possible points of system grounding and possible transformer locations. Most of the principles of applying transformers described in this paper still apply to these systems, but such systems often create special challenges for groundi ng and for residual current detection.

Given the basic understanding of the application of tran sformers as provi ded in this paper, it is possible to determine the optimal approach to using transformers in specific redundancy or paralleling situations. However, a complete discussion of transformer options for the numerous paralleling and redundancy configurations is beyond the scope of this paper.

We will now consider each of the three basi c UPS configurations and show the preferred transformer arrangements based on the situation.

As stated earlier in this paper, 92 different a rrang ements of transformers are possible with a single UPS, even before redundancy configurations are considered. Instead of attempting to describe and compare each of these arrangemen ts, this paper will describe the functions of the transformers in the three previously identi fied generic configurations of single mains, dual mains, and single mains without bypass. The functions and benefits of the different transformers will be described within each of these three configurations. From this, the preferred arrangements of transform ers will be deduced and described.



## Transformer options for the “single mains” configuration

The single mains system is the most common UP S configuration, used in over 50% of all UPS installations. In smaller systems (below 100kW), it is even more dominant, making up approximately 90% of all installations. The advantage of this system is that it is relatively simple to design and install, yet it provides a bypass that gives a variety of redundancy and maintenance benefits. Small UPS systems bel ow 10 kW typically only have a single input and must be used in the single mains configuration. UPS systems over 10 kW usually provide for dual mains input but are converted to single mains by simply connecting the two mains inputs together. The majority of UPS systems shipped with dual mains input connections actually end up configured for single mains input. 

# Transformer arrangements in practical UPS systems Comparing UPS System Design Configurations Related resource White Paper 75

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 11 In the single mains configuration, transformers can be located in three positions as shown in Figure 7 . Any combination of these transformers, including none or all three, might exist in a UPS installation.

While Figu re 7 accurately represents the flow of po wer, it does not completely describe the grounding system because the physical location of the transformers must also be considered. The inverter transformer, if present, is always integral to the UPS, but the mains and output transformers can be either located at the UPS or remotely located. Table 1 describes the function of each transformer, when it is needed, and the issues related to its physical location (local vs. remote).



## Transformer location Functions provided When needed Local / remote issues

Mains • Change mains voltage

• Change grounding system to

TN-S

• Isolate UPS and the output

from poor quality mains neutral • Mains voltage must be changed to match the UPS voltage

• Mains grounding system not

c ompatible with the load AND there is no output transformer • If transformer is local to the UPS, a high qualit y TN-S grounding system is created at the UPS output

• Locating this transformer remotely from

the UPS requires that the TN-S grounding system is created at the transformer location, which is not ideal



### Inverter • This transformer provides no function s in the single mains configuration, but may be present due to the design of the UPS • Never needed in this configuration • On older UPSs, this transformer may be integra l to the UPS design and cannot be removed, but it is not providing any useful function



### Output • Change the UPS output

v oltage

• Change the grounding

system to TN-S, if the UPS is not using TN-S

• Improve the quality of the TNS grounding system if the input transformer is not present or is remotely located • UPS voltage must be changed to match the IT load voltage

• UPS grounding system is not

c ompatible with the IT load AND there is no input transformer

• Input grounding system is compatible

with the IT load but the quality of the neutral circuit is poor OR the input transformer, if present, is remotely located • If the IT loads are far from the UPS, loc ating the transformer remotely (closer to the IT loads) has the advantage of creating the TN-S ground near the IT load, improving the quality of the grounding system 

### Figure 7

Possible transformer locations in the “single mains” UPS configuration



### Table 1

Characteristics of the three SINGLE MAINS transformer locations Bypass

Mains transformer 

### Output transformer 

### Inverter transformer 

### UPS module 

### SINGLE MAIN S

Transformer locations

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 12 The following observations can be made from a st udy of the functions of the transformers in the single mains UPS configuration:



### • If voltages must be changed, transformers must be installed. For example, if the mains voltage is 600 V, the UPS voltage is 480 V, and the IT load voltage is 208 V, then both input and output transformers are required. This is a fundamental requirement and is the first issue to be considered in de termining where to put a transformer.



### • If the mains and/or UPS ground system ar e not TN-S, then transformers must be installed. For example, if the mains grounding system is TT, and UPS grounding system is IT-HRG, then both input and output transformers must be installed. This is a fundamental requirement, but some aspects of this problem are under the control of the system designer. For exam ple, a designer could ensure that a high quality TN-S grounding system is provided at the data center, so no ground system changes are required.



### • The inverter transformer provides no function or benefit to the single mains UPS system. Since the presence of the invert er transformer defines the difference between a transformer-based UPS and a tran sformerless UPS, it follows that there is no advantage to using a transformer-based UPS in the single mains configuration.

As stated earlier in this paper, there are 8 possib le transformer arrangements in a single mains UPS configuration. When remote vs. local location options for the mains and output transformers are considered, the number of options grows to 18. While there is not one combination that emerges as the universal best solution, some of these variations can be eliminated as sub-optimal, and a few emerge as clearly superior. The analysis of all 18 of these options is not presented in this paper , but can be derived from the information presented in this section. Tables 2a-2c below summarize the preferred transformer options for the single mains UPS configuration, with guidance as to where each approach is used.



## SINGLE MAINS

Local input transformer



### Application: Small data centers where the mains ground system is poor or not TN-S, or the mains voltage is not the same as the IT load voltage



## Features Notes
Mains ground systems: TN-S, TT, IT-HRG, TN-C Input voltages: UPS and load voltage must match Power range: Up to 1MW, but limited in North America to less than 100kVA due to mains and UPS being 480V or 600V above this power rating Efficiency: High

IT load neutral bond: Established at the UPS output • If the input transformer is local to the UPS, then its neutral connection is not connected to ground at the transformer, but brought to the UPS where neutral is connected to ground at the UPS output (preferred method)

• If the input transformer is remote from the UPS, then the

neutral may be required to be connected to ground at the transformer, and the UPS neutral must be connected to this neutral and cannot be connected to ground at the UPS 

### Table 2a
SINGLE MAINS preferred transformer option 1: Local input transformer There is no advantageto using a transformerbased UPS in the single mains configuration 

# “

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### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 13 SINGLE MAINS

No transformers



### Application: Small data centers with high quality TN-S mains ground system, where mains and UPS and IT load voltage are all the same (400/230V, 380/220V, 208/120V, or 200/100V)



## Features Notes
Mains ground systems: TN-S only Input voltages: Same as IT load Power range: Up to 1MW, but limited in North America to less than 100kVA due to mains and UPS being 480V or 600V above this power rating Efficiency: Highe st

IT load neutral bond: Established at the TN-S source • The use of a UPS with a built-in inverter transformer offers no benefits over a transformerless UPS in this arrangement, because the output neutral must be derived from the TN-S source due to presence of the bypass



## SINGLE MAINS

Remote output transformer(s)



### Application: Large data centers



## Features Notes

Mains ground systems: TN-S, TT, IT-HRG, TN-C Input voltages: Mains and UPS voltage must match Power range: Any, but not the most cost effective alternative in smaller data centers Efficiency: High, but lower if multiple output transformers are used

IT load neutral bond: Establi shed at the output transformer • The UPS must be rated to operate with the specified mains ground system. Not all UPS can operate with an IT-HRG ground system, and some UPS require an input neutral connection

• There is no neutral connection between the UPS and the

output transformer(s) in this system

• The output transformer may be a single transformer or its

function may be divided among many PDU transformers

Another option for large data centers is to add an input transformer to the “single mains with remote output transformer” arrangement, to allow for use with very poor mains grounding systems or a mains supply with an incompatible grounding system, but this would be an
uncommon situation.

The single mains configuration has fewer options and is simpler to design for and deploy than
the dual mains system described in the next sectio n. In practice, this means there are fewer 

### Table 2b
SINGLE MAINS transformer option 2: No transformers



### Table 2c
SINGLE MAINS transformer option 3: Remote output transformer(s)

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 14 design and installation mistakes made. This configuration will remain the most common, and should be considered for both large and small data centers.



## Transformer options for the “dual mai ns” configuration

The dual mains configuration is used in many, but not all, larger installations. Figure 8 shows four options for transformer location in a dual mains system

There are two core reasons that the dual mains system is used. The dual mains approach must be used when the system architecture prescribes that the rectifier and the bypass supplies come from different sources – for exampl e, separate utility substations or in highly specialized redundancy architectures. This requirement is actually quite uncommon and is restricted to architectures designed for extreme redundancy. Note that in most systems with alternate supplies, such as diesel generators or secondary utility mains supplies, an automated transfer switch is provided upstream of the UPS because there are other loads in addition to the UPS – such as cooling plants – that must be backed up. The second reason the dual mains design is used is to allow for concurrent maintenance of
the distribution wiring and breakers feeding the UPS. If the breakers and wiring supplying the two mains inputs are separate, either can be s hut down without shutting down the critical load, which will be powered from the remaining path during the maintenance. While this is a common reason for specifying this arrangement , there are alternative ways to allow for concurrent maintenance without using this appr oach, such as a dual power path architecture or concurrently maintainable parallel breakers.

The diagram in Fi gure 8 accurately represents the flow of power but does not completely describe the grounding system, because the physical location of the transformers must also be considered. The inverter transformer, if pres ent, is always integral to the UPS, but the rectifier, bypass, and output transformers can be either located at the UPS or remotely
located. Table 3 describes the function of each transf ormer, when it is needed, and issues related to its physical location (local vs. remote). 

### Figure 8

Possible transformer locations for the DUAL MAINS configuration Bypass

Mains rectifier

transformer Output transformer Inverter transformer Mains bypass

transformer


### UPS module 

### DUAL MAINS

Transformer locations

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 15 Transformer location Functions provided When needed Local / remote considerations

Bypass • Isolates the bypass neutral from

c urrents generated by the inverter

• Changes bypass mains voltage

• Changes bypass grounding

system to TN-S

• Isolates bypass from poor quality

neutral

• Protects the UPS from open

neutral conditions caused by upstream transfer switches or breakers • The bypass voltage must be changed to mat ch the UPS voltage

• The bypass grounding system is not

c ompatible with the load AND there is no output transformer

• RCD protection is used on the mains

s upplies AND neither a rectifier or local inverter transformer is present

• 4-pole breakers are used on the

s upply to the bypass (open neutral can occur) • The output neutral of the UPS is always the s ame as the bypass neutral, unless there is an output transformer present

• If this transformer is local to the UPS,

and eithe r a rectifier or inverter transformer is provided, or the rectifier is capable of operating without an input neutral connection, a high quality TN-S grounding system is created at the UPS output

• Locating this transformer remotely from

the UPS requires that the TN-S grounding system is created at the transformer location, which is not ideal



### Rectifier • Change rectifier mains voltage • Isolates the UPS input from an inc ompatible mains grounding system

• Mains to UPS voltage change is

requi red • This transformer does not completely prote ct the UPS from open neutral conditions caused by upstream transfer switches because the UPS neutral normally is derived from the bypass input



### Inverter • Isolates the bypass neutral from

c urrents generated by the inverter • The bypass is from a separately deri ved source and no rectifier transformer is present • This transformer provides the same neutral isolation as a rectifier transformer, but cannot perform a voltage change

• The load power always flows through this

tran sformer, so isolation between mains inputs is better provided in the bypass path since it increases system efficiency



### Output • Change the UPS output voltage

• Change the grounding system to

TN-S, if the UPS is not using TN-S

• Improve the quality of the TN-S

grounding system if the input transformer is not present or is remotely located • The UPS voltage must be changed to match the IT load voltage

• The UPS grounding system is not

c ompatible with the IT load AND there is no input transformer

• The input grounding system is

c ompatible with the IT load but the quality of the neutral circuit is poor OR the input transformer, if present, is remotely located • If the IT loads are far from the UPS, loc ating the transformer remotely from the UPS and closer to the IT loads, has the advantage of creating the TN-S ground near the IT load, improving the quality of the grounding system

The following observations can be made from a st udy of the functions of the transformers in the dual mains UPS configuration:



### • If voltages must be changed, transformers must be installed. For example, if the mains voltage is 600 V, the UPS voltage is 480 V, and the IT load voltage is 208 V, then all three – bypass, rectifier, and output transforme rs – are required. This is a fundamental requirement and is the first issue to be considered in determining where to put a transformer.



### • If the mains and/or UPS ground system ar e not TN-S, then transformers must be installed. For example, if the mains grounding systems is TT, and UPS grounding system is IT-HRG, then all three – bypass, re ctifier, and output transformers – must be 

### Table 3

Characteristics of the four DUAL MAINS transformer locat ions

In many cases there is no advantage to using a transformer-based UPS in a Dual Mains configuration 

# “

”

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 16 installed. This is a fundamental requireme nt, but some aspects of this problem are under the control of the system designer. Fo r example, an architect could ensure that a high quality TN-S grounding system is provided at the data center, so no ground system changes are required.



### • The inverter transformer provides the f unction of breaking the neutral connection between the rectifier and bypass inputs, but this function is also provided by either a rectifier or bypass transformer. The inverter transformer function is redundant if either a rectifier or bypass transformer is installed for another purpose. Since the presence of the inverter transformer defines the diff erence between a transformer-based UPS and a transformerless UPS, it follows that in many cases there is no advantage to using a transformer-based UPS in the dual mains configuration.

As stated earlier in this paper, there ar e 16 possible combinations of transformer arrangements in this system. When remote vs. local location options for the mains and output transformers are considered, the number of options grows to 56. While there is not one combination that emerges as the universal “best solution”, some of these variations can be eliminated as sub-optimal, and a few emerge as clearly superior. An analysis of all 56 of these options is not covered in this paper, but can be derived from the information presented
in this section. Tables 4a-4d below summarize the preferred transformer opti ons for the dual mains UPS system, with guidance as to where each approach is used.



## DUAL MAINS

Local bypass transformer Remote output transformer(s)



### Application: Large data centers



## Features Notes

Mains ground systems: TN-S, TT, IT-HRG, TN-C, inverter and bypass grounding systems can be independent Input voltages: Mains and UPS voltage must match Power range: An y, but impractical below 100kW Efficiency: High, but lower if multiple output transformers are used

IT load neutral bond: Establi shed at the output transformer • Equivalent functionality can be provided by moving the bypass transformer to either the rectifier or inverter locations but efficiency is degraded

• The UPS must be rated to operate with the specified mains

ground system. Not all UPS can operate with an IT-HRG ground system, and some UPS require an input neutral connection

• There is no neutral connection between the UPS and the

output transformer(s) in this system.

• The output transformer may be a single transformer or its

function may be divided among many PDU transformers 

### Table 4a
DUAL MAINS transformer option 1: Local bypass transformer and remote transformer(s)

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 17 DUAL MAINS

Local bypass transformer

Rectifier transformer Remote output transformer(s)



### Application: Large data centers with poor mains ground system, different mains and UPS grounding systems, or different mains and UPS voltage



## Features Notes
Mains ground systems: TN-S, TT, IT-HRG, TN-C, inverter, bypass, and UPS grounding systems can be independent Input voltages: An y combination Power range: An y, but impractical below 100kW Efficiency: Lo west, and even lower if multiple output transformers are used

IT load neutral bond: Establi shed at the output transformer • There is no neutral connection between the UPS and the output transformer(s) in this system

• The output transformer may be a single transformer or its

function may be divided among many PDU transformers

• A transformer-based UPS with a transformer in the inverter

location provides no additional functionality and degrades efficiency.



## DUAL MAINS

No transformers



### Application: Small data centers with high quality TN-S mains ground system, where mains and UPS and IT load voltage are all the same (400/ 230V, 380/220V, 208/120V, or 200/100V) and RCD is not required



## Features Notes
Mains ground systems: TN-S only, bypass and mains

common Input voltages: Same as IT load Power range: Up to 1MW, but limited in North America to < 100kVA due to mains and UPS being 480V or 600V above this power rating Efficiency: Highe st efficiency

IT load neutral bond: Established at the TN-S source • Both the bypass and the rectifier must be TN-S and both neutrals must be derived from a common ground connection

• RCD protection on the bypass and rectifier inputs cannot be

used in this configuration, because the inverter will inject some current into the bypass neutral 

### Table 4b
DUAL MAINS transformer option 2: Local bypass transformer, rectifier transformer, and remote output transformer(s)



### Table 4c
DUAL MAINS transformer option 3: No transformers

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 18 DUAL MAINS

Local bypass transformer



### Application: Small data centers with high quality TN-S mains ground system, where mains and UPS and IT load voltage are all the same (400/ 230V, 380/220V, 208/120V, or 200/100V) and RCD protection is required or th e bypass is separately derived



## Features Notes

Mains ground systems: TN-S on rectifier input, bypass can be any type Input voltages: Mains, UPS and load voltage must match Power range: Up to 1MW, but limited in North America to < 100kVA due to mains and UPS being 480V or 600V above this power rating Efficiency: High

IT load neutral bond: Establi shed at the bypass transformer • This method is used if the bypass and inverter supplies are separately derived (separate neutral bonding connections), or RCD protection is used

• The transformer could have been placed in the rectifier or

inverter location to achieve RCD compatibility, but this would reduce the UPS mode efficiency

• If the input transformer is remote from the UPS, then the

neutral may be required to be connected to ground at the transformer, and the UPS neutral must be connected to this neutral and cannot be connected to ground at the UPS

Note that none of the preferred arrangements have a transformer in the inverter location.
Most tran sformer-based UPSs hav e the transformer in the inverter location, yet this is the least useful place to have a transformer. This again reinforces the key finding of this paper: that the historical transformer-based UPS is ob solete because its transformer is in the wrong location. The better solution is to use a UPS w here the location of the transformer (if any are needed) can be established in the optimal location during the system design.

The most important characteristic of the dual mains design is that there are many options and
the interactions between the options and other equipment such as RCD and circuit breakers is quite complex. The successful installation of a dual mains system requires not only a careful tradeoff analysis and design, but also requires care during installation. These factors are further compounded in designs of paralleled systems or complex redundancy configurations. Unfortunately, design and insta llation errors are much more common in the dual mains design than in the single mains designs, reducing system reliability and performance. These factors are not always considered when a dual mains design is specified.



## Transformer options for “single mains without bypass”

The single mains without bypass configuration is commonly used when the quality of the input mains power or the mains grounding system is poor, degraded, or shared with industrial loads. The diagram of the “without bypass” configuration, with the possible transformer locations, is shown in Figure 9

. 

### Table 4d
DUAL MAINS transformer option 4: Local bypass transformer



### Figure 9

Possible transformer locations in the SINGLE MAINS WITHOUT BYPASS configurationThe historical transformerbased UPS is obsolete because its transformer is in the wrong location 

# “

”

Mains transformer Output transformer Inverter transformer 

### UPS module 

### SINGLE MAIN S WITHOUT BYPASS

Transformer locations

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 19 When the mains power is of very poor quality or the grounding system is unstable, it can be undesirable to ever expose the IT load to the ma ins via a bypass, so no bypass is provided in this system. This configuration is almost excl usively used in developing nations, where poor power can be quite common. In developed countries with stable power grids, the bypass is a valuable feature and either the single mains or the dual mains systems predominate; the “without bypass” configuration is quite rare.

An inspection of the diagrams reveals that a single mains configuration with bypass appears to become equivalent to the without bypass diagram if the bypass function is disabled. It is commonly assumed that a system can be installed with a bypass and then toggled back and forth between the “with” and “wit hout” bypass configurations. This mode of installation is only viable if either an input or an output transformer is present. The reason is that if the bypass is wired, the neutral of the inverter output transformer cannot be connected to ground if the bypass neutral is already grounded. If th e only transformer present is the inverter transformer, and the output is separately der ived by connecting the inverter transformer neutral to ground, then the bypass must not be wired and cannot be used. This limitation applies to mechanical “wrap-around” bypass as well as to automatic “static” bypass.

The inverter transformer, if present, is always integral to the UPS, but the mains and output
tra nsformers can be either located at the UPS or remotely located. Table 5 describes the function of each transformer, when it is needed, and the issues related to its physical location (local vs. remote).



## Transformer Location Functions provided When needed Local vs. remote issues

Mains • Change mains voltage

• Change grounding system to

TN-S

• Isolates UPS AND the output

from poor quality mains neutral • The mains voltage must be changed to match the UPS voltage

• The mains grounding system is not

c ompatible with the load AND there is no output transformer • If this transformer is local to the UPS, a high qua lity TN-S grounding system is created at the UPS output

• Locating this transformer remotely

from the UPS req uires that the TN-S grounding system is created at the transformer location, which is not ideal



### Inverter • Isolates the output from poor qualit y neutral • The system output neutral must be

s eparated from the input neutral AND there is neither a mains nor output transformer • The neutral of this transformer can be

c onnected to ground because there is no bypass, creating a separately derived source

• On older UPS, this transformer may be

integra l to the UPS design and cannot be removed



### Output • Change the UPS output

v oltage

• Change the grounding system

to TN-S, if the UPS is not using TN-S

• Improve the quality of the TNS grounding system if the input transformer is not present or is remotely located • The UPS voltage must be changed to match the IT load voltage

• The UPS grounding system is not

c ompatible with the IT load AND there is no input transformer

• The input grounding system is compatible

with the IT load but the quality of the neutral circuit is poor OR the input transformer, if present, is remotely located • If the IT loads are far from the UPS, loc ating the transformer remotely, closer to the IT loads, has the advantage of creating the TN-S ground near the IT load, improving the quality of the grounding system 

### Table 5

Characteristics of the different transformer locations for a SINGLE MAINS WITHOUT BYPASS system

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 20 As stated earlier in this paper, there are 8 possible combinations of transformer arrangements in this system. When remote vs. local location options for the mains and output transformers are considered, the number of options grows to 18. While there is not one combination that emerges as the universal “best solution”, some of these variations can be eliminated as sub-optimal, and a few emerge as clearly superior. An analysis of all 18 of these variations is not presented in this p aper, but can be derived from the information presented in this section. Table 6a and Table 6b summarize the preferred transformer options for the single mains without bypass configuration, with guidance as to where each approach is used.



## SINGLE MAINS WITHOUT BYPASS

Local input transformer Remote output transformer(s)



### Application: Large data centers with poor mains po wer quality and poor mains ground system, where UPS and IT load voltage are different



## Features Notes
Mains ground systems: TN-S, TT, IT-HRG, TN-C Input voltages: Any Power range: An y, but impractical for smaller data centers Efficiency: High, but lower if multiple output transformers are used

IT load neutral bond: Establi shed at the output transformer • Above 100 kVA an output transformer is required in North America to convert 480 V UPS voltage to the IT load voltage

• There is no neutral connection between the UPS and the

output transformer(s) in this system

• The output transformer may be a single transformer or its

function may be divided among many PDU transformers 

### Table 6a
SINGLE MAINS WITHOUT BYPASS preferred option 1: Local input transformer and remote output transformer(s)

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 21 SINGLE MAINS WITHOUT BYPASS

Local input transformer



### Application: Large or small data centers with poor mains power quality and poor mains ground system, where UPS and IT load voltage are the same (400/230V, 380/220V, 208/120V, or 200/100V)


## Features Notes
Mains ground systems: TN-S, TT, IT-HRG, TN-C Input voltages: Any Power range: Any, but limited in North America to less than 100 kVA due to UPS being 480 V or 600 V above this power rating Efficiency: Highe st efficiency

IT load neutral bond: Established at the UPS output • If the input transformer is local to the UPS, then its neutral connection is not connected to ground at the transformer, but brought to the UPS where neutral is connected to ground at the UPS output (preferred method)

• If the input transformer is remote from the UPS, then the

neutral may be required to be connected to ground at the transformer, and the UPS neutral must be connected to this neutral and cannot be connected to ground at the UPS

The use of this configuration, single mains wit hout by pass, is common in countries with very poor power. However, in most cases where it is used, the single mains configuration with a bypass would be a better choice. The reason why many customers choose not to use the bypass is because it potentially subjects the load to raw mains power. This is true even with transformer-based UPS systems, because they don’ t isolate the bypass. This is a problem
because in the older transformer-based UPSs, the transformer is in the wrong location

. If the transformer is moved to the input, instead of at the inverter output, then it can protect both the UPS and the bypass path (this is described in more detail in the next section).

A major problem with the single mains without bypass configuration is that the load fault

curren t is always limited to the UPS inverter output current, which is typically much lower than the mains available short-circuit current. This can cause difficulty clearing breakers downstream of the UPS, and can result in a total load drop when a downstream fault does not clear, or even if it does not clear quick ly. In contrast, in a configuration with a bypass, output faults activate the bypass and the mains current is available to help clear output faults.

When designers and users understand all the options, the use of the single mains without
b ypass configuration can be expected to decline in use. The single mains with bypass, when combined with an input transformer, is the sa me cost, weight, and efficiency but preserves the additional option of using the bypass, which can be beneficial. In general, there are common historical configurations using tran sformer-based UPSs that will be replaced by newer configurations. This will be described in the next section.

A transformer-based UPS is defined as a UPS with an integrated transformer in the inverter output location. This paper has shown that none of the 8 preferred UPS/transformer arrangements have a transformer in the inverter output location. Note that some transformer-based UPS systems, as well as transformerless ones, may have additional optional transformers. Nevertheless, because ol der UPS systems have inverter transformers, there are arrangements in common use that were originally utilized to take advantage of the 

### Table 6b
SINGLE MAINS WITHOUT BYPASS preferred option 2: Local in p ut transformer



# Transformerbased legacy UPS designs

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 22 integral UPS transformer. In this section, we will review these arrangements, explain why they are not optimal, and what transfor mer arrangements should be used instead.

Transformer-based UPSs have the tr ansformer after the output of the inverter and before the bypass connection to the UPS output. This is the least useful place that a transformer can be located in a UPS for these reasons:



### • It does not protect the UPS input



### • It does not isolate the rectifier ground system from the mains



### • It is always dissipating heat because it is handling the full load power



### • It can’t allow the output neutral to be isolated from the input due to the presence of the bypass

It is important to understand that the tran sformer exists in this location because it was required as part of the UPS inverter circuits , and was not added to solve these other problems. It does provide one key function, of is olating the inverter from the output, but this function can also be provided by transformers placed in other, and better, locations. Even though transformer-based UPSs have the tr ansformer in a sub-optimal location, the transformer is part of the circuitry and not opti onal, so many early data center designs took advantage of it. There are two main designs that take advantage of the integral transformer in a transformer-based UPS, which are summarized in Table 7a and Table 7b along with recommended improved replacement designs. 

### None of the 8 preferredUPS/transformer arrangements have a transformer in the inverter output location 

# “

”

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 23 DUAL MAINS Inverter transformer Remote output transformer(s)



### Application: Not recommended for new designs. Was commonly used in large data centers



## Features Notes

Mains ground systems: TN-S, TT, IT-HRG, TN-C Input voltages: Mains and UPS voltages must match Power range: An y, but impractical for smaller data centers Efficiency: High, but lower if multiple output transformers are used

IT load neutral bond: Establi shed at the output transformer • The UPS rectifier must be rated to operate with the specified mains ground system. Not all UP S can operate with and IT-HRG ground system, and some UPS require an input neutral connection

• There is no neutral connection between the UPS and the output

transformer(s) in this system

• The output transformer may be a single transformer or its function

may be divided among many PDU transformers



### Recommended replacement:



## DUAL MAINS Bypass transformer Remote output transformer(s)



## Advantages of replacement Notes

Higher efficiency: moving the transformer to the bypass path improves efficiency because the load power is not normally creating losses in the transformer • The bypass transformer may be available as an option of the UPS

• The neutral of the inverter output, if any, is now connected to the

rectifier input neutral, instead of the bypass input neutral

• The IT load neutral is still established at the output transformer

• Compatibility with RCD is preserved

It is important to recognize that in the abov e situation the legacy inverter transformer was providing a function of isolating the inverter from the bypass neutral. In this case it is better to locate the transformer in the bypass path for the reasons provided. However, as stated in the earlier sections describing the single mains and dual mains recommended systems, not all installations require isolation between the inverter and the bypass neutral. In designing a new facility, the recommended designs described in the earlier sections should be considered first; the examples here are only to show how a few popular legacy designs should be improved. 

### Table 7a
Legacy DUAL MAINS configuration with inverter transformer

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 24 SINGLE MAINS No bypass Inverter transformer



### Application: Not recommended for new designs. Was used for large or sm all data centers with poor mains power quality and poor mains ground system, where UPS and IT load voltage are the same (400/230V, 208/120V, or 200/100V).


## Features Notes

Mains ground systems: TN-S, TT, IT-HRG, TN-C Input voltages: Mains, UPS, and IT load voltage must match Power range: Any, but limited in North America to < 100kVA due to UPS being 480V or 600V above this power rating Efficiency: High effi ciency

IT load neutral bond: Established at the UPS output • The UPS rectifier input must be rated to operate with the specified mains ground system

• Not all UPSs can operate with and IT-HRG ground system,

and some UPS require an input neutral connection

• In very poor mains ground system, the rectifier is exposed to

various hazards



### Recommended replacement:



## SINGLE MAINS No bypass Input transformer



## Advantages of replacement Notes

Protection of UPS from mains faults: moving the transformer to the input isolates the UPS rectifier from ground or neutral faults on the mains Ground system compatibility: Th e UPS is always operated from the TN-S output of the transformer, independent of the mains ground system Voltage adjustment: The input transformer can include taps to allow adaptation of the UPS to chronic high or low mains voltage Voltage conversion: The input transformer can step the mains voltage up or down • Any UPS can be used, without regard for the mains grounding system

• The input transformer may be available as an option of the

UPS

• The neutral of the inverter output, if any, is still bonded to

ground

• The input transformer neutral is not bonded to ground at the

transformer but is connected to the UPS output neutral

The above two tables represent the most commo n ways that transformer-based UPSs were used in earlier system designs. There are other variations of these designs, but in each case the historic location of the transformer is not optimal, and moving the inverter transformer to the input, the bypass, or eliminating it is a better solution.

This paper has shown that there are a number of prefe rred designs that include a local input transformer that might be located on the bypass, the rectifier, or on the combined mains. To simplify design and deployment, UPS manufacturer s should offer such input transformers as readily available, pre-engineered UPS options. 

### Table 7b
Legacy SINGLE MAINS configuration with inverter transformer



# Transformer options within a UPS product

### The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center White Paper 98 Rev 0 

## 25 Some preferred designs include a remote output transformer. Such transformers are best placed within PDU units or at the IT room a nd are not appropriate options for a UPS system, unless needed for a voltage change.

Many UPS installations include transformers. T his is true whether the UPS is transformerbased or transformerless. Transformers have important functions in a UPS installation including changing voltage, interfacing betwe en ground systems, eliminating neutral loops, and protecting from various types of faults. Although most modern UPSs are transformerless, transformers are still often, but not always, necessary in the system design. There are many system designs where transf ormers are needed or even legally required.

Transformer-based UPS systems almost never ha ve the transformer located in the optimal location to achieve design goals. Transforme rless UPS systems remove the transformer and allow the flexibility of omitting it or moving it to the best location for an intended purpose, optimizing the design.

This paper has identified over 50 different a rrang ements of transformers that can be used with UPS systems. Of these, 10 are identified as the preferred solutions for data center designs, the specific choice depending on the preferences and constraints of the design as described in this paper. Larger-power UPS systems are found to have different preferred transformer arrangements than smaller-power UPS. Some preferred arrangements are needed to satisfy severe power conditions and degraded mains grounding. All of the preferred arrangements are best satisfied by using transformers in conjunction with a transformerless UPS. 

# Conclusion

Neil Rasmussen is a Senior VP of Innovation for Schneider Electric. He establishes the technology direction for the world’s largest R&D budget devoted to power, cooling, and rack infrastructure for critical networks.

Neil holds 19 patents related to high-efficiency and high-density data center power and cooling infrastructure, and has published over 50 white papers related to power and cooling systems, many published in more than 10 languages, most recently with a focus on the improvement ofenergy efficiency. He is an internationally recognized keynote speaker on the subject of highefficiency data centers. Neil is currently working to advance the science of high-efficiency, high-density, scalable data center infrastructure solutions and is a principal architect of the APC InfraStruXure system.

Prior to founding APC in 1981, Neil received his bachelors and masters degrees from MIT in electrical engineering, where he did his thesis on the analysis of a 200MW power supply for a tokamak fusion reactor. From 1979 to 1981 he worked at MIT Lincoln Laboratories on flywheel energy storage systems and solar electric power systems. 

# About the author

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