Everything You Need To Know About Power Supplies (PSU)

When it comes to the industry, numerous electrical processes are required for the various systems to function. They are incredibly large-scale machines and applications involved, so you must supply a large amount of power. If a power analyzer was used on these applications, you could precisely see this power flow measure inside the system. However, there needs to be a power source before measuring this flow. This is where power supply units (PSUs) are ideal, as they provide the precise currents and voltages required by even the most significant systems.

Typically, the job these power supplies fulfil is converting the AC voltage supplied to the factories into DC voltages that machines can use. Different types of power supplies have their own features, acting as solutions for the various challenges the evolving industry continues to face. Therefore, this article will address everything you need to know about power supplies. In this way, you will be up to speed with power supplies and will keywords able to choose the suitable unit for your needs.

Let’s dive in.

Types of Power Supplies

The needs of the industry are diverse as there are different types of applications involved. This means some devices require high voltages while others require low voltages. There are also many cables and wires involved, which you can obtain easily from cable suppliers in the UAE. There is a range of power supplies and modules that you can choose to fulfil these needs. We will examine the major types of power supplies and their pros and cons.

Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS)

SMPS units are known by various names, like regulators, switchers, and power supplies. In fact, they are a type of power supply that converts AC voltages from the mains to low DC voltages via a switching regulator mechanism inside it. This mechanism allows it to convert power with high efficiency and stability, which is why various industries highly prize this power supply. A power quality analyzer could effectively determine this. It is typically used in multiple applications like servers, power stations, computers, factories, charging vehicle batteries, security systems, and railway stations. There are two types of SMPS units: non-isolated converters and isolated SMPS.

Advantages
● They have a higher power efficiency than other power supplies, like linear PSUs.
● They are compact in size and lightweight
● They possess strong anti-interference
● They produce less heat than other power supplies
● They provide a wide range of output
● They can handle higher outputs.

Disadvantages
● The design and working can be quite complex
● They produce high-output ripple
● They create a high frequency of the noise.

Linear Power Supplies

Linear power supplies are older version of power supplies that uses a transformer to step down AC voltages and rectify and filter the input to produce the necessary DC output. In other words, they use a non-switching mechanism to produce the desired power. They have become incredibly established in the power supply industry as they have existed for a long time compared to SMPS units. As a result, you can find them in multiple applications like communication equipment, control circuits, medical equipment, and signal processing. They are typically used for situations where good regulation and low noise are required, which SMPS units cannot provide.

Advantages
● They are the best-performance power supply units
● They produce less noise and are great for applications where noise can be a problem
● Most applications use them, so won’t have to worry about other PSUs usually
● They provide very clean and stable DC voltage
● They are ideal for applications that require high sensitivity, like automation.

Disadvantages
● They are large and bulky in size, making them tough to handle
● They lack efficiency in power generation
● They are much more expensive than SMPS units.

DIN Rail Power Supplies

DIN rail power supplies are a type of SMPS unit that works with the exact switching mechanism they use. However, they differ in the mounting used for them. These power supplies are connected to a mounting rail of fixed dimensions, originally set by the German Institution of Standardization (DIN). This is where these power supplies get their name from. What makes this mounting rail special is that you can find them in most industrial applications. For starters, these rails are a staple part of applications like distribution boxes and cabinets, and various components are compatible with them.

Advantages
● They have almost unlimited applications due to the mounting rail
● They have much higher efficiency than linear power supplies
● They have an incredibly compact design which makes them easy to handle
● They allow higher packing density in confined systems, which means more storage efficiency
● They can be installed very easily and quickly, with some connection options requiring no tools
● They help save on energy costs due to efficiency.

Disadvantages
● The design and working of the circuit within is complex
● They produce electromagnetic interference.
● They create a high frequency of noise due to constant switching.

What are the factors to consider when purchasing power supplies?

We have seen how each power supply has a range of features and uses that make them ideal for different situations. Now, we will examine the various factors to consider to determine which situation a particular power supply is suitable for.

Input and Output Parameters

This basic yet essential information will ensure that your power supply can work properly and fulfill your requirements. For starters, you will need to see if you need a 1-phase or 3-phase power supply and get the right one accordingly. After that, you will need to consider whether the power supply will require AC or DC voltage at the start. There are AC-DC adapters that take in AC from mains and convert it, while others, like DC-DC adapters or DC-input power supplies, require DC current at the input. Finally, you will need to consider the necessary voltage and current at your output, which will depend on the application you are using it for.

Efficiency

Efficiency is a crucial factor to consider for any electrical component or application for various reasons. For starters, it helps control energy costs which can be quite a lot for industrial locations and factories. Additionally, this helps control the amount of heat that is dissipated and wasted from the power supply, which can damage the supply unit and other components next to it. As a result, an efficient power supply unit will have a longer lifetime. SMPS units and DIN rail power supplies are ideal in such a case.

Environment

The environment in which the power supply will operate is another vital factor to consider. Generally, the temperature in the environment needs to be controlled to ensure that all components work ideally. In such a case, SMPS and DIN rail power supplies are ideal as they produce less heat. However, if the area is adequately cooled, it may not be an issue whichever PSU to take. On the other hand, if the noise level and vibration are important, choosing a linear power supply is better. Linear power supplies are also great for environments where the equipment has high sensitivity.

Dimensions

Getting power supplies with the correct dimensions is crucial, especially if they are being housed in a limited space, like a control panel, cabinet, or server. You will need to ensure the dimensions are exact, with some space available for air circulation and vibration. Therefore, it is best to keep precise measurements of the available area and tally them alongside the dimensions of the power supplies you are interested in. With applications that use a mounting rail, it is ideal to use a DIN rail power supply. This is because their dimensions are already defined, making them convenient.

Costs

When buying any product, you will always have a set budget. We all want the best solutions for industrial challenges, but we must remain realistic. This is why you will need to consider the cost of the power supply you are interested in. For this purpose, SMPS units and DIN rail power supplies are ideal. This is because they cost less than linear power supplies, which can be expensive. Additionally, they are efficient and help you save on long-term energy costs. The only problem is that linear power supplies are much more established, so the infrastructure may not be suitable for other power supplies. This infrastructure change will need to be considered as part of your costs. Additionally, they may not be as readily available, potentially affecting prices.

To sum up
Numerous electrical processes are involved in various industrial applications and systems. They each have their voltage and current requirements, which must be fulfilled. This is where power supplies are essential, as they provide power and help convert input AC and DC voltages into the ideal DC voltages. There are various types of power supplies, each with its own features, advantages, and disadvantages. We have gone through each of these for the main types of power supplies. We have also looked at various factors when choosing a power supply unit. This will allow you to select the right PSU for you.

We hope this article has been informational and has taught you the fundamentals of power supplies. Thank you for reading the Goswitchgear Blog!