Automated uninterruptible power supply battery protector: case study of Tanzania atomic energy commission, Arusha-Tanzania

Abstract

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is electrical apparatus that provides emergency power to its load when the input power source fails and manages power fluctuations through its battery during power failure to allow a user to save work and shut down a system procedurally. The UPS’ electrical ability depends on its battery’s strength. At Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) users mostly leave their UPS on as they go home, and when there is blackout, the UPS batteries get drained to zero leading to a significant number of UPS getting damaged in a year. Automated Uninterruptible Power Supply Battery Protector (AUPSBP) is developed to protect UPS battery at the institution using Kanban Agile methodology which supported teamwork. The AUPSBP monitors the voltage from mains to UPS using a voltage sensor. When the sensor detects a lack of voltage from the mains to UPS, AUPSBP triggers timer counting down towards switching the UPS off. When tested, AUPSBP switched off the UPS when the set time of 5 minutes elapsed, and when UPS battery voltage was <100V protecting UPS battery from draining to zero during blackout. It sent Short Messages using Global System for Mobile communication when mains power was switched off, and when UPS was switched off before the set time of 5 minutes elapsed. The AUPSBP is effective for switching off UPS before its battery drains to zero to prevent battery damage on different types and sizes of UPSs with only changes in switch and timer. Therefore, AUPSBP is needed to protect UPS at TAEC.