What is the primary advantage of using a modular uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system compared to a centralized UPS system?

The primary advantage of using a modular uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system compared to a centralized UPS system is enhanced scalability and redundancy. A UPS system provides backup power in the event of a power outage, protecting critical equipment from damage or data loss. A centralized UPS system consists of a single, large UPS unit that provides power to all connected loads. A modular UPS system, on the other hand, consists of multiple smaller UPS modules that are connected in parallel to provide power. The modular design allows for easy scalability; as the power requirements increase, additional modules can be added to the system without having to replace the entire UPS. Furthermore, modular UPS systems offer greater redundancy. If one module fails, the other modules can continue to provide power, ensuring uninterrupted operation. This contrasts with a centralized system, where a single point of failure can result in a complete loss of backup power. Maintenance and repairs are also often easier with modular systems, as individual modules can be serviced or replaced without taking the entire system offline. Therefore, modular UPS systems offer greater flexibility, reliability, and maintainability compared to centralized systems.