Need reliable power for motors in industrial or renewable energy systems? This guide explains how to safely start motors using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) while addressing common challenges like voltage spikes and load management. Let’s dive into practical solutions backed by industry data.

Why Use a UPS for Motor Starting?

Motors require high inrush currents during startup—often 6-8 times their rated capacity. A UPS ensures stable voltage delivery, preventing grid instability and equipment damage. For example, industrial facilities using UPS systems report 35% fewer motor failures caused by power fluctuations.

Key Steps to Start a Motor with a UPS

• Step 1: Calculate Power Requirements – Measure the motor’s rated power (kW) and inrush current (A).
• Step 2: Select UPS Capacity – Choose a UPS with at least 1.5x the motor’s peak demand. For a 10 kW motor, opt for a 15 kVA system.
• Step 3: Install Soft Starters – Reduce inrush current by 50-70% using variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Step 4: Test Under Load – Simulate power outages to verify UPS response time (<2ms is ideal).

Industry Applications & Case Study

UPS-powered motors are widely used in:

• Solar farms (smoothing energy output during cloud cover)
• Manufacturing (emergency shutdown systems)
• Hospitals (HVAC backup)

Case Study: EK SOLAR’s Hybrid Solution

In 2023, EK SOLAR deployed a 200 kVA UPS system paired with lithium batteries for a textile factory in Vietnam. Results:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring ambient temperature (UPS efficiency drops 1% per 1°C above 25°C)
• Using lead-acid batteries for frequent cycling (lifespan reduced by 40%)
• Neglecting firmware updates (newer versions improve load-handling by 15-20%)

FAQ: Starting Motors with UPS Systems

Q: Can any UPS handle motor loads?

A: No—only UPS systems with “motor-start” ratings or rotary designs should be used. Standard units may fail under inductive loads.

Q: How long can a UPS power a motor?

A: Runtime depends on battery capacity. A 10 kVA UPS with 5 kWh batteries typically supports a 5 kW motor for 45-60 minutes.

Conclusion

Integrating a UPS with motors requires careful sizing and accessories like VFDs but delivers unmatched reliability. As renewable integration grows, hybrid UPS systems from providers like EK SOLAR are becoming essential for industries prioritizing uptime.

About EK SOLAR

Specializing in energy storage since 2010, EK SOLAR provides UPS solutions for industries ranging from solar farms to manufacturing. Our modular systems support 100 kW to 10 MW applications with 24/7 monitoring.

Download How to Start a Motor with an Uninterruptible Power Supply: A Step-by-Step Guide [PDF]

Visit our Blog to read more articles