The inventor credited with the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is John J. Hanley.
The Visionary Behind Continuous Power
John J. Hanley developed and patented the uninterruptible power supply, a groundbreaking innovation essential for maintaining power to critical equipment during outages or fluctuations. His work paved the way for the reliable operation of sensitive electronics in various sectors.
What is a UPS?
An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a device that provides emergency power to a load when the input power source or mains power fails. It differs from an auxiliary power system or standby generator in that it provides near-instantaneous protection from input power interruptions by supplying energy stored in batteries, supercapacitors, or flywheels.
John J. Hanley's Contribution
Hanley's pioneering work led to the filing of a patent for his "Uninterruptible Power Supply" in the late 1960s, specifically on October 22, 1968, which was subsequently granted on September 15, 1970, as US Patent 3,529,227. His invention addressed the critical need for a stable and continuous power supply, particularly for the sensitive electronic equipment and early computer systems that were emerging at the time. Prior to his invention, sudden power losses could lead to data corruption, equipment damage, and significant operational downtime.
For more details on his pioneering work, you can explore the original patent:
The Indispensable Role of UPS Today
The Uninterruptible Power Supply has become an indispensable component in numerous applications, ensuring business continuity and data integrity across various industries.
Key Applications and Benefits:
- Data Centers: Protecting servers and network equipment from unexpected shutdowns, preventing data loss and ensuring continuous internet services.
- Healthcare Facilities: Maintaining power to life-support systems, medical imaging equipment, and critical patient monitoring devices during power disruptions.
- Industrial Control Systems: Safeguarding automated processes and machinery from power disturbances, preventing costly production halts and equipment damage.
- Telecommunications: Ensuring uninterrupted operation of communication networks, including cell towers and telephone exchanges, to maintain connectivity.
- Home and Office Use: Protecting personal computers, modems, and routers from power surges and outages, thereby preventing data corruption and hardware damage.
Types of UPS Systems
Modern UPS systems come in various configurations, each suited for different needs and levels of protection:
- Standby (Off-line) UPS: The most basic type, providing power only when the main supply fails. It switches to battery power within milliseconds.
- Line-Interactive UPS: Offers voltage regulation by adjusting the output voltage during minor power fluctuations without switching to battery power, providing better protection against sags and swells.
- Online (Double-Conversion) UPS: Provides the highest level of protection by continuously converting incoming AC power to DC, and then back to AC. This completely isolates the load from the input power, offering constant, clean power regardless of input quality.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Inventor | John J. Hanley |
| Key Invention | Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) |
| Patent Filed | October 22, 1968 (US Patent 3,529,227) |
| Patent Granted | September 15, 1970 |
| Primary Purpose | To provide immediate emergency power and protect sensitive electronic equipment from power disturbances. |
The innovation brought forth by John J. Hanley continues to be a cornerstone of modern technological infrastructure, ensuring stability and reliability in an increasingly interconnected and power-dependent world.
