OT: Battery backup

[Richard Kreiss]

I have mentioned this before, I have a client who built his own battery
backup system for his offices.  It consists of 100 large backup batteries
taking up a whole room.  These batteries are fed by power filtered through
power regulators.  I am not sure if the batteries are connected in series or
parallel.

All of the computers and laser printers are connected to this power source.
I have the 2 servers connected to an APC 720VA SmartUps.  This is strictly
so that if a power failure occurs and the 'big backup" runs out of juice,
the servers get a shutdown signal and shutdown gracefully.

Based on the idle power requirements, his systems should stay up about 4
days before running out of power.

Now why he didn't purchase a generator for his warehouse or a larger
commercial battery backup system, is because he likes designing electronic
equipment and cost isn't a factor.  He has people on his staff that build
all sorts of electronic equipment he has designed.  He is in the hair
products business but holds a degree in electronic engineering.

Richard Kreiss