Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for hatcheries and poultry.
In hatcheries, a generator alone is not enough: the several-second transfer gap between grid loss and genset online is long enough to disrupt setter climate and lose embryos. UPS covers that gap. This guide covers UPS selection, topology and sizing for hatcheries and critical poultry loads.
Topology: online double-conversion vs line-interactive
Online double-conversion UPS is mandatory for hatchery setters and hatchers: the load is always fed from the inverter, so there is zero transfer time on grid loss, and the incoming voltage/frequency is fully regulated. Line-interactive UPS is only acceptable for non-critical office and controller loads.
What to put behind the UPS
Setter and hatcher climate controllers, humidification, incubator motors, alarm systems and hatchery servers. Air-handling units and chillers are typically not on UPS — they transfer to the genset and are covered by battery bridge if needed.
Runtime sizing
UPS runtime on a hatchery is not sized to survive a full outage — it is sized to bridge to the generator. A 3–5 minute runtime at expected critical load is standard; longer runtimes are used only where genset reliability is questioned.
Integration with ATS and genset
Correct sequence: grid fails → UPS carries critical load from battery → ATS commands genset start → genset synchronises → ATS transfers load → UPS returns to standby. HatchMatch specifies this sequence in the RFQ so it is not left to the site electrician.
Typical specification
Order-of-magnitude reference values — every RFQ is scoped to the site's single-line diagram.
| Parameter | Typical | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Topology | Online double-conversion | Mandatory for setters/hatchers |
| Rating | 5 – 500 kVA per hatchery | Modular architectures scale further |
| Runtime | 3–5 min at full load | Bridge-to-genset, not full outage |
| Power factor | 0.9–1.0 unity | Modern IGBT rectifier UPS |
| Efficiency | 94–97% online | Higher in ECO mode; not for setters |
| Battery type | VRLA or Li-ion | Li-ion for footprint & life |
FAQ
Do I need UPS if I have a generator?＋
For hatcheries, yes — always. The transfer gap between grid loss and genset online is several seconds; setters and hatchers cannot tolerate that. UPS covers the gap. For broiler and layer farms, UPS is used only on controllers and alarms; the ventilation load rides on the genset directly.
Online double-conversion or line-interactive?＋
Online double-conversion for setters, hatchers, hatchery servers and critical controllers. Line-interactive is only acceptable for office loads and non-critical controllers. HatchMatch does not quote line-interactive on the incubator side.
How much runtime should the UPS have?＋
Typically 3–5 minutes at full critical load — enough to bridge to the standby genset. Longer runtimes are quoted only when the genset itself is single-point-of-failure or is offsite.
Does HatchMatch install this system?＋
No. HatchMatch is a vendor-neutral sourcing hub. We route your RFQ to vetted suppliers, help you compare bids on capacity, warranties, service coverage and integration with poultry loads, and hand installation to the supplier or a local EPC.
Is financing available?＋
Financing, when relevant, is arranged through independent third-party partners, subject to their own approval. HatchMatch is a sourcing hub; we do not lend.
How fast will I receive quotes?＋
Formal supplier quotes typically arrive within 2 business days of a complete RFQ for standard scopes, and 5–10 business days for integrated hybrid packages.
Related energy resources
All seven scopes for poultry sites.
Pre-filled RFQ for generators, UPS, ATS, hybrid.
Vetted gensets, UPS, ATS, battery, monitoring.
kVA + battery kWh + ATS ampacity + UPS.
PV + battery + genset hybrids.
Lower kWh/kg live weight — design guide.
Financing, when relevant, is provided by independent third-party partners, subject to approval.