Modular Rack-Integrated UPS Platform vs Modular Floor-Standing UPS Architecture
The Xtreme Power Ai90 platform is a high-density, modular rack-integrated UPS system engineered for modern digital infrastructure requiring scalable, space-efficient power protection in the 40–80kW range.
Engineers evaluating the Vertiv Liebert APM2 platform often seek modular UPS systems capable of supporting a wide range of capacities with flexible battery configurations.
This comparison focuses on 480V and 400V systems in the 40–80kW range, where both platforms support internal VRLA battery configurations for short-duration runtime.
While the APM2 provides a modular UPS platform within a floor-standing cabinet architecture, the Ai90 platform delivers a modular rack-level UPS solution optimized for distributed infrastructure, generator-backed systems, and high-density deployments.
Platform Key Differentiators
• >5kW per U rack power density
• 13U fully integrated modular UPS architecture
• Rack-level deployment model
• Internal modular battery system
• Dual battery strings with common breaker
• Integrated maintenance bypass and distribution
• Short-duration runtime optimized for generator transfer
• Scalable runtime via 4U external battery cabinets
• Unified platform across 480V and 400V systems (UL and CE)
Rack UPS Platform Comparison (40–80kW, 480V / 400V, VRLA)
| Feature | Xtreme Power Ai90 | Vertiv Liebert APM2 | Ai90 Advantage |
| Example Models | Ai90-50K4804W2 Ai90-70K4804W2 | APM2 40kW, 50kW, 60kW, 80kW | Comparable capacity range |
| Platform Range | 50–70kW | 10–120kW platform | Optimized for rack-level deployments |
| Voltages | 480/277V, 480V 3-wire, 400/230V | 480/277V, 480V 3-wire, 400/230V | Equivalent voltage coverage |
| Voltage & Certification Coverage | UL and CE across all configurations | UL or CE depending on configuration | Unified global platform |
| UPS Architecture | Modular rack-integrated UPS | Modular floor-standing UPS | Rack-level deployment |
| Form Factor | 13U rack-mounted | Floor-standing modular cabinet | Fits within standard rack footprint |
| Dimensions | 17.2 × 36.2 × 22.75 in (W × D × H, 13U) | 23.6 × 40.6 × 78.7 in (W × D × H) | ~80% smaller volume; fits within rack |
| Power Density | >5kW per U | Not rack-density comparable | Highest density deployment |
| Efficiency (Online) | 96.5% | Up to 97.5% | Comparable efficiency |
| Battery Integration | Internal modular batteries | Internal modular VRLA batteries (10–90kW typical) | Integrated rack-level system |
| Runtime (Internal Batteries) | Short-duration | Short-duration | Equivalent concept, integrated delivery |
| Runtime Strategy | Short-duration internal or extended via external batteries | Short-duration internal or extended via external batteries | Equivalent strategy |
| Distribution | Integrated rack-level | External distribution required | Reduces external infrastructure |
| Maintenance Bypass | Integrated | Integrated | Equivalent functionality |
| Installation | Rack deployment | Floor-standing installation | Faster deployment |
Rack-Level vs Modular UPS Architecture
The Ai90 platform enables UPS deployment directly within the rack, allowing power protection to scale with compute infrastructure. This reduces cabling complexity, eliminates dedicated UPS space, and accelerates deployment timelines.
The Vertiv Liebert APM2 is designed as a modular UPS system requiring a floor-standing cabinet architecture, even when internal batteries are used.
Power Density and Infrastructure Efficiency
Ai90 delivers more than 5kW per U within a 13U footprint, enabling significantly higher rack utilization.
Ai90 occupies approximately 80% less physical volume than a comparable APM2 cabinet, enabling deployment directly within standard rack infrastructure rather than requiring dedicated floor space.
The APM2 platform, while modular, occupies a full-height cabinet and is not designed for rack-level density.
Deployment Model
Ai90 is delivered as a two-section rack system:
• 5U UPS section
• 8U battery section
Installed directly into a standard rack and connected via busbars during commissioning.
APM2 systems are deployed as modular floor-standing cabinets.
Ideal Applications
• AI and high-density compute racks
• High-performance computing (HPC)
• Edge data centers
• Industrial automation systems
• Healthcare and laboratory environments
• Telecommunications infrastructure
Plan Your Rack-Level Power Architecture
Engineers evaluating UPS platforms at this scale are typically balancing density, deployment model, and infrastructure complexity.
Xtreme Power Conversion supports system design, runtime planning, and specification development for rack-level UPS deployments.
Download the Ai90 vs Vertiv APM2 Comparison (PDF)
https://xpcc.com/wp-content/uploads/Xtreme-Ai90-Vertiv-LIEBERT-APM2-Comparison.pdf
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