UPS systems help data centers keep running even when power goes out. They suppress power surges to protect equipment and provide battery backup power until consistent power returns. A typical online UPS uses double-conversion power electronics with a rectifier, energy storage system, and inverter. This topology helps them operate at 98% efficiency.
Redundancy
UPS systems provide uninterrupted power to data center equipment, preventing a sudden loss of critical files or a shutdown. This allows time to manually shut down servers and other hardware, reducing damage to expensive electronic devices and mitigating data loss or corruption. UPSs also stop power surges that would otherwise destroy equipment, protecting sensitive electronic circuitry from potentially damaging voltage fluctuations. While these small variations don’t affect most computers, they can cause long-term damage. A data center UPS allows you to protect your most crucial hardware from this risk, reducing costs for replacing equipment and preventing downtime and lost revenue.
Choosing the right UPS system depends on the needs of your data center and budget. Some UPSs are rack-mounted, while others are freestanding. Both approaches have their benefits, and deciding which one is best for your data center depends on the layout of your servers, network switches, and other infrastructure equipment. Some UPSs are configured in a parallel redundant design that utilizes multiple modules connected to a common bus. This configuration provides full redundancy, so if one UPS module fails or requires maintenance, the remaining modules can continue to support your critical load.
Safety
UPS systems are vital to the data center power infrastructure and ensure critical hardware continues operating during unexpected power outages. The systems can protect against blackouts and brownouts that cause sudden shutdowns and provide surge protection and voltage regulation. UPS systems can also monitor energy usage and reboot unresponsive equipment.
UPSs are available in both rack-mounted and freestanding form factors. Companies with large power requirements often opt for rack-mounted UPSs, while smaller organizations prefer freestanding UPSs. The choice depends on the organization’s space constraints and design philosophy. Both forms of UPSs are reliable and can be deployed in different redundancy configurations.
Double conversion UPSs (Online): This type of UPS converts incoming AC power into DC and then back into AC. This process eliminates spikes, sags, and electrical noise from the power supply. It is one of the most trusted forms of UPS and is used in high-end data centers. Dedicated batteries are a common feature of these UPS systems and ensure that critical equipment is protected during extended power outages.
Reliability
UPS systems can provide backup power and protect against many electrical disturbances, such as sags (reductions in voltage magnitude for short periods), surges, or brownouts (a sudden voltage drop). Additionally, they can prevent waveform distortion that causes devices to malfunction. UPS systems also ensure that the equipment in a data center stays powered during blackouts by allowing it to shut down safely.
There are several different types of UPS systems available for data centers. Some offer a modular design, allowing easier service and maintenance using field-replaceable modules. Others have an LCD control panel that displays essential information and makes it easy to understand the status of a UPS. They can also be integrated with the data center’s management system for remote monitoring and control.
Choosing the right UPS system depends on the total wattage of equipment to be protected. A data center with a high wattage requirement needs a large capacity UPS, while one with lower requirements may be able to get by with a small unit. The UPS’s wattage capacity should be at least 25% higher than the combined wattage of all the devices connected to it, as this will help prevent overloading and tripping the battery.
A double-conversion online UPS monitors incoming AC power and switches to battery power only when necessary, which is ideal for data centers. This type of UPS provides complete protection against most power disturbances, including sags and surges, and it is the most reliable option for protecting critical loads.
Cost
There are several options if you’re considering investing in a UPS system for your data center. Some UPS systems have a single battery that serves 100% of the load, while others share their power with other UPSs in a parallel configuration. Both types have advantages and disadvantages, but choosing a UPS that meets your data center needs and budget is important.
A good UPS can protect your equipment from electrical disturbances, including waveform distortion, sags, and surges. It can also regulate a fluctuating power grid to maintain a consistent flow of electricity to your devices. Ensure that the UPS you select has enough receptacles to support your current hardware and allow growth. It should also provide phone, network, and coaxial surge protection.
To determine the right UPS system for your data center, list all your hardware and its power draw. Then, divide the total kVA of your equipment by its voltage and amps to arrive at a VA figure. Most UPS manufacturers have Web-based or downloadable sizing tools to help you size your UPS correctly. Depending on your budget, you can choose between rack-mounted or freestanding UPSs.
