Uninterrupted power supply (UPS) and other auxiliary power systems have to be carefully designed in order to provide each data center with the support required for stable, secure, and efficient operation. Just as there are many possible data center configurations there are many power system configurations. The Titan Power advisor working with your organization will help you determine which configurations will best meet your current support needs as well as your development goals. Understanding a few things about power system configurations will help you understand all the available options and make appropriate decisions.
Power When You Need It
A UPS system is in place to prevent damage to equipment and data that can result from a dip or surge in electricity or a total power failure. This sensitive system provides a stable flow of energy to continue operations and preserve your data center. Though a UPS is designed to be highly reliable, having a redundant source of power in place is an ideal safeguard for many organizations.
A UPS module is able to provide a stated amount of energy; multiple modules with a total output at least equal to the energy demand of the data center are required to prepare for a power failure. Estimating your total energy need is an involved process that accounts for these and other considerations:
- The UPS module options available
- Realistic load estimates
- kVA and kW ratings
- Short term growth and head room
- Operational efficiency at load
Once this estimate is made and the number of modules determined, a redundancy plan can be developed. A common and popular solution is the N+1 configuration, where N is the number of modules required for center operation plus one extra.
Another very common approach is active parallel redundancy. In this configuration two power components (AB) work alongside an active center rather than maintaining standby. If component A or B fails independently then the system will continue to run.
Powering Complex Data Centers
Some organizations have more complex backup power needs as a result of more complex network configurations. Advanced parallel designs can provide a seamless source of power to keep everything working correctly. Duplicate data packets can be created to ensure that every request for information sent by a user receives a response. The duplicates are discarded once the information successfully reaches the user. This way the system continues to provide support for operations even when a power interruption takes place.
Your Partner in Power
We stand by the data centers designed and built by Titan Power. We can develop a power system that meets your needs and safeguards your operations.