This issue highlights: DC Power in the Data Center
48VDC In Your Data Center: Now Is The Time
In response to increasing pressure to maximize efficiency, more and more data centers are recognizing the potential efficiency of switching to DC power.
DC power is more efficient because its use minimizes the number of conversions from AC to DC, reducing the amount of energy lost and therefore saving money. To learn more about the benefits of DC power in the data center, click here.
Which products will allow your data center to use more efficient DC power? Products like the GE CPS6000, GE OneStep Edge Cabinet and Inverters are the answer.
As a vendor-neutral provider of AC (UPS), inverter systems and DC power systems, Power Solutions, LLC is uniquely positioned to help you evaluate the suitability of DC power in your data center. Whether you are considering a rack-based or row-based DC system, or simply looking to power a single -48VDC device within your data center, we can assist with engineering, furnishing and installation. For more information about DC Power in your data center, call us at 800-876-9373.
The Top 3 Points of Potential UPS Failure
UPSs are designed to be reliable and durable, however there is still a chance that an older UPS could malfunction mechanically or electronically. The following are the top three causes of a UPS failure.
#1 Battery
No battery lasts forever, and battery life span can be variable if not operating the UPS under the recommended conditions. The most commonly used battery type in a single phase UPS is a valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery. The life span of these batteries is typically 3 to 5 years under the manufacturers recommended conditions, however, this life expectancy can fluctuate greatly depending on placement, ambient temperature, cycling, maintenance, battery chemistry, and battery storage. Being proactive and aware of these characteristics and conditions will help maximize the life expectancy of your UPS so it is ready during a power failure.
#2 Electrolytic capacitors
Electrolytic capacitors function to smooth out and filter fluctuations in voltage. Under normal conditions their life expectancy is up to 10 years. The biggest factor affecting their life is temperature and humidity. Also, similar to batteries, a general rule is that for every 10°C (18°F) decrease in temperature, the capacitor life is doubled. As with the lead-acid battery within a UPS, monitoring the temperature of the environment, and assuring it remains within the specified ambient temperature range, will greatly enhance the life expectancy of electrolytic capacitors.
#3 Human error
In 2015 Emerson Network Power sponsored a study on UPS downtime. They polled 63 US data centers that had experienced an outage in the last 12 months. Human error accounted for 22% of outages and that number climbs even higher if you factor in security breaches that relate to human error. Reviewing, and improving, training and staffing levels as well as updating outdated equipment, can all help to minimize the chance of human error.
For more information on how to avoid these points of failure call us at 800-876-9373.
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