Understanding the Importance of Data Center UPS Systems

What is a Data Center UPS System?

A data center UPS system is a backup power unit designed to offer protection for sensitive equipment and data. Depending on the type of UPS, it can monitor incoming power supplies and switch over to battery backup power when sensing any power fluctuations such as surges, lags, brownouts, blackouts, and other transient power anomalies.

Why UPS Systems Are Essential for Data Centers

A UPS unit can be connected to all types of data center equipment including routers, network systems, servers, computers, and other devices. It can become a bridge between the main power supply and delicate IT equipment that can become easily damaged from voltage variations. Some UPS can even out power variations so that the equipment receives the appropriate amount of current and voltage throughout operations. A UPS becomes a failsafe mechanism to minimize downtime and protect data.

Benefits of Uninterruptible Power Supply Systems in Data Centers

UPS systems keep equipment running for a specified time when the power goes out. By providing backup power, it gives workers the opportunity to save data to prevent loss, safely power down equipment, allow for backup generators to be turned on, and troubleshoot electrical problems that may have caused the power failure. The UPS can also prevent damage to connected equipment that may occur from surges and power spikes.

Improving Data Center Efficiency and Uptime

Data center UPS can have various features that help to improve the efficiency and uptime of your IT equipment. Some functions include battery management and voltage regulation. If the voltage is not correct for the IT equipment, it can cause damage or failure. The UPS system monitors the incoming "dirty" power and can clean it by providing a steady voltage for the IT equipment. This feature can prevent downtime and allow equipment to operate at the fullest capacity.

Safeguarding Sensitive Data and Equipment

Data center equipment may handle a multitude of data and transactions 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. If a power failure or fluctuation occurs, the equipment may become damaged and the data corrupted or lost. The UPS center can safeguard the sensitive equipment and data to prevent immediate failure. Instead, the data can become saved during a power interruption or failure. The equipment can be safely shut down to prevent damage until the main power is restored.

Power Continuity and Protection Against Outages

Power continuity can be obtained when utilizing a data center UPS. It can protect against outages by also being up and running. When the power fails, the backup power can turn on in seconds without having equipment lose its efficiency. These units provide enough power to allow workers to switch on generators as equipment can continue to stay on.

Proactive Response and Meeting Regulatory Compliance

A UPS can boost response times for data center facilities. It allows for remote monitoring of battery health and management, allowing IT staff to react efficiently when finding possible issues. In addition, many industries must abide by regulatory compliance when it comes to protecting sensitive data from loss or corruption. A UPS system provides an extra layer of data continuity.

Types of Data Center UPS Systems

Data centers can use various uninterruptible power supply data center units based on the size of their operations as well as the types of data and equipment that needs protection.

Common data center UPS include standby, line interactive, and online double conversion. Standby units offer simple surge protection and power backup supplies. Line interactive UPS offer additional functions such as voltage regulation and power filtering while online double conversion UPS also offers these features as well as load isolation to protect devices from power irregularities.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Data Center UPS System

You want to decide on a data center UPS that will handle the power load of the connected IT devices. It should provide enough power for an intended amount of time. Here are several factors to keep in mind when evaluating UPS systems.

Size

UPS units come in various sizes -- from as small as a regular CPU unit to larger capacity systems that can fill a room. You should select a unit based on available free space as well as the battery capacity it can provide.

Runtime

Runtime involves the amount of power that a battery will provide for a specific length of time. UPS batteries can operate from a few minutes to several hours depending on the size and number of available battery cells. You should evaluate the types of IT systems that will be connected and how long the devices will need to operate to determine the UPS that can provide the required runtime.

Capacity

Capacity signifies the amount of power that a device will require from the battery. To determine capacity, you need to calculate the total power load for all the connected devices. It is ideal to select a UPS that has a higher capacity than the actual total load of all connected devices. This factor ensures that there will be enough power for certain equipment that may have varying power demands during operation.

Call FGC to Learn More About Data Center Uninterruptible Power Solutions

Facility Gateway Corporation offers UPS systems for data centers to ensure that your connected IT devices are protected. In addition to UPS sales, we also offer maintenance contracts, billable technical support, and onsite repair services 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Whether you are looking for a data center UPS for your facility, or you are in need of other services, we have the field engineers who can provide the work. Contact us today about your UPS needs.