Choosing a UPS supplier that delivers for your data centre

Mar 21, 2016 | News & Articles

UPS systems have by now become critical within large data centres that must protect their sensitive ICT equipment from incoming power supply problems. The loss of data and possible damage to equipment and – perhaps more importantly – reputation arising from a sudden power blackout or aberration are completely unacceptable in today’s pressurised, competitive business environment.

Large data centre operations are mostly consistent in their expectations of the uninterruptible power supplies they install. Extremely high availability is the top priority, while best-possible energy efficiency, competitive cost of uninterruptible power supply ownership, good scalability and a minimal footprint are also essential. However there are other considerations that are less immediately obvious, yet just as important to the success or even viability of UPS installations. This reality highlights the importance of engaging with the right UPS suppliers – one with the experience to recognise and address all these factors, backed by the resources to supply, install and maintain an uninterruptible power supply solution that satisfies them. Let’s look at these factors, and at how good suppliers of UPS systems should respond.

Initial UPS suppliers evaluations can start with a conversation about the uninterruptible power supply technology they offer. KUP Ltd., for example, could explain their modular, transformerless approach – offering very high availability through true modular N+1 redundancy and hot-swappable, true dual conversion to protect from mains power supply disturbances, high efficiency and easy scalability over wide power ranges.

Given that the uninterruptible power supply’s technology is right, how helpful is the UPS supplier in assessing the load requirement and sizing the uninterruptible power supplies accordingly? How much current does the load draw at times of maximum demand? If the uninterruptible power supply equipment is three-phase, is the load balanced between the phases, what is the power factor, and is it leading or lagging? Although aggregating information from equipment labels approximately reveals expected load, it does not provide an accurate load profile, the load’s true size and its variation over time. A UPS supplier can help by performing a site survey that collects the information necessary for accurate UPS sizing, design, and purchasing decisions. They can also advise on problem loads such as motors, compressors or air-conditioning equipment that could temporarily overload the uninterruptible on start-up.

Advice and help on integrating the UPS systems into their target environment are also essential, for example in matching the uninterruptible power supplies to circuit protective devices and isolators along the path to the load components. Additionally, if a standby generator is to provide a longer-term backup power supply for periods of extended power loss or problems, expertise on integrating the uninterruptible power supply and backup generator system is essential – from setting up communications between the UPS power systems, to ensuring that the generator’s voltage output and frequency control meet the uninterruptible power supply input requirements.

Your UPS supplier can also advise on relevant environmental issues; air-conditioning must be capable of handling the uninterruptible power supply’s heat output and meeting battery requirements, whilst humidity must be controlled to avoid corrosion of cabinets and internal parts. Audible noise from any UPS power systems must be kept within limits appropriate and acceptable to its location.

Once the uninterruptible power supply topology, capacity and environment have been organised, your UPS supplier can provide help and advice with delivery, UPS installation, cabling, and switchgear arrangements. An uninterruptible power supplies installation strategy should make adequate provision for future growth in power demand.

The relationship with your UPS supplier should not end when UPS installation and commissioning is complete; usually, there is a logical choice for maintaining the uninterruptible power supply throughout its operational life. They will be able to offer a contract that includes scheduled, preventative, UPS maintenance, together with an appropriate level of response to any emergency that may arise. It should also cover UPS battery care, from online monitoring, onsite maintenance and load bank testing to end-of-life UPS battery disposal.

If you require more information on any of our UPS power supplies services or products please use our contact page or call 0800 731 3269.