DEEP’s data center evaluation criteria is a valuable resource for data center operators who want to ensure that their operations are as efficient as possible. The Electrical Systems principles are part of an in-depth framework that has emerged from the rigorous review, practical testing, and formal approval from industry leaders. Data centers are notoriously expensive to operate due to high power consumption, so these best practices are designed to identify sustainable elements and pinpoint how operating costs can be minimized.
High-Efficiency UPS
When it comes to electrical systems for data centers, efficiency is vital. And it’s not just about saving on the electricity bill – a UPS system with 1% more efficiency can have a profound effect on power consumption and utility costs for a data center over the system’s lifetime. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems are a core component of the mission-critical data center infrastructure as uninterrupted uptime is critical for IT service offerings provided by data centers. In the past, UPS systems have been large, inefficient, and provided little-to-no visibility into power utilization. However, new high-efficiency UPS technologies have emerged that are more efficient and smaller in size while still providing the same level of protection and features as their predecessors.
Energy Star Rated IT
IT equipment in data centers accounts for a large portion of the overall power usage. As such, it’s essential to ensure that this equipment is as efficient as possible. One way to do this is to ensure that it is Energy Star rated. Energy Star is a voluntary program the EPA created to help businesses and consumers save money and protect the environment by choosing energy-efficient products and practices. Energy Star-rated IT equipment is typically 20-30% more efficient than non-certified equipment, significantly impacting power usage for data centers, especially when scaling up operations.
Automated Electrical Reporting
Data center operators have to track many different metrics to ensure that their operations are running smoothly and efficiently. This includes power usage, temperature, humidity, and more. In the past, this was a manual process that required data center staff to check all of these metrics regularly. However, with the advent of automated electrical reporting, this process can now be done automatically. This means that data center staff can spend less time monitoring the data center and more time on other tasks while ensuring the electrical systems of the data center are running efficiently
Virtualization of Power
As data centers grow in size and complexity, the need for the virtualization of power becomes more apparent. Virtualization of power, sometimes called software-defined power, is the use of software to control and distribute power in a more effective way, requiring a level of intelligence and automation. Virtually being able to redistribute power reduces the issue of stranded power, which is the under-utilization of contracted power capacity. It also allows data centers to more easily adapt to changing IT configurations and density requirements.
Energy Management System
An Energy Management system (EMS) is software that data center operators can use to monitor and manage the power usage of their data center. EMS systems can be used to track power usage, set alarms, and even control the flow of power to specific devices. This can be a valuable tool for data center operators who want to ensure that their operations are as efficient as possible.
Smart rPDUs
A RackPower Distribution Unit (rPDU) is a device used to deliver power from outside the device directly to the IT equipment. Smart rPDUs are networked rPDUs and are often referred to as ‘intelligent’. They allow for the transmission of information via a communication (usually a standard Ethernet) port. This enables an accurate reporting of rack-level (or even outlet level) energy use. The most advanced version of a Smart rPDU is a switched rPDU which allows the rPDU to be switched on and off remotely. Both versions of smart rPDU provide valuable information to a data center looking to improve its power efficiency.
As you can see, there are many different factors to consider when it comes to electrical systems for data centers. DEEP’s data center evaluation criteria considers all of these factors to ensure that data centers are as efficient as possible. By following these criteria, data centers can save money on their electric bills and help protect the environment while still providing high quality services to their customers.
To learn more about DEEP and its Electrical Systems criteria, please visit https://datacenterevolve.com/.
