A critical objective of modern data centers is maintaining consistent operation. Service outages, data loss, and extensive financial damage can result from even a brief period of server/host/system downtime. That’s why selecting an Uninterruptible Power Supply must be a vital part of the overall power planning of a data center. You can choose the backup system based on three primary factors such as criticality, anticipated efficiency, and cost.
In this article, we will discuss the categories of battery backup systems that can be found in most data centers.
Offline (Standby) UPS
Offline UPS systems offer a cost-effective, basic level of protection. They can be used in a scenario where excessive power interruptions are not likely to occur. They provide a limited level of backup power that only turns on when the Uninterruptible Power Supply detects a complete loss of the primary utility line supplying the battery backup unit (BBU) with AC power.
They offer essential functions like surge protection and battery backup. But they do not provide the power conditioning required for sensitive server infrastructure.
Line-Interactive UPS
Line-interactive systems correct the voltage output, as they actively govern low and high voltages without having to switch to battery power. Compared to offline systems, these devices have a higher efficiency rating, and they provide moderate protection against surge, sag, and brownout conditions. For medium-sized data centers, line-interactive devices are common choices for their rack mounts that serve a purpose.
Online Double-Conversion UPS
The double-conversion UPS is the current standard for critical applications in the industry. In this, continuous conversion of incoming AC power occurs via DC conversion (and then renewed with AC Power). Companies with large facilities, such as data centers, typically select this type of power backup solution due to the superior reliability.
Thus, this type of Uninterruptible Power Supply will likely provide the highest level of protection against all types of power irregularities.
Modular UPS Systems
In today’s scalable data center environments, modular UPS is becoming the preference for modern companies. These systems offer the ability to do hot-swaps. By employing multiple modules, these surge protector solutions make it easy for data centers to balance loads and increase redundancy levels in addition to reducing costs.
Rotary UPS
Kinetic power from flywheel storage is harnessed by a rotary UPS system, which is typically used in short-term power backup applications. These systems would be appropriate for applications requiring very high reliability, where the generator is started within seconds of an outage. The amount of UPS batteries used in this system is lower than the static backup system.
FAQs
- Which types of UPS are available to data centers?
Data centers use one of five different types of UPS, such as offline, line-interactive, online double-conversion, modular, and rotary. - What kind of UPS is best for a data center?
When protecting mission-critical equipment, the online double-conversion UPS is the most effective option due to its ability to provide instantaneous backup power. Many data center operators select a modular UPS because of their advantage of scalability and improved efficiency. - What do battery backup systems provide to data centers?
It provides an immediate source of backup power and voltage regulation for data centers when there is an unexpected power outage or fluctuation in distribution voltage.