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Cloud computing is an expanding field, with rapid growth in the number and size of data centers around the world in the last several years. Mitsubishi Electric big box UPS (uninterruptible power supply) can help data center providers maximize the white space they need for core business operations, while reducing downtime more efficiently.
White space is the revenue-generating area of a data center, while the gray space is a data center's insurance policy. The balance of white space vs. gray space, wherein gray space is minimized and white space maximized, is at the core of data center profitability. This can easily be determined in terms of square footage, given the footprint of all equipment in both spaces.
As uptime and reliability are undeniably top priorities for any data center, it all comes down to the integrity of the UPS (ability + dependability) to carry the load. A more reliable piece of equipment can require less maintenance and, therefore, lower operating costs over its lifetime. Additionally, considering the vast amount of energy required to operate a data center, and with electricity costs on the rise, a higher efficiency UPS can have a significant impact on a data center’s bottom line.
Data center processing and storage has become a more popular method for IT departments to handle intricate computing needs as electronic transactions shift to the cloud. A flexible pay model and the freedom to focus on day-to-day operations also contribute to more companies choosing an off-site data center.
As more consumers leverage the web for work, social media, e-retail, banking, and entertainment, the need to provide limitless uptime and cyber storage falls on data center providers, fueling increased construction of data centers with the power and infrastructure to support today’s web usage.
In light of the unprecedented new data centers launched in 2020, every square foot counts - almost almost as much as keeping the lights (and servers) on. A big box UPS system can provide peak efficiency on larger loads, in a smaller footprint than previous models, all while keeping costs in check.
In a June 2017 report on the North American UPS market, IHS* stated that the highest growth rate (by power rating) is in the over 800 kVA range. This coincides well with the expected rise in power requirements of hyperscale data centers. Big box UPS applicable for such centers are high capacity static UPSs, a modern solution to the mechanical wear and inefficiency problems of their rotary counterparts, known as DRUPS (diesel rotary UPS). They offer superior control through increased sampling rates of voltage and current for higher efficiencies – even at less than full load levels. This is particularly beneficial as data centers often operate under partial loads.
Static, big box UPS with integral, advanced capability Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductors possess extremely flat efficiency curves. Such units can achieve 98.2% efficiency in double conversion mode and 98% efficiency at loads as low as 30%.
High-capacity models are also smaller than historical options, making them a superior alternative to the space requirements, complex installation, and maintenance demands of utilizing a modular low-capacity static solution.
A single large system:
But what if you do need to expand your capacity?
As cloud data centers and colos don’t fill up instantaneously, flexibility and expandability are essential for data center management. Over time, as customers, servers, and necessary power capacity increase, additional modules can be added to the UPS to provide sufficient backup capacity.
Mitsubishi Electric's 9900D UPS
This helps IT professionals stay under budget – only paying for what they need in the moment – while choosing an option with the flexibility to grow as they grow. This ensures you don’t have wasted gray space in your data center taken up by support equipment you don’t need.
A modular configuration also provides built-in redundancy for high-capacity UPS. If any one module fails, internal controls could isolate the damaged module and allow the UPS to operate normally.
By the very nature of its business, the data center industry is risk-adverse, and a big box UPS goes a long way in reducing a number of risks – as well as your data center’s gray space. Less gray space means more income-generating white space and a better overall bottom line. Plus, its simpler installation means less chance for mistakes and lower installation cost.
However, not all UPS are created equal. Take time to review all options wisely, considering an average UPS lifespan of about 15 years, ongoing maintenance and operational costs, warranty costs, cooling costs, parts, preventive maintenance, and, of course, the UPS’s operating cost in terms of efficiency and corresponding electric bill. Mitsubishi Electric can help you find the right UPS to reliably maximize your data center’s white space and your profitability.
*IHS Markit Ltd, a market research company based in London, studies and analyzes the global energy sector among other market segments.